How To Create A Unique Capsule Wardrobe

### The Art of Building Your Perfect Capsule Wardrobe

When it comes to creating a wardrobe that truly works for you, building a capsule wardrobe is one of the best ways to streamline your style and maximize your clothing options. It’s a system that blends versatility, functionality, and timeless fashion into your daily life.

I have always loved fashion but haven’t always been able to afford an expensive wardrobe. When I started, I worked at a high-end department store where we earned a 25% commission, but as a minimum-wage employee, the clothes we sold exceeded my budget. To have the wardrobe I longed for, I had to plan carefully and save up to add pieces to my wardrobe. I quickly learned to be practical and build my wardrobe around colors and pieces that could easily work together to form a variety of outfits, from casual to workwear. Sometimes designers and brands would come out with a group of clothing made specifically to work together, but these days, we see less of this. Instead, we seem to be encouraged to purchase lots of lower-priced items that we may not even wear.

Because the pieces are so inexpensive, we don’t seem to mind donating them to charity unworn with price tags still on them. Many of us have closets packed with clothing that we haven’t even tried to style into outfits.

I’ve known people who purchase randomly without thinking about whether the new pieces they are buying go with other items in their wardrobes. I fell into this trap briefly in 2017–2018 when I started this blog and was looking to show new outfits regularly. My closet filled quickly, yet I felt overwhelmed and, frankly, didn’t enjoy the ill-fitting, cheap clothing I had purchased. In 2019, I returned to my tried-and-true “capsule wardrobe”—one that I carefully curate, considering the activities I normally engage in, purchasing fewer, higher-quality pieces in colors and silhouettes that flatter my natural coloring and physique.

As I have gotten older, I have become more confident in this dressing method, and I want to share it with you so that you can build a custom wardrobe for yourself that works for you. If you follow me on YouTube, you will see that I share a lot of styling advice because I think it’s hugely important that when we purchase something, we get the most out of it.

### Capsule Wardrobe: A Step-by-Step Guide

#### Start with Your Current Wardrobe

Before diving into shopping, evaluate your current wardrobe. Identify key pieces like a white button-down shirt, trench coat, or black pants—the foundation of your capsule. Pay special attention to timeless pieces and high-quality items that have stood the test of time.  I like to start with a suit–even though I rarely wear dress pants anymore, I will often start this way and build from it.  For example, I purchase the suit, and I then add two blouses that pick up the colors in the suit.  I then add a pair of jeans to the mix, complementary sweaters, maybe a skirt or dress, and now I have the foundation for several outfits that work beautifully together.  

It’s really important that we start with a strong foundation, and with colors that work well for us.  In the 1980’s I had my colors done, and discovered that I looked better in navy and cream, rather than black or grey.  With this information, I built my wardrobe around a color palette that worked well for me.  I have black in my wardrobe now, because it is more readily available, but I still keep to the main color palette that works for me.  You will be able to tell the colors you gravitate most by how many pieces you have in your closet.  Here’s a quick exercise:

– Take stock of neutral tones in your closet, such as beige, black, and navy.

– Pinpoint your base color and decide on accent colors to add variety.

– Sort through seasonal items, like a leather jacket for cooler days or a tank top for summer.

 Define Your Lifestyle and Needs

Your style should reflect your lifestyle. Are you dressing for casual outings, special occasions, or professional looks? Whether you prefer skinny jeans, straight-leg jeans, or high-waisted trousers, your wardrobe staples should align with your daily activities.  It’s important to take stock of your lifestyle.  You can do this by taking note of what is in your dirty clothes basket.  These are the clothes you have chosen to wear–for a reason.  It may be convenience,  or you may have gym clothes, clothes you wear for work, or for certain leisure activities.  Write this information down.  Also, take note of the things you would like to add to your life, and determine whether you will want to purchase clothing to complement that.  If you are bored or would like to spice up your life, consider adding brighter colors or fun accessories.

For example:

– Workwear: Include a white tee, pencil skirt, and blazer for a polished look.

– Date Nights: Opt for a little black dress and knee-high boots for a chic vibe.

– Everyday Comfort: Add versatile pieces like blue jeans and striped shirts for casual elegance.

#### Select Timeless Classics

When curating your wardrobe, choose classic pieces that never go out of style:

– A trench coat for transitional weather.

– A denim jacket for layering.

– Neutral color items like a perfect white t-shirt or black leggings.

