A Capsule Wardrobe: The Basics of Never Going Out of Style

Minimalism and sustainability are all the rage. It’s about having only what you need or use. A capsule wardrobe falls right in line with that concept.

Interestingly, the term was first used in the 1970s. It was then popularized in the mid-1980s. And if you’re tired of always throwing money at the latest fashion trends, you need a capsule wardrobe. And if you’re into sustainability and sustainable wardrobes, you’ll want to keep reading.

The capsule wardrobe isn’t about trends. It’s about having basic clothing items that never go out of style. You have a few essential pieces - such as a skirt, pants, basic tops, and a coat or two. It makes life easier. And you don’t have to think so hard about what to wear either (or spend 10-20 minutes a day trying on all your different outfits until you find the right one).

So…where do you start? Let’s get on that minimalistic wellness lifestyle train and find out.

Creating Your Capsule Wardrobe

Maybe you’re eyeing your wardrobe or closet out of the corners of your eyes right now. You can feel your eyes falling into the back of your head. The chaos. The amount of clothing you never wear. It’s staring at you like a deer stuck in headlights.

So here’s the thing: There aren’t exactly rules for creating a capsule wardrobe. So, let’s call ‘em guidelines.

Here’s what your capsule wardrobe might include…

• 3 T-shirts
• 3 Tank Tops
• 3 Long-Sleeved Tops
• 2 Pants
• 2 Shorts
• 1 Skirt
• 5 Shoes

That’s it. That’s all.

But if you have a selection of workout clothes you also use, keep them. Remember, these aren’t rules, they are guidelines.

Related Article: How to Make a Minimalist Lifestyle Work for You

The Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe

Here are a few more benefits you might be feeling pretty soon:

1. You have more time

Don’t waste time in the morning hitting your head against the wall with what you should wear. Your capsule wardrobe should solve that problem. Instead, meditate or make a real breakfast. You’ve got time back - use it.

2. You have more energy

Making decisions takes energy. In fact, some of the most successful people in the world (like Mark Zuckerburg) use clothing as a way to make less decisions - such as wearing the same outfit (but different clothes) everyday. Save your energy for things that matter!

3. You’ll have more savings

You aren’t buying into the latest trends, meaning you save money (yes!). In turn, this also means less guilt over that last impulsive shirt or dress purchase.

4. You’ll just feel better

You will stop comparing yourself to others - who needs that when you have a capsule wardrobe? You may even receive more compliments now that you’re wearing only clothing that fits you best. All in all, you’ll probably feel that much better about life.

Now you get to reap all the benefits! Feel lighter already?

Good, Now Let’s Start…

Step 1: Go through your current closet.

It’s time to clean out the house and home. If you’re really serious about improving your life and living a wellness lifestyle, kicking the clutter out of your life is a great idea. Trust us - you’ll feel lighter and better after the fact.

Set aside a couple of hours for this - especially if it’s been a while. Make different piles - keep, throwaway, giveaway.

If you haven’t worn it in a year, it goes into the throwaway or giveaway pile. Be really honest with yourself here. When it comes down to it, the only person you’re fooling is yourself. If you never wear it, get rid of it.

It sounds hard - it is kind of hard. But you’ve got this!

Step 2: Make your basic capsule set

Consider the following when making your capsule wardrobe choices:

Colors

• You’ll want to have a set that you can mix and match. It may be best to choose a neutral color or two, such as black, beige, white, or grey. And then go from there. You can have one or two accent colors - but try to make sure they don’t clash. Remember, you want to make it easy for yourself to get dressed in the morning.

Body Shape

• What clothing styles work best for you? Choose cuts that flatter.

Fabric Type

• Since you’ll be keeping these clothing items around for a while, go for quality. It’s quality of quantity, baby! You’ll want these pieces to last.

Shapes and Patterns

• If you love patterns and textures, choose ones that never seem to go out of style. Avoid the latest trend. Go for something ‘classic.’

Dressing to Impress

When creating your capsule wardrobe, also consider what you do in your clothing. Do you need clothing to work? Do you really need all that formal wear? What about going-out clothing? Can you dress up basic items?

Then select 9 tops, 5 bottoms, and 5 shoes.

Maybe even line the different items up and make sure they match. Are you cool with wearing this set of items day-in and day-out? Cool, you’re done!

Make Your Capsule Wardrobe Today!

Get to it. This is all about self-love and self-care. You’re only wasting your own time by not doing it right now. Make your life that much easier. After all, we could all use a little break sometimes - right? This is one less thing that will stand in the way of your precious me-time (as well as all the goals and other things you could put your energy into in your life!).

Keep on your sustainable clothing journey with The Conscious Closet: The Basics of a Sustainable Wardrobe