Today's post is a video all about how I create my capsule wardrobe each season. I did a blog post about this last year but never filmed a video for YouTube so today I set out to remedy that. To go along with the video, I've also outlined my tips below for you. All-in-all, I hope this helps you to either create your first capsule or take your existing capsule to the next level.
First things first, let's define a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a selection of basic pieces that can be mixed and matched effortless for countless outfit combinations. This can either stretch a season or the entire year.
When beginning a journey toward living with less the most important first step is to set realistic expectations for yourself. While it may be tempting to hope for your perfect wardrobe instantly, I encourage you to be patient, ignore most of what you've read and allow yourself to become overwhelmed.
Now, you're probably thinking that seems like the complete opposite of why you're downsizing in the first place, but hear me out. If you begin this process hoping for a painless journey that doesn't leave you at least a little confused and overwhelmed, then you're likely to go running back to your clutter at the first sign of trouble - I know I did. Instead, if you go into this knowing that the road will be bumpy at times, you won't want to surrender when things get tricky.
So, as you head down this path be prepared for some confusion and a little bit of stress, but know that it's completely manageable over time. As long as you stick with it and adapt this concept to your own lifestyle, you'll be living your most stylish life in no time.
Step 2 is to do a major closet clear out and eliminate anything you don't absolutely love or wear. I just did a full video on this that you can watch here and below.
Next, you want to divide what you're left with into three categories.
- Closet staples that you wear year-round
- Warm weather pieces
- Cold weather pieces
Once you've done that, store whatever isn't a year-round piece or suitable for the current weather.
What you're left with is your capsule! These pieces are the foundation for new capsule wardrobe and you're going to want to try and live with only these for a while.
During this period take special care to notice the pieces you wear a ton, the ones you don't wear at all and anything that's missing.
In order to identify the gaps I like to keep a running list of anything I think I want to add, and then I'll add anything that I find myself wishing for.
For example, if I go to get dressed everyday and find myself reaching for black pants and a grey t-shirt but I don't have a grey t-shirt, then it gets added to the list. Every time I wish I had an item that's already on my list I put a star next to it.
Once you've identified the gaps in your wardrobe and have established a solid list of items to add, you can go shopping! This is by far the most fun but can also be a little dangerous if you don't shop strategically. Rather than go out and buy everything you want, try to do so thoughtfully and with list and budget in mind. Also, during this phase try to not get hung up on perfection and instead make thoughtful purchases that suit your lifestyle, budget and values at the moment - that way you can help yourself establish a new way of shopping that becomes a greater lifestyle shift rather than a fad that you toss to the side in a few months.
That's it! If you've made it this far then you should have a capsule wardrobe.
Now all that's left is to enjoy your hard work. Have fun getting dressed every morning and enjoy your new found simplicity.
While you're doing so though, always re-evaluate.
Throughout each capsule that you create try and take note of what's working for you and what isn't. That way, you can establish a way of dressing that you can stick with for life.
