How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

One of my favorite ways to celebrate spring is to create an amazing capsule wardrobe that truly captures my sense of celebration for surviving through another winter.

And, in the case of 2020, a crazy quarantine. Sigh.

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of capsule wardrobes and I live by them in my fashion life. When done correctly, a capsule wardrobe is the perfect way to have an efficient, minimal clothing collection that fully portrays who you are in every look that is created. 

One of the main missions of Blomma is to teach my readers how to create the perfect capsule so they can live their best-styled life.

So, behold. My guide to putting together the perfect spring (or any season) capsule wardrobe.

LET’S START BY DEFINING WHAT A CAPSULE WARDROBE IS.

A capsule wardrobe is a specific collection of clothing that is set at a certain number of pieces that correlate well together in order to create a variety of different looks for a set duration of time that perfectly complement the personal style and lifestyle of the capsule owner.

Although it does take time and effort to design and put together the perfect capsule, the advantages that this process gives is worth it, in my opinion.

Here are some advantages of the capsule-wardrobe lifestyle:

• IT SAVES MONEY 

  • When you have your capsule complete, that’s it. No more shopping for that particular season or other set duration of time. Also - when you are searching for pieces to be added to the capsule, you are shopping mindfully and not just spending impulsively. You aren’t wasting money on “maybes” you’re buying the perfect pieces that you will use much more in the long-run.

• IT SAVES TIME

  • Sure, creating the capsule takes time on the front end, but if done correctly and carefully, putting together endless looks with your capsule will be a breeze! No more “nothing-to-wear” days! 

• CLEAN & ORGANIZED SPACE

  • When you have a minimal amount of clothing pieces to keep in your closet, and don’t allow yourself to continue shopping after the capsule is complete, you will be amazed at how refreshing it is to open a closet that is not bursting at the seams with pieces you haven’t worn in ages. 

• GREATER LOVE AND APPRECIATION FOR YOUR WARDROBE

  • Again. When it’s done correctly, your capsule wardrobe will be just what your fashion-self needs. The pieces that make up the capsule will be items that you truly love - and that were selected with care. You will appreciate your work, and will love the looks you are able to create.

Sound worth it to you? Let’s learn how to create your perfect capsule!

STEP 1: PINTEREST

This part is fun. All you need to do is browse Pinterest for outfit ideas and pin any look that remotely resonates or inspires you. Don’t hesitate if you love one part of an outfit and are unsure about another aspect. Pin it anyway! I recommend creating a separate board for the capsule you are working on.

STEP 2: LIST THE PIECES

Next, go through your capsule Pinterest board and list every single clothing piece that you like. Only list the pieces you can see yourself wearing and that would legitimately fit with your lifestyle and match the season you are creating for. Also - don’t worry about duplicates - just list everything. If you’re anything like me, it will be a long list.

STEP 3: CONSOLIDATE THE LIST

This is where you go through the items and condense them. You’ll want to have your number in mind here. If you want to keep your capsule set at 35 pieces, don’t let your consolidated list go above that. This is where you eliminate duplicates and items that realistically won’t work well in your wardrobe. Also - if you pinned something that you already own, leave it on the list! After step 3 is complete, you will have your TOTAL list of pieces for your capsule whether you need to buy them or already own them.

STEP 4: PICK YOUR COLOR PALLET

It’s important to not have every color of the rainbow represented in your capsule. Selecting a color pallet will make creating coordinating looks so much easier. I use the app coolors for this to create my color pallet for each capsule wardrobe.

STEP 5: EVALUATE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

Now it’s time to get down and dirty. It’s time to get all of your clothes out. All of them. And make a huge pile. (Side note - if you haven’t done this in awhile, now is an excellent time to purge.) Go through all the pieces you plan to keep in your possession and evaluate which items could work as one of the pieces on your capsule list you consolidated in step 3. Then, Check-off what you already have.

STEP 6: SHOP

After you’ve gone through what you already have, you’ll know what you still need to shop for to create your perfect capsule wardrobe!

STEP 7: THE SWITCH

Once you have what you need purchased, it’s time to update your closet. I highly recommend storing any item (except pjs, undergarments and workout clothes) that you plan on keeping but are not a part of your current capsule. I don’t know about you, but seeing sweaters in my closet on a beautiful June morning does not inspire me to create an amazing summer outfit. Plus, you’ll find that when you store the clothing that you are currently not wearing, it will almost be like shopping again when it’s time to switch it up! 

IN HONOR OF SPRING, THERE ARE A COUPLE OF TIPS THAT I HAVE FOR CREATING A CAPSULE WARDROBE SPECIFIC TO SPRINGTIME:

• Don’t forget about transitional pieces! I live in Michigan. Let’s say it’s the beginning of May. Monday could be sunny and 72, Tuesday could be rainy and 48 and Wednesday could be humid and 59. Transitional pieces are a MUST. 

• Unfortunately, spring doesn’t always mean spring weather. It may be tempting, but if you live in a region where you experience all 4 seasons, don’t let your spring capsule be solely short-sleeves, skirts and sandals. Of course you will be able to wear items like this in the spring, but every day will not be ideal for a warm spring outfit. 

• Brighten up your colors! It may still snow and be cold in the spring, so now is the opportunity to have a bright pink warm sweater in your collection! It’s appropriate for the season, and the weather :)

There you have it! My strategy for putting together the perfect capsule wardrobe.

Happy spring!