Want a minimalistic capsule wardrobe? This guide will show you how to create a capsule wardrobe using three simple steps. It includes a printable capsule wardrobe checklist, tips, and examples. You can simplify your Wardrobe within a few short hours if you start today!

What is a capsule closet?

You may wonder what a capsule wardrobe is if you are new to this concept.

A capsule wardrobe is a collection composed of carefully selected, interchangeable clothing items that maximize the number of outfits you can create.

A capsule wardrobe is a way to create different looks using a limited number of clothing items.

History of capsule wardrobes

Susie Faux is the owner of Wardrobe, a London-based boutique. She coined the term capsule wardrobe in the 1970s. Faux says that a capsule wardrobe is made up of a few timeless and essential items, such as pants and skirts, which you can add to with seasonal pieces.

This concept was popularized in 1985 when Donna Karan released her first capsule collection, “Seven Easy Pieces.” The exhibition featured a bodysuit and skirt, tailored jacket and dress, leather and white shirt, and cashmere sweater, all designed to transition a woman seamlessly from an office day to a night out.

Capsule wardrobes are experiencing a revival today, largely because of the public’s increased interest in reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact. They also demand brands that have sustainable and responsible manufacturing methods.

Benefits of having a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe has so many advantages! Here are a few benefits we have experienced.

Less decision fatigue. I worried that having fewer clothes would make me feel limited, but it turned out that having fewer choices made it easier to choose what to wear. It also allows me to be more creative in the way I dress compared to before when I had a lot more clothes.

The planet is better off with capsule wardrobes. The environment is significantly less affected by purchasing fewer clothes. Fewer clothes mean fewer chemicals in the oceans and water, less clothing in landfills, and a lower carbon footprint.

You’ll be able to afford better clothes. By reducing the amount of clothing you buy, you can invest more in high-quality, timeless pieces that last for many seasons or even years.

You will regain hours (or even days) of time. Imagine all the time spent in the past few years buying clothes online or in stores, trying them on, and returning or exchanging them. Think about all the time you spent on managing your clothes (organizing, tailoring, and purging) and worrying about what to wear. You will spend less time working on your Wardrobe when you use a minimalist capsule.

Reduce unnecessary stress, overwhelm, and anxiety. Clutter is the primary stress hormone in the body. You can reduce physical clutter in your home by downsizing. Your closet will become more spacious and calmer. You can also feel less stressed when getting dressed because you have clothes that you like, are comfortable, and fit you.

Declutter your Wardrobe

You can start by removing items from your existing wardrobe that you’re ready to get rid of. This will help you clear out the clutter and focus on creating a capsule collection of pieces that you love.

Donate or sell items that:

Not fit

You Don’t Like

You already own something similar or identical in color or style.

You can’t match your skin tone and body type

The stained or damaged items are beyond repair.

Clear some space from your closet, then organize the remaining items into categories.

Bottoms (nondenim trousers/pants or skirts and non-denim Shorts)

Denim (long & short)

Tees and tanks

Tops and blouses

Sweaters

Dresses, jumpsuits, and other clothing

Coats, jackets

Choose your core capsule pieces

After you’ve completed your initial edit, you can now choose the clothes that you want to include in your capsule wardrobe.

Look for basics that are both versatile and functional. Functional clothing is useful and practical. It also fits your lifestyle. A versatile item of clothing can be worn in many different situations, styles, and combinations.

Consider the fabric, weight, size, shape, and style of sleeves when evaluating an item for its functionality. Also, consider how easy it is to maintain and clean.

Consider how easy it is to mix and match the garment with other items, colors, and patterns; also, it can be worn on different occasions or seasons.

Focus on the items you want to use right now. It is easier and more efficient. When you see everything at once, it’s easier to pick your favorites, eliminate duplicates, and find what is missing.

Bottoms

The bottoms form the basis of any outfit. It’s the best place to start, whether you are building a capsule closet or a simple look. Let’s begin with non-denim bottoms.

Tips on choosing the right bottoms for your capsule wardrobe:

Choose bottoms with a good fit that are comfortable and can be worn under multiple tops. This includes sweaters, jackets, and tees. Neutrals are more versatile than prints and bright colors.

You will likely have different bottoms depending on the season. You might choose lighter trousers with more flow for the warmer months and heavier trousers during the winter. Keep some of your bases for the next season and others to wear when the seasons change.

Keep the best bottom and donate the others.

Consider these capsule bottoms:

Black seasonal trousers

Trousers in lighter colors (off-white, taupe, beige or white)

Cotton or linen shorts for summer

The knee-length skirt is the most versatile.

Denim

Denim is another key component of your capsule wardrobe. Denim or no denim is the first thing I choose when I dress. I tackle these categories first.

Tips on choosing the right denim for your capsule wardrobe

You should have a variety of washes. You can choose from black, dark wash, light wash, and medium wash.

Find brands and styles you like. If you do not have some denim jeans that you love, it is important to try on as many pairs as you can to find the brands, styles, and inseams that you prefer. They’re well worth it if you can afford to invest in a few pairs of premium denim. The denim is more durable and fits better than cheaper denim. JBrand is my favorite premium denim brand. Abercrombie and One Teaspoon are also on the list.

Duplicates should be thrown out. Keep only the best pair if you have more than one of a certain style or wash. If they are in good shape, donate or sell them.

Denim Options to Consider:

Dark skinny jeans or straight-leg jeans (Citizens of Humanity’s high-waisted jeans are my favorite).

Medium wash mom jeans

I also like Abercrombie Jeans because they are good quality and fit well. They come in curvy styles, petite sizes, and tall sizes.

Denim in black, white, or beige/taupe

Denim shorts – 2 pairs