Starting a capsule wardrobe might seem daunting. There’s this undeniable pressure to adhere to certain rules about item counts—how many clothes you should have in your capsule—and the need to stick to a specific colour palette. It can honestly feel quite overwhelming before you even begin. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
In this 6-part series, I’ll be demystifying the do’s and don’ts, teaching you how to create a sustainable capsule wardrobe that perfectly complements your lifestyle. After all, mindlessly copying what you see on the internet just won’t cut it!
What is a capsule wardrobe?
In case you are unfamiliar, a capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. It’s akin to having a well-oiled machine in your closet, and it offers several advantages, including:
- Enhanced wearability
- Reduction of choice fatigue
- Control over impulsive shopping
Now, let’s approach this project like any other—with meticulous planning, preparation, and execution!
Step 1: Seek inspiration!
Don’t know your personal style yet? No worries! We all have to start somewhere. The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is that it helps you discover your personal style as you progress. You’ll notice which clothes you naturally gravitate towards and what complements your shape and overall vibe.
Begin by scouring the internet for inspiration. Explore your favourite platforms, such as Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube. Personally, I love Pinterest. I’m usually creating boards to save my style inspirations. On Instagram, you can also create folders to organise photos and label them for easy access, like “Fall Capsule Inspo.”
When seeking inspiration, consider the following:
- What styles or outfits captivate your attention?
- Whose style would you like to emulate?
- Look for individuals with similar body types or builds.
For example, I admire the chic and edgy style of Tracy Ellis Ross, what I deem ‘the ’90s black girl era’ specifically by Nia Long’s character in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Omg, I just love! I’m also a huge fan of K-dramas; the women are always so stylish. I often find myself taking screenshots of their outfits when watching on Netflix and Viki.
WATCH MORE >>> How to create a Colourful Capsule Wardrobe
Step 2: Lifestyle Considerations!
Remember, your capsule wardrobe should align with your lifestyle. It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept, and you don’t need to force yourself into someone else’s vision of a capsule wardrobe. For instance, if a blazer and a white t-shirt don’t suit your lifestyle, exclude them. Your version might feature a denim jacket and jeans, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
Take a moment to assess your typical week. Consider:
- Your location and climate
- Seasonal weather variations
- Workplace dress codes
- Family responsibilities, such as kids or pets
- How you spend your time during the week and on weekends
Understanding your lifestyle will assist you in tailoring your capsule wardrobe to your unique requirements, preventing impulsive shopping and the acquisition of unnecessary items!
Step 3: Organise Your Thoughts and Consolidate!
Now that you’ve gathered inspiration and considered your lifestyle, it’s time to organise your ideas. Create a mood board with the outfits that resonate with you the most. This mood board will serve as a visual reference for your capsule wardrobe. You can revisit it later with fresh eyes.
As you examine your mood board, pay attention to recurring themes or similarities. Do you notice multiple outfits with blazers and jeans? Are you drawn to specific colours like yellow and orange? These patterns will provide insight into your style preferences and guide you effectively in building your wardrobe.
To define the vibe you’re aiming for, ask yourself:
- How do you want to feel in your clothing?
- Is it feminine, relaxed, polished, sexy, comfortable, or effortless?
With your mood board and these insights in mind, you’re ready to prepare for the next phase. Part 2 of this series will delve into what to do before spending any money, emphasising the importance of decluttering and organising your existing closet. This step will provide a solid foundation for your capsule wardrobe journey.
You can also check out this video LINK as a helpful starting point!
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