How to create the perfect capsule wardrobe

Hi everyone,

When it comes to our closets, many of us are guilty of filling them with more items than we need. So, of course, getting dressed each morning can be stressful and confusing. After all, when your wardrobe is full of on-trend statement pieces that don’t work together, it can honestly feel like you have nothing to wear. A capsule wardrobe can help save you time while also sorting out your outfit woes. A capsule wardrobe is a carefully edited selection of clothes that are versatile and pair well. It is built on the idea of less quantity and more quality. In other words, it’s the curated closet of your dreams. So here’s a few tips that can help you create your own capsule wardrobe.

SET YOUR GOALS

It’s important to have an idea of how many items you will keep in your capsule wardrobe. Although you don’t have to set an exact number, you should try to aim for less than 50. 30 can be an appropriate amount but be sure to do what feels right for you. 

Before beginning, you should also have an idea of the types of items you want to keep in your wardrobe. Your 30 or so pieces should include tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear and shoes but not workout clothes, swimsuits, underwear, pyjamas and accessories. When planning your selection, remember that limiting your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean losing your style. So, be sure the garments you intend to keep are the ones that’ll showcase your personality.Essentially, you should be aiming for an edited selection of interchangeable and versatile pieces that capture the essence of your style and can be pulled together quickly for any occasion.

THE CLEAN UP

Once you have clear goals around your capsule wardrobe, you can begin clearing out items. Although this process can be difficult, try to focus on the positives and enjoy its therapeutic benefits. A clear closet can make you feel more relaxed and less stressed in the long run. Of course, before you start selling, donating and giving away all your excess clothes, be sure to do a trial run of your limited wardrobe. See what it feels like to live with less and note whether there are any necessary items you forgot to keep. 

When culling your closet, remember to be realistic with yourself about your lifestyle and needs. Your wardrobe should be expertly curated to contain only your most wearable and versatile items. So, there’s no point in keeping five cocktail dresses if you prefer to spend your Saturday nights at home.

STORE OUT OF SEASON CLOTHES

While your capsule wardrobe will ultimately contain a lot of essential items that you can wear year-round, it should be slightly tailored to suit each season. As such, try storing out-of-season items that you don’t need right now but will in the future, such as coats during summer. By doing so, you’ll be able to keep your closet free from clutter while ensuring it meets your needs no matter the weather.

You may also want to store a few sentimental garments that you no longer wear but aren’t prepared to part with, such as your wedding dress. Just remember to draw the line somewhere. Not all old clothes deserve precious storage space.

INVEST IN ANY BASICS YOU ARE MISSING

Once you’ve spent a short while living with your capsule wardrobe, you may notice you’re missing a few essential items. Perhaps it’s a little black dress or a plain white shirt. Now’s the time to invest in these basics to complete your capsule closet and make it genuinely wearable. To do so, go shopping, but only make intentional purchases that you’ve decided you need. Don’t go overboard or you’ll risk filling your reduced wardrobe back up again. Don’t even invest in basics just for the sake of it. Your capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be “perfect”, it just has to work for you.

Also, remember to seek out top-quality items that’ll last a long time. After all, you’ll want to wear your capsule wardrobe basics for years to come. Doing so may be more expensive in the short-term but will save you plenty of money in the future. It’s also a much more eco-friendly choice than burning through countless low-quality, fast-fashion items.

Add Personality with Accessories

Living with a capsule wardrobe needn’t be dull or boring. Just because someone else’s curated closet features nothing but black garments, it doesn’t mean yours has to. As well as selecting clothes that suit your style, you can also add personality to your outfits with accessories. Although you don’t want to fill your closet with too many options, having a selection of scarves, bags, jewellery and sunglasses can help keep your ensembles exciting. Best of all, throwing a couple of accent accessories on over a minimal outfit is an easy way to appear dressed up without spending hours choosing and coordinating your clothes.

Outfit details

Dress @Khiani | Handbag @Luminescence

Shoes (here) | watch (here)

You can keep your capsule wardrobe for to 6 months and simply reassess at the end of each season.  And as you reassess your wardrobe, be sure to consider the items you have in storage. After all, it could be time to take out your coat and put away your maxi dress. Also, as you re-edit your closet, take note of any new items you want to add. Buying just a couple of on-trend pieces at the start of each season can ensure your look stays fresh and you remain committed to your capsule closet. However, be careful not to over-buy. Each piece you purchase should add real value to your new season wardrobe. 

So how do you manage your wardrobe? Do you like the capsule concept? Any additional tips? Comment below and let me know. Thanks for stopping by.

XoXo,

Moumous

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