How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: 6 Tips for Creating Your Own

A few years ago, I did quite a bit of research on how to build a capsule wardrobe.

My husband and I have been traveling full-time since 2016, which meant that I needed to get better at downsizing.

However, I also wanted to make sure I looked fashionable; I was tired of wearing jeans and t-shirts a lot of the time. I needed to create my own travel capsule wardrobe that was thoughtfully curated with timeless items.

And down below, I’m going to help you understand what a minimalist capsule wardrobe is and how you can build your own!

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

To put it simply, a capsule wardrobe is a smaller selection of easily interchangeable clothing pieces that all compliment each other.

You want to make sure that each piece goes with the other because this allows you to maximize the number of outfits you have.

So essentially, each piece you add should help increase the amount of outfits in your wardrobe, and in the long run, save you money and get rid of decision fatigue.

Capsule wardrobes do not contain any stand-alone pieces. They simply work together in harmony to make sure you look your best.

Also, they are normally comprised of neutral colors with maybe one hue as the defining color.

And lastly, a capsule wardrobe is made up of timeless and (preferably) higher quality clothing pieces. They are pieces of clothing that stay in style, and don’t require you to replace them every single year. It’s a wonderful way to look timeless while also having a lower impact on the environment

Side Note: I would recommend creating a capsule wardrobe for each season of the year. That way your seasonal pieces are always getting worn and the sorting and simplifying process is a bit more speedy.

1. Know the Basics

When it comes to basics, you’ll want to understand what season you are building a capsule wardrobe for.

So for instance, if it’s fall, you’ll want to have something like:

• Two pairs of pants
• Two coats
• Two sweaters
• A blouse
• 2-3 t-shirts
• 2 long-sleeved shirts
• A skirt
• A dress
• 1-2 scarves
• Boots
• Other weather-appropriate shoes

Of course you can do your own research and figure out what works best for you, but it’s always good to understand the basics and what you’re going to need.

2. Look Over Your Closet

Do an audit of your current wardrobe before you head to the store.

What basics and essentials do you already own that could easily work with almost any outfit?

So for example, do you have a nice cream-colored sweater that looks amazing with your black jeans, skirt, or dress pants? Great, that might be something to include in your capsule wardrobe depending on the season.

It’s a simple way to save time, money, and be more sustainable.

And lastly, this is also a good time to get rid of anything you don’t wear anymore, and recycle your old clothes.

3. Write Down the Pieces You Want to Add

Make sure to write down the pieces you want to add to your capsule wardrobe before shopping.

It’s important to be strategic so that you can shop more intentionally.

You don’t want to spend hours at different shops hoping to get exactly what you want.

You want to go in there with a plan so that you don’t waste your time, and you don’t wanna make any impulse purchases.

4. If They Don’t Have What You Want, Don’t Buy

This one has saved me so much time, stress, and money!

When you head to the store, you wanna be able to buy everything you need in one go. It would make life so much simpler.

But sometimes they don’t have what you need, and then the next thing you wanna do is at least buy something because you really don’t want to walk out empty-handed.

Don’t, just give yourself the permission to walk out and come back another time. Or just try out a new mall or outlet next week. A capsule wardrobe is something you can build over time.

5. Try Building Your Capsule Wardrobe Off of One Color

I’m not saying make the majority of your pieces this color.

What I am saying is that it’s a great idea to pick one color, such as a soft pink, and build your wardrobe to work with that.

This makes it easier for you to increase the number of outfits in your wardrobe, and not have pieces that don’t work with anything else.

6. It’s Fine to Have One or Two Pattern Pieces

If you love patterns, then I think having a fun pattern (but nothing too crazy) is a great idea.

So for example, you have a pretty white blouse with a cute pink floral pattern, or a dress with a polka dot pattern.

Just make sure that it works with the other pieces in your wardrobe and you’re all set!

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