How to Build Your Capsule Wardrobe

Narrow down your closet to save time, money and the environment

How to build a capsule wardrobe

Capsule wardrobes have become the new it thing when it comes to cutting down on consumption while also looking to easily dress yourself in outfits that never go out of style.

So what is a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is one that is comprised of a limited number of pieces that are all interchangeable and cohesive. These items can create a multitude of different looks and include basic pieces in neutral colours that never go out of style. The reason capsule wardrobes are so great is because they force you think really think about the items you wear and the ones that get the most use as well as the ones that can be styled a number of different ways. Not only is a capsule wardrobe more sustainable but it can also save you time and money because you will not need to buy any additional pieces and all items can be styled interchangeably to always get a cute outfit.

How do I build a capsule wardrobe

1. Give away the clothes you know you don’t wear

To start building your capsule wardrobe you first need to get rid of any items in your closet you know you don’t wear. This doesn’t mean getting rid of your good going out clothes or your special occasion outfits. This just means looking critically at what you own and donating any clothes that have gone out of style, were trends, were bought and never worn or only worn once for that thing your friends forced you to go to.

2. Think about your go to items and the ones you wear most often

Which items in your closet have gotten the most wear. Think about the items you always go to when running late or when you just don’t know what to put on. Look in your closet and see which items you’ve had the longest and the ones that never go out of style

3. Ask yourself how you want to dress and what style you want to go for

Are you looking for business casual? Comfortable? Timeless? What style you want to wear on a continuous basis and which one you could never see yourself getting sick of. Look through pintrest to gain insight on the types of outfits you could easily build using what you already have in your closet

4. Think about colour palette

Capsule wardrobes are great because all the pieces can be worn interchangeably. This means you need to choose a neutral colour palette that doesn’t have too many clashing colours. Now this doesn’t mean you can’t supplement your capsule wardrobe with the seasons it colours it just means that you have base colours that you know will go with everything

5. Map out your pieces

The average capsule wardrobe consists of 25-50 pieces of clothing, including footwear and accessories. Now that you have your style and your colour palette picked out, start mapping out which pieces in your closet fit the aesthetic you’re going for. Make sure to think about clothing for all seasons. Include pants, skirts, dresses, long sleeves and short, jackets and boots.

6. Fill in your wardrobe by buying the pieces you don’t already own. But buy with intention

If you’re mapping out your items and notice that there are a few key pieces missing, do not feel bad about buying these items. Remember to think about the utility of each noew purchase, whether it matches the style you are going for and making sure that you are supplementing your capsule with trendy items. Items that are on trend will be the least worn once they go out of style/ season so do not make this mistake.

What items should definitely be in my capsule wardrobe.

Understanding the key items that should 100% be in your wardrobe is no easy feat, so here are a list of items that you definitely need to own. Click the links to see our picks if you choose to buy new instead of seek out these items from your local thrift store.

Shoes

1. Loafers: black with no heal, very little embellishments in a classic style

2. Chunky sandals: perfect for the summer or if you go on vacation

3. Little black boot: can be worn all year round with any outfit

4. Classic white sneaker: you can never go wrong when paring any casual outfit with a white sneaker. Invest in a simple yet stylish pair

Jackets

1. Classic coat: camel colour or grey -> wool to keep you warm when it’s cold and in a style that can be dressed up or down

2. Blazer: can be in any neutral colour -> oversized or in a classic fitted silhouette

Tops

1. Cardigan or big wool sweater: these are great for layering in the spring or fall. They can be worn on their own, over a turtle neck or under a jacket

2. Turtle neck: in any all neutral colours. You can never go wrong with this timeless piece

3. Short and long sleeve t-shirts: in white, black and grey

4. Button up shirt: this item can be layered over of under so many different pieces

5. Crew neck or quarter zip sweatshirt

Bottoms

1. Classic blue denim: get these is a straight leg, or wide leg. Skinny jeans have come and gone and hopefully will never return. Invest in old school denim which never goes out of style

2. Loose fitting trousers: just throw them on and you’ll be extremely comfortable wherever you go

3. Midi skirt

4. Sweatpants or joggers: to keep you comfortable on those more relaxed days

Dresses

1. You need at least one dress so make sure it can be transformed from day to night. Think about body con knit dresses

2. Summer dress: a must have if you live somewhere warm.

Accessories

1. Black shoulder bag: these never go out of style and can be used in so many different outfit combinations. By getting black you will definitely get your use out of it and can pair it with every outfit

2. Jewelry: rings, necklaces, bracelets and more. Get these in classic gold

3. Tote bag: you can take this from the grocery store, to running all the errands you can think of. The minimalist look this bag gives every outfit cannot be ignored

4. Sunglasses: a must have. Choose a pair in black that you love and shows some personality