What is a capsule closet?
The simple definition is that it’s a curated wardrobe made up of versatile pieces that you LoveTo wear.
A capsule wardrobe includes a combination of tops, bottoms as well as dresses, outerwear, footwear, and accessories that can be easily matched together to be worn up or down. This means that your wardrobe will have fewer trendy pieces that can only be worn once a season and more durable pieces that can be worn over and over again for many years.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of a starter wardrobe, it’s easy to update and change seasons. It makes it easy to pack up and take out clothes for the appropriate season because every time you pull them out, they’re just as in style as they were at the time you bought them.
Why we love it
All too often, we buy fun new clothes for the season we’re in but find ourselves turning to old tried-and-true favorites. It made us wonder: Why keep a closet full of things you don’t love?
As shoppers, we’ve been conditioned to want more and to keep buying every time the weather changes. But the key to a versatile wardrobe isn’t based on quantity, it’s based on quality and versatility. The goal is to avoid a section of clothes in your closet that you don’t reach for because they’re ill-fitting or out of style.
A capsule wardrobe saves you money on pieces that are affordable per wear and will last you for as long as possible. A super-trendy piece that you’re going to wear to one event then never wear again doesn’t have a place here. Instead, you want something that’s true to your style that you know you’ll probably reach for two years from now. You’ll have less clothing than you did before, but you’ll Feel Like you have more.
How to create your own capsule wardrobe
First, you need to take a hard look at your possessions and purge any that aren’t necessary. We don’t mean opening it and flippantly going through the hangers. It is important to take out every piece of clothing in your closet and decide if it should be returned.
Then, sort each item in one of four piles.
- I love it and would definitely wear it tomorrow. These pieces fit your body, your lifestyle, and you’re happy wearing them. These are your best friends.
- Maybe: These pieces might not fit perfectly, have sentimental value, or you just can’t put your finger on why you don’t wear it more. (If you haven’t reached for it more than once, it belongs in this pile too). Put all of these items in a box and store it in a place that’s easily accessible. If you find yourself reaching to grab an item, you can put it back in the closet. haven’t Reached for it before the season ended, keep it in your box to donate. This is non-binding (for now), and allows you to change your mind later.
- Hard no Whether it’s because it doesn’t fit or you just decided you don’t like it, pack these pieces up to donate them.
- Seasonal: There’s no need to keep a cashmere sweater next to your summer tank tops. All seasonal pieces should be moved to a place that is easy to swap out when the time is right.
Now, look at what’s left in your closet and evaluate what your personal style is and what holes you have. Maybe you’re completely set on jeans but could use a new jacket for fall. Now that you have a clear vision of what you’ll be able to pair that jacket with, you’ll make a better selection for what fits your closet. This Doesn’t mean you have to completely forego trend pieces and forever live wearing button-ups and jeans—it just means that when you do purchase trendier pieces, you know that they’ll have a place in your wardrobe and that they’ll get wear.
White tee
bodysuit | bodysuit (plus-size)
sweatshirt | sweatshirt (plus-size)
one-shoulder blouse (plus-size)| one-shoulder blouse (plus-size)
white buttons-up (plus-size).| white button-up (plus-size)
Ruched blouse
jacket (plus-size)| jacket (plus-size)
crewneck sweater | crewneck sweater (plus-size)
Extra Large (Plus-Size)| blazer (plus-size)
Pants made of faux-leather
’90s jeans
Trousers
Tank dress
Trench coat
sweater dress
Heel sandals
White sneakers
Loafers
Crossbody bag
sunglasses
Tote
How to make it work
It is crucial to ensure that your capsule wardrobe works. Flexible. They can be combined with other pieces to create completely different looks, which is great for any occasion. These are some ways we’d make our starter capsule work:
Take-out lunch
While some sweater dresses wouldn’t exactly qualify as being something you can wear year-round, this one does. In a lightweight, more cardigan-esque material, it’s perfect for spring and fall days alike. Whether it’s dressed up or down (seen here), it has a way of looking put-together all on its own that gives it much-deserved capsule wardrobe status.
sweater dress | sweater dress | crossbody bag | white sneakers
On a date
Cut the routine pre-date panic by having a go-to capsule outfit that’s perfect for a night out. The simple combination of a one-shoulder blouse with faux-leather trousers packs a big punch. The simple base allows for endless variety by switching the accessories you pair it with—making it the definition of capsule perfection.
one-shoulder blouse | heeled sandals(plus-size) | crossbody bag |faux-leather pants | heeled sandals
To run errands
It is difficult to look professional while running errands. However, a simple crewneck sweatshirt can make you feel like a piece of clothing. With classic jeans and sneakers, you’ve got your new favorite day-off look in the bag.
sweatshirt | sweatshirt | sweatshirt (plus-size) | ’90s jeans | tote | white sneakers
To the office
Our philosophy on workwear is to keep it simple. A two-part outfit consisting of a white-button up and trousers is a classic combo that can’t steer you wrong, and opting to pair it with versatile loafers and a go-to tote makes it an outfit you can throw on and head out in without much thought, but that always looks and feels totally professional.
white button-up | loafers(plus-size) | trousers | tote | loafers
Drinks with friends
A capsule wardrobe doesn’t need to consist of only super basic pieces, and this blouse is Exhibit A. It’s simple enough that it can be paired with all of the pants in the capsule, but eye-catching enough that it can be worn to dozens of different events, from drinks with friends to a bridal shower.
sunglasses | ruched blouse | crossbody bag | ’90s jeans | white sneakers
How to keep it going
You’ll find that as time goes on, you probably will need different pieces for different seasons of life, both literally and figuratively. You want to have one capsule that you can swap out for each season, or two capsules that you can use for daily life.
The swap to a capsule wardrobe doesn’t happen overnight. It’s going to require more thought, less impulse purchases, and just a little bit more strategy. Over time, your closet will become something that represents you, regardless of what you put in it.
Start looking for gaps and what you might need as the new season approaches. Maybe you decide you’re going to buy a new accessory to pair with your basics or that a new pair of casual shoes will help you make the most of what you have. Your capsule wardrobe will save you time and money by being thoughtful, strategic, and long-lasting.
Once your base is mastered, you can develop your capsule wardrobes for different seasons and circumstances, which we’ve already done the heavy-lifting for.
Source: The Every Girl