Reinventing your wardrobe can be as simple as cutting out excess or as complex as finding a new balance. It depends on your circumstances, needs, and motivations.
A capsule wardrobe is a perfect way to simplify things without feeling restricted. It’s an intentional wardrobe that focuses on a small number of versatile staple items that you can mix and match for multiple looks.
Capsule wardrobes are especially helpful for those who own lots of pieces but find themselves frequently bored or overwhelmed with their outfits. Creating a capsule wardrobe can help you discover what items you reach for most often and which ones you never get the opportunity to wear again.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/272256739965020421/If you're ready to make the switch and just don't know where to start, here are some do's and don'ts of creating a capsule wardrobe:
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create many different looks. A capsule wardrobe is usually created with the intention of simplifying your life and saving you time and money.
For example, a capsule wardrobe for spring might include a light jacket, a couple of pairs of jeans, some tops, and a pair of shoes that can be worn with everything. With just these few items, you can create dozens of different outfits that will see you through the season.
How to create a capsule wardrobe- the do's
Start with a clean slate.
Purge your closet of anything that you don't wear, don't love, or doesn't fit. Anything that's faded or damaged should be tossed out as well.
This is the hardest part of capsule wardrobe, but it's also the most important. If you want to create a capsule wardrobe that works for you, then you have to start with a clean slate.
You may be surprised to find that you have a lot more clothes than you thought. Trust me, I know from personal experience! When I first started creating my capsule wardrobes, I was surprised to find that I had more clothes than I thought.
This is a good thing.
It means that you can create an amazing capsule wardrobe with just the clothes you already have in your closet. You don't need to spend money on new clothes or even go shopping.
If you haven't worn it in a year, you probably won't wear it again.
Make a list of your wardrobe essentials.
These are the pieces that you will wear over and over. They can be paired with multiple other pieces and accessories for different looks or parts of your day. They will be the foundation of your wardrobe.
This is a great place to start if you're just building out a capsule wardrobe because it's relatively simple. Once you get this situated, everything else will start falling into place.
Some of these will also be your current go to pieces. The ones you would wear every day, if you didn't have to launder them.
Choose quality over quantity.
It's better to have a few well-made pieces that will last you for years than a bunch of cheap, trendy items that will fall apart after one season. You already know what pieces in your wardrobe have stood up to time. These are the quality of pieces you want to continue having in your wardrobe.
Choosing cheap, trendy pieces will cost you more time and money because you’ll constantly be replacing them.
Edit as you go.
As you start wearing your capsule, pay attention to what works and what doesn't. If something isn't working, get rid of it and replace it with something that does work.
For example, if you find that the black dress doesn't work with your lifestyle and it's not something you can wear often, get rid of it . Replace it with a black top that can be worn more often.
Another example: if you find that you wear your navy blue jeans every single day, get rid of another pair of dark wash jeans. Replace them with a pair of light wash jeans that you can wear more often and feel equally as good in.
This is the fun part! You'll start to see your style come together
Also, as time passes, your style will change. Trade out pieces that don’t fit you anymore.
How NOT to create a capsule wardrobe- the don'ts
Avoid trendiness
Don't buy things just because they're trendy or you think you should have them- stick to pieces that you know you'll love and wear for years.
Keeping up with trendiness not only costs you money, it can cost you time too. If you are adding trendy clothes to your wardrobe instead of those pieces you know you’ll love, you can end up undoing all of the stress relief and freedom that comes with building a capsule wardrobe.
Don't skimp on quality
I cannot say this enough!
Cheap clothes will fall apart quickly and won't look good after a few washes. You'll spend more replacing them than if you buy quality clothes in the first place.
Even if you're on a budget, invest in pieces that will last and can be worn in multiple ways.
If you're buying a dress, get one that can be worn with different pairs of shoes.
If you're buying pants, get them in a neutral color (black or khaki) so they can be worn with different tops.
If you're buying a blouse, choose one that will look good with a variety of necklaces and scarves.
Buy classic styles in basic colors. You can always add a pop of color with accessories or shoes.
Stick to well-made pieces that will last and look great for years. You’ll have a solid wardrobe and keep your replacement costs minimal!
Don't forget about accessories!
They can really make an outfit pop and help tie everything together.
They can really make an outfit pop and help tie everything together. They are also great for adding a little extra something to an otherwise boring outfit, like the red belt bag in this picture:
If you are going to wear a belt, try not to make it match one of the colors in your outfit. For example, if you're wearing blue jeans and a red shirt, don't wear a red belt. Instead, try wearing one that is black or brown to help break up the outfit a little bit.
If you are going to wear a belt, try not to make it match one of the colors in your outfit. For example, if you're wearing blue jeans and a red shirt, don't wear a red belt. Instead, try wearing one that is
A pop of color added to that business suit. A chunky belt to add dimension to your beautiful dress. A few scarves, bangles and necklaces can turn one outfit into 10.
Accessories are a necessity for any capsule wardrobe. Chose the ones that show your personality and you’ll always love wearing them.
Don't be afraid to mix and match!
Have fun with your clothes and experiment with different combinations until you find what works for you.
Pick up a stylish blazer and try it out with jeans and a comfy t-shirt. Toss it on over that dress you wore to work and have a whole new look for dinner out with your friends.
If you can't decide on a top, try layering it with different things to see what works best for the occasion.
Keep in mind that prints and patterns can help you create a capsule wardrobe that's full of style.
If you're not sure about an item, try it out and see how it looks with the rest of your clothes before deciding whether or not to keep it.
Use your imagination to create a wardrobe that's unique, stylish and affordable.
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Time to get started
Creating a capsule wardrobe is a great way to save money and improve your style. With a little planning, you can create a capsule wardrobe that suits your needs and helps you look your best. These do's and don'ts of creating a capsule wardrobe will help out along your way.
So what are you waiting for? Get started today!