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.

Below are 12 reasons you should build a Capsule Wardrobe

1. Effortless Style Decisions: A capsule wardrobe simplifies choosing outfits, saving you time and eliminating the ‘nothing to wear’ dilemma.
2. Cultivate a Signature Look: It encourages you to identify and embrace your personal style, leading to a more cohesive and authentic look.
3. Efficiency in Dressing: With a well-organized closet, you can quickly assemble outfits that work for any occasion, making your mornings smoother.
4. Boosted Confidence: Knowing every piece looks great on you enhances self-esteem and confidence in your appearance.
5. Streamlined Wardrobe, Streamlined Life: A capsule wardrobe leads to less clutter, bringing a sense of calm and order to your space.
6. Mindful Spending: It promotes thoughtful purchases, focusing on quality over quantity, which can lead to long-term savings.
7. Sustainable Fashion Choices: By limiting impulse buys and focusing on durable pieces, you contribute to more sustainable fashion practices.
8. Versatility in Your Wardrobe: The interchangeable nature of capsule wardrobe pieces ensures you’re ready for any event, from casual to formal.
9. Travel Made Easy: Packing becomes a breeze with a capsule wardrobe, as each piece can be mixed and matched for different looks.
10. Focused Shopping Experience: Knowing exactly what you need prevents overwhelming shopping trips and helps you avoid unnecessary purchases.
11. 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.
12. 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.

Are you ready? Let’s begin!

My Capsule Wardrobe Method

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 & dresses… that’s it. Very Simple.

Investments: These will be the most expensive portion of your wardrobe. They consist of your shoes, outerwear & bags. This is where fashion budgeting plays an important role.

Trends: Here is where your personal style will come into play the most. These items consist of your jewelry, belts, sunglasses, scarves, hats, hair accessories and more. This portion of your wardrobe should undergo the most evolution and change year over year. 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

Your basic wardrobe consists of three main categories; Tops, Bottoms, and Dresses. Within each of these primary categories, there are further subdivisions, each playing a vital role in your wardrobe. Below is a chart to help you visualize it.

I recommend 32 basic pieces that I believe every closet should include for a well-rounded capsule wardrobe. Below I’ve rounded up my top picks. Based on these picks you should allocate a budget of $1,000. But, don’t be intimated by that number, this represents the backbone of your wardrobe. Allow yourself time to purchase everything slow and deliberately.

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

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. I recommend starting with shoes first. This might seem like the biggest whim purchase but there are only a few pairs you actually need.

Below is a chart to help you visualize each category.

Don’t forget these items will be in your wardrobe for years to come so you should think long and hard before hitting that purchase button. This section of the capsule wardrobe method is big reason why I created The Fashion Planner. 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!

Check out my post Don’t Be Clueless, Build The Ultimate Digital Fashion Closet to learn more about The Fashion Planner.

I recommend 17 investment pieces that I believe every women should invest in. Below I’ve rounded up my top picks. Based on these picks you should allocate a budget of roughly $2,500.

A more detailed breakdown of step TWO: Building Your INVESTMENTS

I have a more detailed blog post called The Fashion Investment: From Fast Fashion To Quality Style that breaks down each category in more detail. Check it out for more options, as well as some more affordable picks.

Step Three Buy your Trend Pieces

Yay! The last step in the Capsule Wardrobe Method and the most fun part! Buying your Trend pieces.

Your Trends consists of Jewelry, Belts, Sunglasses, Scarves, Hats, and Hair Accessories. These are the add ons to your outfits. It’s where you can add your own personal style to a capsule wardrobe.

I also like to think of this section as where I can add some fun/trendy options from the Basics & Investments sections of my wardrobe. Since I already own my core wardrobe items, I know adding these pieces won’t monopolize my closet but enhance it.

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. I recommend setting a yearly fashion budget for your trend section and buying these items whenever something sparks your eye.

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!

10+ Outfits to Inspire Your Next Look

Click the Image to shop the look

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.