Are you frustrated standing in front of a crowded closet, overwhelmed by how many things you have but still can’t seem to create an outfit? You dream of a streamlined wardrobe that simplifies getting dressed, reduces decision fatigue, and is money- and time-efficient? You’re not alone. This is the answer to your sanity.
Enter the capsule wardrobe, a thoughtful assembly of staple pieces that can be mixed and matched to form a multitude of outfits for every situation. In this short guide, we’ll take you through how to create a capsule wardrobe and share expert advice for men and women.
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What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
Capsule wardrobe refers to a minimum amount of quality, versatile pieces of clothing which are worn and worn again frequently, and in some cases reused over a considerable time. It means having minimal numbers of versatile clothes that may be mixed up and re-mixed to get various different clothes, instead of a large amount of fashionable garments which may only be worn a single time or at most a few times.
Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe
- Avoids decision fatigue: With less to choose from, you’ll take less time choosing an outfit.
- Saves time: Capsule wardrobe avoids wasting hours rummaging through clothes, experimenting with different combinations, and hunting for coordinating tops and bottoms.
- Saver of money: With investment in a few well-crafted, classic pieces, you’ll minimize the need for repeated shopping and spend less on trendy, fad clothes that are of little value once the fashion cycle is complete.
- Saves waste: A capsule wardrobe makes you think about what you already own, so there is less chance of buying duplicate items or adding to the wastefulness of fast fashion.
- Creates personal style: You will learn to pay attention to your own personal style and how to mix pieces that look good together.
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How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe
Creating a capsule wardrobe requires a bit of planning and self-examination. Here’s a step-by-step to set you off on your way:
- Inventory your closet: Begin by pulling everything out of your closet and separating it into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and trash.
- Find your style: Think about what makes you stylish and confident. Lifestyle, shape, and taste also must be considered.
- Set the size of your capsule wardrobe: Decide how many pieces you need in your capsule wardrobe. For a balanced wardrobe, aim for a combination of 30-40 basics: tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, accessories, etc.
- Select high-quality, versatile pieces: Spend money on high-quality, classic pieces that can be layered and combined with other pieces to make several different outfits.
- Coordinate a color scheme: Choose an anchor color palette that will be flattering on you, your skin, hair, and personality. This will make for a coordinating wardrobe and save decision fatigue.
- Mix with statement pieces: Add in some statement pieces, a showy print top or a statement handbag for example, to add visual interest to the outfit.
For Men
Creating a capsule wardrobe for a man is about prioritizing classic, versatile pieces that can be layered and combined to produce multiple different outfits. Some essentials are:
– 3-4 button-downs
– 2-3 dark wash jeans
– 1-2 blazers or sports jackets
– 1-2 dress shoes
– 1-2 belts
– 1-2 watches
For Women
To have a capsule wardrobe for women involves focusing on womanly, easily mixed-and-matched items to mix and match together to provide many different outfits. Some basics to include are:
– 3-4 tops or blouses
– 2-3 pairs dark-washed pants or jeans
– 1-2 skirts or dresses
– 1-2 sets of heels or flats
– 1-2 belts
– 1-2 statement accessories or scarves
Capsule Wardrobe Box
A capsule wardrobe box is a real or virtual box that holds your curated wardrobe. This can be an effective tool for keeping your wardrobe organized and on track. Consider using a closet organizing system or a storage bin to hold your capsule wardrobe box.
Making a capsule wardrobe requires planning and self-reflection, but the reward is well worth the effort.