How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe and Declutter Your Closet for Good
If you’re tired of your closet being crammed full of clothes you never wear, it might be time to consider creating a capsule wardrobe—a minimalistic approach to your clothing.
Whether you’re a fashionista or a minimalist at heart, a businesswoman or a work-from-home mom, capsule wardrobe is all about incorporating timeless pieces in order to maximize your outfit options and ease the burden of decision-making, leaving you more time to focus on the important things in life.
Ready to get started? Here are 10 tips to help you create a capsule wardrobe and declutter your closet for good:
1. Start with a Clean Slate
The first step in creating a capsule wardrobe is to clear out your closet. Start by removing everything from the closet so you’re starting with a clean slate.
Purge your closet of anything that doesn’t fit, is out of style, or you simply don’t like anymore. Donate these items to charity or sell them online, and you’ll be surprised how much money you can make by getting rid of clothes you no longer want.
With a blank canvas, you’re ready to start building your capsule wardrobe in way shorter time than if you had kept all of your clothes in the closet.
2. Establish Your Personal Style
This includes everything from color, fabric, and fit. Think about the activities you do day-to-day, as well as special occasions like work events or vacations. Think about what clothes make you feel most confident and comfortable, too.
For example, if you’re a WAHM, chances are you need comfortable and durable pieces that are also stylish and can give you a wide range of looks throughout the week. On the other hand, if you work in a corporate environment, your wardrobe might require more formal items like pencil skirts, blazers, and dress pants.
When creating a capsule wardrobe, it’s also important to have a color palette that you can use throughout your wardrobe. This will help you create outfits that are cohesive and look pulled together. It also helps to ensure that all the pieces in your closet match with each other.
Make sure to choose colors that you love and can easily mix and match. For example, if you’re a fan of beige and its shades, you can incorporate camel, tan, white and even blue into your wardrobe. If colorful pieces are your thing, you can opt for jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue.
3 Evaluate Your Clothing
With whatever left in your wardrobe now and the style you’ve established in the previous step, you can start evaluating the items you have and decide whether or not they fit into your capsule wardrobe.
Think about how each item makes you feel, as well as how often you wear it in a season. If it’s something that you haven’t worn in a long time, chances are, it doesn’t make sense to keep it in your wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to donate or sell these items as well.
Example: If you’ve decided to go with minimalism and earthy colors for your wardrobe, you’ll likely want to keep items like chambray shirts, white button-downs, and khaki trousers. The rest of the items that no longer fit into your wardrobe can be donated or sold, depending on their condition.
4. Build a Foundation of Basics
Every capsule wardrobe needs a few key basics, like denim jeans, solid t-shirts, and neutral sweaters. These items will form the foundation of your wardrobe and can be mixed and matched with other pieces to create endless outfit possibilities.
When selecting basics, make sure to consider fit and quality. Make sure the items are comfortable and will last for a long time. Also, when choosing colors for your basics, opt for neutral shades that can be easily paired with other pieces in your wardrobe, regardless of the season.
3. Invest in Quality Pieces
When it comes to building a capsule wardrobe, quality is key. Invest in pieces that will last and look good no matter the season or trend. Think classic cut blazers, basic tees, timeless midi skirts, and chic jeans that will stay in style no matter the season.
Filling in your wardrobe with quality pieces. Choose items made from quality fabrics, like wool and cashmere for fall and winter, and cotton or linen for spring and summer. Yes, they are not always the cheapest options, it’s better to pay more for a piece that is built to last rather than buy an inexpensive item that will fall apart quickly.
In fact, you can think about it as an investment, since a few quality items can last you many years and will never go out of style. Instead of buying a new item every season, you’ll get the most out of your wardrobe and be able to save money in the long run.
5. Accessorize with Scarves, Hats, and Jewelry
Even a capsule wardrobe will need some accessories to complete the looks. That’s why it’s important to invest in a few versatile accessories that can be easily mixed and matched with your favorite pieces.
Scarves, hats, jewelry, and other small items are great for adding a little bit of extra personality to your wardrobe. They are also very affordable and come in a variety of styles, so you’ll always be able to find something that will fit with your wardrobe.
For example, if you want to add a pop of color to your outfit, choose a bright scarf or statement necklace that will instantly make it stand out. Or, if you’re looking for something subtle yet elegant, opt for a classic hat or pair of pearl earrings—you can never go wrong with these timeless pieces.
6. Keep a Record of What You Have
As you purchase items for your capsule wardrobe, make sure to take note of what you have and where they are located. This will help you keep track of your pieces and make sure you’re not overbuying or buying items that don’t fit in with the overall style of your wardrobe.
You can either keep a written list of everything in your closet, or use an app or website to help you keep track of your wardrobe. This will also make it easier to plan out outfits and see which pieces go together best.
7. Stick to Your Budget
It’s easy to get carried away when buying new items for your wardrobe, but make sure you stick to your budget and don’t overspend. Consider how much money you can afford to spend on clothing and accessories, and then stick to that amount when shopping.
Creating a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it can actually save you money in the long run! When you only have a few key pieces, you’ll be less tempted to make impulsive purchases and you’ll be more likely to invest in quality items that will last.
Also, try to create a wardrobe that consists of timeless pieces rather than trendy items. While trends often come and go quickly, classic pieces will last for years and won’t need to be replaced as often.
8. Edit as Needed
As the seasons change, so should your capsule wardrobe! Get rid of any clothes that are no longer in season or that you no longer wear—this will help keep your closet feeling fresh and current.
Adding new seasonal pieces is also a great way to keep your looks feeling new and exciting. Just remember not to go overboard. A capsule wardrobe should still be small and concise, so make sure to keep it that way.
During spring, for example, you must want to add some lightweight pieces that you can mix and match with your existing wardrobe. In the winter, you can invest in cozy sweaters or coats that will look great when paired with your current pieces.
9. Store Clothes Properly
It’s important to store your clothes properly so they last longer, which is why it’s a good idea to invest in quality storage solutions. For example, hangers should be strong enough to support the weight of your clothes and keep them from slipping off.
You should also avoid storing items in plastic bags as this can cause fabric to break down over time. Instead, use breathable garment bags for items like suits and dresses, or linen cloth bags for items like sweaters and jeans.
It may sound too much and too complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to organize and store your clothing.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with new styles and looks. While your capsule wardrobe should consist mostly of classic pieces, you can add in a few trendy items to keep things interesting.
For example, try swapping out your usual jeans for a pair of printed trousers or adding a colorful scarf to your outfit for an extra pop of color. Just remember to keep things cohesive and don’t go overboard with the accessories.
At the end of the day, there’s no rule saying you must have a capsule wardrobe. It’s all about finding what works best for you and your style! So, don’t be afraid to experiment with new pieces and looks until you find the perfect wardrobe that fits your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Creating a capsule wardrobe is a great way to streamline your closet and simplify your getting-ready routine. By investing in quality basics and adding some fun statement pieces, you can build endless outfit possibilities that reflect your personal style.
A capsule wardrobe can simplify your life by making getting dressed each day quick and easy. No more standing in front of a crammed closet feeling frustrated —with a capsule wardrobe, you’ll always know exactly what to wear. Plus, you’ll look and feel your best thanks to your well-edited, stylish closet!
