A capsule is not about owning less for its own sake. It is about owning things that go together, so that getting dressed on a cold Tuesday is a thirty-second decision.
One long coat
Neutral, below the knee, roomy enough for a jumper underneath. It is the piece that makes everything else look intentional.
Two jumpers
One roll neck, one crew. Different necklines, same tonal family, so either works under the same coat and over the same trousers.
One pair of trousers that is not jeans
Straight leg, mid weight, in a colour that goes with both jumpers. This is the piece that lets the same outfit go to an office.
One pair of boots
Ankle height, low heel, dark. It works with the trousers, with jeans and under a dress.
How it recombines
Five pieces give you roll neck with trousers, crew with trousers, either with jeans, and either under a dress. That is a working week, and the coat and boots run through all of it.
What to add sixth
Something with a pattern. Five neutral pieces are useful and slightly dull; a check jacket or a printed dress stops the whole thing reading like a uniform.