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Capsule Wardrobe: How To Create One?

Even the most well-trained eyes can take years to understand personal style and curate a closet that resembles it. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for feeling confident in your style, one approach to wardrobe building can help you get there faster: creating a capsule wardrobe.

When you shop with a capsule wardrobe in mind, you’ll be less likely to buy items you’ll never wear, and you’ll be able to ensure that everything in your closet is a key element of your wardrobe rotation. It’s a mindset shift that allows you to get dressed and feel confident on a regular basis since the clothes you own serve a hanfu cloak purpose and can be styled in a variety of ways.

Are you ready to embark on your capsule wardrobe adventure? You’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about starting your own business and never saying, “I have nothing to wear today.”

What is the definition of a capsule wardrobe?

It’s a selected wardrobe made up of versatile pieces that you enjoy wearing, to put it simply.

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories that may be dressed up, down, or anywhere in between. It means your closet has fewer trendy items that will only be worn for a season and more high-quality items that will last for years to come.

A beginner capsule wardrobe can be curated and swapped from season to season once you’ve mastered it. It’s simple to pack and take out garments for the right season because they’re just as fashionable as they were when you got them.

Why do we like it?

All too often, we buy delightful new outfits for the season, but then go back to our old tried-and-true favorites. Why retain a closet full of stuff you don’t like, we wondered?

We’ve been conditioned as shoppers to want more and to keep shopping when the weather changes. However, quality and variety, not quantity, are the keys to a diverse wardrobe. The idea is to prevent reaching for a part of your closet full of clothing that are ill-fitting or out of style.

A capsule wardrobe saves your hard-earned cash for items that will give you the most bang for your buck and last as long as you want them to. A super-trendy piece that you’ll wear to one event and then never wear again has no place in this collection. Instead, you want something that reflects your personal taste and something you know you’ll reach for in two years. You’ll have fewer clothes than before, but you’ll feel as if you have a lot more.

How can you get started with your own capsule wardrobe?

The first step is to take a good, hard look at what you already have and get rid of what you don’t need. We’re not talking about opening it and casually looking through the hangers. We mean that you should take everything out of your closet and then decide whether or not it should be put back in.

After that, place each item in one of four piles:

I adore it and would wear it again tomorrow: These things are a good fit for your body and lifestyle, and you’re comfortable in them. Replace these first.

Maybe: These items don’t fit exactly, have sentimental value, or you can’t figure out why you don’t wear them more. (It belongs in this pile as well if you haven’t reached for it more than once.) Place all of these goods in a box and keep them in a convenient location. If you reach for an item, return it to your closet afterward; if you haven’t reached for it by the end of the season, keep it in the box to donate. This is (for the time being) noncommittal and allows you to change your mind afterwards.

No way: Whether it’s because it doesn’t fit or because you simply don’t like it, pack these items up and give them.

Seasonal: A cashmere sweater isn’t necessary to store next to your summer tank tops. Place all of your seasonal items in a storage spot where they will be easy to swap out when the time comes.

Examine what’s left in your closet to determine your personal style and any gaps you may have. Perhaps you’re set on jeans but could use a new jacket for the fall. You’ll be able to make a better choice for what fits your closet now that you have a clear idea of what you’ll be able to pair that jacket with.

This doesn’t mean you have to completely avoid trend pieces and live in button-ups and jeans for the rest of your life; it just means that when you do buy trendier items, you know they’ll find a home in your closet and get worn.

How do you make it happen?

The most important aspect of creating a capsule wardrobe that works is to make sure the pieces you have are adaptable. This means they may be used with a variety of other items to create completely distinct outfits that are perfect for every event or occasion. We’d make our beginning capsule work in the following ways:

Lunch will be served.

While some sweater dresses aren’t quite suitable for year-round wear, this one is. It’s made of a light, cardigan-like material that’s ideal for both spring and fall days. It has a way of looking put-together on its own, whether dressed up or casually (as shown above), earning it well-deserved capsule wardrobe status.

On a first date

By having a go-to capsule wardrobe that’s appropriate for a night out, you can avoid the usual pre-date worry. A basic one-shoulder blouse and faux-leather leggings are a powerful combination. By changing the items you match it with, you can create a limitless number of looks, making it the definition of capsule perfection.

To carry out errands

It’s a delicate dance to appear nice when running errands without having to try too hard, but a basic crewneck sweatshirt may provide the enchantment of feeling like a real item of clothing rather than what it is (super comfy loungewear). You’ve got your new favorite day-off look in the bag with simple jeans and shoes.

To the workplace

When it comes to workwear, we believe that the less is more. A two-part suit consisting of a white button-up shirt and slacks is a tried-and-true combination, and pairing it with adaptable shoes and a go-to purse makes it an outfit you can throw on and go without much effort, but that always looks and feels entirely professional.

With friends for a drink

This blouse is proof that a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be limited to really basic pieces. It’s simple enough to go with all of the pants in the capsule, but it’s also eye-catching enough to wear to a variety of occasions, from cocktails with friends to a bridal shower.

How to Stay the Course

You’ll probably need different parts for different seasons of life as time goes on, both literally and metaphorically. The eventual goal is to have a season-changing capsule or two smaller capsules in your rotation (like one for the office and one for everyday life).

It takes time to transition to a capsule wardrobe. It will necessitate more consideration, fewer spontaneous purchases, and a smidgeon of strategy. But, no matter what you put in it, your closet will evolve into something that symbolizes you over time.

Start looking for holes and what you might want as the new season approaches. Maybe you’ll buy a new item to go with your basics, or you’ll decide that a new pair of casual shoes will help you make the most of what you already have. Approach your shopping with plan, consideration, and longevity in mind, and your capsule wardrobe will save you money and time in the long run.