Capsule wardrobes, while popular in recent years, have long been the backbone of every well-curated closet. Creating a strong base filled with quality pieces that coordinate with one another is the most affordable way to build a fashionable and classy wardrobe. But how do you build a capsule wardrobe?
When most people think about how to build a capsule wardrobe or capsule wardrobes in general, there are three things that come to mind: small, boring, and limiting. I am here to tell you that this is not the case. Having a strong basic wardrobe is like having a display case for your jewelry. It enables you to showcase some of your most valuable pieces providing a canvas from which they pop. And, accent pieces ARE an ESSENTIAL part of every capsule wardrobe.
Imagine waking up each morning excited about your wardrobe. No more avoiding pieces you don’t like or the oddballs you don’t know what to pair with. Instead, with a capsule closet, getting ready in the morning will be quick and simple and will leave you feeling confident in the way you look.
Don’t believe me? Let me show you how.
This post is about how to build a capsule wardrobe.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe
What is a capsule wardrobe?
The premise behind a capsule wardrobe is to have a collection of clothes that coordinate well together. We have another name for them, the basics. But basic does not mean boring.
A capsule wardrobe can look very different to different people. Build a capsule wardrobe that reflects your personal style. If you like color, make it a colorful capsule wardrobe. If you prefer neutrals, then build a neutral pod wardrobe.
Having coordinating items makes choosing an outfit a breeze since you cannot make a bad choice. It’s foolproof. Any pair of bottoms pairs nicely with any top within your capsule.
Define Capsule Wardrobe
Dictionary.com defines a capsule wardrobe as a collection of clothes and accessories that includes only items considered essential. I want to stress and reiterate that accent pieces, trendy pieces, and those which are not basics are essential if they are part of your style.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe That is High-Quality
Investing in good quality basics that are timeless will prevent you from needing to replace them so often. With a capsule wardrobe, you tend to wear these pieces much more often than the typical wardrobe, so they see more wear and tear. Be diligent in seeking out quality clothing because the key behind every great capsule wardrobe is quality over quantity.
However, high quality does not always mean high dollar. I have many items in my closet that are an affordable part of my core wardrobe and have lasted YEARS. Years. The good news is that they aren’t outdated because they are basics. Timeless. So, even if you choose to invest in a high-ticket item, in the end, it may just be more affordable.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe – Step 1
The first thing you need to do when starting a capsule wardrobe is to take stock of what you already have. Make a cup of tea (or something stronger if that’s your jam)🍸, turn on some music (might I recommend Peter Collins Is This Love?), and pull everything out of your closet.
Rough Start
Start by sorting out the things you already know you don’t like, never wear, or are tired of. They are the first to go.
Try everything on
Next, try on everything that is left. Yep, everything.
- Does it fit your body?
- Are there any stains, rips, or areas that are showing wear?
- Is it comfortable to wear?
- How does it make you feel when you see yourself in it?
Evaluation
What remains should fit, be in good condition, and make you feel confident and beautiful. If it doesn’t, have a little Marie Kondo moment and bid it farewell.
Sell or Donate the Clothes You Don’t Need Anymore
When you decide that a piece of clothing no longer suits you, you have several options: garage sale, consignment shop, Salvation Army or Goodwill, or another donation opportunity near you. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Someone will be happy to have the items you no longer need and breathe fresh life back into them.
Take Stock of What is Left
You do not, I repeat, you do NOT need to start from scratch when building your capsule wardrobe. Many of the items you already own will make perfect additions to your capsule wardrobe. I recommend sorting what remains in your closet by type: tank tops, t-shirts, blouses, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, etc. Knowing exactly what you have in your inventory will help you when it comes time to design your capsule wardrobe.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe – Step 2
When it comes time to design your perfect capsule wardrobe, you need to be very clear on a few things.
What season are you building your capsule wardrobe for?
Are you building a…
- Spring Capsule Wardrobe
- Summer Capsule Wardrobe
- Fall Capsule Wardrobe
- Winter Capsule Wardrobe
What type or style of capsule wardrobe are you building?
Are you building a
- Travel Capsule Wardrobe
- Holiday Capsule Wardrobe
- Professional Capsule Wardrobe
- Classy Capsule Wardrobe
- Casual Capsule Wardrobe
- Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe
- Neutrals Capsule Wardrobe
- Colorful Capsule Wardrobe
- Athletic Capsule Wardrobe
- Loungewear Capsule Wardrobe
- Weekend Capsule Wardrobe
The opportunities for capsule wardrobes are endless, and you’ve probably already built some without even knowing.
