The Ultimate Guide to Building a Capsule Wardrobe 2022-23
, by Infinite Exchange, 12 min reading time
A capsule wardrobe has long been regarded to be a minimalist or stripped-back wardrobe, but at its foundation, it's just about ensuring that everything in your clothes coordinates. While many stylists will advise you that a capsule wardrobe must include certain wardrobe basics like the finest trousers, a well-tailored coat, or the greatest cashmere sweater, it's crucial to consider your own unique style while putting one together. Consider what your present clothing is built on. If you live in jeans, an edited selection of denim will most likely form the foundation of your capsule wardrobe; if you live in dresses, your capsule wardrobe will look completely different.
In this article, we'll look at the several essentials in a capsule wardrobe and then how to personalize it to your own style. If your closet is presently overflowing, we've got some ideas on how to organize it and pare it down to help you develop your capsule wardrobe. While there is no set quantity of objects, some curation is necessary. Making a capsule wardrobe will help you to dress more effortlessly, spend less money, and make better buying selections, which is something everyone wants. So without further ado, let's jump into it!
What Is A Capsule Wardrobe, And Why Should You Have One?
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that can be worn together to create a variety of looks. The key to a capsule wardrobe is choosing versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, as opposed to having a bunch of individual items that can only be worn one way.
Capsule wardrobes are perfect for busy women who don't have a lot of time to spend shopping or putting together outfits. By curating a small collection of mix-and-match pieces, you can save time and money in the long run. To put it simply, a capsule wardrobe is a minimalist approach to your closet.
The Benefits of Having a Capsule Wardrobe
There are a few benefits that come along with owning a capsule wardrobe:
You'll save time and money in the long run: By investing in quality pieces that can be worn multiple ways, you'll actually save money in the long run. You won't have to spend as much time shopping since you'll already have a versatile collection of clothes that you love.
You'll learn to dress for your body: Having a capsule wardrobe will force you to be more intentional with your clothing choices. You'll no longer impulse buy items just because they're on sale or caught your eye at the moment. Instead, you'll only buy pieces that you know look good on you and that you'll actually wear.
You'll become more creative with your style: With a limited number of clothing items to work with, you'll learn to get creative with your outfits. You'll start to experiment more with different combinations and looks that you might not have tried before.
You'll simplify your life: A capsule wardrobe will declutter your closet and your life. You won't have to waste time sifting through a pile of clothes every morning, trying to find something to wear. And you'll be able to get dressed quickly and easily, without having to think too much about it.
You'll feel confident and put-together: When you have a capsule wardrobe, you'll always have something to wear that makes you feel confident and put-together. You won't have to worry about being underdressed or over-dressed for any occasion.
You'll be more sustainable: By investing in high-quality pieces that will last you for years, you'll be more sustainable in the long run. You won't have to keep up with the latest trends or buy new clothes every season. If you take care of your clothes, they'll last you for years to come.
Now that we've gone over some of the benefits of having a capsule wardrobe let's take a look at what you need to get started.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe That Works For Your Style?
Nothing is set in stone when it comes to building your own capsule wardrobe. It's entirely up to you how many items you want to add, as well as the sort of clothing. However, there are a few general guidelines that you can follow:
1st Know the Season:
In order to build a capsule wardrobe that is both stylish and practical, you need to start by knowing the season. You don't want to include clothes that are not appropriate for the current weather conditions. For example, if it's winter, you'll want to make sure to include cozy sweaters, jackets, and boots in your capsule. If it's summer, you'll want to include light dresses, shorts, and sandals.
2nd Consider Your Lifestyle:
Another important factor to consider when building your capsule wardrobe is your lifestyle. You'll want to make sure to include clothes that are appropriate for the activities you typically do on a daily basis. For example, if you're a working professional, you'll want to make sure to include a few blazers, dress shirts, and slacks in your capsule. However, if you're a stay-at-home mom, you might want to focus on more casual pieces, like jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers.
3rd you don't need to buy all new clothes:
When creating your capsule wardrobe, you don't need to go out and buy all new clothes. Start by going through your existing closet and pulling out the pieces that you already love and wear often. Then, take a look at your lifestyle and figure out what other types of clothes you need to round out your collection.
Step By Step Instructions to Build Up Your Capsule Wardrobe
Now that we've gone over some of the basics let's take a look at how you can build your own capsule wardrobe step-by-step.
Step 1: Pick A Capsule Wardrobe Base Color: Black, Navy, Or Brown:
It might seem counter-intuitive, but one of the first steps in building your capsule wardrobe is to choose a base color. This will be the foundation of your capsule and will help you to build a cohesive and stylish collection of clothes. When choosing a base color, it's important to consider both your skin tone and the season. For example, if you have a fair complexion, you might want to choose a darker color, like black or navy. If you have a darker complexion, you might want to choose a lighter color, like brown.
