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How to Build a Capsule Wardobe Step-By-Step

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We’ve finally arrived at Week 3 of my “Live More With Less” Series: How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe. For those that don’t know what a capsule wardrobe is it’s a “mini” wardrobe where every thing goes together and you love every piece. Now, there are many variations of the definition – and sizes of capsule wardrobes – but that hits the main points.

Also, don’t forget to check out my first posts in the Live More With Less Series: Are You Holding Onto Stuff Others Can Use? and How to Prevent Clutter from Sneaking Back In. 

Doesn’t a wardrobe where you love every piece sound amazing? And don’t worry about “mini” part. A capsule wardrobe can change every season. Also, a capsule wardrobe is what fits your lifestyle. It can also range from as few as 15 pieces up to 100 pieces. The point is that you don’t have extra unnecessary items in your closet, and that it works for you.

First Capsule Wardrobe my favorites
 Now, who here has ever said any of these phrases?
 
I have nothing to wear.
 
Nothing goes together.
 
Ugh, I hate this sweater.
 

If yes, then you might be ready to try your first capsule wardrobe, too. Since I’m pregnant, I decided to create my first capsule wardrobe from maternity clothes. The last thing I want to be worrying about right now is what to wear.

Also, once I master the capsule wardrobe I will apply these tips to my “non-pregnancy” clothes after the baby comes in April. Don’t worry, all my tips will work for you regardless of if you are pregnant or never planning to be.

First Capsule Wardrobe Background

A popular site to visit when starting your first capsule wardrobe is Un-Fancy.
In the blogger Caroline’s own words she says: 
Unfancy was born in 2014 out of a desire to find my style and curb my shopping habit. Back then, I had a closet full of cheap clothes but “nothing to wear.”
So I decided to try out a capsule wardrobe and live with a small + intentional closet of 37 pieces. Unfancy was my journal, the spot where I shared my outfits and the lessons I learned along the way.
After a year of living with a capsule, I found myself more content, more confident, and more joyful than ever.
While I don’t keep a super structured capsule anymore, I carry the heart of it with me–smaller closet, intentional purchases, less shopping, and more joy.

In one experiment she wears only 37 pieces for three months. While impressive, I’m not suggesting you have to pare down that much. But we’ll get to your “number” a little later.

For now let’s start at the top, or in the case of your closet, the back.

How to Build A Capsule Wardrobe Step-By-Step

How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe Step-By-Step

How to Create Your First Capsule Wardrobe

1.) De-Clutter Your Closet

Last year around this time I went through a major closet purge.

After I finished, I wrote about my experience and how in the end, it actually made me a better dresser.

“It’s funny, the more I got rid of the old and ugly brown dresses, the more cute sweaters from JCrew and pretty little skirts from Loft I found hidden behind them. Clothes I bought knowing they were adorable but never felt like I earned the right to wear them. But somehow buying them and letting them sit in my closet – unused – made me feel better. That is until I read the Magic of Tidying Up book and had an epiphany. One day I grabbed a brown dress that I probably wore once a week, but truly hated, and thought, “Why am I keeping this?”  I decided I’d rather have fewer items, but love every piece in my closet, then extras I don’t like or even need.”

Make sure to read the post if you’re looking for more inspiration to de-clutter your closet. Don’t skip this step, either. It is critical in creating an effective capsule wardrobe.

2.) Decide on your “style” 

First Capsule Wardrobe | Style

All right. Now that you’ve gotten written the bad and the ugly it is time to decide on your style. Are you feminine? Sporty? Vintage? Classic? Eclectic? 
 
After that choose a color palette. If you’re creating your first capsule wardrobe in winter, you might choose darker colors. If you’re starting at the beginning of spring, go with warmer and softer hues.

The important part is that you have one cohesive style that every piece will fit into. Otherwise, we run the problem of having a cool pair of patterned pants but nothing to wear with them.

Need help finding your favorites? Here are 5 pretty simple steps to find your style.

3.)  Make sure you have the basics covered

First Capsule Wardrobe Basics

First off, for the sake of this experiment (and our modesty!) we are excluding all undergarments, jackets, scarves, gloves, PJ’s and workout gear. Please do follow step 1 in de-cluttering these items but know they do not count toward final numbers. While other capsule wardrobes might include them, I haven’t to make the process easier.

As for the basics, these include items like jeans, dress pants, dresses, sweaters, leggings, and tank-tops. These are items that you can wear with anything. I’d recommend spending a little more money on these items since they will see the most use. Invest in items that will last a long time but also through several different seasons.

Use this time to see what holes are in your wardrobe. For instance, after so many months into my pregnancy my work pants no longer fit. I realized I had to invest in a pair of maternity work pants, or I’d have to wear dresses every day. Also, I realized I was lacking a sweatshirt that would fit throughout my pregnancy as well. I then went to Motherhood Maternity and purchased both of these items.

4.)  Add in interest pieces 

First Capsule Wardrobe | Florals & Stripes

Here’s the fun part. A capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you will wear all black every day and have no variety. You want to make sure that most of your wardrobe is made up of basics, but you can still have a few “fun” pieces.

