How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe: Free Planner

Welcome to the ultimate on how to build a capsule wardrobe. Tell me, is your closet overflowing with clothes, yet you feel like you never have anything to wear?

If you can relate, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many of us have been there before. But the good news is that there is a way out. When I discovered the concept of a capsule wardrobe, it was a game-changer.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to build a capsule wardrobe!

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How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe

In this guide, we’ll show you how to build a capsule wardrobe step-by-step. We’ll also provide you with a downloadable capsule wardrobe planner to help you build the perfect capsule wardrobe for your lifestyle, while making the process as easy as possible.

Building a capsule wardrobe may seem daunting at first, but trust me, it’s worth it. Not only will it save you time and money in the long run, but it will also give you a sense of peace and confidence that comes with knowing you have a closet full of clothes you love to wear.

Essential capsule wardrobe Pieces

Tops

Bottoms

Dresses

Jackets

Bags

Shoes

Jewelry

Capsule wardrobe checklist Planner – Free Book To Help You Plan Your Style

Now, download your FREE Capsule Wardrobe Planner:

What is a capsule wardrobe?

The capsule wardrobe concept, coined by Susie Faux in the 1970s, focuses on a small collection of timeless, versatile clothing items.

These essentials can be mixed and matched for various occasions, simplifying daily dressing and promoting sustainable fashion practices.

A capsule wardrobe typically includes less than 100 items, allowing for a streamlined, efficient, and stylish wardrobe that reduces the need for frequent purchases and supports long-term savings.

1. Streamlined Dressing: Simplifies decision-making in the morning.
2. Versatility: Each piece can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
3. Sustainability: Reduces consumption and waste by focusing on quality over quantity.
4. Cost-Effective: Saves money by minimizing the need for frequent new purchases.

The goal is to curate a closet that allows for numerous outfit combinations while owning fewer items. This approach not only enhances personal style but also contributes to sustainable fashion practices.

It’s a way to streamline your wardrobe and make getting dressed in the morning much easier. Plus, it helps you save money in the long run because you’re not always buying new clothes.

The key to a successful capsule wardrobe is to choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched with each other to create different looks.

A capsule wardrobe is a streamlined collection of clothing (typically less than 100 items). Each item could easily mix and match with the next, to create multiple items. Curating your closet as a capsule allows you to do more, while owning less stuff.

With a capsule wardrobe, you’ll always have something to wear—no matter the occasion.

When building a capsule wardrobe, classic style is key. Avoid too many colors or patterns. Stick with neutral colors and patterns, and of course, clean lines.

The focus is to choose pieces that can easily transition from day to night or from work to weekend to get the most mileage possible.

Now that we’ve answered the question “what is a capsule wardrobe?” and discussed the many benefits of building one, it’s time to get started and go shopping!

How Many Items Should Be In My Capsule Wardrobe?

So how many items should be in a capsule wardrobe? What is the magic number when it comes to how many pieces should be in your capsule wardrobe?

The great thing about capsule wardrobes is that they can be totally customized to fit your unique style and needs.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how many pieces should be in your capsule wardrobe.

That said, we typically recommend starting with around 30 pieces. This includes clothing, shoes, accessories, and outerwear. Of course, you can always add or remove items as needed.

However, most experts agree that a capsule wardrobe should have between 25 and 50 pieces. If you live in a climate with distinct seasons, you may want to have two separate capsule wardrobes – one for warm weather and one for cold weather.

Or, if you have a more casual style, you might need fewer clothes than someone who prefers a more formal look. The key is to choose versatile pieces that you can mix and match to create lots of different outfits.

Below I’ve listed out a few suggestions on some important pieces to have in your capsule wardrobe.

How to build a capsule wardrobe Today

1. Know Your Style

The first step to building a capsule wardrobe is knowing your style.

• What colors do you feel most confident in?
• What silhouettes do you love wearing?
• Do you prefer dresses or separates?

Knowing the answers to these questions will make it easier for you to shop for pieces that you’ll want to wear.

If you’re not sure what your style is, don’t worry!

There are plenty of resources out there to help you figure it out. Pinterest is a great place to start; simply search for “personal style” and you’ll be presented with a wealth of inspirational images.

Once you’ve found some styles that you like, take some time to save them to a Pinterest board so that you can refer back to them when shopping for your capsule wardrobe.

2. Take inventory of your current closet.

This is a crucial step because it will help you determine what items you already have that you can include in your capsule wardrobe.

As you’re going through your clothes, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I love this item?
• Does it fit well?
• Is it versatile? (Can I wear it multiple ways?)
• Do I feel good when I wear it?

If the answer to all of these questions is “yes,” then the item can stay. If not, it’s time to say goodbye.

Purge your closet of clothes that don’t fit well, are outdated, or no longer reflect your style.

Once you’ve gone through your closet and pulled out the pieces that you don’t want, donate them or sell them online—just make sure they don’t end up back in your closet!

3. Assess Your Needs

Now that you know your style and have edited your closet accordingly, it’s time to assess your needs.

What do you use your clothes for the most? Work? Casual? Athletic? What types of clothing do you find yourself reaching for most often?

Make a list of the items you need to refer back to it when shopping for your capsule wardrobe.

Some common items that people include in their capsule wardrobes are denim jeans, black pants, white shirts, blazers, cardigans, dresses, skirts, sneakers, and boots.

