Capsule wardrobes are currently in style, and for good reason, too. Imagine opening your closet to find just the clothes you love; the ones that fit you oh-so-well. Imagine also that you can pick whatever’s in there, and it goes well with all the other pieces.
Everything is suddenly so much easier. With a capsule wardrobe, you can make your imagination a reality. But how do you build one yourself? Find out below.
What’s a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothes that you absolutely love. It should be filled with versatile pieces that are both timeless and classic but also fun and trendy. The trick is to create outfits with as little stress as possible.
Deciding what to wear in the morning should not need a PhD in fashion, and a capsule wardrobe allows you to just grab whatever you own and put together a great outfit in no time. Ideal for when you need to look your absolute best but you keep going through everything you own ten times a day because you have ‘ absolutely nothing to wear.’
To get started, think about the clothes you actually love and wear. Find out what items in your collection spark joy and what don’t. That was my eureka moment when I realised why having classic and long-lasting pieces was so important. A timeless Breitling watch, for instance, can spice up any outfit on the planet, no matter how plain you feel or how boring you think your outfit looks.
Essential Pieces for Your Capsule Wardrobe
You don’t have to throw out your entire closet; just pick out a few essential pieces that are stylish, comfortable and durable for an everyday look. Here are a few items to have in your new wardrobe:
Classic Tops and Bottoms: White shirts, black turtlenecks, blue jeans and trousers are fundamentals to your everyday wardrobe.
Versatile Outerwear: Blazers, trench coats, kimonos; a piece of clothing you wear over another top and bottom outfit, easy to wear and made with durable fabric to last.
Durable Footwear: Shoes are the building blocks of an outfit. Get yourself a few pairs that are long-lasting, comfortable and versatile like sandals, sneakers and loafers.
Stylish Pieces Like No Other: Your clothes may look ordinary. But they don’t have to feel ordinary. Try simple, vibrant scarves and unique belts and bags.
How to Build Your Capsule Wardrobe
Starting your capsule wardrobe can really be as simple as looking at what you have and already own. Put to the side your most worn items and more often than not they will be your key items that you are looking for in your capsule wardrobe.
Consider what you’re lacking. Maybe you have a great wardrobe already and just need to find more matching tops or more cohesive colours. You might need a good pair of jeans or a versatile jacket. Be cautious when shopping; look for clothes that fit well and are made to last.
Don’t forget to regularly check-ins with your wardrobe. Ask yourself “Do I still love what I’m wearing?” If the answer is no, donate or sell what you don’t like and buy sturdy alternatives that match your style.
Why Quality Matters
A capsule wardrobe is all about quality. More expensive items tends to last longer, feel better and look better as well. Yes – they may cost a bit more upfront. But the reason is because they are so much better made than cheaper alternatives, you aren’t spending that money constantly replacing clothes.
I learned the hard way. A few years ago, I got a pair of flats that were half-off. They were black, cute and cheap so I thought they were a great find and for half-off? Super great value. But after wearing them a few times, I found them seeping apart. They ended up in the garbage a month later. By spending a few more coins on a better pair, I’d have saved time and money.
The Role of Accessories in a Minimalist Wardrobe
Accessories are the secret sauce to creating a great capsule wardrobe. It allows you to express yourself without filling up your closet with clothes. The right accessory can take an outfit from day to night. Which is perfect for those people who want to look great without needing a closet that is exploding from the seems.
Even if you only have the most basic outfit, a shirt and jeans, there is so much you can do with it with the right accessories. A bold necklace, earrings, a watch. The possibilities are endless and can change an outfit in a few seconds. So don’t underestimate the power of accessory.
A capsule wardrobe is all about simplicity and quality. It may be a trend but the concept is closer to a lifestyle change.
Being intentional is the name of the game and with more thoughts around the items you are purchasing, you will have more outfit options. Not less. Instead you have the peace of mind knowing that everything in your closet is something that you love and want to wear over and over again.
So, ready to build your very own capsule wardrobe?