This is the perfect guide if you are either completely new to the idea of a capsule wardrobe, or if you are looking for some tips on how to finesse your existing minimal clothing collection.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a limited, but optimized, number of clothing items that work well together and can be swapped in or out to create a number of perfect outfits that suit you and your lifestyle. “Capsule” being something that is small, the aim is to have a restricted collection of clothes that can be used in many ways to create multiple looks.
The idea of a capsule wardrobe came about in the 1970s and 1980s and is finding popularity again today with people who are want to reduce the environmental impact of fashion and also with those who follow a minimalistic approach generally to life.
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What are the benefits?
There are many advantages to having a capsule wardrobe, here are some that really stand out for me:
Simplicity and time saving: I can easily mix and match my clothes, reducing decision fatigue and making it simpler and much quicker to create outfits. Rather than feeling overwhelmed with choices when picking an outfit, you will have a limited selection of essential, versatile pieces that you can put together.
Environmental impact: I am doing my bit to contribute to reducing waste in the fashion industry by consuming less and focusing on sustainable, quality clothing. Capsule wardrobes are better for the planet because the main aim is to purchase or acquire fewer clothes. Less clothing means fewer chemicals in our water and oceans, less clothing in landfills, and a smaller carbon footprint generally, so it’s a no brainer if you care about the planet.
Space and organization: It is much easier to keep your closet organized if you have fewer items. I can free up space in my closet and drawers, creating a more organized and clutter-free environment.
Financial Savings: Obviously, having less and only investing in high-quality, timeless pieces that can be worn in various combinations, means there is less need to shop frequently and spend money on clothes. That means more money to spend on self-care Sunday!
Opportunity to express your personal style: Having a capsule wardrobe has definitely encouraged me to initially define, and then refine, my own personal style. With having such a limited number of clothing items it is easy to focus on pieces that fit my look and complement my lifestyle, creating a more cohesive and authentic wardrobe.
Mindful consumption: I become more conscious of my fashion choices, avoiding impulsive purchases and trendy items. This promotes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to clothing consumption.
Easier packing for travel: When I travel, packing is a breeze with a capsule wardrobe. I can create numerous outfits with just a few key pieces, which means I am well-prepared all for eventualities on my trip.
How to Create a Capsule Wardobe in 5 Simple Steps
1 Initial edit
First step is to carry out a very brief initial edit by decluttering your closet. This is simply to remove any items that you already know need to go – particularly where items are too small, dated, stained or damaged beyond repair – together with any duplicates that are very similar in color and style. If you can do this first, further refining, based on the clothes that you may want to keep, will be much easier.
2 Audit your current wardrobe
Ideally, you need to look at all your clothes and accessories – this may involve emptying any storage boxes used for off season clothes too – so you can assess what you wear frequently and any items that don’t make it off the hangers. If you have plenty of time for this process then check out my handy clothes hanger hack (see # 4) for help with this. Otherwise, simply ask yourself: When did I wear this item last? It will not be a great piece to add to your capsule wardrobe, if you haven’t worn it for a while.
Also, consider the lifestyle and the occasions that your capsule wardrobe needs to accommodate, as this will determine the type of clothing you wear regularly. For example, someone who works part-time from home may need their wardrobe to have a different focus to someone who works in an office every day.
3 How to define your style
Next, you need to select all your favorite clothing items and work out what you love about them, so that you can define your style. If you have a good idea of your overall look, then you’re in a great position but if you want some tips on how to understand this, I recommend doing a style quiz, like the one on the Indyx app. Like any app, it isn’t perfect, because your personal taste and look are unique and individual things, but it does give you an idea by focusing on three style archetypes.
When considering your style, make sure you consider the coordination of colors, fabrics and the fit in the context of your lifestyle, as well as the general appearance. Once you’ve worked out what your style is, then you can start creating your capsule wardrobe.
4 Create your capsule wardrobe
To begin, I recommend deciding on a number for each kind of clothing item. An approach that has worked well for me is to aim for a total quantity of 40 to 50 items, but this will depend on the climate where you live, your lifestyle, and how often you do laundry.
Starting with the clothes you have retained in your closet, pull out basics that are as functional and versatile as possible, i.e. items that will easily mix and match with other items within this selection. Next, work through the below considerations – with your style, as defined by you, in mind – to select items to include in your capsule wardrobe:
Color scheme: Don’t feel like you have to follow any rules, but I have found that a color scheme with different neutral colors such as, black, grey and navy works well. These colors work well together as well as other colors and then you can add a few accents that suit your skin tone. To find out what suits the tones of your complexion, get a free analysis from Colorwise.
Quality: A key focus of my capsule wardrobe is high quality pieces that are well made, either second-hand or from sustainable brands. Remember, you will be wearing your clothes more often, so they will need to last longer.
Fit: Is an item flattering to your body type and is the fit good? Do you feel comfortable wearing it? Sometimes, we love the way an item looks on the hanger, but it just doesn’t look or feel good when we wear it – this type of item is unlikely to work in a capsule wardrobe.
Natural fibers: Whether you prefer natural fibers like cotton and wool, which are more breathable, or whether you are comfortable wearing synthetic fabric.
If you find any gaps in your selection at the end of this process, in terms of specific items and colors or occasions, theses items can be purchased new (or second-hand) to complete the capsule wardrobe. Make sure you apply the same guidelines – functionality, versatility, color combinations, quality, fit and fabric type – to any new clothing too.
5 Time to get rid!
You have now planned your capsule wardrobe, so you can now get rid of (sustainably, of course) all the clothes that are not included in it…. I completely get it if this sounds scary / crazy, so I’ll share that when I first did this, I actually kept a whole load of items in my loft for six months, just to make sure that I didn’t need them! I know this may sound like cheating but that’s what worked for me, so don’t be hard on yourself if you need to do the same.
Final Thoughts
Creating a capsule wardrobe is a huge step towards a more intentional and sustainable lifestyle. If you want to embrace simplicity, then the versatility of a curated collection of essential pieces may not only streamline your daily choices but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion industry.
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