how to put together a capsule wardrobe
How to make a capsule wardrobe
Mastering personal style and putting together a closet that resembles it are things that can take even the most well-trained eyes years to master. While there's no answer to feeling like you've completely mastered your style, one approach to wardrobe building can be a shortcut to getting there: building a capsule wardrobe.
Going shopping with a capsule wardrobe in mind can help ensure you don't spontaneously buy garments you never reach for and this ensures that whatever hangs in your closet is an essential part of your wardrobe rotation. It's a mindset change that makes getting dressed and feeling confident a daily occurrence, because the garments you own have a purpose - and countless ways you can style them around your curves.
Ready to start your capsule wardrobe journey? Search no further. Here's Everything You Need To Know To Get Started For Yourself And Never Say "I Have Nothing To Wear Today" Again
What is a capsule wardrobe?
The simple definition is that it is a curated wardrobe made up of versatile pieces that you enjoy wearing. Clothing that gives you body positivity, items in which your figure comes into its own.
A capsule wardrobe consists of a set of tops, pants, dresses, outerwear, shoes and accessories that can be easily mixed and matched to be dressed chic, sporty and everywhere in between. It means your closet has fewer trendy pieces that will only be worn for one season and more high-end pieces that will stand the test of time and can be worn for years to come.
Once you've mastered a beginner's capsule wardrobe, it can be put together and changed from season to season. It makes it easy to pack and take out clothes for the right season, because every time you take them out they are just as in style as the moment you bought them.
Why we love it
All too often we buy fun new clothes for the season we're in, but find ourselves turning to old, tried-and-true favorites. We wondered: why keep a closet full of things you don't love?
As shoppers, we are conditioned to want more and keep buying as the weather changes. But the key to a versatile wardrobe is not based on quantity, but on quality and versatility. The goal is to avoid some of the clothes in your closet that you don't reach for because they fit poorly or are out of style.
A capsule wardrobe reserves your hard-earned cash for pieces that cost little each wear and last as long as you want them to. A super trendy piece that you're going to wear to an event and then never wear again doesn't belong here. Instead, you want something that's true to your style and that you know you're likely to keep wearing for two years. You will have less clothes than before, but you will feel like you have a lot more.
How to start your own capsule wardrobe
The first step is to take a good, thorough look at what you already own and clean up the rest. We don't mean opening and airily passing through the hangers. We mean you have to take each piece out of your closet and then evaluate whether it should go back in.
Then sort each item into one of four piles:
I love it and would wear it tomorrow: these pieces suit your body, your lifestyle and you are happy to wear them. Put it back first.
Maybe: These pieces might not fit perfectly, have sentimental value, or you just can't put your finger on why you don't wear them anymore. (If you haven't reached for it more than once, it also belongs in this pile). Put all of these items in a box and keep it in a place that is easily accessible. If you find yourself reaching for an item, put it back in your closet; if you haven't reached it by the end of the season, keep it in the box to take with you to donate. This is (for the time being) without obligation and allows you to change your mind later.
Difficult or no: Whether it's because it doesn't fit or you've decided you don't like it, pack up these pieces to donate.
Seasonal: No need to keep a cashmere sweater next to your summer tops. Move all of your seasonal pieces to a storage location that you can easily swap out when the time is right.
Now look at what's left in your closet and evaluate what your personal style is and what gaps you have. Maybe you're all set for jeans, but could use a new jacket for fall. Now that you have a clear idea of what to pair that jacket with, you can make a better choice about what goes with your closet.
Of course, this does not mean that you should completely abandon trend pieces and live forever with the timeless - well-behaved - pieces. It just means that when you buy trendy clothes you will be able to combine them with ease with your timeless items until they show wear or go out of style. A good ratio is always the 80/20 rule. For every 10 pieces of clothing, handbags, shoes or other accessories, it is recommended to choose 8 timeless capsule items and 2 trendy items that highlight your personality and taste.
How to persevere?
You will find that over time you will probably need different pieces for different seasons of life, both literally and figuratively. The ultimate goal is to have a capsule that you can change out every season or two smaller capsules that you need in your rotation (such as one for the office and one for everyday life).
The switch to a capsule wardrobe doesn't happen overnight. It requires more attention, less impulse buying and a little more strategy. But over time, your closet will turn into something that represents you no matter what you get out of it.
As the new season approaches, you'll start looking for gaps and what you might want. You may decide that you are going to buy a new dress to pair with your basics or that a new pair of sneakers will help you make the most of what you have. Approach your purchases with strategy, consideration and longevity in mind, and over time your capsule wardrobe will save you both money and frustration when getting dressed.
Once you've mastered your basics, you can develop your capsule wardrobe for different seasons and conditions, for which we've done all the heavy lifting.