You’ve probably seen examples of capsule wardrobes online, and while they often lean heavily on neutrals, you are free to mix in any colors you like. Prefer bold tones and patterns? Create a color palette that makes you excited to get dressed and try to choose clothing items that fit within the color scheme. That way, you can pull any two or more items out of the closet to create a cohesive outfit.
2. Invest in Outerwear
Outerwear can pull together an outfit while also being functional, protecting you from rain, wind, cold temperatures, or snow. Don’t go cheap on the jackets and coats if possible. Instead, invest in high-quality outerwear that will last a lifetime. Also, find a tailor and have the outerwear tailored to you for a classic look, and so the clothing feels more comfortable on your body.
3. Divide the Wardrobe by Function
If making an entire capsule wardrobe feels daunting, you can also make smaller capsule wardrobes to get started. Divide your clothing and shoes into functions, like work, leisure, fitness, pajamas and formalwear. Within each section, you can decide whether or not to have a set number of clothing pieces and decide on the color palette for each (or keep one color scheme for all sections).
4. Find Sturdy But Comfortable Denim
Denim is something you’ll be wearing most of the year, so find high-quality pairs of jeans that will hold up well. You don’t want to have to replace them frequently. When you buy denim, make sure to try the pants standing up and sitting down to see if they still feel comfortable while seated. If they feel snug, try going up a size or two and having a tailor adjust the jeans to fit you in a way that feels right. Because you’ll wear denim often, you want to invest in good, durable, and comfortable jeans.
5. Establish a One In, One Out Policy
A capsule wardrobe is designed to reduce the number of items in your closet, ultimately making getting dressed each day easier. That doesn’t mean once you’ve established the wardrobe that you can never shop again, though. Just keep in mind that when you bring in something new, you should get rid of an item that no longer works for you. This policy can help you re-evaluate your purchases, curbing mindless spending in favor of investing in higher quality garments that will last longer.
6. Ditch Duplicates
While whittling down your wardrobe, space is precious. Do you really need five pairs of black boots, or will your favorite pair work as the versatile boot for your wardrobe? How many pairs of white sneakers do you need to hold on to? It’s easy to buy duplicate or similar items “just in case”, but try minimizing the amount of duplicate or similar-looking items in your wardrobe to make it simpler. Of course, no need to get rid of anything you truly love and wear often, but clearing out the extras will give you more space in the closet and better peace of mind as you get dressed each day.