I used to feel bothered at the lack of clothing in my closet. For years, I always felt like I needed “more.” So I’d shop, and I’d find some new things, but then a few weeks later I’d end up wearing only a few of the new pieces, with the rest heading to a donation charity. And so, I’d be back where I started, feeling discontent at the lack of clothing in my closet.
It really wasn’t until the last year or so that I realized that I actually LIKED having a tiny amount of clothing in my closet. I enjoyed wearing a few favorite items over and over until they were worn out. I didn’t mind being seen in the same outfit twice in the same week. And actually, I liked the stress-free mornings of having just a few options to choose from.
A month or so ago, someone commented on how they actually wished they could have a “capsule” wardrobe like I do, and I was taken aback. I had heard of this term before, but hadn’t ever used it to describe my own wardrobe, and wasn’t even sure that’s what I did. After some investigating, I discovered that I did, indeed, create a capsule wardrobe for myself. And now that it has a name, it feels even more legit and I love it even more!
So, what is a capsule wardrobe? A capsule wardrobe is basically a set of clothing items that are very versatile and you absolutely love to wear. This means that you can mix and match many of your items together to create a slightly different outfit each day, and that you don’t need a ton of clothing items in your closet. Oh, and because you love all the pieces, you don’t have an issue wearing them many times over.
What does my fall capsule wardrobe consist of?
#1: Thick strapped tank tops. I have a love for these very simple tanks at Maurice’s. When I’m ready for a new look, or a new season approaches, I just go buy a couple new $15 tanks (which are nearly always buy 1, get 1 half off) at Maurice’s and I’m all set! Right now, I have five tanks that I rotate for various outfits-white, gray, dark blue, black, and a darker red colored one.
#2: A couple jackets. I currently have a dark denim jean jacket, a pink button down jacket, and a light blue, thin jacket with brown buttons. Both are versatile and worked for me through summer and now into the colder months, too. I of course have winter coats, too, one of which is a thinner button down jacket in a salmon color.
#3: Pants: I have exactly 4 pairs of pants, all from my favorite-American Eagle. All are jegging/skinny jean style, which I love for wearing with flats, flip flops, or winter boots. I currently have a dark jean color, one in dark blue, one in a medium brown, and a black pair, as well.
#4: Shoes: I currently rotate between flats in black and tan, and winter boots in brown (I need to buy new black ones).
#5: Necklaces: I generally keep 3-5 necklaces at any time, and use these to change up my outfit a little bit.
#6: Scarves: I have about 4 scarves that I use throughout the winter. A white one, a blue/white patterned one, a gold one, and a brown one. I do have a couple others that I just can’t bear to get rid of because I occasionally wear them, but these four are the ones that I use regularly.
#7: Blouse’s: I have a couple blouses (also from Maurice’s) that are a bit sheer and nicer. I can dress them up or wear them for everyday use, though, so they’re quite versatile. I have two-a dark blue with some white print, and a light blue one as well. I often layer these over my white tank, and either let them flow or tie up a side to make it more fitted. Between these items, I can make quite a few outfits. I love it. It’s SO easy to get dressed in the morning. Since I have four children, we do 1-2 loads of laundry every day anyway, so I can often reuse an item the very next day if I want to.
I’m not counting any of my workout clothing in my capsule wardrobe above. My workout gear is quickly going to surpass my regular wardrobe, which is fine since I work out 1-2 times on most days. And anyway, at this point in life, I’d way rather buy a new pair of yoga pants than actual pants.
My best tip for creating a capsule wardrobe is to pick a couple colors that can easily go together well. Stick with these colors, or with other colors that compliment them, to ensure that you can make many slightly different outfits out of your clothing options. Find a favorite tank? Grab it in a couple colors! Favorite pants? Do the same! It makes it so easy to get dressed in the morning when you love how everything fits and looks on you.
Do you capsule wardrobe? Do you have a method to how you create your wardrobe or a rule of thumb for how many items you keep at once?
