Spring organizing to create a Capsule Wardrobe
It’s not your typical wardrobe. The concept of the capsule wardrobe was started in the 1970s as essential, traditional pieces that make up a complete wardrobe. It includes just a fraction of the items we have in our closets typically, but all the items we currently love! With all the interest in minimalism and essentialism, is this the time for your spring organizing to focus on building a capsule wardrobe?
What items are included?
A capsule wardrobe includes a total of 40 items. It includes tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, sweaters and shoes. Start with a color palette that you love. Build pieces that work together, that can be layered and that can be paired. Add in accessories that add sparkle to your items. This includes scarves and jewelry.
Why organize to create a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe pulls together all the elements of simplicity. You can wear all of the clothes in your closet, rather than just the 20% we typically wear. You love all the clothes you have so you are energized and ready to go in the morning. You save money because there is no extra spending on sale items, items you purchase without a matching piece and no impulse purchases. Most especially you have more outfits than you ever imagined. Mixing and matching from your capsule wardrobe brings out creativity.
Pulling together your favorites
Get started with what you love already in your closet now. Pull items that work together. Start discarding what still has tags and does not match your capsule wardrobe. Enjoy your new attire! Becoming more mindful of your purchases and making it easier to get ready in the morning are side benefits of this new adaptation of your closet.
More closet organizing ideas here!
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It’s so interesting how the “capsule” wardrobe is the new thing. I’m sure that the minimalism, tiny house and simplicity movements add to this trend. People want to simplify and make the basics of life easier so they can LIVE their lives…as opposed to managing the “stuff” of their lives.
I like the idea of having less. It does make daily routines easier. Less choices. Less stress. Less management.
Have you tried building a capsule wardrobe?
Capsule wardrobes are great also for people who work from home and don’t go out often. The downside is that clothing fades faster. I like to only have a few dark colored items because it is really noticeable when they fade. Buying better quality shirts and pants help keep the fade to a minimum too. Thanks for sharing, Ellen.
This is an interesting idea. I think it would be particularly helpful for young people starting out, for individuals who have had a change in weight and are starting over, or for those who may be experiencing a change in lifestyle (e.g. a new job.) Finding clothes to fit is a bit of a challenge for me, so I tend to hold on tightly to anything that works, but I like the idea!
Working on it for myself. I *think* I’m done with the decluttering, for now at least. I’ve thought a lot about a different, new style (thank you, Pinterest) and have started with a few new purchases. Counting items can be today’s small step. Appreciating the bigger picture perspective you bring to tie this all together, Ellen. Glad to find this article.
@Sue – thanks for sharing what we are organizers do in our our spaces. It’s true that a new perspective can make a difference!
@Seana, you are so right! It’s a great first start for a new wardrobe!
@Sabrina, you are right about the quality of your clothes being important. Investing in quality makes your wardrobe last.
Yes! @Linda I am use this concept especially when packing. It’s much easier to pack less. I also try to shop one style since it’s cost effective to mix and match. I have an upcoming tv segment using my capsule wardrobe. Look for it on ABC13Houston in the next few weeks.
This is exactly what I am doing! We are in the process of installing our new master closet and I can tell you it’s gonna look sparse for awhile. But for the first time I actually took a mini capsule wardrobe on our recent cruise. It made it so much easier picking out clothes daily.
I love that we are all thinking alike on how to maximize our clothes budget and love what we are wearing!