A capsule wardrobe is an edited, yet versatile wardrobe consisting of around 37 pieces in use at any given time. This includes tops, bottoms, jackets and shoes. The capsule wardrobe user wears these clothes for a season without shopping in between! They then assesses their closet every 3 months, updating it for the upcoming season, storing clothes that no longer suit the weather and donating clothes that are no longer loved.
Goals
We all want a Instagram-worthy wardrobe that is ~ so fresh and so clean ~.
Here's how to start your journey to 37 comfy, chic and versatile pieces.
Tops
White t-shirt, striped tee, button down silk top, sweatshirt, chambray shirt, silk cami, regular tank, blazer, light sweater, shirt dress, summer dress
Bottoms
Black or blue jeans, boyfriend jeans, basic skirt, denim shorts, comfy-chic multipurpose joggers
Shoes
Black heels, nude heels, chelsea boots, heeled booties, white sneakers, flats, sandals
Accessories
Clutch bag, crossbody bag, leather tote bag, two pairs of earrings, a long necklace, a short necklace, simple ring
Jackets
Denim jacket, leather jacket, military rain-proof jacket
Step 1: Out with the old
Take everything out of your closet and try it on in front of a friend. If the piece is past its prime throw it out, if its no longer your style donate it. The key to minimalism is to get rid of everything you haven’t worn in the past year.
Step 2: Look at what’s left
Pull aside your most worn pieces and think about why you love wearing them. Is it the comfort level, the color, the cut? This will help you identify your style and will help you strategically rebuild your closet with pieces you know you’ll wear time and time again.
Step 3: Get on Pinterest
Make yourself an organized mood board and pin outfits that embody your style and what you want your style to be. For now, just focus on clothes for the season you’re shopping for.
Step 4: Notice themes
Once you’ve done that, notice any recurring themes that you seem to be drawn to. This can help you further identify your style and will help you figure out your color palette.
Step 5: Color
Having a color palette is key to making a concise wardrobe that will give you a wide range of outfits. If nothing matches, you’ll find yourself much more limited for choices! You should decide which three neutral colors are will be the base of your wardrobe, then add three more personal and fun accent colors. If you want you can also add a pop color like cobalt blue.
Step 6: Lifestyle
It may be super fun to buy ball gowns and faux-fur jackets, but do you really dress to impress every day? If you work from home or like lazy weekends you may need an awesome pair of sweatpants more than you need leather pants. Consider your week and buy clothes that suit your average daily activities.
Step 7: Make a List
After you line up your taste, your color palette and your lifestyle up side-by-side you’ll have a cheat sheet for what you need. Make a list of the 37 (or so) items you need, then cross off what you already own. You now have a shopping list!
Step 8: Go Shopping!
Here’s the best part! Take your edited list to the mall and restock your wardrobe. Remember to keep your color palette in mind and don’t settle for an item that fits your description, but doesn’t fit you. Quality over quantity!