Getting clear about your goals for your wardrobe and when you will be wearing it will make shopping for your capsule wardrobe that much easier. I mean, who needs a bikini in the dead of winter? Unless you’re polar plunging. Then yes, you’ll need one. I got you, girl.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe – The Components
Now that you know what kind of capsule wardrobe you’re building AND what season it is for, we can start building your perfect capsule wardrobe. Choose a few select pieces based on your lifestyle and personal preference and color scheme within each category below.
Women’s Tops/Women’s Blouses
When we start to evaluate what kind of tops you’ll need we can see that women’s tops fall into a few different categories.
Tank Tops
Tank tops cover a broad selection of styles here. They can be spaghetti strap tank tops, halter tank tops, muscle tank tops, backless tank tops, and so on. This is not a boring category.
Tank tops serve an important function within the capsule wardrobe because they can be worn alone in a summer capsule wardrobe, under another low-cut blouse, or as a layering piece in a cold-weather capsule.
T-Shirts
T-shirts, much like tank tops, can also be layered or worn alone, though they are a bit less versatile.
Long Sleeve T-shirts
Long Sleeve t-shirts are great for transitional weather on those days when you could go with a t-shirt or a sweatshirt. They are perfect for that shift from summer to fall.
Sweaters
Sweaters are ESSENTIAL for a winter capsule wardrobe. They’re cozy and fuzzy and provide necessary warmth during those cold months. Oftentimes, they too are transitional in that they can be dressed up or down based on the occasion.
Hoodies and Sweatshirts
Who doesn’t love a cup of hot cocoa and a Hallmark movie while wearing a butter-soft hoodie? They’re also the perfect outfit paired with some cute stud earrings, a few bangle bracelets, a high ponytail, and some jeans when heading out to a football or basketball game. Go Bulls!
Cardigans
The perfect layering piece for winter or spring! The right cardigan can completely change the look of an entire outfit. These can also make an excellent accent piece in your wardrobe.
Women’s Bottoms
Women’s bottoms include casual shorts, dress shorts, sweat shorts, pajama shorts, lounge shorts, athletic shorts, leggings, jeans, khakis, dress pants, skirts, sweatpants, loungewear pants, athletic pants, and so much more. There is no lack of variety when it comes to choosing the right bottoms for your capsule wardrobe. Joggers, wide leg, trousers, high rise, boyfriend cut, and so on, the possibilities are endless. Explore your style and try new ones until you find what’s right for you.
Women’s Dresses
Almost every capsule wardrobe needs at least one dress. A-line dresses, mini dresses, midi dresses, wrap dresses, dresses have come a long way! My personal favorite is a dress with pockets and shorts. Yes, please! I recently saw a TikTok video of a Bridal Fashion Show. When the model put her hands inside the pockets of the wedding dress, the crowd went wild. We love a good dress with pockets.
Women’s Suits
Some capsule wardrobes require suits. Fashion has evolved and there are so many choices when it comes to suits. Building a black, navy, gray, beige, and white professional capsule wardrobe can be so helpful for busy professionals. Choosing the right blouse that can coordinate with several suits, blazers, and trousers will create endless opportunities for outfits.
Women’s Shoes
Shoes! Yes, we’re going there. Even shoes are part of a capsule wardrobe. Again, capsule shoes do not mean boring shoes. It means coordinating shoes. Think outside the box, and you’ll create your own personalized looks with shoes that accentuate your style.
Women’s Jackets
Puffer coats, trench coats, and pea coats galore! Selecting the right coat for the season is critical. It needs to be both stylish AND functional. This is no easy task with all the options out there. Jackets are also the perfect opportunity for an accent piece.
Women’s Accessories
Accessories are GAME CHANGERS. You can change the feel of an outfit instantly with the accessories you choose. Tying a scarf around your neck, in your hair, on your purse, and around your waist are easy ways to change an outfit, and that’s just one accessory! Invest in affordable accessories. These do not need to be of the highest quality as these will most likely be the trendiest items you own and the first thing you cycle through. That’s ok. It’s an inexpensive way to breathe new life into outfits you’ve grown bored of.
- Scarfs
- Jewelry
- Hats
- Belts
- Headwraps
- Shawls
- Watches
Capsule Wardrobe Ideas
One of the best pieces of advice I was given on choosing top-notch pieces of clothing for a capsule wardrobe was to choose pieces that had a little something that made them interesting but not so distinct that it won’t pair with everything in your core capsule. For example, if a Disney World executive was building a professional capsule, a good choice may be a white collared shirt with a white Mickey Mouse embroidered on the pocket or crystal Mickey Mouse heads as buttons. What would not be a good choice is a white collared shirt with a standard Mickey Mouse image repeated all over it. It’s just not going to harmonize with all the other pieces, and that’s the goal, harmony.
Build interesting pieces that coordinate with one another. By choosing a unique neckline or items with snaps, buttons, zippers, or ties, you can easily build an interesting and sophisticated pod wardrobe.
Enjoy the process!
-Nina