Step 2: Choose A Few Neutral Colors To Complement Your Base Color:
Once you've chosen your base color, it's time to select a few neutral colors to complement it. These colors should be easy to mix and match with your base color and with each other. Some great neutral colors to consider are white, grey, and camel. Never choose more than three neutral colors for your capsule; otherwise, it will become too difficult to mix and match. To keep things simple, we recommend sticking to two.
Step 3: Pick A Few Basic Color Pieces That Fit The Categories Bulleted Below – And Only These Categories For Now:
Perhaps the most important step in building your capsule wardrobe is to choose the right pieces. When selecting your clothes, it's important to focus on quality over quantity. You don't need a lot of clothes to build a capsule wardrobe; you just need the right ones. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of essential pieces that every capsule wardrobe should have.
Tops: t-shirts, tank tops, sweaters, sweatshirts, cardigans, button-ups.
Bottoms: jeans, leggings, slacks, skirts, capris, shorts.
Dresses: t-shirt dresses, shirt dresses, sundresses, satin dresses, sweater dresses
Jumpsuits and rompers.
If you want to be extra cautious, buy clothes that are versatile and can be dressed up or down. That way, you'll get the most use out of them.
Step 4: Pick 2-3 Accent Colors, Then Add A Few Items In These Colors To Your Collection:
We all know that the best way to make a style statement is with a pop of color. That's why it's important to choose a few accent colors for your capsule wardrobe. These colors should be ones that you love and that compliment your skin tone. Once you've chosen your accent colors, add a few pieces in each color to your collection. Oftentimes, accent colors are best used in small doses. So, don't go overboard. A few well-placed pops of color will do the trick. When adding in your accent colors, be mindful of the season. If you're building a capsule for spring, add some pastel colors. If you're building a capsule for summer, go for brighter colors.
Step 5: Pick 2-5 Patterned Pieces to Spice Things Up – Tops, Dresses, and Slacks – Whatever You Feel You'll Wear Most:
Never forget the power of a good print. Patterned pieces are a great way to add some personality to your capsule wardrobe. When choosing patterned pieces, it's important to select ones that complement your base color and neutral colors. You should also stick to patterns that are classic and timeless. That way, you'll be able to wear them for years to come. To always stay on-trend, go for leopard print, plaid, stripes, camo, snake print or window pane. Polka dots and gingham are also great timeless patterns that will never go out of style. Florals are pretty popular, too, but they can be a bit seasonal-dependent.
Step 6: Pick Some Capsule Wardrobe Layers:
Are you starting to see a pattern here? When building your capsule wardrobe, it's important to focus on quality over quantity. That means buying fewer pieces that you'll love and wear for years, as opposed to a bunch of cheap, trendy items that will fall apart after one season. With that said, let's talk about layers. Layers are key to a capsule wardrobe because they allow you to mix and match your clothes to create different looks.
They also come in handy when the weather changes and you need to add or remove a layer. When choosing layers for your capsule, stick to basics like Blazer, Utility jacket, Trench coat, Denim jacket, Faux leather jacket, Top coat, Wool dress coat, Puffer jacket, Puffer vest, Cape and/or shawl. With these essential pieces, you'll be able to create a multitude of looks that will keep you comfortable and stylish all year long.
Step 7: Add In Some Shoes & Accessories – But Not Too Many!
Every woman needs a few key accessories to complete her look. But it's important not to go overboard. When choosing accessories for your capsule wardrobe, stick to basics like:
Jewelry: dainty necklaces, earrings, and bracelets (Gorjana has the best options!! Their quality and price points are incredible, too!)
Shoes: white sneakers, printed sneakers, simple heels, flats, mules
Hair accessories: headbands, scrunchies, and barrettes
Bags: a black handbag, a brown handbag, and a fun statement bag
Sunglasses: cat-eye sunglasses, aviator sunglasses, and round sunglasses
If you're someone who loves to accessorize, don't worry. You can still do that! Just be mindful of the pieces you choose. Stick to basics that will go with everything and that you'll actually use. Also, make sure your accessories complement your personal style. There's no point in buying a bunch of things that you're never going to wear.
Step 8: Make Sure You Love Everything In Your Capsule Wardrobe:
The final step in building your capsule wardrobe is to make sure you love everything in it. That might seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to take a step back and really evaluate your choices. In order for your capsule wardrobe to be successful, you need to be sure that you love and feel confident in every single piece. If there's something you're not sure about, get rid of it. The goal is to have a closet full of clothes that make you feel good and that you can't wait to wear. So, if something doesn't fit that criterion, it doesn't belong in your capsule.
Now that you know all the steps to building a capsule wardrobe, it's time to get started! Creating a capsule wardrobe is the perfect way to simplify your life and your closet. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a Capsule Wardrobe that you love.
In a Nutshell
Could a capsule wardrobe be the key to your fashion success? If you're sick of feeling like you have nothing to wear, it might be time to consider paring down your clothing collection to only the essentials. A capsule wardrobe can save you time and money while still allowing you to dress stylishly and feel confident in what you're wearing. Use our step-by-step guide above to help build a capsule wardrobe that works for your unique style. Then let us know how it goes! We love seeing our readers put these tips into action and transform their closets – and lives!
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