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A reader emailed in asking for an article on how to create a capsule wardrobe in 2024. Alexander has accepted the challenge. You can use this guide for style inspiration.
Hi, my name is Alexander, I'm 22, and I had a problem where I just had too many clothes in my wardrobe. This wasn't a case of having too much choice though. No, no.
Every piece was either boring, outdated by twelve years, or reminded me of the past. I would find it hard to pick an outfit for work or to go out in. I didn't want to wear the same thing over and over because I didn't want to give the impression that I didn't own many clothes (I was super silly to think that!).
I probably only wore about 10 per cent of my clothes. The other 90 per cent would be pushed into the depths of my closet never to see the light of day. The thing is, they were just sat there doing nothing. After getting my first 'real' job out of uni I felt like it was time for a change. And maybe redoing my wardrobe would make me feel like I was sealing the deal on entering a new chapter in my life. Yeah, all that stuff if you get what I mean.
Since switching to a capsule wardrobe, I now care less about what other people think of my appearance, I have free-time because I don't have to plan outfits, I care more about where my clothing comes from, and I don't feel the need to buy into trends. Better yet, my wardrobe is clean! Marie Kondo who? (Sorry Marie Kondo).
What is a capsule wardrobe and what are its benefits?
A capsule wardrobe is basically a set of specially chosen clothes that are versatile, durable, of good quality, and timeless. These are pieces that will be worn a lot and for a long time. An optimist would say that a capsule wardrobe can last a lifetime. As a general rule, a capsule wardrobe must include pieces that are interchangeable. In other words, if you get dressed in the dark, you'll still look and feel well put together. If you have two trousers and five tops, that's ten outfits right there.
Research has shown that implementing a capsule wardrobe into your life can save you money in the long term, distance yourself from trends and fast fashion, and take the stress out of choosing an outfit to wear... and time. You can make a wardrobe for each season, simplifying outfit planning all year round.
Read a simplified article here: Reasons to Start a Capsule Wardrobe in 2023.
I have listed some basic steps for you to develop your own capsule wardrobe, including things that I wish I'd known.
Contents
1. Set some time aside to assess and clear out your wardrobe.
Firstly, it's a good idea to examine your clothes to figure out what you'd like to continue wearing or let go. If you're not happy with your current wardrobe, have a think about why that is. Whenever you have free time to look around your wardrobe, find out what clothes you like and don't like. Clearing out your wardrobe will give you space to work with and will help you unclutter. It will take longer than you think to go through your clothing so set aside a few hours.
You don't have to get rid of your current wardrobe and start from scratch. You will generally want to keep items that you wear - they can be used as a foundation for your capsule wardrobe. If you're finding it hard to decide whether to keep a piece or not, think of the last time you wore it and how it makes you feel when you wear it. If it's been over a year and has no significant value to you, it's maybe time to wave it buh-bye.
You have many options with your unwanted clothes. Get a bag to put your clothing in to avoid them from getting in the way and mixed up with clothing that you want to keep. You can sell them for money on second hand clothing websites such as Depop and Vinted which are simple to explore and use. You'd be surprised by how many people would want to purchase your clothes, especially with tags on. Another option to consider is to give your unwanted clothing away, either to friends, family, or to a good cause. Your clothes do not need to be binned.
It was hard to get rid of my current wardrobe I must admit. I found myself saying, "Oh I forgot I had that [insert clothing item here], I might wear that soon." No, you're absolutely not.
2. Plan out what you'd ideally like to wear.
Before you go all out on finding new clothing, it's best to have a think about what you'd like your wardrobe to look like.
Ask yourself, "do I see myself wearing this in the next [time frame]?"
If not, then consider renting items instead.
Do some research.
Where do you live? What are the cultural expectations? What is the weather like where you live? Is what you want to wear practical? What will you be doing in your clothes? Is this item appropriate for where you'll be wearing it? Is it good quality?
You can use sites like Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for outfit inspiration, but be aware of fast fashion trends; a capsule wardrobe is intended to be timeless. Save posts, like them, or screenshot them so you can refer to them later.
3. Do not neglect comfort for style.
Looking good is great, but comfort is an important factor in curating a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is meant to make you feel confident. If your pieces don't fit you well or they feel like a pain to wear, you're not going to follow through with your wardrobe.
4. Figure out what style of clothing suits your body shape.
One key thing to remember is that one size does not fit all. What might look good on someone might not look good on another. Choose pieces that fit you well and I promise you, your confidence will flourish. Fit is so important, please do not ignore this advice. You can find out which pieces flatter you by determining your body shape. Discover items that accentuate features that you love.
5. Figure out your 'colour season' (if you want).
A capsule wardrobe is based on plain and/or neutral colours. It seems that beige, black, grey, white, and green are amongst the most popular colours. However, a neutral colour palette may not fit everyone. Search for your personal 'colour season'. It's an assessment of what colours suit you based on your hair colour, eye colour, and skin colour. I think that when you stick to a certain set of colours, it can get boring, and that is not an outcome that you would want.
6. You may find out that you prefer certain brands.
Sometimes we have brands that we like more than others because of the values they're associated with or because their sizing is reliable. Remember though, brand names aren't as important as you might think. Try to explore brands that you've never really acknowledged before - you never know what you can find!
