While the concept of minimalism is hardly anything new, women have always been hesitant to apply it to their wardrobes. Whether this is due to sentimentality or a hoarding tendency, most ladies tend to balk at the idea of letting go.
This is where the concept of a capsule wardrobe can come in handy. Put simply, this refers to a well-curated collection of essential clothing pieces that never go out of style. Moreover, they are designed to be supplemented by seasonal garments throughout the year. Hence, a capsule wardrobe can help you reduce waste, make more sustainable shopping choices, streamline your style, and simplify your morning routine.
If all this has gotten you interested in creating your very own capsule wardrobe, read on for some useful tips and tricks.
Go Back to Basics
Basic, staple pieces make up the foundation of every great wardrobe. Though they may appear deceptively simple at first glance, they’re easy to style up or down according to the season or occasion.
So make sure to include a stylish pair of jeans, some fashionable women’s tights, t-shirts and button-downs that fit just right, and a little black dress in your capsule wardrobe. Since you’ll be wearing these often, you’ll want to invest in quality items. That said, go for pieces made with natural materials. Don’t forget to inspect the stitching and construction as well.
Embrace Neutrals
When picking a color palette for your capsule wardrobe, prioritize neutrals over bold hues. This is because most neutral shades are pleasing to the eye and go together without clashing. By sticking to a unified color scheme, you’ll never have to worry about mixing and matching ever again.
If you want to add a splash of color, you can accentuate pieces in white, black, or gray with shades of pastel pink, blue, and peach. You can also try spicing up your monotone outfit with muted earth hues such as green and brown for a more subdued look instead.
Free Yourself from Fastenings
Another way to shave minutes off your morning routine is to pick garments that are easy to put on and take off. Indeed, anything with buttons, hooks, and snaps will only slow you down.
So whenever possible, stick to clothes that utilize drawstrings and zippers. You can even go one step further by choosing clothes without any fastenings at all. That way, you’ll be ready to head out in the time it takes to pull a shirt down over your head.
Pay Attention to the Details
Paring down your closet means you’ll be relying more heavily on accessories to spice up your outfits. With this in mind, you’ll want to keep several earrings, necklaces, shoes, and bags in rotation. Doing so shouldn’t be particularly hard, as long as you focus on timeless items that pair well with a variety of outfits.
When it comes to earrings, you’ll want to keep two different pairs at a minimum: one for everyday wear, and another for dressier occasions. You’ll also want to keep at least one versatile timepiece that you can wear to work or during the weekends.
As for bags, you should choose those that best suit your needs and preferences. But in general, it’s a good idea to have a few options at hand. So keep at least one small bag or clutch for formal events, a medium everyday bag, and a large tote in your wardrobe.
Declutter Your Closet
Every once in a while, you should take the time to prune your clothing collection. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend taking out every item of clothing you own and laying each one out on your bed. While you’re at it, don’t forget to add all of your shoes, accessories, and jewelry to the pile.
From there, you’ll want to do an initial pass. You can trim off at least a quarter of your pile by getting rid of items that are in poor condition. This means that anything that’s ripped, torn, or has holes in it should go into a garbage bag.
After you’ve disposed of all worn-out items, start sorting through the remainder of the pile, organizing them into three distinct piles: love, maybe, and donate. Once you’re done, you’ll be left with fashion pieces that you’ll love to wear regularly. Just to be sure, though, try them on and see how they fit and feel. Then, let go of any clothing that no longer fits your body.
A disorganized closet full of things you hardly ever wear can contribute to the draining decision fatigue that you feel on the daily. That’s why curating your closet can help you save a lot of time and effort each time you get dressed. Not only that, but you’ll be sporting pieces that showcase your style and preferences best. So try putting together your own capsule wardrobe today!