In the beginning...
Perhaps the first question that needs asking is: 'What is a capsule wardrobe?'
Susie Faux invented both the phrase and the concept back in the 70s. The owner of the London shop Wardrobe, she's a great believer that women require less quantity, more quality. "A woman only needs two pairs of trousers", she says, "but they have to fit perfectly, and you won't get a well-fitting pair of trousers for less than a £100".

As well as trousers, Susie would add a dress or a skirt for more formal occasions, a well-fitting jacket, a coat, and a casual knitted jacket (or smart cardie). And, she says, you need just two pairs of shoes - one pair of flats and one with a little heel. Finally, two bags - a small formal one and a larger bag for every day.

Capsule versus Fashion
Can it really be that simple? Doesn't a wardrobe that's so pared down risk becoming rather dull? 

It's important to understand that the essence of a capsule wardrobe is that it is not entirely based on fashion. Invest in classic pieces. Start with good basics like trousers or skirts that are classic and fit really well, and then if you like, you can add little tops which are a bit more fashionable. When they go out of fashion they go out of your wardrobe, but the classics never age!

Some believe that it's worth paying more money for good quality trousers or a jacket. However it's not always necessary to do so. However if you do spend a little more try to think of the cost per wear and look at it as an investment. Let's say you have a beautiful cashmere jumper that costs £500. That's a lot of money, but if you wear it 500 times over a period of 5 years, then it's only £1 each time - it's not so bad when you think of it like that. Your boyfriend/husband might not see it that way though of course!

Less is More
So what makes a perfect capsule wardrobe? Two pairs of trousers - one light, one dark; two skirts - also light and dark, two plain blouses, 2 simple tops and a good jacket - which could be a cute little curvy tweed number or a beautiful leather jacket. The essential thing is to choose something that really suits your shape. 

Try to keep the fabrics plain. If you wear patterns or stripes, it really narrows down the times you can wear something. Think about adding a splash of colour with jewellery and other patterned accessories to make every outfit unique. Accessorising is like magic - it makes every outfit look different!

Putting it into Practice
It is one thing to aspire to a capsule wardrobe, but how do you actually achieve it? The first chore is to scale down your existing clothes supply. Be harsh - if you haven't worn it for two years, chuck it out. Have a bin liner handy and chuck all rejects straight into it. If it's still got wear in it why not put it on eBay and get some money back for your new look? If not, charity shops are in dire need of donations!

Once you can see the wood for the trees, identify the gaps. Do you have the perfect pair of trousers, or a great little jacket that you could wear all winter?

Then it's time for the fun bit - more shopping! But this time, you need to be disciplined. Department stores are a great place to start. You'll find many of the top designers in one place and it's far easier to put together a complete look that works well together. And if you're struggling, remember that most department stores also offer personal shopping services. Whilst they might not be experts in the area of the capsule wardrobe, they know their stock, and will be able to help you find good quality trousers or skirts that will really work for you.

The Proof is in the Pudding
Go on, stop wasting time in front of your dishevelled wardrobe and live a little. Step out in confidence knowing that what you are wearing is tried and tested and really suits you. In this war against clutter, less is definitely more 'hassle-free'.