Capsule wardrobes are a super popular trend in the fashion industry right now. And while they have old origins, it is not something you can create quickly for cheap. The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is having clothing items that mix and match with each other effortlessly.
I’d say after a few years, I have achieved a ‘mostly’ capsule wardrobe. My color palette is pretty well defined as well as the styles I buy for myself. But this occurred over time with plenty of trial and error, I would like to wear the items in my closet more often but I also have a lot of clothes which is why I enjoy doing style challenges for 10 days or an entire month. I’ve also participated in ‘No Buy’ months which is harder than it should be for me.
But all that aside, here are my tips on how to create your own capsule wardrobe.
- Identify your go-to colors, and styles. This may take you a year alone to identify that even though you like the wide leg trend it’s not something you feel comfortable in. Identifying what you wear consistently in terms of color and style are the launching point for creating a closet and wardrobe you’ll love wearing.
- Notice what brands, textiles, and details you are drawn too. While I’m drawn to boho embroidery details, none of them reside in my closet. But I am frequently drawn to natural fibers and pieces that highlight my figure, specifically my waistline and bust.
- Buying. Start slow, buy when necessary and replace items that are damaged or that you simply cannot wear anymore. While yes there are brands out there that offer entire capsule collections, a thoughtfully assembled capsule will last you longer when they are cuts, colors, and styles that reflect your personality and style not some off the mannequin looks that aren’t you.
Yes, this is time consuming. I’d say it took me 3 years to create my capsule wardrobe. Nearly 90% of my closet can mix and match within it’s self and while yes you can wear anything with everything I don’t tend to pair a black dress with a navy cardigan or a navy dress with black shoes. Otherwise, my layers can easily be worn over nearly all my tops and pair effortlessly with almost all my bottoms.
I also feel like it’s important to note that I have a few pieces in my closet that don’t fit my capsule. I’m trying right now to decide if I should sell these pieces or not. It doesn’t help that they are out of season but I notice even when they are “in season” I do not reach for them as much as I’d like to admit. Sometimes it takes buying something and looking at it within the context of your closet and lifestyle to realize it doesn’t work. I still make mistakes when buying.
May snow! 
Estes Park 
Day 9 
Day 5
The plus side to a capsule wardrobe is it makes packing and traveling stylishly so much easier. By identifying what you don’t wear, you make more room in your closet for pieces you’ll wear often and feel good wearing.
Do you have a capsule wardrobe? Are you working towards a capsule? Tell me about your journey & your struggles!
Stylishly Shelby 