The Basics of Capsule Wardrobes (answering what it is, why, and more!)

Is your closet a hodgepodge of styles, colors, and cuts?

Is getting dressed stressful?

Do you start off every morning frazzled and feeling frumpy instead of confident and cool as a cucumber?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, creating an expressive Capsule Wardrobe could be your answer.

If you’re not really sure what that means, you’re in luck because in this video I’m going to give you the 411 on Capsule Wardrobes.


 

If you’re new here, I’m Missy of Simplified Wardrobe, an Ethical Personal Stylist & Capsule Wardrobe Curator. I help ambitious, eco-conscious womxn who want to look great, feel confident, and simplify their lives.

Find more information about personal style, capsule wardrobes, and color analysis over on Instagram. You can also download my free 10-page Guide to Defining your Personal Style.

 

So what is a Capsule Wardrobe, anyway?

At the most basic level, it’s a strategically curated selection of clothes that all easily mix and match together to give you tons of outfits with fewer pieces. That’s really it. 

There’s no set number, though some people aim for 20 pieces, 33 pieces, or 40. Setting a goal can help you make tough decisions, but don’t be distracted by the number. The point is to get your wardrobe down to the MVP -- the minimum viable pieces. What “minimum” means is up to you, your lifestyle, and your personal style. 

What’s included in a Capsule Wardrobe?

A Capsule Wardrobe always includes regularly worn tops, bottoms, one-pieces like dresses and rompers, and layering pieces like cardigans and blazers. 

It’s up to you whether you want to count shoes, accessories, jewelry, and outerwear. Do what feel right. If you want the freedom of having unlimited jewelry items to spice up your outfits, go for it. But if it helps you to limit the number of those items as well, you can. 

You never count underwear, sleepwear, special event clothing, or uniforms. That said, once you’ve parred down your regular wardrobe, you might be inspired to edit some other areas as well.

How to get started with a Capsule Wardrobe?

The easiest way to start if you’re a little capsule-curious is to start with what’s already in your closet. I recommend removing everything and putting items back in one-by-one--only things you really love and couldn’t live without. Once you’ve done that, assess. What’s missing? You want a nice mix of tops and bottoms, usually more tops than bottoms, as well as a few layering pieces and one-pieces if you like to wear those. 

Ideally, your color palette is cohesive so that you can easily pair items. The goal is that every item can be worn with every other item, but that’s not always realistic. The point is that you want as much mixing and matching potential as possible, so if you’re debating between a pair of pants that can go with every shirt in your closet and one that only goes with a few, go for more utility. 

Once you feel good about your capsule, you don’t have to get rid of the rest of your clothes. You can just store them somewhere out of sight while you experiment with what’s it like to live with a more limited wardrobe. If you discover you really need something you stored, you can go get it. Either just add it to your capsule or replace something you’ve found isn’t as useful from your closet.

What are the benefits of having a Capsule Wardrobe?

There are a lot of benefits to having a capsule wardrobe. Some you might expect, like less clutter, saving money on clothes, and sustainability.

But there are a few unexpected benefits as well. For one, you’ll develop a stronger sense of style because whittling down your wardrobe will force you to identify the most important elements of your authentic personal style. You’ll also Save Time. Since you’ve strategically chosen pieces so everything mixes & matches together, getting dressed is quick and easy. Finally, maybe the biggest benefit is More Confidence. When you know you’re wearing only pieces you love and you don’t spend 20 minutes each morning second-guessing yourself and your outfit choice, you’ll feel confident everyday. Who doesn’t want that?

If you’re curious about capsule wardrobes but are worried about them being limiting, check out this video all about adding color to your capsule wardrobe. I’ve also written a lot more about Capsule Wardrobes and why you would want one.

Just remember, you don’t need a lot of clothes to have a lot of style.