Given the extensive glamour pieces available in Final Fantasy XIV, it’s no wonder that a new player can easily be overwhelmed, and somewhat deterred from taking a step down the rabbit hole.

The exemplary graphics in FFXIV allow for truly gorgeous and intricately designed outfits that can really add a touch of personality to your character. The immersion from being able to create a unique identity is one important factor in really rooting myself in FFXIV. In spite of going on several hiatuses since its launch in 2013, I’ve always found myself returning to FFXIV. It’s more than just a game, it’s an experience.

And, yes. Fashion does play a huge role in that.

Mark my words – Glamour can be so very rewarding, but it can empty your coin pouch very quickly. How do you get the best bang for your buck? By creating a capsule wardrobe, of course. The term was first coined by Susie Faux all the way back in the 1970s, and the concept is totally applicable in our Eorzean experience.

So what exactly is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that do not go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.

In other words, you’d want to start by imagining each glamour item in your collection as a jigsaw puzzle piece. Each piece should be able to easily fit with other items in order to create several different outfits. This means you should be looking for items that have the following properties:

1. They are classic and minimalist pieces.
   Flamboyant and / or niche pieces are great, but they’re so prominent that it means you usually only get one good outfit out of them. While that might be desirable, it can limit your options when starting out.
   
2. They are versatile
   Dress them up, dress them down. Some glamour items lend themselves beautifully to different styles of outfits and are must-haves in your capsule wardrobe.
   
3. They dye well
   Okay, so this is really more of a bonus. But dyes can really change up the look of an outfit. Being able to dye a glamour item opens up a world of possibilities. Go from sweetly feminine to rebel punk in seconds!
   
4. They are items that you love, or at least, like.
   Some of the most versatile and treasured glamour items in the game might be popular for a reason; but if you’re just not liking the look, that’s enough reason to exclude them from your glamour dresser. The rule of thumb is: if you don’t at least like the item, chances are that you will never wear it.
   
5. There are minimal class / level restrictions
   Multi-classing is one of the best features of FFXIV. Unless you’re an extremely avid player or have been playing from launch, chances are that you will have some low level classes. If you’re going to spend your hard-earned gil on glamour, you might as well be able to enjoy it on all your classes, regardless of their level.

Most importantly, remember that these are just guidelines to ease you into the world of glamour. The best thing about starting out with a capsule wardrobe full of versatile pieces is that none of these will turn obsolete. Even if you decide to do a complete style upheaval, or add more complex pieces to your wardrobe, chances are that you will find that last element to complete your outfit in your capsule wardrobe.

In other words, every piece is there for the long haul.

It’s a great investment!

In the next post, I’ll start looking at individual slots, and recommend my favourite glamour items for each of them.

The fun is just beginning! Stay tuned!