Step-by-Step Guide to a Capsule Wardrobe

In recent times, the capsule wardrobe has emerged as an alternative to the vast amount of seasonal clothing that fast-fashion stores produce every day. In addition to its slow-fashion appeal, a capsule wardrobe can help alleviate decision fatigue. It should be easier to assemble outfits if you have a closet full of carefully thought-out pieces.

Creating a capsule wardrobe is a smart way to organize your closet and simplify your morning dressing routine. Reducing the money you need to spend on new clothes is another way to save money. Here is a complete, thorough guide to help you create your capsule wardrobe.

Step One: Declutter Your Clothing

To create a cohesive capsule wardrobe, start by taking stock of your existing clothing. Decide which items are your favourites, and then sort through and declutter everything you are willing to part with. Sort your best pieces and determine which fabrics, colours, and styles best suit your style.

The remaining clothes are categorized into sections such as coats, dresses, blouses, sweaters, T-shirts, skirts, shorts, jeans, and pants. Donate and declutter items you don’t wear to make room in your closet. Avoid items that don’t flatter your body type or skin tone.

Step Two: Determine Your Favorites

To curate a well-fitting capsule wardrobe that reflects your personal style, consider the colours, patterns, and fabrics that evoke feelings of comfort and confidence. Look through fashion magazines, style blogs, and online quizzes for inspiration. Experiment with colours and mix different materials to define your own style.

Consider your needs and lifestyle, including your daily activities, job, social events, and the weather. Make intentional clothing choices and adapt your clothing to suit your specific circumstances. Select capsule pieces by working through the list methodically, one category at a time, starting with your favourite pieces from each section to build a cohesive wardrobe.

This approach simplifies decision-making regarding additions and helps identify your preferences. A basic capsule wardrobe should consist of between 30 and 40 pieces, though the exact number may vary based on your lifestyle and the season.

Step Three: Design Your Pairs

The next step is to use the chosen clothes to create simple clothing groups. This action will save you time and mental strain and make you feel more at ease with your capsule clothing. Start with one item and balance the proportions of the clothes to create outfits for your capsule clothing. Experiment with the rule of thirds to extend your outline and create a more balanced effect.

Adding details with layers and styling lifts up an otherwise simple pairing. To remember your best looks in the future, take pictures of them. Figure out the holes in your capsule and the things you must get when money and time are right. Look for lesser-used items and think about exchanging products that are just good for one or two uses for something that will last longer.

Step Four: Keep Filtering

Sort your clothes into capsule pieces and basic looks to create capsule clothing. Restock only items you deeply love and can wear at least five times; don’t add anything else for a few weeks. Things you can’t use right away should be donated or sold. After around a month, do yet another declutter. Go through your non-capsuled clothing again to locate new items you can part with.

Step Five: Maintain Your Capsule Clothing

Read and follow the care labels on your capsule clothing to ensure proper washing, drying, ironing, and storage. Examine your clothing often, make changes when necessary, and avoid buying (and owning) unnecessary clothing items. Invest in fine clothing manufactured from natural materials like wool or cotton. When needed, use a fabric shaver or sewing kit to refresh items that are starting to show wear. 

Where Do I Start?

Here is an example of a capsule wardrobe for you to get an example of. You can start with two pairs of denim, four bottoms, four T-shirts, two tops, and two shirts for this summer. If you do not want to throw your other clothing right away, you can store them separately until you are ready to get rid of them. For winter, you can keep additional pairs of socks, two cardigans, one jacket, one leather jacket and one overcoat. That’s it; your capsule wardrobe is ready!

You can mix and match with different accessories for a final look.

Choose Your Colours

For a start, if you do not have anything in solids or a neutral colour palette, you may consider buying a new one to give yourself a look. You can start with this blouse by Muslin Wrap Blouse by Freda. This is made with sustainable organic materials, which can last longer if washed at 30 degrees with similar colours.

Get the Right Materials

Look for brands that produce sustainable materials. Green Shirts has the top eco-fashion labels in Europe, ranging from daily essentials to the latest in material innovation on their website. They have garments and accessories made from wood, bamboo, hemp or recycled materials. A neutral look like this will never go out of style.

Other Fashionable Tips

To top it up, you can get a bag that will fit all your daily needs. This Tomma Cord Bag Petrol by NORDLICHT is made from 100% organic cotton without harmful chemicals or wasted water. It is perfect for your daily adventures, with enough room for essentials like your wallet, phone, and keys. It even has an adjustable strap to fit your style!

Whoever said that white and black never go out of style is absolutely right. Following this, you can consider buying a preloved white shirt from Momox, especially if you can not find your old one in the closet.

Also, read my previous article “Making a Sustainable and Timely Capsule Wardrobe.”

I hope you liked this guide and that it will make your process of creating a capsule wardrobe easier. Be fashionable but also be sustainable. You can also read these articles for a detailed outlook on sustainable fashion and capsule closets.

• Bride’s Dress Hunt: Finding Glamour On A Budget
• Diy Fashion Is In! How To Start A Sustainable Closet

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