A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Assembling the perfect capsule wardrobe takes some planning but is worth the effort. Not only does it simplify getting dressed, it can also save you money in the long run since you buy fewer, better quality staples rather than continually purchasing new trendy pieces each season.
Define Your Style
When curating a capsule wardrobe, the first step is to define your personal style. Take some time to consider what silhouettes, patterns, colors, and fabrics you are most comfortable in and flatter your body type. If you regularly have to wear business casual attire for work, then include more of those essentials. Or if you gravitate towards an edgy, urban look on the weekends, have wardrobe basics that align with that aesthetic. Nailing down your style preferences from the start will make building outfits effortless.
Choose High-Quality Basics
The foundation of a solid capsule wardrobe is high-quality basics in neutral colors like black, gray, navy and tan. Look for pieces made of durable natural fabrics like cotton, wool, linen, and silk that will last for years to come. Some essentials to include are:
- Button-down shirts
- Blazers
- Cardigans
- Dark wash jeans – straight & skinny
- Black pants – ponte, ankle cut, or skinny
- Little black dress
- Trench coat
Accent With Key Statement Pieces
Once you’ve gathered your fundamental basics, inject personality into your wardrobe with a few vibrant statement items like printed blouses, colorful purses, or patterned scarves. These eye-catching extras will take the same staples from day-to-night or workweek-to-weekend without the need for many new items. Choose pieces with fun patterns you love but aim for classic styles over overly trendy statement items. There are many name brand clothing offers online if you want to pick up statement pieces for less.
Layer Properly
One of the easiest ways to get more versatility from a capsule wardrobe is by layering staples to create new looks. For example, pair a turtleneck underneath a dress to make it appropriate for colder months. Or throw on a cardigan and scarf with a basic tee and jeans. Get even more use out of pieces by layering a blazer on top for a more polished ensemble. Properly layering gives your staples renewed life.
Only Keep What You Wear
When initially building your wardrobe, only keep pieces you feel incredible wearing. Everything should fit properly, flatter your figure and align with your personal style. If you don’t absolutely love it when you try it on, don’t buy it just to fill a perceived gap. As you begin wearing your capsule pieces, take note of what you reach for regularly vs. what stays untouched. Remove anything you don’t wear within a season to avoid clutter.
Accessorize Wisely
The right accessories can transform the simplest basics into showstopping outfits. Scarves, jewelry, handbags and shoes are fabulous ways to augment your wardrobe without purchasing many new clothes. Aim for neutral-colored staple handbags in leather or suede along with metallic jewelry pieces and colorful scarves that work back to much of what you already own. And regularly rotate your shoe collection each season to give capsules fresh flair.
Leave Some Room
Don’t try to build the “perfect” wardrobe right away. As you wear your initial capsules, you’ll discover missing elements each season like a utility jacket for fall or a great pair of white jeans for summer weekends. Allow yourself space to round out your collection gradually. Consistently cull unused pieces as new affordable favorites emerge. View your capsule as a fluid, evolving system rather than a fixed wardrobe.
Following these tips will ensure you build a functional capsule wardrobe full of beloved staples you actually wear regularly. Take some time to thoughtfully curate quality classics tailored to your personal taste. Mix, match and layer them for endless new looks. And edit ruthlessly so everything you keep is wardrobe gold. The result will be a closet full of confidence that makes getting ready each day fun and simple.
