My own collection of clothes, a jarring cacophony of prints, patterns, and styles, requires the stern hand of Balenciaga to sort the wheat from the chaff. There are pieces that should have been discarded years ago; some sort of color-coding system would also help instill order.
But I suspect Cristóbal was referring to more than just a well-ordered wardrobe when he uttered these words. Many outfits are most striking in their simplicity — and a capsule wardrobe, heavy on the neutrals and classic with its cuts, promises lasting elegance. So where do I begin? Amping up my collection of white shirts seems like the best place to start, as does buying a collection of tailored black pants. Fabrics should also be taken into consideration: high-quality cotton, linens, silks, and cashmere have proved fail-safe investments in the past.