This is the time to add in a couple of trendy pieces. Or, mix in patterns. I love florals and stripes. But if you’ve been itching to add in something velvet or lace, now is your chance.

5.)  Add footwear

First Capsule Wardrobe Shoes

While footwear is not included in the total number of items in this capsule wardrobe, it is just as important that you “declutter” these items, too.
 

Thankfully, shoes will fit me the same throughout pregnancy, although, I find I am not wearing heels as much. My capsule shoe wear currently consists of: two pairs of dress flats, two booties, sneakers, winter boots, and a pair of heels.

6.)  Accessorize!

First Capsule Wardrobe Accessories

I’ve never been a big accessories girl. My poor husband knows not to buy me jewelry: I rarely get around to wearing it. However, with capsule wardrobes, accessories are necessary.

They are a good way to change up an outfit you might wear frequently and make it feel like new. But make sure to de-clutter your jewelry, too. Don’t bury yourself under a mountain of statement necklaces.

My Pregnancy Capsule Wardrobe

Thankfully, I got 90% of my maternity wardrobe as hand-me-downs. And in full disclosure, some items I am keeping are not included below. Instead, I will store them until (hopefully) my next pregnancy. I don’t want to be too hasty to give things away when they might be perfect and save me money next time.
 
For now though, I have paired my pregnancy wardrobe down to the below items which hang in my closet: 
  • 2 Dress pants
  • 6 dress shirts (for work, church or dinner)
  • 4 dressier short-sleeved shirts
  • 5 Sleeveless shirts to wear underneath sweaters or long-sleeved shirts
  • 6 long-sleeved casual shirts 
  • 3 Open Sweaters
  • 8 Dresses
  • 1 Formal Dress
  • 3 pairs of jeans
  • 2 casual t-shirts 
————————————–
Total:  40 items!
 
As you can see, I love dresses and I love being comfy so I have the most amount of items in those categories. Feel free to use this formula as a base. But make sure to adjust it for what work best for you.
 
I also included a formal dress because my husband gets invited to a lot of galas and a girl needs something to wear.
 
Lastly, before you run off and create your first capsule wardrobe, let’s chat about the benefits. 

Benefits of First Capsule Wardrobe 

  • An easier morning routine. Everything should already match, fewer pieces to choose from.
  • Allows you to find your own style instead of worrying about the latest trends
  • Saves money – if an item doesn’t fit into the wardrobe – I won’t bring it home!

Comments

  5. oooh! I want to donate all my clothes except my favourites and make a capsule wardrobe. I had never heard of that before. My closet is always a disastrous work in progress.

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  7. I have always been intrigued by capsule wardrobes…we often have already created one simply by choosing many of the same pieces over and over each day. I really do need to do a big clean up and work towards one of my own. Congratulations on your pregnancy.

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  8. This is great, Sarah! I’ve attempted one before, but it was hard. But the ironic thing is that even though I have all my clothes, I only wear a few outfits at a time lol I like rotate through unintentionally!

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  13. Capsule wardrobes are the best! I don’t have a traditional, planned out wardrobes. (I don’t like rules, even if I create them for myself.) I have a limited wardrobe, though, and it really is the best! I know everything that I own fits and is something that I’m comfortable in. It’s easy to pick out outfits and I’m not drowning in clothes, which feels so nice!

    Reply

  15. I love this. I’ve been working on paring my closet down and am finding it hard to part with the dresses. But realistically I’m just not wearing the majority of them. Time to minimimze!

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  17. This is a great idea! I am not particularly fashionable, but I think this would really help! I think it would definitely take the pressure out of selecting outfits on a daily basis. Thanks for sharing! Also, I love the look of your site!

    Reply

  18. I love this idea. I went through a big closet purge a few years ago, and it felt INCREDIBLE. But I’ve noticed more and more items slowly creeping back in. I need to do another sweep using your strategies. The hardest thing for me is getting rid of nice items that “I might need for work” or “going out” etc. Did you struggle with that? And do you have any strategies for parting with those type of items? I’d love any tips!

    Reply

    • I definitely struggle with that. If it’s something I LOVE, even if it just hangs in my closet I still keep it. If it’s something I keep, but never wear and don’t like, I part ways with it.

      Reply

  19. As I read through this manageable guideline, my take-away was “Pare down. Pair up.” This limits the choices yet narrows everything to work together.

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  20. I just love this whole concept so much! I did one of these back in the end of summer, to start off the fall in a fun a way and absolutely loved it! It’s just so convenient and saves you so much time… Amazing!

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  22. This is such a great post. I have been looking into capsule wardrobes for a while, but my curiosity really sparked when I heard Caroline on a podcast I listen to! It’s so funny you mention her in your post. My favorite thing about capsule wardrobes is that they can look different for everyone. Definitely pinning your post for later for when I finally get mine put together!

    Reply

  24. I created a capsule wardrobe two years ago when I moved to Japan. I’ve since expanded into having capsules for each season and I appreciate that things always match.

    Reply

  27. I have never heard of a capsule wardrobe before. This is a really interesting article and super helpful. Love it!

    Reply

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