Capsule wardrobes are a great way to simplify your shopping and streamline your closet. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of items that work together to form one cohesive outfit.
In this post, we’ll explain how to create your own personalized capsule wardrobe so you can look stylish and put-together without feeling overwhelmed by clothes.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Embrace minimalism and simplify your fashion choices with a capsule wardrobe. |
| 2. Explore sustainable fashion brands to align your wardrobe with your values. |
| 3. Consider the benefits of using organic beauty products in your skincare routine. |
| 4. Elevate your style and stand out with the right tips and tricks. |
| 5. Master the art of mixing and matching patterns to create versatile outfits. |
How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe
Building a capsule wardrobe is simple. All you need is your favorite pair of jeans, some t-shirts and sweaters, a dress or skirt and maybe a few other items.
Start by choosing the items that will go into your capsule wardrobe and determine how many pieces you want to include.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of putting together an entire closet from scratch (or even just one area of your closet), then consider starting with one section at a time.
Once you’ve chosen what items are going into your capsule wardrobe, focus on finding classic pieces that can be mixed and matched with each other as well as accessories such as jewelry or belts.
This will help ensure that each piece has multiple ways of being styled so it won’t get stale after wearing it only once or twice.
This also allows for more versatility when getting dressed in the morning you’ll have more options than just throwing on whatever was hanging on the outside hook first thing!
Once all these clothes are selected, spend some time making sure they fit well! It’s important not only because comfort makes us happier but also because poorly fitting clothes can make us look sloppy no matter how expensive they may be otherwise (or if we think they’re cute).
A good rule of thumb: If something doesn’t fit right off the rack without alterations then do not buy it until after alterations have been done personally by professional tailors who specialize in working with fine fabrics like silk linens etcetera.)
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Identify Your Clothing Style
Identify what your style is. Maybe you like bright colors and love prints. Maybe you prefer solids, or maybe you prefer more muted tones.
Maybe you love denim, or maybe a well-tailored suit makes your heart beat faster. Maybe your closet is filled with casual tees, or maybe it’s full of dresses that are waiting for their special occasions to shine in the spotlight (and hopefully not be too much for a date night).
Whatever it is that makes up what makes YOU feel good about yourself should be reflected in how YOU dress and this will help determine which pieces stay in your capsule wardrobe and why those items are so important to include in your wardrobe.
| Clothing Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Colorful & Print Lover | Embrace vibrant colors and bold prints to express your unique style. |
| Minimalist & Solid Colors | Opt for clean lines and solid colors for a sleek and minimalistic look. |
| Muted Tones & Neutrals | Choose subtle and muted tones for an understated and chic aesthetic. |
Discover Your Clothing Style
Identify your clothing style to curate a capsule wardrobe that aligns with your preferences. Determine if you lean towards a colorful and print-filled wardrobe, a minimalist approach with solid colors, or a preference for muted tones and neutrals. Explore brands that cater to these different styles to further enhance your capsule wardrobe.
Assess What You Already Have
As you make your way through the process of creating a capsule wardrobe, it’s important to take stock of what you already have.
You may be surprised by how much clothing you actually own or can borrow from friends and family members.
If that’s the case, think about what pieces are worn most often and which ones make you feel like a million bucks when you wear them. Think about whether they’re also comfortable and flattering on your body type. Do they fit into your lifestyle?
Perhaps this sounds obvious, but there’s a reason I’m saying it: The best part about creating a capsule wardrobe is finding clothes that work for YOU!
We all have different bodies and lifestyles, so my preferences won’t necessarily suit yours (and vice versa).
However, if there are certain styles that always catch my eye but never seem to look good on me it might not be time wasted searching for the perfect piece after all.
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Determine How Many Items Your Capsule Should Include
The first step to creating a capsule wardrobe is to determine how many items your capsule should include. The answer will depend on two factors:
- How often do you wear each item?
- How much money are you willing to spend?
