This is a term that’s bandied about by every style blog, women’s magazine and fashion guru in existence. Are there people out there who have actually achieved this holy grail of the fashion world?

Fear not fashionistas Ms. Cloud is on hand to guide you though the minefield that is culling and creating the capsule wardrobe. Let us start 2012 with the intension of achieving this mecca . . . mastering the art of effortless style.

First step is the declutter, the capsule wardrobe is all about quality over quantity. If you’ve already created your online wardrobe it will make this step a lot easier. Take a look to see if something no longer fits or you can’t remember the last time you worn it; if so, I’m afraid it has to go. Have a bin bag at hand or alternatively call together your fashion savvy friends and organise a swap shop the perfect night out that’s a night in for January.

Now we can begin creating the capsule. A capsule wardrobe is your personal collection which can be mixed and matched to put together a look for any occasion. Realistically, you should have one for spring/ summer, and one for autumn/winter with some pieces that overlap. Both wardrobes can be tweaked to keep you looking up to date and ever stylish.

These basics should all fit immaculately, so you might have to splash out but once you’ve built this wardrobe all other problems in life will fade away (ok maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration but at least you’ll look amazing!). These are investment pieces that will transcend fashion.

So what do I need to invest in to achieve effortless style? The same rules don’t apply to everyone as everyone’s style is different and these pieces will define your style, but the following will give you an idea of what to look for.

• Tailored trousers . . . these have to fit perfectly
• Coat . . . for a whole season it will be the piece you’re seen in most
• Trench coat . . . for spring showers
• Jacket . . . anything from cropped leather to tweed blazer whatever suits your style
• Statement sunglasses
• Skirt . . . pencil for day, silk and flowing for evening
• Killer dress
• Good boots . . . with a little bit of a heel
• Flats
• Heels . . . that you can actually walk in!
• Jeans . . . easier said than done!
• Quality knit . . . cashmere jumper, vintage beaded cardi depending on your tastes
• Silk blouse
• Basic white T
• 2 handbags . . . one large for day, one small for evening

Take this list and compare it to your wardrobe, you should have a lot of these things already. If you are rocking the masculine look this season, you should probably have two pairs of trousers (one wide leg, one cigarette would be Ms. Cloud’s choice) or if you’re keeping if ladylike, go for two skirts.

Now all that’s left to do is put the cherry on top: that is all those pieces that are surplus to requirments and ever fabulous! If you’ve got the basics right you can treat yourself to a few statement pieces to add va va voom to your look. Anything from vintage finds to on trend prints.

Enjoy!