A capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that won’t go out of fashion, that can be mixed and matched, and that can be worn for a variety of occasions. Building a capsule wardrobe is one of the most freeing things you can do for yourself. Sure, it might seem like a daunting task and feel like there’s just too much to choose from, but in reality, all you need is about 15-20 staple items that can be mixed and matched to make a slew of different outfits.
Building a capsule wardrobe may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Determine Your Style
The first step to building a capsule wardrobe is determining your style. What types of clothing do you feel most comfortable in? What silhouettes do you prefer? What colors do you gravitate towards? Once you have a good understanding of your personal style, you’ll be able to better select pieces for your capsule wardrobe that reflect that style.
2. Edit Your Closet
The next step is to take a look at your existing closet and edit it down to only the essentials. Get rid of any clothes that you don’t wear or that don’t fit well. Keep only the pieces that you absolutely love and that make you feel good when you wear them. This will leave you with a much smaller, but more curated, collection of clothing to work with.
3. Invest in Quality Pieces
When building your capsule wardrobe, it’s important to invest in quality pieces that will last. Look for items made from high-quality materials such as wool, cashmere, silk, or cotton. Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon which tend to pill and wear out quickly.
4. Choose a Neutral Colour Palette
A capsule wardrobe is typically built around a neutral colour palette. This doesn’t mean that you can never wear colour, but it does mean that the majority of your clothing should be in neutral hues such as black, white, grey, navy, or brown. This will make it easier to mix and match pieces and create a variety of different looks.
5. Select Key Pieces
Once you’ve determined your style and edited your closet, it’s time to select the key pieces for your capsule wardrobe. These are the versatile staples that will form the foundation of your wardrobe. Think of items like a classic white tee, a well-fitting pair of jeans, a tailored blazer, a little black dress, a versatile dress that can be dressed up or down, a neutral sweater or a cardigan, etc.
6. Add in Seasonal Pieces
As the seasons change, so should your wardrobe. This doesn’t mean getting rid of everything and starting from scratch, but simply adding in a few key pieces that will work with what you already have to create a new look.
In addition to the key staples, you’ll also want to add in some seasonal pieces to your capsule wardrobe. For example, in the fall you might want to add a few cosy sweaters, a denim jacket, and some booties or riding boots.
In the winter, you might want to add a coat, some scarves and gloves, and maybe a pair of knee-high boots. And in the spring and summer, you can add in light jackets, colourful dresses and skirts, sandals, and more.
These are items that can be worn for a specific season or time of year. They can be swapped out as the seasons change so that your wardrobe always feels fresh and new.
7. Accessorize
Finally, don’t forget to accessorize! The right accessories can take any outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. They can also help to reflect your personal style and add a touch of personality to your look. Some great accessories to consider adding to your capsule wardrobe include a statement necklace, a chic handbag, or a pair of fashionable sunglasses.
Building a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By following these simple steps, you can create a small but mighty collection of clothing that will see you through any season or occasion. For sure, you will love the idea of having a capsule wardrobe.