I wouldn’t be a good girlfriend if I didn’t admit that I was unaware of the idea of a capsule wardrobe until a friend mentioned it to me in passing. My curiosity peaked, at my first opportunity I googled it. As it turns out, I’ve been a believer in the capsule wardrobe concept without even realizing it. A capsule wardrobe is made up of a small collection of versatile pieces that you love to wear as well as some new, quality items that you can shop for once a season. The term was coined in the 1970s by a London boutique owner who believed that you could save money and waste less if you created a minimal wardrobe of 30 to 40 pieces that will meet your needs for a specific period of time.
I’m a minimalist at heart. I like to keep my closet pared down so I can really see what’s inside. I also think it helps me wear more of what I have. I feel like when my closet is overflowing I just reach for the same things over and over because it’s overwhelming visually to search for something new to wear. I also really try to avoid buying multiples of the same item. I think we are all guilty of finding a favorite t-shirt, tank, you name it, and then buying it in every color available. I don’t do that as much anymore because I want each piece in my wardrobe to be interesting and different even if it is technically another jacket or tank top. Variety is the spice of life, right?
Another self-imposed rule of shopping: if I buy an item and I don’t wear it in the first few weeks, I return it. Assuming it’s seasonally appropriate, I’ve found that once something lands in my closet I’m really excited to wear it. But if I don’t reach for it right away, I’m probably not going to ever. I think it’s best to make that realization right away rather than years later when cleaning out. I think we’ve all had that moment where we rediscover a brand new item with the tags still on that’s never been worn. That’s the worst. By the way, that’s why I love a store like Nordstrom. I really despise time limits on returning things. Because, you know, life happens . . . . .and bam! 30 or 60 days have gone by and then I’m stuck with an item I don’t really need or want anymore.
Logan Layered Necklace and hammered rose gold hoops c/o Stella & Dot
If you are interested in creating a capsule wardrobe focus first on the existing pieces in your closet. Put aside anything that you don’t wear often or isn’t seasonally appropriate. Then add in some new pieces that will get you excited for the upcoming season. Here are a few other principles to help get you started.
Create A Capsule Based On The Wardrobe You Wear Most Often
Some people have a capsule wardrobe for work and another for weekends. Others prefer one wardrobe for an entire season. Because I dress casually most of the time I would create one capsule per season.
Start With A Color Scheme
It’s a lot easier to mix and match pieces in your capsule if you stick to complementary colors. Think about the colors that work best on you and choose two or three that work well together. If you need help figuring this out, check out my post on choosing your best colors here. Or you can focus on neutral colors and patterns. Think white, black, navy, and stripe tops that never go out of style.
Create A Capsule Heavy On Accessories
There are varying ideas on the number of items to shoot for in a capsule. I don’t have a set value in mind but I think an ideal capsule places more emphasis on accessories like shoes, purses, hats, scarves, and jewelry. Once you’ve started with a minimal number of basics like jeans and tees in neutral colors and patterns you can add in accessories that change up the outfit and give you several different “looks.
Here’s a sample of the components I would put in a fall capsule wardrobe.
Tops
Bottoms
Dresses
Outerwear
Shoes
Purses
Hats and Scarves
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