If you often find yourself frustrated after digging through your closet and coming up with nothing to wear, you’re not alone. It can be tempting to buy items when you’re out shopping that catch your eye without thinking what you already have to pair it with at home. While creating a capsule wardrobe sounds like a huge project where you’ll be ditching most of your clothes in your closet, chances are you already have most of what you need. 

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe, in short, is a closet built of staple pieces and basics that can be interchanged to create endless outfits. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Where Do I Start?

Think about your own personal style: Is it colorful? Neutral? Classic? Bold? Edgy? Girly? “Staple pieces” and “basics” often give off the impression that you need to have clothing that is neutral in color and plain: this is not the case! Staple and basic pieces can mean anything and are subjective to your personal style. All that matters is thinking about what pieces you can get the most wear out of and what else could you see yourself pairing that item with. 

After doing a quick inventory check on your closet, you can see what kinds of pieces to keep an eye out for your next shopping day. Here is an example of what your capsule wardrobe should contain:

• 2 white, 2 neutral, and 2 black colored tees

• 1 white, 2-3 neutral-colored tanks 

• 1 white button up 

• 2 good sweaters  

• 1 blazer, 1 leather jacket, 1 denim jacket 

• 1-2 sweatshirts 

• 1 trench coat

• 1-2 cardigans 

• 1 pair of black leggings, 1 pair of leather leggings 

• 3 good pairs of jeans 

• 1 pair of leather pants 

• 2 pairs of trousers 

• 2 pairs of sweatpants/ joggers 

• 2 pairs of shorts (denim, linen, etc.) 

• 1 go-to black dress, 1 other dress

• 1-2 skirts 

• 1 pair of white sneakers 

• 1 pair of ankle boots 

• 1-2 pairs of heels 

• 1 pair of sunglasses 

• 2 bags (one for every day and a smaller one for going out)  

• 1 scarf 

As mentioned before, this list is subject to change based on your style and what you wear the most, but is a good starting point! 

What to Avoid?

It can be so tempting to hop on fleeting trends, but this is detrimental to having a closet that is versatile and interchangeable. If you are unsure about a trendy item, try to think of at least five different outfits you could wear it with. If you’re struggling, chances are you should put it back on the rack! 

Quick tips:

• Experiment with different cuts and textures! For example, the list above mentions having multiple tanks– this doesn’t mean they all have to be the same cut and fabric, just different colors! By diversifying the styles of the items, it will add a little *spice* and make it look like you have tons of different items.  

• Layering is perfect for when we move into fall fashion and the colder months, which is perfect for a capsule wardrobe! Throw a tee under your slip dress or a blazer over your tank and shorts to look super put-together. 

• Of course, don’t go crazy! If you see something you truly love even though it’s not “on the list,” it won’t make-or-break your closet. 

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