Capsule wardrobes. You’ve heard of them, right? But – have you tried creating one yet? Here’s the deets on how I suggest to (easily) make it happen in only 4 steps. And why you WANT to create one.
Reality Check: Yay or Nay for YOU & a capsule wardrobe?
Late to the capsule wardrobe party? Me too. Hey – fashionably late is fine.
Why? Capsule wardrobes clear the clutter from your closet – while (like magic) offering you MORE outfits. And because you craft the wardrobe selection, you are only keeping the clothes that are…
- Higher quality (shop for QUALITY, not quantity) that will last years.
- Warning: Shift your spending philosophy.
- You will need to spend MORE money on “1 or 2 pieces” – but don’t panic. You will actually be saving money (in the long run) because you will not be shopping as often. So, instead of spending $90 here and $40 there and $50 online on half a dozen pieces (you might only wear for the season), you might spend $100 (or more) on 1 item that you will have for years, wear all the time, feel fabulous in and adore.
- Think “cost per wear“. If you buy this $200 white button-down shirt and wear it a 3-4 times/month for a year, your “cost per wear” is $5. But, if you bought a shirt on a whim for $40 and wear it twice (maybe the fit wasnt the best or it shrunk or it went out of style), your cost per wear is $20. The less expensive shirt actually cost you more (per wear) because you don’t wear it. Get it?
- Warning: Shift your spending philosophy.
- Flattering on your figure (those pieces you wear on major rotation)
- Admit it – you have favorites. Those garments you reach for the most often. New plan: structure your closet (your ENTIRE closet) on THOSE types of favorite pieces. Think of how many MORE outfit options you will have.
- Timeless pieces that can be beautifully styled season after season become the canvas for everything else.
Is your closet like mine? Neutral colors (shout-out to you, black and navy) dominating? Those colors are #GIRLBOSS colors everything else works around. Build outfits around neutrals. Think of neutral colors as grown-up Garanimals of the capsule wardrobe world!
Neutrals to Know (& Love)
Live colorfully? Can.not.imagine a day without a “Pop-O-Pink”? In a capsule wardrobe, “splashes of color” are what it’s all about.
Pick 2 or 3 (non-neutral) colors (pink, green, red…) to enhance neutrals.
Poppin’ pink in this (neutral based) outfit…
Notice the entire outfit are neutral colors (even the bag) since the top is the accent (yellow embroidery)
Here’s where you add in 1 accent piece to show your style and personality to the look.
Add in Accent Pieces with…
- Prints
- choose prints in a hue of one of your (Step 2) colors
- For example
- Blouse
- Scarf
- Bag/Clutch
- For example
- choose prints in a hue of one of your (Step 2) colors
- Jewelry
- COLORFUL: Use jewelry as a statement (wear a bright, colorful piece)
- NEUTRAL: Pair neutral tones in jewelry with your neutral base colors of your wardrobe
- Wearing gray? Add silver jewelry.
- Wearing beige? Add gold jewelry.
- Wearing other neutrals? Add white (pearls, druzy, lucite…)
A printed scarf is effortless and adds interest to your outfit.
Printed pants is the focal point – the rest of the look is in a neutral – even the clutch.
Easiest go-to weekend outfit! See how the outfit is all in neutrals so the bag’s print pops?
YOU are the boss lady. You make the rules. What would work for you and your lifestyle? Decide that – then keep these guidelines in mind while you conquer your closet!
I have never heard of a capsule wardrobe until now! I’m so glad I have learned about this. I definitely need to work on building one especially in the jewelry department. You have great items and photos. thanks for sharing 🙂
It’s such a good practice especially if you’re trying to live a minimalist lifestyle! I hope everything I have on this post helps you build your own capsule wardrobe! You’re very much welcome and thanks for dropping by!
This idea seems so daunting but is so appealing! I have to admit – I have way too many clothes in my closet I just don’t wear but am attached to for whatever crazy reason. Thanks for such a thorough explanation!
It’s a great way to get rid of the clothes you no longer wear/need and to free up some closet space as well! Totally love doing this! I hope I helped you understand it better!
This makes getting dressed so easy! I never know what to wear to having this as a guide makes sense.
Definitely! It’s great to have a capsule wardrobe, it will also give you more space in your closet and allow you to save money on shopping! Hope my post helps!
I need a capsule wardrobe. I think I have a real sickness when it comes to clothes shopping and have WAY too much!
I totally know how you feel, that’s why I decided to make my own capsule wardrobe! It’s really going to help you get rid of the clothes you don’t wear any more plus help you save money from shopping for more.
This is something that I’ve been wanting to do for years! I want to totally have a capsule wardrobe. I feel like even though you don’t have a whole lot to choose from, you have so many different ways to wear things, and pieces that go with everything. I think that it would keep me from standing at the closet every day fretting over nothing to wear.
It’s really convenient once you get to setup your capsule wardrobe. And yes! That’s exactly what it’s for. Not a lot of items but definitely a lot of ways to wear all of them, which is awesome because you don’t have to worry about “not having anything to wear”
I honestly think this is something I’m going to be doing when I’ve dropped them rest of the baby weight — great, tips thank you! x
It’s really convenient and it helps us save money as well! Love it!
I love this so much. I have been working on resetting my wardrobe and it is not easy. Accessories are the hardest part for me because I am not a fan of wearing them so I have to find the right thing!
Glad you love it! I’m sure you’ll find a way that will help you setup a good capsule wardrobe that works for you!
I must be really late to the party, because this is the first I’m hearing of a capsule wardrobe! It sounds perfect for me though, I’m not a big shopper so it’d really help to not have to buy every season.
