How to build a Capsule Wardrobe like no other
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If you’ve been considering building a capsule wardrobe for your collection of threads, it might be just what the doctor ordered!
Having a picture-perfect wardrobe with all the clothes and accessories in place is every girl’s dream. Now by this statement, I mean a wardrobe that would save the time and energy you spend each day to get through the pile to grab the dress you are looking to wear for the party tonight. Tough? Is it?
Naah… but no denying the fact that mastering building a capsule wardrobe can take even years if you are not aware of the tips and tricks to get there.
Shopping with the Capsule wardrobe concept in concern can help you to get on the right spot. And you stay away from spending bucks on things that you will simply not look for in the next 10 years!
The whole drama over having a capsule wardrobe is to have those apparels and accessories that actually are a part of your style statement.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
Opinions have been divided on what exactly defines a capsule wardrobe, but the idea of a capsule wardrobe at its core is simple – it’s just a manageable collection of clothing that you always reach for in your day-to-day life.
Think of the concept as a capsule closet – a platform of pieces that offer you the classics and basics essential for creating multiple looks for any season or occasion.
The reason why it’s catching onto so many people’s radars is that in an effort to minimize how much we buy, a capsule wardrobe urges us to focus on high-quality pieces over quantity and only purchase multi-functional investments that can be styled in versatile ways and minimize decision fatigue.
So with just a handful of items, you can look chic and stay fashionable and on-trend from one season to the next.
A well-thought out capsule wardrobe is the ideal way to build a classic repertoire that works for a variety of special occasions. Plus, you’ll never have trouble finding something to wear again. C’mon now, folks, why wait?
For me, a capsule wardrobe is a mindset that helps to boost your confidence in what you choose to wear in your daily life- from school, office, grocery shopping, casual pajama party, or glamorous Saturday night parties. The capsule wardrobe I own makes me feel that everything I have stacked up there has some purpose to serve. Sounds amazing, right?
Now I do not start my day humming the same old sentence- I have nothing to wear… Well, mom, I really appreciate the way you dealt with this tantrum of mine.
Why do I love the concept of a Capsule wardrobe?
Before we start with the tips and tricks of planning a capsule wardrobe, I want to share with you what exactly made me fall for it. For people like me who love a shopping spree, it is common to have clothes that you won’t be wearing anymore but find hard to get rid of. Now and then, you just turn loyal to your favorite clothes only.
Now tell me, what is the point of having a closet stuffed with things that don’t even interest you?
Human beings, especially big-time shoppers (guilty as charged), are conditioned to shop more and have things to keep up with the ongoing trend or season. But when it comes to a capsule wardrobe, it is not about many, many dresses or accessories you have. Instead, it is the versatility and quality that counts.
The purpose of having a capsule wardrobe is to avoid those clothes which you won’t be looking for because either your taste for clothes has changed or they are ill-fitting and out of fashion.
Building a capsule wardrobe may sound intimidating but trust me, it doesn’t have to be such a chore! With some mindful planning and research (Lofty counsel right here), you can hit all the key points and create an effortless array of amazing outfits in no time.
What is in a capsule wardrobe?
- Start with the basics: a few pairs of jeans, chinos, T-shirts, and a sweatshirt. These will be your foundation pieces, and you should choose them based on the quality and individual style that fits your lifestyle. Invest in timeless classics that you can wear season after season.
- Add some basic accessories such as a belt, watch, sunglasses, and scarf to give your neutral look an extra pop of color or texture. These are the 8 must-have accessories every girl needs in her wardrobe!
- Choose one or two statement pieces, such as a structured blazer, leather jacket, or colored trench coat, to add interest to your capsule wardrobe.
- Add versatile items like sweaters and cardigans, which can be layered for warmth or worn alone for a more casual look.
- Invest in solid-colored shirts in white, black, and navy for a classic look when paired with any type of trousers or jeans.
- For evening events, add classier items like slim-fit suits with crisp collared shirts and ties, as well as formal shoes such as Oxfords or Brogues, which can easily transition into more casual looks with jeans during the daytime hours.
- Invest in good quality footwear such as loafers, ankle boots, and white sneakers which are all great timeless pieces for any capsule wardrobe since they can be paired with almost anything from suits to jeans to dresses for various occasions.
- Get creative by adding classy accessories like cufflinks, pocket squares, or colorful socks to add personality to your outfit without being too bold or out there.
- Add some fun pieces like graphic tees and funky patterned shirts to switch things up every now and then while still keeping everything within the confines of your capsule wardrobe guidelines so you don’t end up overspending on clothes you’d never wear again down the line.
- Choose your personal taste and color palette until you find what looks best on you. Not everyone looks good in every color, so it’s important to find shades that flatter your complexion. Not sure how to go about that? Here’s how to build a wardrobe that best suits your skin tone!
- Lastly, don’t forget about essential pieces such as undershirts, underwear, and socks – these are important components of any wardrobe, regardless if it’s part of a capsule collection or not!
How to build a capsule wardrobe – the basics
If you are looking for a compact capsule wardrobe, I am here at your service. And these tips and tricks are something I followed while building my own capsule wardrobe. So if you are a beginner, you are at the right place. I will teach you how to build a perfect capsule wardrobe with 5 easy steps! Welcome in…
1. make space for your Favorite clothes
I know there goes a big part of your heart with them, and we need to figure out a goooood spot for your favorite clothes. They perfectly fit your personal style, lifestyle and body type, and most importantly- you feel happy to wear them. I put them first on the list in the capsule wardrobe setup.
