Fit More into Less with the Beginner’s Capsule Wardrobe Guide

Many of us have closets full of clothes and yet we always feel like we have nothing to wear. Sound familiar? If you’re tired of feeling like you have nothing to wear, it might be time to create a capsule wardrobe for yourself.

A capsule wardrobe is a popular term you may have heard thrown around lately. But what exactly is a capsule wardrobe? In short, it is a small collection of clothes that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. This wardrobe is perfect for those who want to simplify their lives and their closets. And the best part? You can create your very own capsule wardrobe with clothes you already own!

Don’t worry, you don’t need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to create a capsule wardrobe. Chances are, you already have many of the pieces you need in your closet. With a little bit of organizing and creativity, you can transform the clothes you already have into a stylish, versatile capsule wardrobe.

A Beginner’s Guide to Capsule Wardrobe

What Is the Concept, Exactly?

The concept of a capsule wardrobe was first introduced in the 1970s by Susie Faux, a boutique owner in London. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is “a collection of essential items of clothing that don’t go out of fashion, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.”

In other words, a capsule wardrobe is a small selection of timeless clothing staples and accessories that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. It is also meant to make your life easier by allowing you to save time when getting dressed and freeing up closet space.

How To Create Your Own Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget

Although the idea of having a capsule wardrobe may seem intimidating and expensive, it doesn’t have to be. Chances are that you already have many of the essential pieces you need in your closet. All you have to do is organize and curate your wardrobe to create a capsule wardrobe that fits your lifestyle and personal style. Here’s how:

Start by Taking Inventory of Your Closet

The first step in creating a capsule wardrobe is taking inventory of the clothes you already own. Take a good look at your closet and ask yourself some honest questions:

• What do I wear the most?
• What items don’t I wear often?
• Do I have any duplicate items?
• Do I need to get rid of anything?

Make sure you take your time when going through your wardrobe. If you find any items that have seen better days, it might be a good idea to give them away or recycle them.

Clear Out the Clutter

Once you’ve gone through all the clothes in your closet, it’s time to take out any items that don’t fit into your capsule wardrobe. This includes anything that is outdated, worn-out, or doesn’t fit your style anymore. Keep only those items that fit your lifestyle and style and are still in good condition.

Are you a fan of Mari Kondo? Make sure to ask yourself if each item brings you joy. If not, it might be time to let it go! You can either sell these items or donate them to a charity of your choice.

By this step, you’ve probably decluttered most of your wardrobe but you may still find yourself with too many items. If so, try to narrow down your selection by asking yourself these questions:

• Do I need multiple versions of this item?
• Does this item go with other pieces in my capsule collection?
• Will I wear it often?
• Do I feel confident when wearing it?

Again, be honest with yourself and be sure to keep only those items that you truly love and will wear often.

Now to the Fun Part: Curating Your Capsule Wardrobe

Now that you’ve decluttered your wardrobe and made room for new items, it’s time to select the essential pieces you need.

The key to a successful capsule wardrobe is having quality pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create different looks. Think timeless, versatile pieces such as basic tees, denim jeans, and blazers that can easily be dressed up or down—these are the items that will form the foundation of your capsule wardrobe.

• A white tee or tank: A white tee or tank is a versatile piece that can be worn on its own or layered under other clothes. It’s also a great canvas for wearing jewelry or scarves.
• A pair of jeans: A pair of well-fitting jeans is essential for every capsule wardrobe. Jeans can be dressed up or down depending on how they’re styled, so they’re perfect for creating many different looks.
• A black blazer: A black blazer is an excellent piece for transitioning from day to night or for dressing up an outfit for work or an event. 
• A little black dress: Every woman needs a little black dress in her closet because it can be worn for so many different occasions. Whether it’s for a date night, girls’ night out, or even just running errands, a little black dress is always appropriate and always stylish.

A good rule of thumb is to choose about 30 pieces, including tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, and outerwear. Don’t beat yourself if you go up to 35 pieces—remember that the goal is to create a wardrobe that works for you and your lifestyle. So, as long as the items you choose are timeless and versatile, you’re on the right track!

Accessorize with Jewelry and Shoes

Once you’ve curated your wardrobe with the essential items, it’s time to add some finishing touches with jewelry and shoes. Again, look for items that are versatile, like timeless gold jewelry or classic black pumps.

By investing in quality items that you know you’ll wear often, you can create a capsule wardrobe that will last for years to come—all without breaking the bank!

Thrift stores or vintage shops can also be great sources for finding unique pieces that look expensive without costing a fortune. Depending on your style, you may find some hidden gems that can bring new life to your wardrobe.

Accessories such as statement necklaces, earrings, bags, belts, and scarves can be used to elevate any basic outfit without having to purchase new items.

Add Seasonal Items

Once you’ve chosen your essential pieces, it’s time to fill in the gaps with seasonal items. This could include seasonal colors, prints, or styles that are currently trending, for example, fall florals, chunky knits, or velvet pieces.

These items can be a great way to update your wardrobe without having to purchase an entirely new capsule collection every season.

Don’t go overboard though—stick to a few pieces that can be easily integrated into your existing capsule wardrobe. The last thing you want is to undo all the hard work you’ve put into curating your collection. So, keep it simple and get creative!

Create an Outfit Plan

Now that you’ve created your capsule wardrobe, it should be easy for you to get ready in the morning! You’ll know exactly what pieces to pull together for any occasion and you’ll be able to create looks with the clothes you already own.

To make it even easier, try creating an outfit plan that outlines what you will wear each day of the week. This can include specific pieces that you want to focus on or colors and themes that you want to repeat throughout the week.

This will help ensure that you’re getting the most out of your capsule wardrobe and that you’re taking full advantage of all its possibilities!

Conclusion

A capsule wardrobe is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to simplify their life and their closet. By editing your closet down to only the essentials and mixing and matching those pieces, you can create a variety of looks that will take you through any season. And the best part? You can create your very own capsule wardrobe with clothes you already own.

To sum it up, creating a capsule wardrobe with clothes you already own requires some honest self-reflection and creativity. By understanding what items make you feel confident and beautiful, curating your essential pieces, and adding seasonal touches here and there, you can create a timeless wardrobe that will last for years to come!