Hey there, gorgeous! Do you ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of clothes, but you still can't find anything to wear? Ugh, we've all been there, right?
But don't worry, there's a solution that will make getting dressed a breeze and keep you looking fabulous all the time: the capsule wardrobe! It's the ultimate way to simplify your closet and still have a killer wardrobe that's total "you".
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
First things first, what exactly is a capsule wardrobe? To put things simply, a capsule wardrobe involves a small collection of clothes that can be combined to create several outfits.
We decided to explore the definition further by taking Jackie's expertise. Jackie is a personal stylist who shares her elite tips and tricks on her blog, Stylings by Jackie. She defines the capsule wardrobe as a 'small selection of clothing pieces that make up many different outfits when combined. Part of the concept is having an overall neutral color palette with a few pops of color so that everything will work back to each other. '
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe
So now that we know what a capsule wardrobe involves, let us see how to build it step by step. Remember, everyone's capsule wardrobe is built differently, and that's okay! Your wardrobe should be a reflection of your style. Here's a great process you can follow:
1. Let's Spice Up Your Style!
Is your wardrobe feeling a little dull and boring? Let's inject some excitement into your fashion choices! Take a moment to think about your personal style and compare it to your current wardrobe. Are they a match made in heaven or is it time for a change? If you love dressing casually but your closet is filled with formal attire, it's time to spice things up and make some fun shopping choices.
2. The Great Wardrobe Purge
Are you ready for a fresh start? Let's begin by completely emptying out your wardrobe and laying all of your clothes out on a flat surface. Take a good look at each piece and ask yourself if it truly sparks joy. If not, it's time to say goodbye and make room for the fabulous new pieces you'll be adding.
3. Pile It Up!
Sorting through your wardrobe can seem overwhelming, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Start by creating three piles: Keep, Maybe, and Toss. Your "Keep" pile should be reserved for your absolute favorites. For items that you're not quite sure about, place them in the "Maybe" pile. And for those clothes that you know you'll never wear again, toss them in the "Toss" pile.
4. Give Your Toss Pile a New Home
It's time to bid adieu to the clothes in your "Toss" pile. But don't just throw them in the trash! There are plenty of sustainable options, such as donating to charity, giving them to friends, or selling them online or at a second-hand store. By finding new homes for your clothes, you're helping to reduce waste and giving your old clothes a new lease on life.
5. Fill the Gaps in Your Wardrobe
Now that you've streamlined your wardrobe, it's time to add some fresh new pieces. Take note of any gaps in your collection and invest in some wardrobe essentials. Whether it's a statement coat or a pair of killer shoes, now is the perfect opportunity to elevate your style and have some fun with fashion!
Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe
There are many amazing advantages of making a capsule wardrobe. Not only will a capsule wardrobe make your life easier, but it is also:
- Sustainable
- Saves time & money
- Timeless
- Longer-lasting fashion
A capsule wardrobe is perfect if you want to be minimalistic yet fashionable. Not only do you save time, but also money! Not to mention, you'll have the pleasure of investing your money in high-quality clothes. We're sure you've heard of the phrase "Less is more". Well, that's pretty much the definition of the capsule wardrobe.
How Many Items in a Capsule Wardrobe?
There is no strict rule for the number of items in a capsule wardrobe, It all depends on your lifestyle and your preference. Usually, a capsule wardrobe doesn't exceed more than 50 items. After all, the concept of the capsule wardrobe is based on minimalism and doesn't require an endless collection of clothes. If you'd like to create a minimalist capsule wardrobe, then focus on buying versatile pieces that bring you joy. If you ever come across an item you're conflicted with, ask yourself the following questions, "Will it bring me joy?" (yes, sounds like Marie Kondo, right?), "Could I create an outfit out of this?", "When and where would I wear this?".
Starter Capsule Wardrobe Collection
As we explained before, everyone’s capsule collection will look different and that is amazing! If you do not want to own a trench coat, a blazer, or a pencil skirt, you are good! Take these ideas as a generic guide to having pieces that are sure to work together.
Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
Here's a little checklist if you're unsure of how to get started. The following items are basic items that get you covered for most occasions, including work. If you're not sure what color to pick, we recommend going with neutrals, such as navy, grey, black, beige, or white.
- Pantsuit
- Blazer
- Pencil skirt
- Button-up shirt
- White T-shirt
- Little black dress
- Jeans
- Wool Coat
- White sneakers
Here are some suggestions to think about when putting together your capsule wardrobe: a timeless blazer, a button-down shirt that fits you well, a sleek pencil skirt, a sweater that can be layered, a fabulous pair of jeans, and a versatile dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories. These pieces can be combined in various ways to create outfits, and you can also incorporate seasonal trends to keep your wardrobe interesting and up-to-date.
To expand your women's capsule wardrobe, you can consider including a few essential items like a striped shirt, basic T-shirts, a sweater, a blouse, a cardigan, a denim jacket, and black leggings. This same principle can also be applied to accessories and footwear by ensuring you have at least one representative item from each category.
Achieving greater sustainability isn't always easy, but it's definitely worth it. One way to start is by considering the impact of our purchases and finding creative ways to use what we already have. And if you're someone who loves fashion, there's good news - a capsule wardrobe can be a game-changer! By focusing on versatility and pairing items in new and interesting ways, we can create countless outfits from just a few key pieces.
So why not give it a try? Let's embrace a more sustainable and mindful approach to fashion - it's the small steps that can make a big difference in the long run.
We also recommend focusing on your capsule collection of shoes. The basic collection should include at least one pair of sturdy winter boots, a pair of loafers, and dress shoes. Have a look at our shoes section and design what you think might be the best fit for your particular capsule wardrobe.
We have created this infographic to help you visualize what our ideal capsule wardrobe collection would look like. We would be happy to see yours! Let us know if our tips on how to build a capsule wardrobe were useful to you and how the actual building went :) Good luck!