I have designed my capsule wardrobe space for my favorites under the following category:
>Denim – shorts and jeans together
>Tank tops and t-shirts
>Bottoms which include skirts, trousers, palazzo, shorts, and non-denim bottom wears
>Blouses and tops – the dressy ones
>Dresses – party wear and everyday
>Jumpsuits, dresses, and rompers
>Sweaters and shrugs
>Jackets, blazers, and coats
They are especially favorites as they instantly create a timeless look without hitting the bush.
2. Occasional Capsule clothes
Once you are done sorting your favorites, there is going to be a bunch more which I categorize as ‘Maybe – Maybe not clothes.’ I would wear them occasionally, or I might not. The next step is to think about them. These clothes are the ones holding some sentimental value- and are difficult to give up.
When putting these in your capsule wardrobe, all you need to do is look for their present condition- whether the fabric is still good and whether the dress is in good shape and has functionality.
Cutting straight to the point- these clothes can fit in your wardrobe if they are useful, practical, and meet your present lifestyle.
I love versatile pieces that can be paired with almost anything. A denim jacket is good to go with a casual dress as well as with a white tee-and-denim bottom-wear look. Building a capsule wardrobe as per the current season makes it even easier to deal with these clothes.
Long story short- if your chosen occasional clothes justify the current season, they go to the capsule wardrobe. If not, they go in a box until the season they are meant for is here.
3. leftovers are A big NO
There are at least a minimum of 5 to 10 clothes that we no more like to wear but have them still hanging in the wardrobe. True, isn’t it? Now is the time to get them off and decide their future. I prefer donating these clothes to Goodwill, or they go straight to The Salvation Army.
4. sort them as Seasons best
What? Would you love having the weather next to your tank tops during the hot and sultry summer? This is why I always plan my capsule wardrobe based on the different seasons. All cold weather clothes go straight to the box during summer and vice versa.
It is easy on me since I don’t have to shuffle through a bunch of clothes I won’t be wearing for that season to find the tee and shorts I need.
Isn’t that simple? But I have more ideas to help you design your capsule wardrobe even better.
how to build a capsule wardrobe – All The Tips And Tricks
5. Start with clothes meant to run errands
In daily life, you have thousands of reasons to run errands- sometimes with a good notice period and sometimes not. Whether you have much time in hand or not, it is always a good idea to have your clothes for grocery shopping or haircut sorted.
When you are planning the capsule wardrobe, have the clothes to run errands handy, i.e., first on the spot. And that goes for your shoes too! Sneakers and slippers on this site, please…
- Office wear
A big part of growing up is your daily visit to the place that initiates cash flow for your mortgage, utilities, shopping, food, and travel- I mean your Office :-p And you need to show up always to be well dressed and with a broad smile.
While I cannot help with your smile factor at the office, I can definitely make some good space for your office wear in the curated wardrobe.
Office or corporate wears call for the simpler, the better philosophy. Look classy with neutral colors, a two-piece outfit which can be a trouser shirt combo or skirt shirt combo- paired with a nice heel or loafer. Styling black leggings for the office is also a hit! These sets go after the ‘run errands clothing’ on the list.
- Date-nights
Mmmm… special things here! Are you blushing? Well, blushing is better than panicking before you head out for a date. And this is why I have the clothes I wear for a date sorted in my capsule wardrobe.
My list includes pretty A-line dresses, leather bottom wears that I pair with comfortable satin blouses or tank tops, leather jackets, one-shoulder tops or anything fancy like that, and pairs of jeans that suit your body shape.
You probably have a lot of different options, but that doesn’t make any difference. The whole thing is to keep them third on the list when arranging your clothes- they go behind your office wear in the capsule wardrobe. With the stiletto, pump heel, and pretty sandals, you have to find a place here.
- Gathering with friends and family
Do you often get to see your friends and family? If yes, this place holds a lot to take care of. Get a good space for your casual tank tops and polka tees, skirts, and pairs of pants, along with the sneakers and sandals you categorize as casual clothes for meeting friends and family. Remember -they are fourth on the list.
- Sleepwear
I love this section of my wardrobe where I can stack clothes that I don’t have to think of much. That nightrobe, the satin cami, the casual cotton pajama, and the top and comfy pajamas – all come here.
With time, you might need to move or include more clothes in these sections in your capsule wardrobe. But to keep it neat, whenever you get time, place them in order to keep your fuss away.
Should I build a capsule wardrobe from scratch?
Of course, you can, but building a capsule wardrobe from scratch may be a lot of work, even though the payoff is definitely worth it. That being said, decluttering and organizing your current wardrobe is a much better and frugal way to keep and throw what you need.
Can a capsule wardrobe be trendy?
Why not? If that’s your inner calling, let your capsule wardrobe be trendy AF. I love grabbing a few hot and trendy pieces – like ruffles and one-shoulder tops here and there, but I also try to keep and find items that’ll be in vogue for a long time.
How many clothes should be in a capsule wardrobe?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, fewer clothes around 30-50 is an ideal number. I do recommend trying out the 30 by 30 challenge. It’s all about curating a wardrobe of only 30 items to wear over the course of three months. Upping your style game while also embracing sustainability – what’s not to love? Plus, it’ll make getting ready in the morning so much easier.
Wrapping up how to build a capsule wardrobe
We live in an era where we are always running- for jobs or school or to get errands done and sometimes parties at short notice. There can be days when you get home late from the office and have a party to attend within an hour. It becomes difficult to reach on time when you are yet to finalize your dress.
And this is where building a capsule wardrobe makes sense to me. So go ahead with it and always be ready with your choice of clothes.
Trust me, once you are done setting up your first capsule wardrobe, you are going to be a pro to do it for every season! Start today, and you can have a simplified wardrobe in just a few hours!
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