Capsule Closet…
Building a “capsule closet” is not easy, even for the best of us. It involves curating a collection of essential clothing items that are versatile and timeless and can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. The concept aims to simplify wardrobe choices, reduce disposable fashion, and focus on quality over quantity. Once you begin to practice and understand the idea, it completely changes how you see your closet.
The Foundation:
Basics: These are the foundational pieces you go to the grave with. This is your go-to little black dress, a sharp white button-down, perfectly fitting jeans, classic pearls, and a lived-in black handbag. They are the backbone of your closet.
Neutrals and Coordinating Colors:
Some of us may need to invest in a color wheel to make this happen, but it's a game-changer once you get this concept down. To build the capsule closet, you need to start with the neutrals—blacks, whites, creams, gray, and navy—along with a few accent colors that complement each other. For example, a gray or white tank top can be layered with a blue or forest green sweater. By understanding the idea of mixing basics with color, you will be able to build a multidimensional outfit with any piece in your closet.
r/coolguides: A Guide to Common Clothing Color Combinations
Quality Over Quantity:
This will be hard for some of you to hear, but buying in bulk is no longer available. To make the capsule closet work, overconsumption needs to go. Emphasis is placed on selecting high-quality, durable pieces that will last longer and maintain their shape and appearance over time. The reason behind investing in higher quality pieces is so they can stand the test of time, unlike the Zara sweater that you love the look of so much but had to buy twice.
Versatility:
This is where everything starts to come together. Each piece in your wardrobe should be versatile, meaning it can be worn in different ways, suitable for various occasions, and adaptable to other seasons with layering. This is where accessories come into play because you have built a closet of basics. It's now time for your favorite statement cardigan and colorful shoes to take your black A-line dress from the office to dinner uptown.
Personal Style:
Lastly, while a capsule closet wardrobe focuses on essentials, it also reflects the individual's style. This can include wearing favorite cuts, patterns, or colors that are consistently enjoyed and worn. It can also leave room for exciting jewelry, shoes, and handbags that can give a personal flare to essential items.
The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is to streamline the dressing process, reduce decision fatigue, and cultivate a more suitable and mindful approach to fashion. It also encourages a more intentional approach to shopping, focusing on purchasing fewer, better-quality, genuinely needed, and loved items.
Please check out my Retail Therapy page, where I have linked all my favorite basics to help you build a capsule closet. I also have an Excel document in my shop to help you curate your dream closet.