Three Simple Steps to Build a Timeless Capsule Wardrobe
Creating a capsule wardrobe can be a daunting task. To begin, it’s not something you typically embark on from scratch unless you’ve recently returned from a nudist community. Chances are, your closet is already brimming with an array of clothing. Secondly, it can be extremely overwhelming to take inventory of anything in your life. Our style is constantly evolving, and with social media consistently bombarding us with new products to make our lives so much better, it can be very easy to accumulate a closet full of things we don’t even like.
There is a simple solution to Fashion that allows you to always have something to wear and experiment with trends without breaking the bank. It’s called A Capsule Wardrobe.
What is A Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a minimalist collection of clothes that can be put together in different ways to cover a variety of outfits and occasions. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing.
In a world overflowing with fast fashion and fleeting trends, the concept of a capsule wardrobe is a refreshing approach to fashion, especially in 2024 when micro trends are everywhere. Adopting a capsule wardrobe will give you a number of versatile and high-quality pieces, making it easier to create stylish and cohesive fashion outfits without the daily hassle of decision-making.
How Do You Build A Capsule Wardrobe?
Surprisingly, building a capsule wardrobe isn’t as difficult as it might first appear. If assembled step by step in the correct order. It can be an enjoyable and easy task. Below I map out the exact formula I took to build my capsule wardrobe. I break down everything from cost, purchasing order & the best items currently on the market that will stay relevant and intact for multiple seasons and years.
12 Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe
The beauty of a capsule wardrobe lies in its simplicity and efficiency. It not only reduces the time and stress of choosing outfits but also promotes a sustainable fashion ethos, aligning with the modern trend towards eco-conscious living. Financially, it’s a smart move too. By investing in quality pieces that last longer, you save money in the long run, avoiding the trap of fast fashion.
- Effortless Style Decisions: A capsule wardrobe simplifies choosing outfits, saving you time and eliminating the ‘nothing to wear’ dilemma.
- Cultivate a Signature Look: It encourages you to identify and embrace your personal style, leading to a more cohesive and authentic look.
- Efficiency in Dressing: With a well-organized closet, you can quickly assemble outfits that work for any occasion, making your mornings smoother.
- Boosted Confidence: Knowing every piece looks great on you enhances self-esteem and confidence in your appearance.
- Streamlined Wardrobe, Streamlined Life: A capsule wardrobe leads to less clutter, bringing a sense of calm and order to your space.
- Mindful Spending: It promotes thoughtful purchases, focusing on quality over quantity, which can lead to long-term savings.
- Sustainable Fashion Choices: By limiting impulse buys and focusing on durable pieces, you contribute to more sustainable fashion practices.
- Versatility in Your Wardrobe: The interchangeable nature of capsule wardrobe pieces ensures you’re ready for any event, from casual to formal.
- Travel Made Easy: Packing becomes a breeze with a capsule wardrobe, as each piece can be mixed and matched for different looks.
- Focused Shopping Experience: Knowing exactly what you need prevents overwhelming shopping trips and helps you avoid unnecessary purchases.
- Less Mental Load: With fewer clothing options, you reduce the mental effort of deciding what to wear, freeing up mental space for more important tasks.
- Long-term Style Investment: Investing in timeless pieces means your wardrobe stays relevant and stylish year after year.
By embracing the concept of a capsule wardrobe, you’re not only refining your fashion sense but also adopting a lifestyle that values quality, simplicity, and sustainability.
My Capsule Wardrobe Method
Are you ready? Let’s begin!
The capstone to any successful capsule collection is a solid foundation. I use three frameworks to establish this foundation. Basics, Investments & Trends. These categories form the overarching structure of your wardrobe, and you will allocate a budget to each, acquiring them one at a time, starting with the basics. Allow me to explain…
Basics: These make up the core pieces of your wardrobe. They consist of your tops & bottoms… that’s it. Very Simple.
Investments: These will be the most expensive portion of your wardrobe. They consist of your shoes, outerwear, bags & jewelry. This is where fashion budgeting plays an important role.
Trends: This is where your personal style comes into play the most. These items consist of your belts, sunglasses, scarves, hats, hair accessories and more. This portion of your wardrobe should undergo the most evolution and change. It’s where you can take risks on the latest trends without jeopardizing your entire wardrobe
I’ve created a free checklist that you can download here to help you on your capsule building journey!
