HOW TO CREATE A CAPSULE WARDROBE

by Sara Griot

If you're new to the concept, you may be wondering what exactly a capsule wardrobe is.

A capsule wardrobe is simply a collection of clothing composed of thoughtfully curated, easily interchangeable items designed to maximize the number of outfits that you can create.

If you're new to the concept, you may be wondering what exactly a capsule wardrobe is.

A capsule wardrobe is simply a collection of clothing composed of thoughtfully curated, easily interchangeable items designed to maximize the number of outfits that you can create.

Essentially, a capsule wardrobe allows you to create a variety of different looks with a small selection of clothes. Having a wardrobe containing only items you love means you don't have clothing around that doesn't fit you well, doesn't flatter your body shape, lifestyle, coloring, or simply doesn't fit your personal style. Personally, I have a capsule wardrobe for Fall/Winter and one for Spring/Summer. I also have a Holiday Capsule wardrobe.

There is no strict set of rules about creating a capsule wardrobe, except trying to limit the number of pieces of clothing in your closet and trying to minimize the stress of putting an outfit together every day. Try to focus on creating a classic capsule wardrobe comprised of high-quality pieces that will last.

What isn't included in a capsule wardrobe are garments like cocktail dresses or anything for a black-tie event, workout clothing, loungewear, joggers, pajamas, socks, and underwear.

This is how I break it down.

1 Edit your closet.

The first step in building a capsule wardrobe is removing things from your current wardrobe that you know you are ready to part with. Doing this allows you to clear the clutter to focus on building a capsule wardrobe with pieces you love.

2 Choose your core capsule pieces.

Once you've done your initial edit, you can choose clothes you want to incorporate into your capsule wardrobe from what you have left. When doing this, look for quality pieces that are both functional and versatile. A functional piece of clothing is practical, useful, and suits your current lifestyle. A versatile piece of clothing easily pairs with other clothes, can be styled in different ways, and worn in different contexts.

3Choose your base colors.

Use the clothes you love and frequently wear to determine what the base color(s) of your wardrobe should be. These are your neutrals.

You can choose black or navy. Look at what you tend to wear to make sure that the base color you choose is what looks good on you.

Once you've selected one of these, choose complementary base colors. If you chose black, your complementary base colors will likely be white and grey. If you chose navy, your complementary base colors could be beige and cream.

From the clothes that you've decided to keep, select solid-color pieces that are the base colors you selected and put them back in your closet or drawers.

Sarah Griot

Empowering women through fashion is something Sara Griot had in mind even as a young girl, when she announced to her family that she was destined to become a clothing designer. After completing her education in design and business, she launched two successful fashion brands. Sara helps women find their confidence through fashion, by applying her 20+ years of experience as a women’s clothing designer.

Sara enjoys helping her clients dress in alignment with their personal brand, while helping them understand the best pieces for their body types and how various items can combine to create signature looks. Her clients are living proof that what you wear can change the way you feel.

5 Add in texture and pattern..

I'm sure there are some patterns you love like stripes, polka dots, lace, and possibly floral. For me, it's also textured sweaters, cashmere, and other knits. The idea is to still stay within your chosen color palette with the textures and patterns, though.

First, I'd like to cover what isn't included in a capsule wardrobe. Garments like cocktail dresses or anything for a black-tie event, workout clothing, lounge wear, joggers, pajamas, socks, and underwear.

4 Choose your accent colors.

Choose 2 or 3 colors that coordinate with your base colors (and preferably each other). These are the colors you love to wear because you find them beautiful. AND most importantly, they look good on you. If you like a lot of colors, you can choose accent colors based on the season as well. Then again, from the clothes, you've decided to keep, select solid-color pieces that are the accent colors you chose and put them back in your closet or drawers.

Secondly, there is no exact number for your capsule wardrobe, but somewhere between 30-50 pieces, depending on your lifestyle AND the size of your closet. When getting dressed, less is more. And the reason to create a capsule wardrobe is to take some of the stress out of getting dressed every day. So, with fewer pieces to work with, a closet that you love and reflects you and your unique style, the better your daily routine will be.

Here is what your capsule should include

DENIM (2-4) PAIR

1-2 Dark Wash

1-2 Light Wash

PANTS (3-4) PAIR TROUSERS

1 Black (or navy)

1 Neutral

1 Color

Leggings ( I recommend Spanx Faux Leather ) so comfortable!

JACKETS

1-2 Blazers

Denim (year-round)

Leather SHIRTS

Button-down (white)

Blouse - 2 or 3 (1 patterned)

SWEATERS (5-6)

1-2 Cardigans

1 Chunky Sweater

2 Pullover Sweaters ( 1 V-Neck, 1 Crew Neck)

1 Turtleneck

OUTERWEAR (2-3)

1 Trench Coat

1 Neutral Wool Coat

1 Puffer

T- SHIRTS (2-3)

2 Long Sleeve ( 1 white, 1 black)

CAMISOLE

1-2 Neutral

DRESSES (3-4)

1 Wrap Dress

1 LBD (Little Black Dress)

1 Print

1 Solid Color

I think shoes are the hardest part of a capsule wardrobe because they can add so much to a neutral outfit. Although not everyone is a fan of leopard, it's very versatile and can add a pop to a basic outfit. I happen to love novelty shoes with color or pattern, but having the basic neutrals covered first is most important.

Finally, whatever items your capsule wardrobe is comprised of, one of the most important parts is to make sure that alterations are done to guarantee the best fit and everything is clean and ready to go. How many times have you started to take something out to wear and remember that it needs to be hemmed? I'm guilty of that, I know!

SKIRTS

1 Solid Color Slip Skirt

1 Flowy A-Line Skirt

SHOES

1 Pair Loafers

1 Pair Nude Heels (whatever heel height you prefer)

1 Pair of Black Heels

1 Pair of Neutral Flats

1 Pair of Tennis Shoes

1 Pair of Booties

1 Pair of Tall Boots

I would also add a pair of leopard flats, especially with a neutral wardrobe, but that's a personal choice.

PURSE

1 Crossbody

1 Neutral Everyday

Handbag

1 Clutch