Ever found yourself staring at a packed closet but feeling like you have nothing to wear? A capsule wardrobe might be the solution for you.
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of clothes, shoes, and accessories that all coordinate with each other, making dressing up simple and efficient. This concept, which has been around since the 70s thanks to London boutique owner Susie Faux, aims to streamline your wardrobe by focusing on key pieces that work well together.
Designer Donna Karen popularized this idea further by introducing a collection designed to simplify the workweek with just seven items. Today, capsule wardrobes have gained popularity among those looking to maximize their closet’s potential with minimal items.
Instead of cluttering your closet with clothes you rarely wear, a capsule wardrobe allows you to create numerous outfits from a smaller selection of items. It can help you stay within your clothing budget and reduce the time spent figuring out what to wear.
Creating a capsule wardrobe can revolve around various themes such as seasons, body shapes, occasions, and even preferred colors. For instance, you can have a seasonal capsule wardrobe to change up your closet every few months, or you can tailor your capsule to fit your body shape—whether you’re apple, hourglass, inverted triangle, or any other shape.
Choosing colors you love can also be a basis for your capsule—think red, green, navy, and more. For frequent travelers, a travel capsule ensures you pack smartly, mixing and matching outfits. You can even build your capsule around a favorite clothing item, like skinny jeans or a black skirt.
The number of items in a capsule wardrobe varies from person to person. It’s less about the number and more about ensuring you wear everything you own and that your clothes work together seamlessly. Whether you have 30 or 120 pieces, the goal is to love and frequently use everything in your closet.
Capsule wardrobes offer numerous benefits, including saving money, reducing impulse purchases, keeping a neat closet, and allowing you to get dressed quickly with plenty of outfit options.
To start building a capsule wardrobe, begin with your basics—items that form the foundation of your style. Look at what you already own, clear out pieces you don’t wear, and make sure everything fits and is versatile. Use a mix of neutrals and accent colors to keep your wardrobe interesting.
Don’t shy away from including prints and patterns—they add depth and variety to your outfits. Start building your capsule from the bottom up with well-fitting jeans or pants, and gradually add interesting tops, dresses, jackets, and accessories.
Ultimately, a capsule wardrobe should reflect your personal style and accommodate your lifestyle. Whether you prefer a classic look or a more eclectic style, there’s a capsule wardrobe approach for everyone. Assess your current closet, determine what pieces you need, and focus on versatility and cohesion as you build your capsule.
With a thoughtfully put-together capsule wardrobe, dressing up becomes a breeze, your outfit choices are plentiful, and your style remains ever-evolving without overwhelming your closet.