It’s such an awesome idea and it helps you keep a minimalist lifestyle too, which is very practical in so many ways. I’m sure you’re going to love it!
I could NOT love this more if I tried! I think the success to any wardrobe is a clean color palette and rotating pieces (btw LOVE the ones you feature). PS- also a #216 gal!
That’s so true! I agree with everything that you said. Love that!
A capsule wardrobe is new to me! Such a great idea! I love all of the outfits in your pictures!
It’s definitely awesome and it’s going to help you save on clothes too! I just love the idea!
I’ve been obsessed with the idea of capsuling for years not although still do not fully implement it. A major goal for this year. The older I get the less tolerance I have for clutter and waste. Love your picks for a capsule and especially that tapestry print bag in the last photo.
Thanks, Betsy! That bag was a fab find at the Cleveland Flea! And, the less clutter/waste – the better for our mindset and for the environment.
I am new to the concept but it seems like it is a great way to get organized and have the right outfit when you need it. I also like the accessories you have shown us.
It’s really an awesome way to get rid of the clothes you no longer wear and just stick to a more simplified wardrobe. It’s going to help you save loads. The accessories are way cute!
I keep hearing so much about capsule wardrobes and I totally think I am going to try it. I am terrible about getting too many clothes and not even wearing half of them. I mean, I typically end up in leggings or yoga pants anyways lol
It’s definitely a must try especially if you think that you have way to much clothes in your closet. There’s nothing better than decluttering and getting rid of all the things you don’t use.
I really need to look into this. I live in a tiny studio and my closet is my headache
It’s really awesome and it’s a great way to clean out your closet! I hope my post helps!
This is my closet goal this year. But I am confused. You aren’t surprised by that, are you? HAHAHA! I am going to start by weeding out my closet. That scares me to death! I am going to do it though because I know it is a good thing and I am tired of buying cheap clothes every season. You’ve inspired me!
I love that! And I’d love to hear more about how it all goes! I’m really glad that I’m helping you out and that I’ve inspired you!
Making my capsule wardrobe come to life is definitely going to take some time, but I’m so proud whenever I go through my closet and get rid of items I never wear, especially when I can sell them online and make some money back on them!
I’m sure you’ll get there someday soon! It’s really nice to be able to declutter and get rid of the clothes that you no longer wear! So much space and you get to earn when you sell them too! Love it!
Ok how much do I love your pink jacket look!! I have always wanted to try to make a capsule wardrobe, I need to re-read this article and make notes of your tips and advice. Thanks!
I sure hope I’ve given you an insight on how to build your own capsule wardrobe! I so love that pink jacket too! It’s so nice to see you guys appreciating and applying my tips!
I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe! I’m all about comfort and simplicity so this totally works for me!
It’s really awesome and something that will make your life easier! Yes, totally, comfort and simplifying things.
I wish I had this much style when putting things together! Most of my wardrobe is blacks and navy so I just grab and go, I would love to be more thoughtful with my wardrobe
It’s really nice to put together a capsule wardrobe, you’re going to be way more creative when you have different pieces that go well together! Give it a try, maybe you’ll love the lifestyle!
I don’t know that I can handle the commitment to picking everything for a capsule wardrobe. I love how it looks and am so impressed when I see people’s choices.
I hope my post helps you with that. It’s not as difficult or complicated as it seems, I promise!
I have always wanted to try a capsule wardrobe. You have some really cute pieces included in yours!
It’s really an awesome idea and it’s something that I recommend. You won’t regret it! Glad you like them!
oh my gosh, there isn’t a woman who would go wrong with their wardrobe if they read this post!
I LOVE that so much! It definitely made my day, thanks for the lovely comment! I’m really glad to help out!
I have never heard of a capsule wardrobe, but it looks like a great idea! I do tend to stick to certain colors and love to add accent colors to them.
It’s really awesome to have pieces that you can rotate and style! It’s definitely going to help you be more efficient without sacrificing your style!
I love your idea, surely it will make it easier for me to wear. Actually I have a lot of clothes, almost no wear
I hope this really helps you with cleaning up your wardrobe and finding outfits to wear without hassle!
Great tips! My closet is so cluttered I am going to have to give this a try! Lord knows I can use the extra storage.
You’re welcome! I hope this post of mine helps you set up your own capsule wardrobe!
I have started to minimize my closet, and these outfits are right up my alley. I am swooning over that yellow blouse. It feels so liberating to have fewer clothes, but for the clothes I have to all mix and match perfectly together. Thank you for the inspiration.
That’s really awesome! It’s one of my favorites! It does feel better to have fewer clothes that you can rotate and style. You’re very much welcome, I hope I helped!
I LOVE this! In total decluttering mode and have wanted to shift to a capsule wardrobe for a long time…this guide is amazing!
Thank you! It’s really awesome to create your own capsule wardrobe! It’s something that I’ve been thinking of doing for a long time and I finally did, I just feel AWESOME! Thanks, I hope this helps you!
Oh!! These are some great ways to get rid of the clothes you no longer need and to free up some closet space as well. By the way, I really like all your outfit in that shots.
It’s really the best way to minimize your clothing and maximize your closet space! I just love the idea! Thank you so much, I had fun putting those outfits together!
This is such a helpful post! I’ve heard of a capsule wardrobe but had no idea where to start! I definitely need to get organised with my own wardrobe. I tend to buy lots of cheaper items rather than invest in pieces for the long term.
I’m glad to help out. I do hope the guide that I shared will help you get a head start on creating your own closet wardrobe! It’s really worth it to invest on long term pieces than to buy seasonal items.