Top 5 Things to Know to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

Anything to shave off a few minutes of getting-ready time is something any mom can get behind, especially during the morning craziness that typically rules all of our households. Add on to that being less stressful, more efficient, super chic and uber sustainable and we are hooked. So just what is this concept that’s got us all excited? A simplified capsule wardrobe that makes getting dressed (and shopping) an easy-peasy and positive experience. We think this is a perfect New Year’s resolution if you’re having a hankering to head off the clutter in your life. Here, the top 5 things you need to know to build a capsule wardrobe.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe

Even those of us who are veritable clothes horses have many a day standing before our closets thinking “I have nothing to wear.” Well, if you haven’t been living under a rock (or your kids backyard play equipment), you may have heard about the concept of the capsule closet: paring down your wardrobe to the most essential and simple pieces that can be interchanged to create multiple fashion-forward outfits. The pieces are typically classic, less fast-fashion trends, high quality so they last for years and in neutral colors (and solids rather than prints), like beige, camel, black, navy and white. Essentially mixing and matching these select staple pieces makes for a variety of different outfits. Then, of course, you accessorize.

Where did the Capsule Wardrobe Come From

This fashion concept predates its latest trending moment on TikTok—maybe your pre-teens/tens have heard of the newest iteration? In fact, building a capsule wardrobe became popular in the UK in the seventies when store owner (now famed author and fashion expert) Susie Faux offered her customers neutral high quality items to counter them having to purchase big wardrobes that didn’t last more than a season. Obviously she is a mom and got the idea of less is more for our precious time, focus and budget! American designer Donna Karan adopted this concept in the 1980s with her Seven Easy Pieces line—models walking the runway for this show were dressed in the seven pieces in a variety of ways. It was a super success and pretty much made the argument that less is more when it comes to fashion. Three cheers for a minimalist interchangeable closet!

First step: Cleaning Out Your Closet

One of the most important of the top 5 things you need to know to build a capsule wardrobe is to get rid of what you don’t need. Two key things here: Don’t be too hasty in getting rid of what you think you don’t need. Like when you’re planning brown bag lunch menus for the week, be methodical. Start pilfering the pieces that you haven’t worn for 6 months or more. No deliberating. These pieces are gone, unless of course they are favorite shoes that you know are cyclical or a special item handed down from grandma that you can’t part with. Totally fine. Remember, the point of a capsule closet is to open in the morning and choose from stuff you absolutely adore—so keep the items that make your heart go pitter pat! The rest, though, are history. And continue to take note of what you are not wearing and pack those up. But don’t throw them away. Items that no longer work for you will be much appreciated to spots that welcome donations like Dress for Success, women’s shelters or other local organizations that collect clothes for those in need.

What to Keep or Bring in

Yes the idea of a capsule wardrobe is to pare down, but to do so, you might have to first purchase those key pieces that will endure. Less is only more here when you have the right pieces to play the game. So go through what you’ve got that qualifies, set them aside, wash or get them laundered so you are all set up. Then fill in with high-quality pieces (hit those post-Christmas sales when you are returning that upteenth baby doll your little one received from far-flung and seemingly childless relatives) that will last you for years. Everyone’s list will be different in terms of what you’re dressing for—whether work in office, work from home, casual or any other style you’re sporting. Here, some basics we find work well: