WTF is a capsule wardrobe? The only 8 items you need, according to fashion experts.

Capsule wardrobe. It's a term you've probably come across when scrolling through social media or flicking through a glossy mag (back when we used to do that).

Fashion editors have been yammering on about them for decades, and for good reason. But what exactly is a capsule wardrobe, and do you really need one? 

On this week's episode of Mamamia's fashion podcast What Are You Wearing? co-hosts Deni Todorovič and Tamara Davis fleshed out the concept - and we took notes.

Watch: What the Mamamia team are wearing to work (when we're not working from home). Post continues after video.

As Deni explained, the term "capsule wardrobe" was coined by London-based boutique owner Susie Faux in the 1970s, and then popularised by American designer Donna Karan in the 1980s, who released a collection of seven interchangeable workwear pieces.

It changed the way women got dressed every day.

"The concept of a capsule wardrobe is to take the guesswork out of getting dressed, and really, it's about knowing you have your foundation pieces and your building blocks to build your look around," Tamara said.

"It goes back to having core pieces in your wardrobe."

So, when getting dressed in the morning, it's as simple as mixing and matching those core pieces to create an outfit. No time wasted.

For more fashion tips, listen to the full episode of What Are You Wearing? here. Post continues below.

But what do you actually need in a capsule wardrobe?

Here are the pieces our fashion experts recommend having in yours (and there's a good chance you own a bunch already).

Deni and Tamara's capsule wardrobe essentials.

1. A basic shirt, preferably one that's 100 per cent cotton. Deni suggests sizing up, as they always look best slightly oversized.

2. A basic tank in a neutral colour - think black, white or grey marle.

2. A good pair of jeans - and they don't need to be expensive. Kmart sells one of Deni and Tamara's favourite pairs for $20 (read our full review on the affordable jeans here).

3. A good coat that suits your height and shape. Deni suggests a trench coat because they suit everyone and come in so many variations. And their hot tip: your best bet is one that hits you at your calf or above the knee.

4. A blazer, because they always work. And again, ideally one that's a little oversized and boxy.

5. Three staple pairs of shoes - black heels, white sneakers and a nude sandal.

6. A dress that you feel comfortable in. If you don't know where to start, both Deni and Tamara recommend a wrap dress, as they suit everyone.

7. A leather or vegan leather bag that can take you from day to night. It doesn't need to be expensive, it just needs to work for you and not be too precious. Think throw-on-and-go.

8. A pair of sunglasses that will never date. Deni suggests black or tortoiseshell, or something timeless like the classic Ray Ban aviators.

Need a visual for some more inspiration? Watch Deni and Tamara showcase their capsule wardrobe staples below.

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A post shared by Deni Todorovič (@stylebydeni)

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A post shared by TAMARA (@_tamaradavis_)

What's in your capsule wardrobe? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature image: Instagram/@_tamaradavis_ @stylebydeni/Canva/Mamamia.