Developing a personal style, assembling a wardrobe that reflects your personality, or finding comfortable maternity clothes can be a challenging process, even for those with a trained eye. While there is no one-fit-for-all solution to master this, there is one way to speed up the process: creating a capsule wardrobe. But what is a capsule wardrobe and how do you go about creating one? Read on to discover.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
Simply put, a capsule wardrobe is the curation of several essential clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of stylish outfits. It typically includes tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories that are versatile and can be dressed up or down. A capsule wardrobe is characterized by its lack of trend-based items and emphasis on timeless, high-quality pieces that will last for years. By building a capsule wardrobe, you can streamline your daily dressing routine and feel confident in your personal style.
Why do We Prefer Capsule Wardrobes?
More often than not, we find ourselves reaching for the same tried-and-true favourites, rather than the trendy clothes we bought for the current season. This led us to question why we should keep a closet full of clothes that we don’t love. Instead, we should focus on building a wardrobe of high-quality, versatile pieces that we truly love. Shopping habits have led us to believe that we need to constantly buy new clothes as the seasons change, but the secret to a versatile wardrobe is not the number of clothes, but rather the quality and versatility of each piece.
How Do You Make a Capsule Wardrobe?
To begin building your own capsule wardrobe, start by taking a thorough inventory of your current clothing. Take everything out of your closet and sort it into four categories:
“I love it and would wear it tomorrow”: These are the pieces that fit well, match your personal style and lifestyle, and make you happy when you wear them. These should be the first items you put back into your closet.
“Maybe”: These are the pieces that you’re not sure about – they might not fit perfectly, have sentimental value, or you just can’t figure out why you don’t wear them more often. Put these items in a box and store them in a place that’s easy to access.
“Hard no”: These are the pieces that don’t fit or that you’ve decided you don’t like. Pack these up to sell or donate.
“Seasonal”: Move all of your seasonal clothes and accessories into storage until they are appropriate to wear again.
Next, examine the items remaining in your closet and evaluate your personal style and any gaps in your wardrobe. For example, you might have plenty of jeans but need a new jacket for fall. With a clear understanding of what you already own, you can make more informed choices about new purchases that will complement your existing wardrobe.
To ensure that your capsule wardrobe is truly versatile, choose pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create a range of outfits suitable for any occasion. Look for items that are multifunctional and can be dressed up or down, depending on the event.
How Do You Stick to Your Capsule Wardrobe?
To maintain your capsule wardrobe, you may need to make adjustments as your life and personal style evolve. You might consider creating separate capsules for different seasons or for different aspects of your life, such as work and everyday wear.
Transitioning to a capsule wardrobe takes time and requires careful planning and thought. Avoid making impulse purchases and focus on building a collection of high-quality, versatile pieces that truly reflect your personal style. With persistence, your wardrobe will eventually become a reflection of who you are, no matter what you choose to wear.
