The Capsule Wardrobe Experience, Episode 4: Ben Merrill

The Merrill Capsule is an example of a custom capsule wardrobe we designed for our client Benjamin Merrill, a J.D. Candidate at York University in Toronto.

As with all of our custom capsules, it all started with a casual zoom call. You can book your zoom call here.

Ben is not an extravagant dresser. He prefers understated items with a minimalist sensibility that can be described as “quiet luxury”. He avoids trends and focuses on timeless items with great fit and great texture.

His work is best described as “business casual” and he wanted items that can float “down the middle” (between “dressy” and “casual”), so he can style them for a wide variety of occasions. 

Now this is my kind of guy - and my kind of wardrobe. 

Below is a breakdown of the 13-item capsule wardrobe we created for Ben - along with some of the 30+ different outfits he can create by mixing-and-matching only these 13 items.

The Merrill Shacket (originally created for our client Ben Merrill as part of the Merrill Capsule) is a lightweight shirt-jacket made from a beautiful fabric blend of tropical wool (75%), linen (20%) and silk (5%).The wool gives it lasting performance and smooth drape, the linen gives it texture and breathability, and the silk gives it a subtle luster and luxurious sheen. Consider this the ultimate layering piece for the Spring and Summer seasons - pair it with everything from shirts and trousers to t-shirts and shorts. Thank us later.

The York Tweed Jacket (originally created for our client Ben Merrill as part of the Merrill Capsule) is a soft, unstructured sportcoat made from a luxury tweed fabric made in Italy with natural flecks of dark and light fiber. At a smooth and versatile 13 ounce weight, this jacket will get you through the Fall, Winter, Spring - even the transition to Summer. When it comes to do-it-all sportcoats, it doesn't get much better than this one because you can wear it in any season and pair it with virtually any color, texture or pattern. There's limited fabric available for this one, so act fast. And thank us later.

The Kensington Raincoat (originally created for our client Ben Merrill as part of the Merrill Capsule) is our version of a minimalist trench coat designed for the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons. It's lightweight, fully waterproof and designed to easily throw-over everything from suits and sportcoats to simple sweaters and t-shirts. Everybody needs a great raincoat; one that is reliable, fits properly and is built to last many rainy seasons.

The Osgoode Stretch Cotton Jacket (originally created for our client Ben Merrill as part of the Merrill Capsule) is a soft, unstructured sportcoat designed for comfort and versatility. Made from 98% Cotton and 2% Spandex (in the perfect shade of khaki) you get incredible comfort and a full range of motion without sacrificing quality, drape or style. Pair it with jeans, chinos, trousers, linen pants…or add the matching trousers to have the option to wear it as a suit. (The khaki cotton suit is a Spring/Summer staple in classic menswear)

The Osgoode Stretch Cotton Trouser (originally created for our client Ben Merrill as part of the Merrill Capsule) is a modern twist on a classic cotton trouser. Made from 98% Cotton and 2% Spandex (in the perfect shade of khaki) you get incredible comfort and a full range of motion without sacrificing quality, drape or style. Use these to replace your over-worn jeans or athletic pants and style them with everything from tees and polos to shirts and ties. You can also pair them with the matching jacket to turn them into a suit.

The Queen City Bomber (originally created for our client Ben Merrill as part of the Merrill Capsule) is a timeless bomber jacket made from a butter-soft 50% cashmere / 50% silk fabric made in Italy. This fabric is soft like a cloud and is also light and breathable - making it a perfect 3-season jacket (Fall, Winter, Spring). If you're looking for a versatile bomber that is timeless, classy and elegant - this is the one. Dress it up, dress it down, or just keep the outfit simple and allow it to be your understated statement piece.  

The Puro 4-Season Trouser (originally created for our client Ben Merrill as part of the Merrill Capsule) is an all-season tailored trouser made of 100% wool super 110s made in Italy. This trouser can be worn any time of day and any time of year; it will work with everything in your closet - from dress shirts and sportcoats to basic sweaters and polos. Trust us. We consider this our ultimate "workhorse" pant.

The Regent Bengal Stripe Shirt (originally created for our client Ben Merrill as part of the Merrill Capsule) is a classic 4-season cotton shirt with a timeless bengal stripe pattern. You can dress it up with suits, jackets and ties or wear it casually with jeans, chinos, linen pants and even shorts.

The Corktown Denim Shirt (originally created for our client Ben Merrill as part of the Merrill Capsule) is our our spin on a classic, rugged oxford-style shirt that's made of 100% cotton denim in a rich medium wash. Enjoy it long-term as it breaks in, builds character and gets better over time. This will be your new favorite shirt. It's also cut the perfect length to be worn tucked-in, or untucked. 

The Popcorn Raglan is a “checkerboard waffle knit” crewneck sweatshirt with raglan sleeves made from our famous Hamilton elevated performance fabric. This stylish, comfortable, and versatile base layer can be worn under everything from suits and sportcoats to workwear and athleisure.

The Johnny Polo is a timeless long-sleeve polo shirt updated with the perfect fit and made from a super-finItalian merino wool that is famous for its soft hand and supreme comfort.

The Sean is a classic turtleneck with an updated fit made from a super-soft, lightweight fine Italian merino yarn that is extremely comfortable and versatile.

The Edward pant is a classic go-to trouser made from a beautiful lightweight wool flannel fabric made in Italy. This pant is soft, comfortable, stylish and can be paired with virtually any jacket, sweater, coat or layering piece. The mid gray flannel trouser is arguably the most fundamental pant in all of classic menswear.

Using only these 13 items, here are some of the outfits Ben can create...

Everything works together in any combination (he can't make any mistakes) and he can easily (and quickly) create outfits for any occasion - from business to pleasure.

This allows him to get the most out of each item and keep a cohesive, streamlined closet.

There are lots more outfit combinations you could create using only these 13 items...but I think you get the idea.

For more information, including pricing and sizing options, click here:

The Merrill Capsule

Want to edit this capsule or make your own?

Book a zoom call  with me to get started.

I look forward to working with you!

Yours in style,

Dan Trepanier