Creating a Capsule Wardrobe

I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve been leaning hard on my favorite, classic outfit pieces lately. Maybe it’s the pandemic, maybe it’s becoming a mom, but whatever it is, there’s something refreshing about wearing only pieces I love, that I know look great on me, and in colors that complement my aesthetic. If you’ve been thinking about redesigning your closet into a place where you can always find put-together looks effortlessly, then a capsule wardrobe might be for you.

Scroll down to read my tips for creating a capsule wardrobe!

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a curated clothing collection made up of versatile and coordinating pieces in colors and cuts that you love. The idea is to choose timeless pieces that will never go out of style, think: updated classics like relaxed trousers, the perfect denim jeans, and a great wool coat. 

There are plenty of reasons to embrace the capsule wardrobe. My favorite is the ease it takes to get dressed in the morning. Knowing all of my clothes already match and I can pick and choose combinations that I haven’t tried before saves me time getting ready, and also allows for style creativity and inspiration.

Discover your style

The fun part is that you get to take a deep dive into your personal style. Do you love classic white button-downs or do you like tops with more texture? Would you wear stripes every day if you could or are solid colors for you? Are tall boots your go-to instead of booties? Do you love boatnecks or do v-necks suit you better? All of this information goes into your wardrobe choices and when you know the answers, you can streamline your style decisions to focus on pieces you already know you love.

Choosing colors

Think about whether you prefer to wear warmer or cooler shades and let that help you pick a base color: black, beige, or navy blue. This will make up your foundation and help you create a cohesive look to your wardrobe. Next up is incorporating neutral colors that will enhance your base, such as shades of ivory, tan, or gray.

And don’t forget a pop of color! This is where you can add more of your personality. Choose your favorite color or a fun texture. These pieces will still be complementary to your wardrobe as a whole, and will continue to infuse a sense of you into your looks.

Shopping Tip: Keep in mind the color palette you’re working with and choose timeless patterns and silhouettes over trends…this will give you the most versatility from each piece.

Quality over quantity

You’ll most likely be paring down your closet when you start creating a capsule wardrobe, which is minimalist by design. Many style experts agree that 25-50 articles of clothing is the goal for a great capsule wardrobe. (If this makes you panic…keep reading!) When fine-tuning your closet, you’ll be wearing each piece more frequently, which means they need to be of good quality to hold up to natural wear and tear. These investment pieces are designed in timeless silhouettes for a reason and are better able to stand up to regular wear while still looking gorgeous. 

If cutting your wardrobe down to 25-50 pieces seems daunting, consider having seasonal capsule wardrobes. It’s totally okay to like flowy fabrics and lighter colors for spring and heavier textiles in richer hues for fall. You’re still streamlining your look, and you may even discover some of your pieces will transition seasons in ways you haven’t thought of before.

Getting started

Creating a capsule wardrobe starts with the pieces you already own. Take a hard look at your closet and use the tips I shared. Pare down your wardrobe to see what will fit your capsule goals, then shop quality pieces to fill in the gaps. And remember, a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring! I would include a midi skirt, graphic t, a classic crew sweater, layering tanks, and anything that can be mixed and matched to create a cohesive and gorgeous look that feels like you. The idea is to streamline your wardrobe into a versatile selection of pieces that you love and fit you well.

Tap the links below for more style tips from me!
Style Tips for Wearing Bodysuits
4 Easy Ways to Elevate Your Style
How to Build a Sunglasses Wardrobe