A Capsule Wardrobe

By Carly Meyers

All too often, we buy items for our wardrobe that are fun and in that season. Instead of utilizing these pieces, we find ourselves reaching for our tried-and-true favorites and claiming we have nothing to wear. As consumers, we’re taught to buy new every time the weather changes, yet never get the full use of these pieces. What’s the solution? Introducing your new best friend: the capsule wardrobe. Simply put, a capsule wardrobe is comprised of versatile pieces that you love to wear without fail. It consists of tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories, outwear and dresses that can all be mixed and matched to either be dressed up or down. Usually comprised of mostly neutrals, it’s easy to match pieces that you always love. A capsule wardrobe is all about quality over quantity. It means your closet has fewer trendy pieces that won’t outlast the season and more highquality pieces that can stand the test of time.

The first step is to purge your current closet. Take out every single piece and asses its versatility. A good suggestion is to categorize every item in your closet into 1 of 4 categories:

ABSOLUTELY: You’re ready to wear this piece tomorrow if needed and it makes you feel happy and confident. These pieces are here to stay.

MAYBE: It can be difficult for some of us to shed our belongings. Pieces that have sentimental value, haven’t been worn more than once or fit questionably belong in this pile. Store them in an easily accessible box and, if you still haven’t reached for them by the end of the season, it’s time to donate them and make room for pieces that do benefit you. My personal rule of thumb is that if I have not worn it in a year, it’s time to move forward. This pile allows you to make the tougher decisions later once you’ve visualized and proven that you do not utilize these pieces.

PASS: There’s no sense in keeping items that do not flatter your body and no longer make you feel confident. Clothing that doesn’t fit also belongs in this pile. The purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to be able to grab any piece at any time, not grabbing for a piece that has not fit in years and makes you upset to see.

SEASONAL: Living in Florida, there’s no purpose in keeping heavy sweaters out all year long. For selective seasonal pieces, store them away until needed.

What Pieces Benefit a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe does not mean you have to give up on trend pieces forever and only wear jeans and a neutral tee. It instead means that when you do purchase trendier pieces, you’ll know how to fit them into your wardrobe amongst your other pieces to make sure they get their full use.

Though different bodies and personalities favor different pieces, it’s still helpful to have a suggested starting point. The whole point of a capsule wardrobe is versatile, timeless pieces. Consider looking for these while overhauling your closet.

Suggested pieces to keep

• Jeans • Leather jacket • Plain T-shirts • White sneakers • Leather totes/purses • Aviator sunglasses • Mules • Slide sandals • Classic trousers • Black leggings • Crewneck sweaters • Graphic tees • Body suits • Loose-fitting white button-ups • Linen dresses

10 PIECES OF CLOTHING + 2 PAIRS OF SHOES + 2 ACCESSORIES = 15 OUTFITS

The Upkeep

As time goes on, you’ll need to update your capsule for literal and figurative seasons of life. The goal is to upkeep a capsule you can swap pieces with by season or need, such as having both a professional and an everyday capsule. Updating your capsule can’t happen overnight and will require strategic thinking. Start with the holes: what are you lacking and can benefit from? What no longer fits your body or lifestyle? Approach your purchasing with strategy, thought, and longevity in mind, and over time, your capsule wardrobe will save you both money and frustration getting dressed.