If you’re looking to save money, then aim for fewer pieces. This way, even if you end up wearing the same thing every day or week, it won’t make as big of an impact on your wallet.
If, however, having the option of wearing new clothes is important to you (for example if there are special occasions coming up), then go ahead and increase this number so that there’s room for growth in your wardrobe without adding too much clutter.
| Determine Capsule Size | Description |
|---|---|
| 30-40 Items | A common range to aim for when creating a capsule wardrobe. |
| Curated Selection | Choose a select number of pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. |
| Versatile Pieces | Opt for garments that can be styled in multiple ways to maximize the number of outfits. |
| Quality Over Quantity | Focus on investing in high-quality pieces that will last longer and withstand frequent wear. |
| Brand Collection | Consider selecting pieces from specific brands known for their capsule-friendly designs. |
Tips for Determining Capsule Size
Find the right balance for your capsule wardrobe by determining how many items it should include. Consider a range of 30-40 items, curating a selection of versatile pieces that offer numerous outfit options. Prioritize quality over quantity and explore brands that offer collections specifically designed for capsule wardrobes.
Choose Durable, Well-Made Pieces
When you’re creating a capsule wardrobe, it’s important to choose quality over quantity. The pieces in your closet should be well-made, high-quality and durable.
Instead of buying trendy pieces that are going to be out of style in six months, look for something timeless and classic pieces that will last years or even decades!
When shopping for clothes, look for fabrics that feel soft on the skin (like silk) and avoid synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic.
You also want to make sure the seams are sturdy and won’t fray easily. When shopping online at sites like Amazon Prime Wardrobe, I always check reviews first so I know what other customers say about how long their clothes have lasted before falling apart and if there aren’t any reviews yet about durability then I don’t buy anything from there because it probably means nobody has had good experiences yet with them (or else why wouldn’t they post any reviews?).
When choosing clothing items that can be worn together in many different ways (i.e., multiple layers), think about versatility too!
For example: my favorite black sweater is cozy enough on its own but when paired with jeans underneath makes me feel ready for anything whether it’s an outdoor adventure or a night out dancing with friends!
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Be Realistic About What You Will And Won’t Wear
As you begin the process of curating your capsule wardrobe, there’s one thing to remember: it’s OK if you don’t wear something.
That means that if you don’t actually plan on wearing a certain item ever again, don’t buy it. And when I say “ever again,” I mean for the rest of your life (or at least as long as clothes are in fashion).
If you’re buying something because it’s on sale and you never wore it before and never will wear it again don’t buy it! You’re just wasting money.
Instead, think about what pieces fit into the general theme of minimalism or personal style that appeals to your individual sense of self whatever that may be and find ways to make them work together within a larger look so they become interchangeable pieces in multiple outfits.
There are plenty of ways to do this, but here are some examples:
- Buy one pair (or more) neutral black shoes with different colored laces or insoles to create different looks depending on which color matches best with an outfit
- Buy solid-colored shoes in different shades/colors of a single hue—like red or purple and then accessorize them however suits your fancy by adding various types of patterns
Pick A Versatile Color Scheme
Choosing a color scheme is the first step in creating your capsule wardrobe. Start by gathering inspiration from your favorite Instagram accounts or Pinterest boards, or go shopping for clothes you’d love to wear. Then, use a color wheel to help you pick out which colors work best together.
Don’t choose trendy or fad colors! These will make your wardrobe look dated almost immediately after purchasing them (and they’re not so fun to wear).
Choose colors that feel good on you, and ones that can be mixed and matched with other items in the closet.
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Go For Basic Shapes And Styles That Can Be Changed Up With Accessories
- Go for basic shapes and styles that can be changed up with accessories.
- Avoid trendy clothing, or at least buy it knowing that you’re going to get tired of it quickly.
- Stick with neutral colors like black, white, and gray throughout your capsule wardrobe. You can add color through accessories like shoes or bags (like this gold sandal from Target).
