How to build a capsule wardrobe from second-hand clothes

To build a capsule wardrobe from second-hand clothes, start with what you already own and wear, pick a small palette of shades that go together, write a list of the gaps, and fill them one at a time with good-quality second-hand pieces that you have checked for fit and condition. A capsule is not a fixed number of items. It is a smaller wardrobe in which almost everything works with everything else.

Second-hand shopping suits a capsule wardrobe well. You can afford better fabrics and construction than you might buy new, and you are less likely to buy on impulse when you are working from a list.

Step 1: start with what you already have

Before you buy anything, look at what you wear. Take everything out, one section at a time, and sort it:

• Wear often: these are the heart of your capsule.
• Wear sometimes: keep the ones that go with your core pieces.
• Never wear: be honest. These are pieces to sell, swap or donate.

Our guide to clearing your wardrobe has a simple method for the sort, and selling the "never wear" pile can fund the gaps.

Step 2: choose a palette

A capsule works because pieces combine. That is much easier if they share a palette.

• Pick two or three neutrals as a base: black, navy, grey, camel, cream or denim.
• Add one or two accent shades you love and that suit you.
• Check what you already wear most. Your "wear often" pile usually tells you your palette.

Patterns are fine, as long as they include your base shades.

Step 3: list the core pieces

What goes in a capsule depends on your life, your climate and your work. A typical everyday capsule for UK weather might include:

• a wool or wool blend coat, and a waterproof jacket
• two or three knits in natural fibres
• a few plain tops and T-shirts
• one or two shirts or blouses
• a pair of jeans that fits well
• a pair of smart trousers
• a skirt or dress that works for day and evening, if you wear them
• comfortable everyday shoes, and boots for winter
• a bag that goes with everything

Adjust it to how you live. If you work from home, you might want more knitwear and fewer smart pieces. If you cycle, you might want a better waterproof.

Step 4: write a list of the gaps

Compare your core list with what you kept. The gaps are your shopping list. Be specific:

• "Navy wool jumper, crew neck, natural fibre"
• "Straight leg jeans, mid blue, 76 cm waist, 78 cm inside leg"
• "Ankle boots, black leather, insole 25 cm"

A list with measurements is one of the best ways to avoid buying things that do not fit.

Step 5: buy one piece at a time

Second-hand stock changes constantly, so filling a capsule is a little at a time rather than all at once.

• Save searches for the pieces on your list. On Rewear a saved search shows how many new matches have appeared since you last opened it.
• Check the fit. Compare the listing's measurements with a piece you own. Our guide to measuring clothes for buying online shows how.
• Check the quality. Look for natural fibres on the composition label, good seams and lining. Our guide to checking a wool coat shows what to look for.
• Check the condition. Our guide to condition grades explains what each one means.
• Ask the seller for anything missing from the listing.

On Rewear, if you save your own measurements in your profile, listings that have been measured for fit compare them with the piece for you.

Step 6: look after it

A capsule only works if the pieces last. Wash knitwear gently and store it folded, wash jeans less often and inside out, and get small repairs done early. Our guides to washing and storing knitwear and caring for denim cover the basics.

Common mistakes

• Buying too much at once. Give each new piece a few weeks to see how often you reach for it.
• Buying for a different life. If you never go to formal events, you do not need much formal wear.
• Ignoring fit. A bargain that does not fit is not a bargain.
• Chasing a number. A capsule of 30 pieces is not better than one of 45. What matters is that you wear it all.

Keep it moving

A capsule changes over time. When a piece no longer fits your life, sell it on so it goes to someone who will wear it. On Rewear, listing is free and there is no selling fee, so the price you agree is the price you are paid.

The short version

Start with what you wear, choose a palette, list your gaps with measurements and fill them one at a time with good second-hand pieces. Check fit, quality and condition before you buy, look after what you have, and sell on what you no longer wear.