Create a Capsule Wardrobe {Day 12}
This is the twelfth post in my 31 Days of Living on Less Series. If you’d like to read all the posts in order, go to Day 1.
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Yesterday I shared with you how I recently cleaned out my closet. It felt so good to get rid of many items that didn’t fit well or just didn’t fit my style anymore.
My goal is to own fewer items of clothing with more outfit possibilities. I want classic pieces that won’t quickly go out of style, and that are able to be mixed and matched with the other items in my wardrobe. I want to look in my closet and see clothes that I actually look forward to wearing!
What I’m trying to accomplish is commonly called a “capsule wardrobe.” A capsule wardrobe has been described this way:
“A collection of a few essential items of clothing that will not go out of fashion.”
Here are the steps I’m taking to create a simple wardrobe that works well for me.
1. Take everything out of your closet and take inventory of what you’ve got. Try things on to see if they fit and how they look.
2. Separate these items into four piles. One pile for things you know you want to keep, another for things you’re not sure about, another for things you know you don’t want, and another for seasonal items (or maternity/nursing things you may need someday but not now). Only keep the items you love and that look good on you. Pack away the seasonal items.
3. Make a list of things you need or would like to add. Think about the essential items in your own wardrobe, and what you will actually wear. This is a very personal thing, so everyone’s list will be different, depending on lifestyle, budget, and preferences.
4. Pick a few neutral colors that will go well together. I have a lot of navy, black, and denim. I like to add accents of coral, pink, and teal in the form of cardigans and scarves. My goal is to create outfits that can mix and match with each other.
I’ve picked out some main colors that I feel look the best on me, and I’ve narrowed down some basic items that I feel are wardrobe necessities, such as this black knit skirt from Zulily (that I bought on sale a couple of years ago). I have worn this so much that it’s definitely a wardrobe staple! I also have a black maxi dress that I got from thredUP several months ago. It’s another staple that can be dressed up or down.
I’m currently in the beginning stages of planning out my own idea of a capsule wardrobe. I’m looking forward to sharing how it turns out.
So, what does a capsule wardrobe have to do with living on less? A lot, if you ask me. As I think about what I have in my closet and how to combine it creatively into new outfits, it helps me to focus. I won’t be tempted to buy more, because I know I already have what I need. And I’ll remember that I don’t want more. I want to keep my life and my wardrobe simple.
Have you ever considered creating a capsule wardrobe?
Love this post! Super excited about cleaning out my closet …. Now I know exactly how I want to approach it. I love your idea of choosing pieces that coordinate and colors that look good on you and have a classic style. I'm planning to pin things that I like so that when I go shopping I know what to look for and don't come home with items that don't work.. Thanks again for posting.. I'm super motivated to finally get my closet organized .
I'm so glad it was helpful! That's a great idea to pin things you like, too. I should do that!
Thank you so much for writing this series. I have been enjoying following along.
Thank you so much for following along! Glad to see you here!
I so admire people who are creative at decorating and dressing. Definitely not skills in my tool box. I haven't focused for years on my wardrobe until last year. For me, I need more options since I am NOT good at pulling random items together. I will look forward to seeing your choices. (my colors are mainly, brown, green and coral. That has helped me narrow choices down.)
I'm not creative at those things, either! That's kind of why I was trying to come up with some basic outfits, since I find it such a chore usually! 🙂