- When buying items in a capsule wardrobe, think about how much money you have to spend on each piece and don’t go over budget! Also consider quality: if an item breaks after one wear or gets stained by coffee after two wears then it’s probably not worth buying no matter what the sale price is!
| Basic Shapes & Styles | Description |
|---|---|
| Classic Black Dress | A versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down with the right accessories. |
| White Button-Up Shirt | A timeless piece that can be styled in various ways to create different looks. |
| Straight-Leg Jeans | An essential pair of jeans that can be easily paired with different tops and accessories. |
| Black Blazer | A versatile outerwear piece that adds a polished touch to any outfit. |
| Neutral-Colored Sweater | A cozy and versatile sweater that can be layered or worn on its own. |
Tips for Versatile Wardrobe Pieces
Dress smartly with these versatile pieces that serve as a foundation for your outfits. Go for basic shapes and styles that can be easily transformed with accessories or layers.
Consider Where You Will Be Wearing Your Clothes The Most Often
Before you start shopping for clothes, consider where you will be wearing your clothes the most often. If you’ll be wearing them to work, consider what kind of work you do and what your coworkers are wearing.
If you’ll be wearing them to school, consider what kind of school you attend and what the other students are wearing.
Mastering the art of mixing and matching patterns makes for a stylish and versatile wardrobe. Check out our ultimate guide on mixing and matching patterns like a pro to unlock endless outfit possibilities and create eye-catching fashion ensembles.
Conclusion
While it may seem intimidating to create a capsule wardrobe, it’s actually quite simple. By thinking through your needs and wants, you can easily identify what items will be included in your new wardrobe.
And by taking the time to plan out each piece of clothing before purchasing it, you’ll know that everything fits well and looks great every time you wear it!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on building and maintaining a minimalist capsule wardrobe:
Minimalism Made Simple: Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe – Explore this comprehensive guide to creating a minimalistic capsule wardrobe for a simplified and intentional approach to fashion.
Modern Minimalism: How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe – Learn the step-by-step process of building a capsule wardrobe that reflects your personal style and helps you curate a versatile and concise wardrobe.
Simply Fierce: Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe – Discover the key principles and practical tips for creating a minimalist capsule wardrobe that allows you to embrace simplicity, reduce decision fatigue, and focus on what truly matters.
FAQs
How do I start building a capsule wardrobe?
To start building a capsule wardrobe, begin by decluttering your current wardrobe and only keep items that you truly love and wear regularly. Then, evaluate your lifestyle and personal style to identify the key pieces that form the foundation of your capsule wardrobe.
How many items should be in a capsule wardrobe?
The number of items in a capsule wardrobe can vary depending on personal preferences and lifestyle needs. However, a common approach is to aim for around 30-40 versatile and high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.
Can I personalize my capsule wardrobe to my personal style?
Absolutely! Your capsule wardrobe should reflect your personal style and preferences. Choose pieces that align with your aesthetic, whether it’s classic, bohemian, minimalistic, or any other style that resonates with you. The key is to select timeless and versatile pieces that can be styled in multiple ways.
How often should I update my capsule wardrobe?
There is no strict rule for how often you should update your capsule wardrobe, as it largely depends on your needs and lifestyle changes. However, a good practice is to reassess your wardrobe each season and make adjustments based on weather, your evolving style, and any new essentials you may need.
Can I still follow fashion trends with a capsule wardrobe?
While the focus of a capsule wardrobe is on timeless and versatile pieces, it doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate seasonal trends. Select a few trendy pieces that align with your personal style and mix them with your staple items for a fresh and modern look. The key is to prioritize garments that have long-lasting appeal rather than fleeting trends.
Hi, you! I’m Hellen James. I’m a beauty and fashion writer who loves to make the world a little more stylish and I’d love for you to join me in the fun! I’ve been writing about beauty and fashion since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until recently that I really knew what it meant to be a real expert.