5 Simple Steps to Build a Capsule Wardrobe Today
The problem may have started when you were a teenager. Someone sold you on the idea that clothes were a fun way to express yourself – as long as you did it right so you could fit in with the cool kids. So you stopped wanting to wear anything your mom liked and started to go your own way.
Freedom! It was going to be so great, and you were going to look so cute.
But then you found out that getting just the right clothes and outfits was hard, and if you got it somehow "wrong," you'd feel uncomfortable all day. Clothes became a source of daily stress. You spent your entire allowance trying to look good, and sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. You always believed you were just a purchase or two (or a shopping spree or two) from "getting it right," so you kept trying.
Fast forward to today, and your closet is crammed with lots of different pieces. Some of them you wear, and a lot of them you don't. Not all of them fit, not all of them flatter... and not all of them even survive being washed or worn more than a handful of times.
Beating wardrobe chaos
I don't know about you, but all those choices and uncertainty make me anxious. I don't want something I do every morning to make me anxious! And I don't want my time and energy to be highjacked by something as basic as getting dressed.
I started looking around the internet for capsule wardrobe inspiration, and guess what? I found a lot of quizzes, lists, "must haves," and complicated formulas for putting together the perfect capsule wardrobe. It was wardrobe chaos and uncertainty all over again.
I want to make this as basic – yet useful – as I can. For my own sanity, and hopefully for yours, too.
The benefits
There are many positive results to dressing with less. Most of us wear about 20% of our clothes 80% of the time, so the extras are taking space, time, and energy we could be using for other things.
I also enjoy a less cluttered home and less laundry, and shopping is easier because I stick with certain styles and a color palette. I save money because I'm thoughtful about what I buy, which also means I wind up liking everything I own.
One of my favorite benefits is being more eco-friendly – saying "no, thanks" to fast fashion, buying quality items I'll wear for several years, and even supporting more ethical brands or purchasing second-hand.
The 5 simple steps
1. Find your style and palette.
Do you ever notice that many of the same items are in your laundry basket, over and over, because you gravitate toward the same outfits? They're your real favorites, and they suit your real activities, so they belong in your capsule wardrobe.
A capsule wardrobe establishes boundaries to help you define your style and favorite colors, so you wind up with clothes that mostly mix and match, that look good on you, and that you enjoy.
Don't worry that you have to stick with black and white or all-neutral colors. You can be as colorful as you like. The styles you wear can be elegant, casual, traditional, modern, romantic, tailored, or whatever suits your personality, body, and lifestyle. What's important is that you like wearing them, they look good on you, and you'd buy them again.
Related article: How to Use the Three-Word Method to Simplify Your Wardrobe and Home
So open your closet and pull out the pieces you wear most often (and don't forget to check for things that might be in the laundry room). You'll probably notice that you favor certain colors. Can you give your palette a name? Maybe it's "Navy, Chambray, and Pastels." Or "Autumn and Earth Tones." Or "Black, White, and Dramatic Jewel Tones." Why do certain colors look good on you?
You'll probably also notice that you favor certain cuts and styles. Do you like crisp and defined shapes, or curving and flowing lines? Vee necks, round necks, boat necks, or something else? What about sleeve length, whether fitted or loose? Solid colors, stripes, polka dots, or prints? Do you like to wear dresses and skirts, trousers, or some of each? Why do you think you keep choosing these details, and why do they look good on you?
Defining your palette and some basic guidelines about fit and style are the boundaries you're setting for yourself. Items that fall outside of those boundaries probably won't suit you or go with what you already own. Knowing these boundaries lets you do two things:
- It's easy to declutter what doesn't fit with your criteria. You've decided you like a streamlined silhouette? Full skirts and bulky sweaters can go straight into the donation pile.
- It's easy to shop for what matches your ideals. If you like pastels, you don't even have to consider pieces in dark, saturated colors. If you don't care for sleeveless styles, you don't even have to try them on.
2. Consider your climate and lifestyle.
Do you need clothes for wet, cold, hot-and-dry or hot-and-sticky weather? Do you work in a formal office, a preschool, from home, or somewhere that requires a uniform? Are you sporty or outdoorsy, or do you simply run errands and walk the dog? These answers will determine the type of wardrobe that will work for you.
Whatever you decide, don't forget that almost everyone needs at least one of each of these:
- a piece that makes you feel confident and empowered, whether that's a sharp interview suit, an edgy leather jacket, or the perfect bag
- an item that's fun or personally meaningful, such as a signature piece of jewelry, a colorful hand-knit scarf, oversized sunglasses, or even red lipstick
- an outfit to exercise or do sports in
- clothes for a dirty job such as yardwork or cleaning out the garage
- something super-comfortable for when you're feeling under the weather
- a dressy outfit for a wedding or a special night out
- a funeral-appropriate outfit
3. Shop your closet.
Now comes the fun part, as you start creating outfits with your chosen pieces. Remember that every piece needs to fit and make you feel good. These decisions don't have to be difficult or time-consuming. You know right away if something's too big, too small, too short, or whatever. You know which pieces you haven't used, and yes, there's a reason you never reach for them.
You truly need less than you think to dress well. If each piece you choose goes with at least two or three other pieces (and they will, because they share a palette), you can put a lot of outfits together. In fact, if you have 20-25 items (tops, bottoms, and what I call "third pieces" such as jackets, cardigans, and other layering pieces) that share some color and style cues, you can probably mix and match to create several dozen combinations – more than enough for a month of outfits without an exact repeat.
If you like, you can take flat lay photos and create an inspiration board.
4. Sort and box up the wardrobe outliers.
You'll want to quickly sort items into one of four piles:
- Donate. This is for any piece in good condition that you're not interested in trying to sell. Drop these things at a donation center the next time you're out.
- Sell. For anything in great condition that you want to resell. Keep these items in a designated spot, set a deadline, and donate if they're not sold by then.
- Recycle/repurpose. For anything in poor condition. Downcycle to "dirty job" clothes or cleaning rags or look for textile recycling options.
- Maybe. This is for anything you don't feel ready to part with. Box it up and write a date on the box 3-6 months away. When the date arrives, review the contents – or if you can't even remember what's in the box, donate with confidence.
Here's a great resource to help you responsibly remove things you don't need anymore.
5. Fill the holes.
Maybe you notice that you really like white or pastel shirts in a soft, flowy style, but you only own two. You may be happier with the versatility and look of your wardrobe if you buy a couple more tops that share these qualities. Maybe you like wearing pants or a skirt with a third piece over a black or white tank top. You'll want to be sure to have several tanks so you're always fresh.
When you go shopping, it will be for pieces you know you'll like that will increase your preferred options. This isn't random buying for the sake of something new. You aren't putting yourself at the mercy of the fashion industry. You're creating your own, personalized look to please yourself.
Success!
Now, even if you have fewer items in your closet, they'll all be pieces you can wear with confidence. You'll love having a wardrobe in your own personal style, and the struggle to express yourself while feeling comfortable and happy in what you're wearing will be over.
The Minimalist Wardrobe helps you learn:
- how to make decluttering decisions
- how to build a simpler wardrobe
- how to understand your personal style
- how a signature outfit can increase your peace, poise, and productivity
- how to "reverse declutter" your closet
- how to travel light
- ... and more!
Let The Minimalist Wardrobe be your guide to a wardrobe that passes the "feel good" test and lets you wear your favorite things every day.
* This blog is supported by its readers. If you make a purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission.
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