Creating a Capsule Wardrobe:
it's like a meal plan but with outfits!
Creating a capsule wardrobe is a popular way to declutter your closet and simplify your daily routine, but it doesn’t have to be a strict or stressful. I like to think of a capsule as a the foundation. It’s like meal planning but for outfits! It helps you be intentional about what you need to purchase, it gives you a list of go to outfit combinations and helps you avoid buying pieces that you don’t know never actually wear. Here’s a simple guide to building a capsule wardrobe without any strict rules.
1. Understand the Basics
First things first: what is a capsule wardrobe? It’s essentially a mini wardrobe consisting of versatile pieces that you love to wear. Typically, it includes about 30-40 items, covering all categories of clothing, which you can mix and match to maximize the number of outfits you can create.
2. Start With What You Love
Dig through your current wardrobe and pull out the items you wear most often and feel great in. These pieces are likely candidates for your capsule wardrobe. This process doesn't need to be a solemn purge; play your favorite music, invite a friend to help, and make a day of it!
3. Choose a Color Scheme
Selecting a cohesive color palette is a key step in creating a capsule wardrobe. But remember, this isn’t an art test; you don’t have to stick to black and white unless that’s your vibe. Love bright colors? Go for it. Prefer pastels? Throw them in. This is about making your capsule work for you.
4. Don’t Forget Seasonal Items
While some items will be wearable year-round, others might be seasonal. You can have a capsule wardrobe that changes slightly with the seasons, which keeps things fresh and prevents wardrobe fatigue. Think of it as a seasonal refresh that you can look forward to!
5. The Rule of Three
A good rule of thumb is the rule of three: three pairs of pants, three skirts, three dresses, etc. This isn’t a strict rule but rather a guideline to keep from going overboard. It’s okay to bend these rules; if you have six sweaters that you adore and wear all the time, why let them gather dust?
6. Accessorize Freely
Accessories don’t typically count in the 30-40 item limit, so this is where you can really have some fun and play around. Use hats, scarves, jewelry, and shoes to change up the look of your foundational pieces and bring some personality into your outfits.
7. Evaluate and Adjust
Live with your capsule for a few months. If something isn’t working, swap it out. This isn’t a life sentence! Your capsule wardrobe should evolve as your life does. Remember, the goal is to simplify your life, not complicate it.
8. Keep It Fun
Remember, the idea behind a capsule wardrobe is to reduce stress, not add to it. Don’t take it too seriously! If you miss having certain pieces, bring them back in. Fashion is a way to express yourself, so make sure your capsule wardrobe reflects who you are and makes you happy.
Embracing a capsule wardrobe can lead to easier mornings, less laundry, and more money saved—but only if it works for you. Tweak the rules, play with colors, and most importantly, have fun with it! I put together a few items to help you get started on your spring capsule!