Now that you understand the concept, let’s build!
Step One: Buy your Basics
- Items: Tops & Bottoms
- Budget: ~$1,000
It’s time to discover your favorite white tee. You don’t need a closet full of tops to have a strong wardrobe, truthfully having one tank, one short sleeve shirt & one long sleeve shirt in 3-4 core colors each is plenty. I recommend the below breakdown
The Easy Tank
1 White
1 Gray Heather
1 Black
See my picks below
The Perfect Everyday T-Shirt
1 White
1 Black
1 Brown/Beige
See my picks below
The Cardigans
1 Cream
1 Brown
1 Black
See my picks below
The Denim
1 Medium Wash
1 Black
1 White/Cream
The cut is up to you but I recommend a straight leg in the medium wash, fitted in black & wide leg cropped in white. I find these cuts and washes are the easiest to style especially when it comes to shoes.
The Trouser
1 Black
1 Gray
1 Brown/Beige
This is my recommendation on the three trousers you should start with. Once your capsule wardrobe is complete you can add more fun/trendy options. Like a pink cargo pant or a pinstripe trouser.
The Skirt
1 Black Mini
1 Navy Pleated Mini
1 Satin Midi
See my picks below
A more detailed breakdown of step one: Building Your Basics
Since step one is so crucial to the success of your capsule wardrobe. I’ve created The Ultimate Basics Checklist That Every Wardrobe Needs, this post breaks down each category and provides a handy checklist, that I created so you can check off your purchased items on your capsule building journey. I recommend reading this post before you move onto step 2 here.
Step Two: Buy your Investment Pieces
- Items: Shoes, Outerwear, Bags & Jewelry
- Budget: ~$4,000
Now that you have the base of your wardrobe it’s time to add the investment pieces. Do not rush this part of the process. If you do, you can end up spending way more than anticipated. These items will be in your wardrobe for years to come so you should think long and hard before hitting that purchase button. These items are a big reason why I even created the Fashion Planner in the first place. I needed a place where I could keep all of my wish list items in one convenient place. Where I could look at them randomly and daydream about owning them. Daydreaming/visualizing yourself in each of these pieces will help you discover if you actually need/want them!
I recommend starting with shoes first. This might seem like the biggest whim purchase but there are only a few pairs you actually need.
The Shoes
1 Black Flat
1 Leather Bootie
1 Nude Heel
1 Sneaker
1 Knee High Boot
1 Rain Boot
See my picks below
The Outerwear
1 Oversized Denim Jacket
1 Cozy Shearling/Suede
1 Leather Jacket
1 Raincoat
1 Wool Coat
See my picks below
The Bags
1 Black Leather Shoulder Bag
1 Leather Tote
1 Straw Beach Bag
See my picks below
The Jewels
1 Small Hoop Silver or Gold depending on your preference
1 Watch Silver or Gold depending on your preference
These are the only pieces of jewelry I believe make a big impact on an outfit. I personally wear the same small dainty necklaces, rings & bracelets everyday that I do not take off. If I’m looking to add a statement necklace, bracelet or earrings to my wardrobe I usually do that in the Trend section of wardrobe building. I also try not to spend too much money on these items because I tend to get tired of them quickly.
See my picks below
Step Three: Buy your Trends
- Items: Belts, Sunglasses, Scarves, Hats, Hair accessories and more
- Budget: Set a yearly fashion budget and buy when you find these items
The Belts
1 Black
1 Brown
I include belts in the trend section but you really only need two good belts in your closet. One black one brown. Of course if belts are your thing don’t stop there and buy as you see fit.
See my picks below
The Sunglasses
1 Black
1 Metal
See my picks below
The Cherry On Top
There is no real rhyme or reason to how you should buy the rest of your trend pieces. This is your style and you should purchase it whenever you find it.
See my picks below
You’ve done it!
At this point in your fashion journey, you will have a strong wardrobe with endless styling options. You will no longer look in your closet and say “I have nothing to wear”. When you come across a particularly cool bag or accessory you will know it’s just the cherry on top of an already fire wardrobe!
The Little Black Book: Fashion Planner
If you’re like me and love the convenience of having all your clothing at your fingertips, I’ve developed a digital fashion planner that allows you to do just that. Check out my full post on all of its features here. You can also follow my instagram @currentlypopular for daily outfit inspiration.
