Do you find it difficult to choose an outfit every morning? Do you feel like you have nothing to wear even though your closet is full? You’re not alone! Many people find it difficult to decide what to wear every day.
If you’re tired of your wardrobe and don’t know what to wear, a capsule wardrobe might be for you. You can have a small yet versatile wardrobe that you can mix and match to create many different looks. When you have a capsule wardrobe, you will always have something to wear, no matter the occasion.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothes that never goes out of style. It usually includes basics like button-down shirts, t-shirts, jeans, black pants and cardigans, but there are also a few seasonal items to keep your wardrobe fresh.
You can switch elements to create many different outfits, from casual looks to formal wear and workwear.
A capsule wardrobe is a great start if you want to simplify your wardrobe. By strategically investing in a few key items, you can create an attractive, flexible and fashionable wardrobe that is easy to care for.
Why you should have a capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe has several benefits.
1. It saves you money
The advantage of a capsule wardrobe is that it makes shopping a lot easier. You know exactly what you have and what you need.
By investing in a few high-quality items that will last you for years, you can avoid constantly buying new clothes to replace poor-quality materials or keeping up with the latest trends.
It also forces you to be more mindful of your clothing purchases, which makes you less likely to make impulse purchases or overpay for things you don’t need. Instead, you buy clothes that you really love and that will fit perfectly into your existing collection.
2. It saves you time
A capsule wardrobe saves time by making it easier to choose clothes and make dressing easier.
When you only have a few things to choose from, you won’t spend hours figuring out what to wear as you already have multiple options.
They are perfect for busy or lazy people who want to look their best with minimal effort.
3. It makes your life easier
A closet full of clothes that you never wear can be overwhelming. A capsule wardrobe will help you eliminate this problem and make it easier to find the right clothes.
When you have fewer clothes to choose from, you avoid decision fatigue and adding unnecessary stress to your day. You will also have more time to enjoy the things you love because you won’t spend as much time shopping and packing.
Creating a capsule wardrobe is also an opportunity to clean up the house, clean up the closet and save space.
4. It will help you dress better and boost your self-confidence.
With a capsule wardrobe, you only have clothes that fit you. You will feel more confident when you know you look good in what you are wearing. This boost in confidence can help you succeed in all areas of your life.
While you may need to get creative with your outfits, this can be a fun challenge to help you develop your style and cohesive look. And you know that you will always look your best!
5. Eco-friendly
The capsule wardrobe is more stable. It contains fewer items of clothing and requires fewer resources to produce. It’s good for the environment.
Plus, having a capsule wardrobe can help you be more conscious about your clothing choices and how they impact the environment. After all, fast fashion is ruining our planet. You will be more mindful of what clothes you buy and what clothing companies you support.
All in all, a capsule wardrobe can help you save money, time, and stress, and be better for the environment.
How to create a capsule wardrobe in 10 easy steps
Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating your current wardrobe, building a capsule wardrobe is a great way to invest in timeless pieces that you’ll love wearing for years to come.
Creating a capsule wardrobe is not as difficult as it might seem. There are no “rules” for creating a wardrobe you love, but here are the steps to follow:
1. Organize your current wardrobe
Start by taking inventory of the things you already have and decide what you wear the most.
Get everything out of the closet and dresser drawers and put things in order. You can sort by type (shoes, skirts, tops, etc.) or by how much you like and wear each item (love and wear, love but don’t wear often, or hate and never wear). . From there, you can build your collection by starting with the clothes you already own and wear.
2. Define your style
Now that you’ve reviewed your clothes, think about your personal style.
Do you tend to gravitate toward a casual or more formal look? What colors give you confidence? Do you prefer timeless things or trendy things? These questions will help you find what works best for you.
3. Make a list of essentials
Think about the clothes and accessories of your capsule wardrobe before you start curating it. To get started, make a list of the essentials that you think will go well with your style and everyday life.
Your list will likely include clothes for:
- Work
- casual, everyday
- work and training
- rest and sleep
- on the street
- official events
- layering and underwear
4. Clean out your closet
Donate, sell, or dispose of anything you don’t like, doesn’t fit, or is too damaged to repair.
If you have clothes with tags, find out why you haven’t worn them yet. Is it because they don’t fit? Or do you not like the style? Is it because you are waiting for a special occasion?
