Have you ever wanted to have a simple, easy wardrobe that could provide you with multiple outfits while taking up very little space? Have you ever wished that your closet was full of clothes that would work for any occasion at any time but found that all your clothing was too specific? A capsule wardrobe can be the answer!
A capsule wardrobe is simply a collection of highly versatile, mix-and-match pieces. The idea is to build out your wardrobe using only these select few items so they can take the place of many other items in your closet. This style of dressing cuts down on excess and wasted money and time, allowing you to save both by buying fewer things.
With just a few core pieces, it’s possible to create dozens of outfits that can be customized to fit any occasion or weather. You will always look polished, put-together, and ready for anything!
Follow these easy guidelines to build your very own capsule wardrobe:
1. Define Your Style
Since a capsule wardrobe is meant to be simple and versatile, it should match your fashion style. Are you a minimalist? Then your choice pieces will include simple, clean lines. Are you more of a free spirit? Then your pieces will probably include lots of bright colors and casual fabrics. Figure out what your fashion style is, and pick items that match with it!
However, be realistic. Building a capsule wardrobe isn’t always easy, especially if you’re trying to imitate looks that are far outside your comfort zone or try to force yourself into styles that just aren’t “you.”
If the clothes you choose don’t feel like they represent who you are inside, then it’s just not worth it. Pick outfits that make you happy, not ones that make you miserable or self-conscious!
2. Determine Your Basic Clothing Pieces
You need a certain number of clothing pieces to fill out your wardrobe, but you can decide which ones those are. Here’s a list of things that most modern capsule wardrobes tend to include:
- Jackets
- Cardigans or vests
- Tops (shirts, blouses, T-shirts)
- Bottoms (pants, shorts)
- Dresses and skirts
Nobody says you have to stick exactly with this list, however. If you choose items outside this basic set, be sure they still fit the style guidelines mentioned above. You don’t want to lose the versatility or simplicity that makes a capsule wardrobe so great.
You can also pick fun, chic looks for them. For example, instead of wearing run-of-the-mill jackets, upgrade them with a women’s bell sleeve cotton sweater. Light and breathable, it features a wider opening at the hem, which provides more texture to the cut.
3. Figure Out How Many Items Make Up Your Capsule Wardrobe
The goal of a capsule wardrobe is to have just enough clothes so you can wear different outfits every day. Different people have different goals for their wardrobes, so your number can vary depending upon what you need.
How many items should be in your closet? Some people aim for around 50 pieces, while others stick closer to 20. There’s no right answer here. It all depends on what works best for you.
To pare down your choices, ask yourself:
- Would I buy this again?
- Is this comfortable? Will this last?
If the answer to either of those questions is no, then that item should not be part of your capsule. It needs to pass one or both criteria for you to move forward with it. Otherwise, you will end up wasting money on items that don’t work well with others or that won’t last.
4. Invest in High-Quality Pieces
Once you know what pieces will be in your capsule wardrobe, invest in high-quality garments that will last. You don’t have to go all out and buy the most expensive items on the market, but do try to stick with labels known for being well made.
This is especially important if you plan to build a wardrobe of basic clothing pieces. When you pick up cheap cotton tops or polyester dresses, they can easily fall apart after just a few washes. Not only does this mean you’ll have to replace them more frequently, but it also means you’ll have fewer options at your disposal! Spend a little more on better-quality clothing, which will save time and money in the long run.
5. Be Brave with Colors
ick out three neutral colors versatile enough for all seasons, styles, and occasions: black, navy blue, gray (not light gray), brown (not too dark), tan/ivory/creamy white (light and pale is best), and cream (very pale yellow). Navy blue suits anyone the best, but it’s the least flattering color on most people. Stick with grays and browns instead if you have a very light or fair complexion.
Each of these colors should be in at least two different shades/tones so that you can mix and match your tops and bottoms: black, dark charcoal gray, navy blue, medium blue, light tan, chocolate, and orange-brown (similar to the color of rust).
You don’t have to invest a lot of time or money into your wardrobe. It’s easy to make sure you always look presentable with just a little preparation!
All you need are the five tips above, and your capsule wardrobe is ready for anything!