If you’ve been on Instagram and TikTok recently, then you’ve probably seen videos about a capsule wardrobe. There is a huge trend online where it is popular to have a huge wardrobe full of every type of clothing; however, when it comes to everyday practicality, these huge wardrobes can start to become a hindrance. When you have a wardrobe full of clothing, most of which you don’t even wear, like or even go together, it can start to make everyday life more stressful. When getting ready for work or other occasions, having a huge wardrobe can be a huge issue.
This is where a capsule wardrobe comes in as a solution to the issue, creating a curated and well-thought-out wardrobe that enhances your life rather than creating stress. However, it’s easier said than done, especially if you already have a large wardrobe that needs cutting down. Therefore, this blog aims to act as a guide for anyone who wants to start dressing and curating their wardrobe with purpose
From clearing out your current closet to selecting the right piece to add into your wardrobe. This is how you can upgrade your wardrobe to destress your mornings and start being purposeful with what you buy, saving money, time and the environment.
Find your true style
Finding your true style is the first step into creating your capsule wardrobe. This may be where many people get a capsule wardrobe confused, as they presume that a capsule wardrobe has to be minimalistic and sleek; however, you can have a capsule wardrobe no matter your personal style. But before you create anything, this is where it’s beneficial to look inwards t you own wants, likes and needs to find which styles you enjoy the most. However, this isn’t just a theme for your wardrobe such as minimalistic or goth; this is the silhouette that you enjoy and the colour that you want to wear.
It’s easy to get caught up online with what’s in trend; however, finding your own personal style takes experimentation and research, including trying different styles and doing your own research on platforms such as Pinterest. This can help you find what you love to wear and what makes you specifically feel confident rather than what’s in trend. This not only helps you to save money on switching styles to find what you like but make sure that your capsule wardrobe lasts for years and years without any drastic changes.
Here is a list of different styles that you can try out to try and find out what style you gravitate towards and suits you most:
- Classic
- Alternative
- Vinatge
- 90s grunge
- Downtown girl
- Model off duty
- 2000s
- Goth
- Minimalistic
Prune your closet
The next step is to sort out your current wardrobe. This may take a significant amount of time, especially if your closet is larger than you expected, but it is an essential part of curating capsule wardrobe. Start by working through your wardrobe and trying on and surveying each piece of clothing that you own. Think to yourself. Does this item fit me well? Does it fit with my target style? Do I tend to reach for it often? Through asking these questions, you can separate your clothing into piles. There may even be a maybe pile for those clothes that you are not sure about, and you try them on the next day to decide whether they should stya in your wardrobe. In this process, you must be realistic and critical of items. You may absolutely love a specific item, but have not and will never wear it. This means that it’s time to let it go. Focus on keeping items that will stand the test of time and reflect your current and future style rather than trend-related items, which will go out of style within the year.
Once you have separated items, it’s time to further separate the discarded items into give away, sell or donate. Part of a capsule wardrobe is being mindful with spending but also being aware of environmental impacts. This means not throwing clothing away but increasing the lifecycle of items through selling or donating clothes. Furthermore, you can utilise the money made from selling your old clothing to invest in new pieces which can create your dream capsule wardrobe.
Add your personality
Once you age, remove items that you do not wear or fit into your style from your wardrobe. Your closet may be looking a bit empty. This is where it’s time to flesh out your wardrobe to create the perfect casual wardrobe. When first starting on your capsule wardrobe journey, it’s best to start by covering the basics, no matter the style or vibe you want to give off. Items such as plain t-shirts, trousers, and jeans are a staple, and ensuring that you have these bases covered is the foundation of a capsule wardrobe, as these items stand the test of time. The important thing to remember here is to ensure that you invest in quality basics that will last for years to come, such as 100% cotton t-shirts and brands renowned for their lasting quality, such as a pair of vintage Levi jeans.
Once you have the basics established, it’s time to add some personality, as a true capsule wardrobe is about balancing the essential pieces with standout pieces that show personality and add some colour or edge to your outfit. Many people do this through standout bags, titanium jewelry, skirts and tops which show your style and personality. These act as the centre of an outfit. However, there would be fewer of these than basics, as too many standout pieces can overwhelm an outfit and ruin a look.
Final thoughts
Creating a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be or feel impossible. When you follow your preferences and start purposefully thinking about your wardrobe, you can create a capsule wardrobe that will not only make you feel confident but also stand the test of time.