Before I tell you about my experience with a capsule wardrobe, I think it would be “fitting” for me to introduce myself. I am a night owl–NOT a morning person–who has to leave the house by 6:15 AM every morning. That’s right–I have to be ready and OUT THE DOOR at 6:15 AM. The sun isn’t even out yet!
I am a minimalist. I recently took the KonMarie method to my house and purged everything.
I do not like to shop. My poor husband has given me several gift cards that have taken me years to spend. It’s just not my thing.
I am not style-savvy. Read: I bought my first pair of skinny jeans a week ago. How long have they been a thing now? Wait, just Googled it and discovered Vogue has officially dubbed skinny jeans “out.” Rats.
If you can relate to anything I just mentioned, then a capsule wardrobe might be for you. Even if we are nothing alike, you should still check out capsule wardrobes because they are just that cool.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
Basically, a capsule wardrobe is a small number of pieces that you mix and match in order to “stretch” out your wardrobe. You have probably seen things like “wear this scarf 30 ways” or “one pair of pants, 10 outfits.” A capsule wardrobe is similar, but it centers around the mixing and matching rather than just the one item of clothing. In other words, it optimizes the use of all clothing items, rather than featuring just one.
Why You Should Give it a Try
A capsule wardrobe will simplify your mornings.
I used to spend 10-15 minutes staring at my closet, hoping an outfit would fling itself off the hangers and land in my lap. It probably had something to do with my lack of coffee and/or lack of fashion sense. Limiting my options with a capsule wardrobe has made my decision way easier to make.
A capsule wardrobe will optimize your closet space.
You don’t necessarily have to get rid of all of your clothes in order to have a capsule wardrobe. All you need to do is select key pieces for your capsule wardrobe and designate a place for them in your closet. I usually place all my capsule pieces front and center, so I have little distractions in the morning.
A capsule wardrobe will improve your style.
One of the problems I have with style is putting together outfits. Once I started following a “capsule wardrobe” inspiration board on Pinterest, mixing and matching outfits became much easier.
A capsule wardrobe will save you money.
I can justify a purchase on a $40 top when I know I will wear it multiple times in one month. Maximizing the usage for your clothes makes the “cost per wear” worth it. Not to mention, once you get the hang of pulling together different outfits, you will likely feel less of a need to purchase additional items.
How to Get Started
First, choose your basics–pants, skirts, shoes, blazer, and camis. I usually aim for one light color and one dark color of each (dark gray/black and light gray/white). The basics are the things you will continuously use, even after switching up your capsule wardrobe.
Next, add in color and patterns–colorful dresses, cardigans, and blouses. The color and patterns change things up and create each outfit’s unique “look.” These are the things I usually rotate when I change my capsule wardrobe.
Finally, bring in a few accessories like necklaces and earrings. Whether you have only a few or several, you can match your accessories with your mood. Some days I feel like wearing my favorite Kendra Scott earrings, while other days I opt for plain diamond studs.
In case you’re a visual learner (like me)…
Here’s a sample capsule wardrobe I put together. It shows the individual pieces, as well as a month’s worth of outfits. If you want more ideas, you will definitely find plenty of inspiration on Pinterest.
I hope you find this mini-tutorial helpful! In fact, I challenge you to start the new year with a capsule wardrobe and tell me how it worked for you.