Of course, the specific items you’ll need will depend on your style—so make sure to tailor your list accordingly!

To do this, identify the core clothing items – or “wardrobe essentials” – that you reach for most often.

These items might include denim jeans, black pants, white button-down shirts, etc.

Then, build around those basics with additional pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits using the following guidelines:

Stick to neutral colors like black, white, grey, navy blue, etc.) so that everything coordinates with each other.

4. Choose timeless pieces over trendier ones

Opt for high-quality fabrics and construction that will last for years.

Focus on comfort and versatility – look for items that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion

Now that you know what pieces you need, it’s time to start shopping!

5. Shop for Your Capsule Wardrobe

Now comes the fun part: shopping for your capsule wardrobe!

When shopping for pieces for your capsule collection, look for versatile items that can be worn in multiple ways.

For example, you can wear a black blazer with jeans and a t-shirt for a casual look or over a dress for something more formal; you could dress up a pair of denim jeans with heels and a blouse or dressed down with sneakers and a sweatshirt; and so on.

Don’t Be Afraid To Edit Your Wardrobe Regularly

Your tastes will change over time, and so should your wardrobe.

Edit your capsule wardrobe regularly to get rid of clothes you no longer wear and add new pieces that reflect your current style.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with recent trends! You may be surprised at how much you like them.

With these key pieces in your wardrobe, you’ll be able to create endless outfit possibilities that will work for any season!

How much does a capsule wardrobe cost?

The cost of a capsule wardrobe varies, depending on a number of factors. Consider where you live, how much you typically spend on clothes and the types of pieces you already have in your closet.

Generally speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2000 on a capsule wardrobe.

What Do I Need In My Year-round capsule wardrobe checklist?

When it comes to your year-round capsule wardrobe, there are a few key pieces you’ll always need to be prepared for anything.

Here’s a checklist of everything you’ll need to build the perfect capsule wardrobe that will work for any season:

Seasonal staples:

• A great pair of jeans that fit you perfectly
• A versatile blazer or cardigan
• A couple of cozy sweaters
• A go-to dress for any occasion
• Go here for more info about building a Spring, Fall, Winter and Summer capsule wardrobe.

Basics:

• A well-fitting white tee
• A pair of comfortable black leggings. The Aday throw-it higher leggings are our favorite.
• A go-to pair of shoes that can be dressed up or down

Accessories:

• A timeless handbag
• A few versatile scarves
• A few pieces of jewelry that can be mixed and matched

How to make your capsule wardrobe work for you

A capsule wardrobe is a great way to simplify your life and your closet. But once you’ve pared down your wardrobe to a few key pieces, how do you ensure those pieces work for you?

The first step is to choose the right items. When paring down your wardrobe, it’s important only to keep the items you absolutely love.

If something doesn’t bring you joy or make you feel good when you wear it, get rid of it! You should also make sure to choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched easily

1. Find Quality over Quantity
2. Invest in Good staples
3. Learn How To Mix And Match
4. Accessorize To Add Interest
5. Determine Your Style Preferences
6. Be Patient And Have Fun!

The most important thing to remember when creating a capsule wardrobe is that it should work for you.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here! What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. Take some time to experiment and figure out what combination of items makes you feel confident and stylish. And once you’ve got your perfect capsule wardrobe, enjoy having fewer clothes to worry about!

Why build a capsule wardrobe? What Are The Benefits?

The benefits of having a capsule wardrobe are numerous.

First, it saves you time and energy because you no longer have to spend hours trying to figure out what to wear each day.

I know how much time I could have saved if I had known how to build a capsule wardrobe sooner! Secondly, it saves you money. You’re more likely to buy quality over quantity when you have a capsule wardrobe.

You’ll be less tempted to make impulse purchases of cheap clothes that you’ll only wear once or twice because you know that the pieces in your capsule wardrobe will last you for years. This also means you can spend less time shopping and more time doing the things you love.

Lastly, a capsule wardrobe gives you the confidence and peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a closet full of clothes you love to wear.

It takes the guesswork out of getting dressed each day.

With fewer clothing options, deciding what to wear becomes much simpler (and quicker!). Not to mention, you can be confident knowing that everything in your closet fits well, coordinates with other pieces, and best reflects your style.

It helps you to define your style and creates a cohesive look. While some believe that a capsule wardrobe means owning fewer clothes, this isn’t necessarily true. Instead, it’s about owning fewer “disposable” clothes—clothes that are only worn once or twice and then discarded.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building A Capsule Wardrobe

How to Build A Capsule Wardrobe, The Ultimate Guide – Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a capsule wardrobe that works for you!

Just remember to focus on quality over quantity, stick to a cohesive color palette, and choose versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.

Creating a capsule wardrobe will not only save you time and money in the long run but also help you look and feel your best!

Download The Capsule Wardrobe Book Now For $0

There’s more to know, to ensure you have the most stylish, capsule wardrobe that makes you look chic, wealthy and sophisticated. What exactly are these essential wardrobe pieces?

If you’re a little stuck or just need some inspiration, I can help you.

I’ve created the Essential Capsule Wardrobe Planning Guide, a free ebook where I’m sharing my top pics for essential wardrobe pieces.

Plus, it’s filled with helpful tips and tricks and includes a complete list of where to buy the affordable versions and luxury versions of everything.

Get your free copy below – just tell me where to send it!