Ever feel overwhelmed by a closet bursting at the seams full of clothes but feel like you have nothing to wear? Trust us, you’re not alone. The concept of a capsule wardrobe has become incredibly popular for a reason: it’s all about simplifying and streamlining your wardrobe as well as your style. If you're curious about how to make it work for you, our guide to building a capsule wardrobe for beginners will help you find freedom in a less-is-more, curated closet. Let’s dive in!

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a hand-picked collection of essential clothing items that are versatile, timeless, and easy to mix and match. Instead of keeping dozens of pieces you rarely wear, the goal is to focus on a smaller number of items that work together effortlessly. This approach not only simplifies getting dressed but also encourages mindful shopping habits.

The best part about pairing down and selecting pieces for your capsule wardrobe is that you can easily define your personal style. It’s about finding staple pieces that feel authentically you and make daily dressing a little easier.

Why Create a Capsule Wardrobe?

Creating a capsule wardrobe can make life as a whole so much easier. It rids of a lot of the decision fatigue many face when trying to get ready for the day which is a huge benefit. But here are some other reasons why capsule wardrobes are perfect for everyone.

• Less Clutter: Say goodbye to piles of unworn clothes and hello to an organized, efficient way of dressing.

• More Time and Money (believe it or not): Creating a capsule wardrobe for beginners means your buying habits will likely start to shift. Fewer impulse buys or last-minute scramble purchases and more focus on quality items over quantity.

• Easier Decisions: Imagine opening your closet and seeing all of your wardrobe items organized and ready to wear, knowing that you have an outfit for every occasion. Sounds like a dream, no?

• Eco-Friendly: Capsule wardrobes promote mindful shopping habits, reducing waste and supporting sustainability. Bidding adieu to the mass consumption of fast fashion and in so doing, feeling good about your collection of apparel. Perhaps even feeling inclined to do a bit of research into a brand’s practices and values before making a new purchase.

Building a Capsule Wardrobe for Beginners: Key Steps

Are you feeling empowered and ready to start building your capsule wardrobe? Here’s a step-by-step approach to creating a collection of pieces that fit your life and personal style.

1. Assess Your Current Wardrobe

• Start by reviewing what you already have. Look for items you wear frequently and feel great in — these will be the foundation of your capsule wardrobe. Take note of any common threads (pun always intended), like colours and styles, that consistently pop up.

• Tip: Try setting aside clothes you haven’t worn in six months or longer (unless they’re seasonal) to get a sense of what’s working for you; What you’re drawn to and what makes you feel good.

2. Choose Your Capsule Wardrobe Colour Palette

• Pick a colour scheme that reflects your style and is easy to mix and match. Typically, capsule wardrobes include 2-3 neutrals (like black, white, & beige, for example) and a few accent colours for variety and personality.

• Tip: Neutrals create a timeless base, while pops of colour can keep things from feeling too minimal, which is how some people fall out of the capsule wardrobe mindset. Choose colours that complement or work well with one another to make mixing and matching a breeze. (A blog post on colour theory is in the works!)

3. Focus on Quality Basics

• Every capsule wardrobe needs a strong foundation of high-quality basics. These include pieces like a well-fitted white tee, timeless straight-leg jeans, and a classic blazer. Look for items that are durable and will stay stylish season after season by opting for items without much embellishment and that aren’t too bright or flashy.

• Tip: A good pair of jeans or a great coat might be pricier than a run-of-the-mill department store counterpart, but they’ll stand the test of time, both in making you look great as well as in keeping you from having to buy the same category of item over and over due to discolouration or disintegration that lesser quality items are known for.

4. Consider Lifestyle Needs

• Think about your day-to-day activities and what types of outfits you need. If you’re in a business-casual environment, your capsule wardrobe for beginners might tend more toward cardigans and jeans. If you work from home or have a more casual lifestyle, comfy basics like sweaters and leggings might take center stage.

• Tip: Make sure you’re dressing for your actual lifestyle and not an idealized one. This will help you build a capsule wardrobe that’s functional and realistic.

5. Add a Few Statement Pieces

• Just because capsule wardrobes focus on basics doesn’t mean your collection has to be boring! Include a couple of statement pieces that bring out your unique style, like a patterned dress or an off-the-shoulder top. I personally love creating an outfit with a statement shoe. It adds just the right amount of “wow” to my outfits for life in the suburbs.

• Tip: These items don’t have to be extravagant. Even a simple graphic tee or pants with funky buttons can bring a ton of personality to a capsule wardrobe!

How Many Pieces Should Be in a Capsule Wardrobe?

There’s no hard rule, but a capsule wardrobe typically ranges between 30-50 pieces. This includes tops, bottoms, outerwear, and shoes, and usually doesn’t include accessories, activewear, or loungewear. For beginners, aiming for a lesser amount is advised so try to start at 30 pieces and build up from there if needed.

Maintaining Your Capsule Wardrobe

Once you’ve built your capsule wardrobe, keeping it in check is easy. Here are a few tips:

1. Seasonal Swaps: Every season, review and adjust your wardrobe as needed. This keeps things fresh and functional.

2. One In, One Out Rule: For every new piece you add, consider donating or selling one you no longer wear.

3. Stay Mindful When Shopping: When buying new items, choose pieces that align with your style and can work across multiple outfits. Taking inventory before making a new purchase is a great way to keep that capsule wardrobe streamlined with your personal style top of mind!

Embrace the Freedom of a Capsule Wardrobe

Creating a capsule wardrobe for beginners is a fantastic way to simplify your life without sacrificing style. With fewer, carefully chosen pieces, you’ll have a closet that works for you instead of against you. Start with what you love, keep it simple, and watch your style (and your mornings) transform.

So, are you ready to give capsule wardrobes a try? With these tips, we hope you’re well on your way to building a wardrobe that reflects your style and brings out your confidence, all while making your life easier. Here’s to a more effortless, stylish, and sustainable way of dressing!

The biggest fans of editing and curating quite literally anything,

Margarite & Alexandra