If you’re thinking about adapting a capsule wardrobe, you might be wondering what exactly it means to adopt this philosophy. Chances are, you’ve heard the term used in passing, or maybe you’ve read an article about it but don’t quite know what it involves. However, unlike some trends that are difficult to define or understand, the concept of a capsule wardrobe is pretty straightforward. The idea is to pare down your closet and live with fewer clothes. It’s as simple as that! But before we go any further into what it means to have a capsule wardrobe, let’s break down the basics:
Figure out your style.
The first step to creating a capsule wardrobe is figuring out your body type and style. The easiest way to do this is by looking at the clothes you already have in your closet. If something is too tight or too loose, it’ll be obvious as soon as you put it on.
If you’re still not sure what type of style looks best on you, try searching for inspiration online or look at old photos of yourself from different points in your life (where possible!) Your current style may have evolved over time based on things like where you’ve lived and how long ago these photos were taken—and that’s okay! It’s important to remember that no matter how much we change over time, our core identities remain constant.
Know where to find it (where you live).
Once you’re clear on what to wear, the next step is knowing where to find it. Not every piece will be available in every store, so knowing your options can save you time and money. Here are some places to look:
- In the place where you live (wherever that may be). This is the obvious first stop for anything—there are probably at least a few shops in your town that specialize in clothes from this era or even just vintage clothing in general. You can also try looking online; Etsy has tons of options, including listings for custom-made pieces and vintage dresses.
- On the internet (duh). While eBay isn’t really my thing anymore because I prefer not shopping secondhand over buying new things from stores like Boohoo or ASOS, there are still plenty of great websites out there that sell clothes based on their ability to fit into a capsule wardrobe! And if nothing catches your eye immediately? Just wait until Fashion Week starts up again! That’s when more items go on sale than ever before because stores want shoppers back out spending money ASAP after they’ve been “inspired” by runway shows…
Don’t forget about accessories.
- Don’t forget about accessories.
Accessories are the secret to making an outfit look more expensive than it actually is. A good belt can help dress up a cheap skirt, or make you feel ready for an important meeting when you’re wearing jeans and a T-shirt. Necklaces, scarves and jewelry can also add interest to your clothes and can be used to make them look more casual or formal depending on the occasion.
What do I need?
You only need a few pieces of clothing to build a great capsule wardrobe. The key is to choose a few staple pieces that work well together, some trendy pieces that can be mixed in, and then decide on the color palette and style you would like your wardrobe to portray.
Once you have decided on those key points, it’s time to begin building your capsule wardrobe!
Don’t skimp on undergarments.
Don’t skimp on undergarments. If you’re going to invest in a capsule wardrobe, don’t skimp on your underwear. Quality underwear can last a very long time and is the basis for everything you wear. It’s worth investing in good quality undies—a few pairs will last you years, whereas poorly made ones will only last a season or two before they start to show signs of wear and tear (which can be quite uncomfortable). If your budget is tight, look out for sales at high-end department stores like Barneys New York—they often have great sales with markdowns as much as 75%.
Know the difference between cheap and quality clothing.
Cheap clothing is not made to last, and it’s not made with the same care as higher-quality clothing. Cheap fabrics are often scratchy or stiff, which makes them uncomfortable to wear. They also tend to pill and fade quickly, so you’ll have to replace them more often.
Quality clothes will be more expensive, but they’ll last longer—and when you buy fewer things, you’re saving money in the long run! You can find some good deals at vintage stores like Buffalo Exchange; often they have clothes that were originally purchased at high-end retailers but have never been worn. You can also find beautiful handcrafted items on Etsy and eBay (plus their consignment sections), where designers sell their own creations or gently used pieces by other designers.
You should always choose natural fibers over synthetic ones like polyester or acrylics because they’re better for your health: they breathe better while still keeping you warm during cold weather spells; they don’t start smelling bad after being worn for a few days straight (or less); and they don’t need as much ironing due to their softness!
A capsule wardrobe is a great investment for your long term spending habits, if you get the right pieces you can use them almost forever.
A capsule wardrobe is a great investment for your long term spending habits, if you get the right pieces you can use them almost forever. In other words, get a few items of high quality instead of a bunch of lower quality items. You will save money in the long run and avoid clutter because if you have fewer items then it’s easier to keep everything organized. Most importantly, you will look great wherever you go!
Conclusion
These are just a few of the ways that you can start to create a capsule wardrobe. You don’t have to do all of them at once, and it is perfectly fine to take a step back if you need more time or want to reconsider your choices. Your goal for the next two weeks should be to slowly edit your current closet, which will hopefully lead into some good habits going forward.