It’s okay if you have clothes you’re not ready to give up in case you change your mind later. Just because you haven’t worn something in a while doesn’t mean you can’t spice it up with a few new pieces. Put them aside and if a season or year goes by without the need for these items, you can clean them up.
5. Shop slowly
It might be tempting to rush out and buy a bunch of new pieces that you think you need to complete your capsule wardrobe, but that’s a bad idea. This can completely defeat the purpose.
You want to shop slowly to make sure you only buy what you really need.
Before heading out to the store for new clothes, check your closet first. Chances are you already have a few parts that cover what you need.
6. Start with the basics
A capsule wardrobe should include neutral pieces or clothes in the same color palette that can be worn in different ways. These basics can include a white button-down shirt, dress pants, jeans, a classic blazer, and a little black dress.
If you don’t already have these items, consider whether you need them (and will wear them) before you make any purchases.
7. Add bright colors
A capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring. You can experiment with colors and patterns by wearing a few bright pieces like a printed dress, a cute jacket or a bright scarf. The main thing is that they all match each other and add interest to your appearance.
8. Choose versatile items
The ideal capsule wardrobe items are those that can be worn up or down. For example, black jeans can be worn with a blouse for work or with a T-shirt for the weekend. A few well-chosen interchangeable parts will take you far!
9. Invest in quality
Choosing well-made items that will last for years is critical because quality is more important than quantity. It’s better to invest in a few high quality items than to fill your closet with cheap fashion items.
When you find something you like, fits you perfectly and is well made, don’t be afraid to buy more than one! (Especially if it comes in multiple colors.)
10. Change your wardrobe regularly
Add new pieces as your taste and style evolves so your capsule wardrobe continues to work for you and reflect who you are. Be careful not to add too many details or you will be overwhelmed again.
To maintain your capsule wardrobe, follow the one-in, one-out rule. Every time you add a new element, get rid of the one you no longer use.
Once you’ve put together your wardrobe, you’ll be amazed at how many different looks you can create.
Frequently Asked Questions About Capsule Wardrobe
How many clothes should be in a capsule wardrobe?
A good rule of thumb is to start with about 30 pieces. You can change this number depending on your needs and preferences.
If you have a busy lifestyle, you will need more things than someone with a more reserved lifestyle. And if you live in a colder climate, you will need more clothes than someone who lives in a warm place.
Instead of cluttering your closet, consider storing your seasonal items separately. You don’t need shorts and sandals in the middle of winter or sweaters and jackets in summer.
How many shoes should be in a capsule wardrobe?
You will most likely need 3 to 7 pairs of shoes to complete your capsule wardrobe, depending on what types of shoes you choose to include.
For example, if you only wear flats, you will need fewer pairs than if you wear a combination of heels, flats, and sneakers.
How to build a capsule wardrobe on a budget?
You may need to get creative when looking for capsule wardrobe items on a budget. Thrift stores, thrift stores, and online retailers can be great sources of inexpensive clothing. You can often find quality items for a low price. You can also look for deals and coupons to help offset the cost of your new wardrobe.
What capsule wardrobe essentials do I need?
Everyone should have a few capsule wardrobe essentials in their closet.
A basic white t-shirt or button-down shirt is a great start, as are jeans. You can wear them up or down and they will always look great.
A little black dress is suitable for any occasion, be it a party or a meeting. Pair it with a blazer for a professional look, or add sparkle with embellishments and heels for a night out.
And of course, you need a great pair of shoes to complete the look. Whether you prefer flats or heels, make sure you have a pair that you feel confident in.
How do you build a capsule wardrobe for work?
A capsule wardrobe for work needs to be professional, comfortable, and affordable. Depending on your profession, work clothes may include:
- tailored blazer in neutral colors (white, black, gray and navy)
- a dress that can be worn to work or formal occasions
- comfortable professional trousers
- button-down shirts in neutral colors
- cardigan or two
- comfortable flats or heels
- multiple peaks
With these capsule wardrobe essentials, you can create a variety of professional work outfits.
Should you buy a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe can make your life easier. This can help you save money and space in your home. It can also help you get dressed faster. If you’re looking for a way to simplify your wardrobe, a capsule wardrobe could be the perfect solution.
This post originally appeared on Hello Sensible.