These items are great additions that pair well with other versatile clothing items for countless outfits.

Mix and Match for Different Looks

One of the best parts of a capsule wardrobe is the ability to create different looks using fewer clothes. Experiment with various ways to combine your essential items, like pairing a polka dot blouse with dark-wash jeans or layering a tank top under a denim jacket.  This is crucial!!! When I purchase new things, I immediately try the pieces with my existing wardrobe to make sure they work together.  If they don’t I return the new pieces so I can free up my budget and my closet space for pieces that do work together.  My daughter takes it a step further and photographs all the different options, and keeps them on hand so she can remind herself of the various options.  

– Outfit Ideas:

  – Casual Look: Straight-leg jeans, a white tee, and sneakers.

  – Formal Occasions: A sleek silhouette with a pencil skirt and heels.

  – Seasonal Pieces: A leather jacket with a scarf for cooler months.

Focus on High-Quality and Sustainable Fabrics

Invest in well-made pieces crafted from sustainable fabrics. These items not only last for the long run but also reduce your reliance on fast fashion.  This has been huge for me.  There have been times I have found wonderful pieces at places like TJ Maxx, or an outlet mall, but these gems have become fewer and farther between, so much so that I don’t really look for clothing in those places anymore.  Instead, I keep an eye on sales from retailers offering higher-quality items.  I may only purchase a few pieces each year, but I love them and look forward to wearing them.  I love mixing older pieces with new ones to create my look.

For example:

– Swap out low-quality tops for a white button-down shirt in breathable cotton.

– Opt for high-quality pieces like a trench coat or a denim jacket that can elevate your entire wardrobe.

How to Add Interest with Statement Pieces

While neutral shades form the foundation of your wardrobe, statement pieces bring personality and flair. Accessories like interesting necklaces, colorful scarves, or patterned shoes can act as the perfect finishing touch to your look.   Right now, we are seeing a return to elegance, thanks to Melania and Ivanka Trump, whose style I love.  A carefully placed piece of jewelry, the thoughtful consideration of a handbag and shoe combination can make a look.  I love the idea of spending time thinking about our accessories–some years I don’t buy anything new to add to my wardrobe, instead I focus solely on shoes, handbags, and jewelry.  Because I’ve been careful, I have worn most of my jewelry for the past 40 years.  

For inspiration, consider a striped shirt paired with high-waisted jeans and a beautiful belt or a little black dress accessorized with a unique clutch.

Capsule Wardrobe for Different Occasions

Here’s how you can adapt your capsule wardrobe for specific needs:

1. Travel Wardrobe

Recently we had to pack quickly due to a storm setting in, and I was able to pull a “mini” capsule from my closet in just a few minutes because I had taken the time to put a few looks together at the beginning of the season.  As the storm was approaching, we made our decision to leave, I was able to go to my closet and grab jeans, joggers, a few button-down shirts, a couple of t-shirts, and a blazer.  The only thing I wasn’t happy with was my shoes!  I purchased a pair of white sneakers I’ve never liked, and ended up taking them because they were casual and went with everything I planned to wear.  Ug!  It worked but I now have new casual shoes on my list of things for the future. 

– Stick to a small collection of clothes in a cohesive color palette.

– Pack items that serve multiple purposes, like a denim jacket or a duster that works as a swimsuit coverup.

#### 2. Professional Capsule

– Build around classic pieces like black pants, a white button-down shirt, and blazers for a polished, professional look.

#### 3. Casual Capsule

– Focus on easy pieces like blue jeans, tank tops, and comfortable flats for casual outings.

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### Tips for Maintaining Your Capsule Wardrobe

– Reduce Decision Fatigue: Limit your wardrobe to items that you love and that complement each other.

– Declutter Regularly: Donate items you no longer wear to a charity shop.

– Invest Wisely: Purchase high-quality items that fit your style and lifestyle.

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### Taking Your Capsule Wardrobe to the Next Level

Building a capsule wardrobe is not about following strict rules but about creating a system that works for you. By focusing on timeless style, essential pieces, and a versatile clothing collection, you can transform your closet into a curated selection of items that bring joy and ease to your daily life.

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This post is packed with ideas to help you create a wardrobe that’s stylish, functional, and uniquely you. For even more inspiration, explore our list of capsule wardrobe posts and discover new ways to simplify your fashion routine while embracing your personal style.

Ready to take the next step? Start building your capsule wardrobe today!