The concept of curating a capsule wardrobe is nothing new, but in a world of warp-speed TikTok trends and fast fashion, the idea of having a core collection of carefully curated, coordinated basics is the less-is-more life-hack you may not have known you need. From an expertly crafted cashmere knit to a perfect white tee, or a tailored pair of trousers to a classic denim silhouette, your capsule wardrobe will transcend trendiness with reliable pieces that you will gladly wear for years to come.
Ready to start your capsule wardrobe journey? You are in the right place! This beginner’s guide contains all the information you need to get started, including the 25 essential items I believe should belong in every capsule wardrobe.
What is a capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a core collection of thoughtfully curated items that can easily be mixed and matched to create a variety of personalized looks and outfits. With this small collection of classic, coordinating pieces (typically built around a neutral color palette), you can maximize the number of outfits you can make while simplifying your wardrobe.
Why curate a capsule Wardrobe?
You may be wondering what the point of curating a capsule wardrobe is. If so, I’ll tell you that there are more benefits than you may think. By building up this core collection of closet staples, you will be able to embrace simplicity, save time and money, consume consciously, reduce clutter, and so much more!
Embrace Simplicity
When you curate a capsule wardrobe, you open the closet doors to a streamlined wardrobe and a simplified life. This manageable core collection of versatile items will help eliminate the stress of decision making when getting dressed so you can embrace simplicity.
Save Time
With fewer items to choose from, your capsule wardrobe will save you time by making it easier to put together outfits quickly and efficiently. Instead of starting from scratch each morning, you can build up from the coordinating basics of your curated collection.
Save Money
Investing in high-quality items that are classic and timeless will reduce the need for you to shop constantly. These essential, versatile pieces can be styled a variety of ways so you don’t have to waste money on pieces you will only wear once or twice, saving money in the long run.
Consume Consciously
The fast fashion industry has created a culture of overconsumption and waste, but curating a capsule wardrobe will encourage you to make intentional and mindful purchases instead of being blinded by trends. Consciously filling your closet with long-lasting, higher-quality clothing is more sustainable and better for our environment.
Reduce Clutter
An essential step in curating your capsule wardrobe is to eliminate unnecessary items that are rarely worn or no longer fit your style. Decluttering your closet will allow you to focus on the essential pieces of your capsule wardrobe that can be mixed and matched, creating a sense of calm in your closet.
What to include in a capsule wardrobe?
As you build your capsule wardrobe, you will want to keep in mind that it will not include every item for every occasion; instead, it will contain core pieces that you will wear a million different times styled in a million different ways. These essential items will have a neutral color palette, coordinating effortlessly with each other. With that in mind, focus on quality over quantity.
Capsule Wardrobe checklist
Over the last few years, I have felt a major shift in my shopping habits. Instead of giving in to seasonal trends, I have curated an arsenal of classic pieces that I build my outfits around every day. This core collection of my 25 essential capsule wardrobe items features my personal best of the best. Items that I own and wear endlessly, proudly cementing them as my closet staples.
While there will always be plenty of room in my closet for the season’s latest trends, curating a capsule wardrobe of my own has been such a game-changer. With life seemingly getting more chaotic by the second, having my coordinated items helps me during the moments when I need life to be simple. And what’s not to love about a collection full of ride-or-die favorites?!
xoA
Over To You
Do you have a capsule wardrobe? What items are essential pieces in your core collection? If you don’t have one, are you intrigued now? What may be stopping you from curating a capsule wardrobe of your own? Do you want to see a post about how I style these items? Sound off in the comment section below!
