A capsule wardrobe is a bunch of clothes that all work well with each other. It frees you from having to plan an outfit every day. It’s a curated ‘quality over quantity’ set of outfits with accessories, bags, and shoes. It can be of different types, like a capsule for a vacation, a season or college, etc. I’ve compiled sets of steps and rules that you need to have an ideal yet affordable capsule wardrobe.
Image source- Sustainable review
Steps to building a capsule wardrobe-
1. Identify your style- I KNOW, easier said than done. If you do not have one clear style, just pick the type of clothes you usually feel good in. For me, that means flowy dresses and long flare-sleeved tops. You do not need to follow one aesthetic. You can mix and match different looks. But having a general sense of what you like makes everything easier.
2. Set a purpose- What are the three major activities you dress for daily? My top three would be college, work and casual outings. Every piece you get should fit into at least two of your top 3 categories. Your capsule, in a way, should have a specific purpose, like a seasonal capsule wardrobe or a trip capsule wardrobe. Once you’ve specified a cause, other choices will line up better.
3. Set a budget- Start by deciding how much you feel comfortable spending for this capsule. A set amount helps you stay focused on pieces you will actually use. For example, you may keep half of your budget for staples like jeans or a coat. You can also split your amount into clothing, shoes and bags so nothing gets out of hand. A budget makes it easier to choose between two similar items because you pick the one that fits the plan.
4. Pick tones and colours- Here are colour palettes for you to pick from:
5. Make a Pinterest board or wishlist- Both help you stay clear about what you want instead of buying at random. A wishlist keeps everything in one place when you shop. A Pinterest board lets you see how pieces look together before you buy them. You can collect outfit ideas and check if the style matches what you already own. It also helps you notice patterns, like colours you reach for often.
6. Cardinal rules-
- Anything you buy should match with at least three things you own.
- Make sure you buy different colours. Don’t load up on just one colour to avoid being monotonous.
- Pick accessories and pairs of shoes that are comfortable and fit your routine.
- Choose bags that work for your daily use rather than fancy ones.
- Wait one month before buying anything new.
- Keep project 333 in mind: 33 items for 3 months.
Image source- The Today Show
Tips to build a capsule wardrobe-
- Before you even start making a capsule closet, clear your wardrobe and store clothes you do not wear or do not fit into the capsule.
- Keep five strong basics in your capsule like a plain tee, a black shirt, dark jeans or a warm coat.
- If this is not your first capsule, note what you used the most last time.
- Avoid fillers or impulse buys as much as you can.
- Pick colours that match each other so your outfits stay easy to pair.
- Pin only the clothes you can imagine wearing often.
- Use your board to test colour combinations before buying.
Also, take a look at Winter Outfit Ideas for Muted Green and Charcoal!
