How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe
Everyone has a few items in their wardrobe they will wear on repeat, we encourage you to build your capsule wardrobe from these pieces.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of clothes that should be easily interchangeable with one another so that you have plenty of outfit opportunities. The concept of a capsule wardrobe first came from Susie Faux in 1970. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe contains a few essential timeless pieces, such as skirts and trousers, which you can go on to style with relevant seasonal pieces.
Where do I begin?
You don't have to start from scratch with your capsule wardrobe, build upon your existing staple clothes. Evaluate your whole wardrobe to find new outfit combinations, and identify what you already wear, you may find a great style and staple that has been living in your wardrobe this entire time. Look at what you wear often and items you want to keep, then identify what you’re missing.
What are you missing?
When building your wardrobe, take some time to notice the areas that feel thin. Do you find you wear a lot of minimalist clothing? Add some statement jewellery and a stylish coat to contrast to the minimalism. The same goes for those of us who have a bolder wardrobe, so add in some minimalist pieces, such as Sandown trousers, or a few easycare blouses, to help you style your bolder clothes and get more wear out of them.
5 Tips for Your Capsule Wardrobe Basics
Keep it neutral
Neutral tones are the easiest and most versatile to style. Opt for blacks, whites, and beige. If you keep a certain colour in your wardrobe, try complementary shades to match your existing items. Want to find out the best colour palette for you? Take our colour quiz today!
Opt for timeless
A capsule wardrobe is intended to transcend trends so you don't have to keep refreshing and updating it as trends transition. Scope out brands that prioritise quality and longevity of pieces as they will focus on items that are not trend centric.
Keep to the current season
Shop for the climate you are currently in, this allows you to become more aware of what you will need.
Don't worry about the size
There are no rules for how many pieces need to be in a women's capsule wardrobe, go with what works best for you. Don’t overwhelm your wardrobe though, only buy pieces that you know will be worn often.
This is a work in progress
As with all parts of fashion, you are always exploring and curating, set out with the intention that this is the beginning of a new clothing adventure. It doesn't have to be perfect immediately.
What should be in your capsule wardrobe?
A good mix of each item is crucial, keep a good balance between tops and bottoms, and go with what you like best. Do you prefer skirts over trousers? Then make sure you have plenty of skirts you love. Simple.
Building a capsule wardrobe is not about reinventing your style from scratch, but rather about curating from what you already love and wear frequently. It's a journey of discovering hidden gems in your closet and filling in the gaps with versatile pieces that stand the test of time. Your capsule wardrobe should reflect your unique taste and lifestyle, comprising a mix of tops, bottoms, and accessories that make you feel confident and comfortable every day. So, embrace this clothing adventure with the knowledge that perfection comes with time, and enjoy the journey of creating a wardrobe that truly speaks to you.
