I could write so many words about how having a capsule wardrobe has totally transformed my closet. Because it has. I have only what I need, use and love. And it makes getting dressed every day so much easier and, dare I say, more fun.
I get to shop when needed, but it’s purposeful and intentional. Everything I buy works together, plays its part in my capsule. And it feels good. Really good. So, before I use too many more words, let’s dive in to my top three tips for building a capsule wardrobe you love.
Tip #1: Build your capsule to fit your lifestyle
First, ask yourself: what is my lifestyle? Meaning: what do you spend most of your time doing?
My lifestyle is overwhelmingly #momlife. Stains possible, baby on my hip probable, chasing kiddos [not] optional. So, my wardrobe has to be cozy, comfy + durable to stand up to the daily demand.
Once you identify your lifestyle, you can define your style and build your wardrobe to fit it.
Can you choose two words that define your style? If you can’t (even if you can), I highly recommend you create a Pinterest board + start pinning anything + everything that catches your eye (riffing this idea from Myquillyn Smith’s The Cozy Minimalist Home…but it’s perfect for building your cozy, minimalist wardrobe, too).
After a while, you’ll start to see patterns (maybe literally?) + your two words will surface. Use this as a spring-board (enough with the puns, Hannah) for creating your capsule.
My two words are: cozy chic. Check out my inspiration board here.
Tip #2: Build your capsule around classic, neutral pieces
Classic, neutral pieces are super key when it comes to building a capsule wardrobe you love.
First, it means you can easily mix + match everything in your closet. Which means you can get dressed in two minutes flat if (when) you need to. Can I get an amen?
Second, it means that your pieces can easily overlap between seasons. When your main capsule pieces aren’t tied to a specific color scheme, spring can meld into summer, fall can meld into winter, etc. Let’s weave a pop of color in with accessories instead.
Third, it means your pieces can be worn for years without going out of style. I’m all for trends IF it’s a trend you love + will wear even when it’s not trending anymore. Trendy becomes classic when it’s a piece that is worn + loved (but maybe that’s a post for another day?). However you wear it, classic, neutral pieces can often be used for years when cared for well and when bought to last.
Which brings me to the third tip…
Tip #3: Build your capsule to last
I love a good deal. I love thrifting and clearance wracks. Absolutely zero shame in that game. In fact, the leather jacket in the outfits above is a thrift store find. It’s not about the amount of money you spend on a piece, it’s about the quality of the piece its self. After throwing many a pilled Target t-shirts in the trash, I’ve learned the benefit of buying quality once in a while so I don’t have to keep buying mediocre over and over again.
This means a few things:
– I steer clear of certain materials that fall apart the first time I wash them [ahem, Target t-shirt, I’m talking about you].
– I look for brands I know have held up well in the past.
– I don’t buy finicky materials that require dry cleaning/hand washing/ironing. NOTE: I find any delicate items do really well when I throw them in a garment bag, air dry + then toss briefly in the dryer to release wrinkles.
My favorites brands and small shops…
Over time I’ve found a few places I love to shop. Where I know I can find clothes that fit my lifestyle, my personal style and hold up to constant use.
One of my long time favorite big brands is GAP (boyfriend jeans, black dress) I also purchase from American Eagle + Aerie. They both have some of the coziest pieces that still look chic. My favorite small shop is Carly Jean Los Angeles (black pants, striped cardigan, striped top, pink dress + jumper). And I guess they aren’t really a small shop because they are expanding rapidly and always carry pieces that are amazing. They subscribe to a capsule approach as well and have an entire section on their website dedicated to the basics.
For shoes I almost always have shopped Target or Payless (the floral sneaks and gladiator sandals are from those two places respectively), but the last couple of years I’ve started investing a little more in footwear since I do love + use the same shoes for years. The black sandals in my outfits are Adrienne Vittadini from Amazon.
And that’s about all she wrote. For now. I’m sure there’s more where this came from because I could talk/write about capsule wardrobes all day.
Drop me a note if you have any questions or any tips to share!
Let’s care for ourselves,
Hannah
P.S. Get My Soul Mind Body Selfcare Guide for FREE with 30 ways you can care for yourself starting right now, today.