Building a Capsule Wardrobe with Cozy Essentials

We’ve all found ourselves staring intently at our closets at some point, wondering what to wear. If you have a busy lifestyle and don’t pre-plan your outfits for the next day or week, you know just how exhausting and exasperating it can be. Having a minimalist capsule wardrobe can be a lifesaver on such days, or really every day. There are so many benefits to trimming down your wardrobe to a handful of pieces that you love and will wear often.

Not sure what a capsule wardrobe is or how to build one? Or better yet, how to make it actually work for you? Keep reading to find out!

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

The concept of a capsule wardrobe isn’t new. You might’ve noticed that brands release something known as a “capsule collection” every season, which is really just a curated collection of clothes and accessories that complement each other. A personal capsule wardrobe is similar, but instead of focusing on the latest trends, it focuses on versatile, timeless pieces that can be re-worn for years. Naturally, this means everything is of top-notch quality, functionality, and comfort.

Why Build a Capsule Wardrobe?

If you struggle with decision fatigue, a minimalist capsule wardrobe will truly change the game, because you’ll spend less time picking out your outfit for the day. A capsule wardrobe gives you back your time and helps you look put together without any unnecessary thinking. Plus, it will save you a lot of money in the long run because it’s a shift from a consumerist mindset to a sustainable one. You’ll think more before investing in a piece of clothing or accessory and finally escape the trap of fast fashion. These are just some of the most obvious benefits of having a limited collection of cozy, essential clothing for women!

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe?

Now we’re getting down to the heart of the matter. A capsule wardrobe sounds great, but how do you actually build one? Do you start from scratch? How many pieces should it have? And what should it include? There’s no standard answer to the last question because it really depends on your personal style and lifestyle, but the steps below will guide you in the right direction.

Audit Your Existing Wardrobe

There’s no point in trashing your current wardrobe to build a capsule one, unless you’re completely switching up your style. Take out everything you own (clothes, accessories, shoes), and start sorting them into piles. Separate the items you love and want to include in your minimalist wardrobe from the stuff you’re not sure about or want to donate.

Factor In Practical Constraints

Ask yourself what kind of pieces you want to keep. Do you prefer natural fabrics over synthetics? What’s the climate of your location? How’s your build (tall, petite, average)? How much maintenance can you handle? These questions will help you narrow down exactly what you should have in your capsule wardrobe.

Define a Color Palette

The whole idea of a capsule collection revolves around mixing and matching different pieces. This gets infinitely easier if you’re working with a consistent color palette. Neutrals are versatile and look great on everyone. You can also do a seasonal color analysis to find out which colors look best on you and begin with that.

Determine Which Pieces You Need

If you’re an office worker, your capsule wardrobe will look different from a stay-at-home mom or a fitness trainer. Considering your lifestyle is key to creating a well-balanced collection. Also, think about what you enjoy wearing. Maybe you like smart casuals or perhaps you’re all about that comfy loungewear and toe socks lifestyle. Whatever it is, focus on that.

Throw In a Few Statement Items

Building a capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and include trendy or statement pieces. In fact, it’s the right approach for balancing out your collection. Statement items, such as a bold-colored jacket or artsy earrings, will add much-needed personality to your wardrobe and keep things interesting for special occasions.

Making Your Capsule Wardrobe Work

Building a capsule wardrobe is only one half of the equation. The other is executing it. Most people struggle with this part. The best tip for this is to visualize your outfits. You can do this through digital closet apps, like Acloset, that help you keep track of everything you own and turn them into actual outfits through collages. You can also just eyeball it, take pictures, and paste them as stickers in your notes app for reference. Remember to play with proportions and follow the rule of thirds for visually enticing looks.

Wrapping Up

Once you get into the flow of a capsule wardrobe, there’s no going back. You’ll enjoy dressing up because you’re always wearing things you love. Rotate your collection seasonally, add new items mindfully, and have fun with the simplicity of a cozy, curated collection.