How to create a capsule wardrobe

 

Hello friends!

Welcome! Since I published this post a few years ago, it has become one of my most popular posts. If you’re here, you are probably looking for a solution to the daily challenge of feeling like your have nothing to wear, even if you have a closet full of clothes.

I’ll share what worked for me so that you can build a solution that works for you, too!

When I first began the process of building a capsule wardrobe, I started with a very healthy edit of my closet. As in, toss everything that didn’t fit right, didn’t feel right, or it just wasn’t me. I wasn’t wearing those items, and they were creating the illusion that I had an abundance of things to wear.

At the end I realized I was only actually wearing about 10-20% of the clothes that were in my closet! And of the items that remained, I realized I had a collection of pieces that don’t relate to each other.

And there was my ‘aha’ moment.

When I am pulling together selection recommendations for a design project, I always have the selections with me for reference. It’s easy to know if something will work or not when I can see what it relates to. So why is shopping for clothing any different?

What I had been lacking was  an organized approach to building a wardrobe, the same way I would approach an interior design project, with a cohesive set of things that work together.

What I needed was a PLAN!

So I started from the beginning. I took my few remaining pieces and started piecing together a palette that works with my hair, skin and eye coloring. Using what I already own and a few new pieces, I wanted to create a 25 piece wardrobe that would give me at least 40 combinations. Each new piece had to meet the following conditions:

1. It works with what I already have
2. It is suitable for both winter and spring
3. It’s machine washable
4. It’s affordable
5. It’s comfortable
6. It can be used in multiple combinations
7. It qualifies as business casual
8. It suits my body type and size

When you work from a climate controlled space, you can pretty much wear the same things year round because the building temperature is the same year round. The difference between seasons really is more about shoes, accessories and layers for when you go outside.

I will add that on days when I am in the field a lot, I may dress in something that is more seasonal, particularly during the summer months when I am happiest in something lightweight that layers well, or in winter when jobsite conditions are muddy and nothing but boots and jeans will do.

But for the most part, this wardrobe was one that I could use as a foundation for year-round wear. Because I didn’t choose trendy pieces, they could span multiple seasons. Over the past few years I replaced pieces as needed, or swapped pieces out when I wanted a refresh, but the core remained.

The photo at the beginning of this post shows the pieces I selected, and below are the combination options I came up with:

I love the idea that this gives me plenty of options that work with my complexion and figure (and with my existing pieces). And best of all, I have a cheat sheet so I don’t even need to think about it. Now that’s my kind of wardrobe!

As always, I’d love to hear what wardrobe-building strategies work best for you too.

Happy planning!

Crystal