7. Start with good quality basics. A basic of your own might not be someone else's.
There is no set number of clothes for a capsule wardrobe, but it is best to have enough outfits to wear for a variety of occasions such as work, lounging, grocery runs, school, weddings, parties, etc. I find it helpful to split pieces into sections such as workwear, formalwear, casualwear, and loungewear (Just clothes that I wear at home). I also arrange my clothes into a hot weather pile and a cold weather pile and arrange them accordingly when the seasons change. What I wear for work is totally separated from my other clothes. Have a different set of items for each season.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
It's good to start with a small amount of items first. Just remember if you have two bottoms and five tops, that's ten outfits right there (2 x 5 = 10). However, if I'm being honest, ten items would leave me to get bored pretty fast.
This is a guide that works for me at the moment, but you can tailor it to your needs/lifestyle:
Tops (whatever suits you)
Plain button-up shirts and/or blouses (2+) - Can be worn to interviews, work, formal events, and dates.
Plain white t-shirts (2+) - Can be worn under a blazer for a formal look, can be worn alone for a casual look.
Plain t-shirts (2) - When you're not feeling in the mood to wear your white t-shirts.
Sweaters/jumpers/knitwear (3) - Can be worn as an accessory or over tops.
Bottoms (whatever style suits you)
Black trousers (2) - Can be worn at any occasion, looks smart.
Neutral trousers (1) - Looks smart, adds some versatility.
Jeans (2) - Casual wear.
Shorts (2) - Hot months.
Skirts (2) - Keep in mind the length during each season.
Joggers (2) - Loungewear.
Just including tops and bottoms alone, that's around 80 well put together outfits already (9 x 9 = 81).
Outerwear
Jackets (2) - When it's cold, but not so cold.
Winter Coats (2+) - Coats are great.
Hoodies (2) - Do you really need more than two hoodies... really?
Cardigan (1) - Is a cardigan classed as outerwear?
Blazers (2) - When you want to look dressed up, but not TOO dressed up.
Additional
Gym wear set (2+) - In case they're in need of a wash.
Swimwear (2) - How often do you go swimming?
Tailored suit - A tailored suit made especially for you can elevate your look and make you appear rich and smart. No, really.
Jumpsuit/playsuit/overalls (1) - Effortless and fun.
Dresses (2+) - Formal, fun, workwear, holiday.
Nightwear (2+) - If you wear clothes to sleep.
Nightgown (1) - Because being cosy is great.
Underwear - Don't forget underpants, bras, vests, and socks - Because these pieces can get worn out easily or outgrown, buy them when you need them. And make sure that they are suitable for the clothes you'll be wearing over them.
Footwear
Trainers (2) - Who doesn't love a good pair of trainers? Can also be used for sporting activities.
White canvas shoes (1) - Must be white.
Dress shoes (3) (Heels, brogues, loafers) - Give yourself some options.
Boots/chelsea boots (2) - Look formal yet effortless.
Sliders/sandals (2) - I need not explain.
Indoor slippers - Think about all that dirt from outside you're bringing in when you wear shoes indoors.
Accessories (this is entirely up to you, whatever floats your boat)
Work bag.
Rucksack - Never typed that in my life.
Jewellery (Rings, traditional watches, necklaces, bracelets, etc.).
Belts.
Sunglasses.
Ties.
Scarfs.
Hats.
Gloves.
Cufflinks.
8. Where can you get clothes to add to your capsule wardrobe?
Creating a capsule wardrobe does not need to be expensive, time consuming, or completed in one go. Cheap doesn't always mean poor quality and expensive doesn't always mean good quality. Although you still have the option to shop in retail stores, you can also get good quality clothing from thrift stores, charity stores, second hand clothing sites, friends, family, and car boot sales. You'd be surprised by how many good quality items there are out there, yet to be found.
It can be tempting to purchase the first thing you see due to sales tactics such as discounts and one time offers. Before you purchase an item, it is a good idea for you to carry out an internet search to see if another retailer is selling said item at a better deal.
Better yet, most clothing items currently on sale have dupes; dupes are very similar items that can match the original item in design and quality. Keep in mind to check whether sellers and websites are trustworthy and have real reviews.
Keep packaging that items come in for when you want to sell items.
9. Once your wardrobe is getting into shape, don't restrict your options.
I've seen a lot of guides on capsule wardrobes saying that you should stick to certain types of clothing and colour palettes. Or, it needs to be minimalist. However, I think a capsule wardrobe is a trial and error activity that should be fun and allow your creative juices to flow. Don't put pressure on yourself to include only specific colours. If you like that neon pink t-shirt, go for it. It gives you individuality. If you think about it really, if everyone decided to create their own capsule wardrobe in the same way, we'd all be wearing neutral colours. How fun would that be? Yeah...
10. Don't bother about what other people *may* think.
Nobody is going to care that you wear your outfits frequently. Seeing that you've made a wardrobe that suits you and makes you feel confident, there should be nothing to worry about. Re-wearing clothes is not a crime. Also, washing machines are a thing...
11. Last thing to note, keep your wardrobe in good condition.
Keep your pieces in good condition to ensure that they last long and still look great. Follow care instructions on clothing labels and store items appropriately when not in use. If you decide that an item doesn't work for you anymore, you can always sell it or give it away knowing that it's in good condition.
If you have any questions, please leave a guest comment below! Thank you for reading. :)