We’ve been having a majorly humid heatwave going on over here and while my mind couldn’t be further from fall clothing (and anything fall really) I found myself scrolling through old photos of capsule wardrobes from the beginning of the year (you know, when “2020 was going to be our year!”)… and I was struck with a slight twinge of desire for cozy pullovers, long sweat coats, and leggings… but then I stepped outside and decided they could stay put for a little while longer…

Yet it got me thinking about how I went about pairing down my closet, buying less, and really making my wardrobe work for me. So today I put together the 5 ways that I went about creating my capsule wardrobe. I don’t follow a “true” capsule wardrobe where I only wear a select number of items. Mine is more of a capsule wardrobe in that almost all of my pieces can easily pair together to create multiple outfits, across seasons, and fit my lifestyle so they work for any occasion.

THE FIVE EASY WAYS I CREATED A CAPSULE WARDROBE

1. Closet Purge: This was a relatively organic process for me, as I was moving my clothing from our original master-bedroom closet to our new master-bedroom. When we made the switch, I tossed out everything that I hadn’t worn in the past year… I asked myself why I hadn’t worn it, if I plan on wearing it again, and if it fit into my current wardrobe.

Another important question I ask myself whenever I purge is, “Does this item fit into my current lifestyle?” I have no need for formal work clothing, like I did 5 years ago… so those items were purged. I also don’t have a need for a lot of “occasion” dresses as I did when we were making the wedding circuit. Everyday essentials was more how I needed to define my current wardrobe. Figuring out what items no longer fit your current lifestyle can make the purging process so much easier.

2. Where Are Your Gaps?: Once I cleaned out my closet, I was able to discover where I was missing items that might complete my wardrobe. I realized that my leather jacket I had purchased 12 years prior was relatively worn and needed to be replaced. Given that I invested in a good quality leather jacket to fill that gap (seen above)….

Maybe you’re needing a pair of jeans… an oversized cream sweater…. or maybe you realize you really don’t need anything at all and can make so many different outfits when you actually have less. Whatever the case asking the questions “Do I have any wardrobe gaps” gives you good perspective and direction on what to add, or not add, to your closet.

3. Neutral Colors: What I typically find is that the less neutral a piece of clothing is, the more limiting it is when it comes to mixing and matching. I was okay keeping a few brightly colored, or patterned, articles of clothing, but I kept them knowing that their versatility was limited. Keeping with a neutral color pallet has helped me to confidently purchase items knowing that they will seamlessly work with clothing I already own… and that I’ll be able to create multiple outfits with that piece.

Neutrals that work for me include black, white, grey, blush, leopard print, camel, tan, charcoal, ivory, + brown shades.

4. Accessories: I think the biggest concern about having a more capsule like wardrobe is that it will be boring…. too much of one color + too little variation. I tend to solve this problem with my accessories. Hats, shoes (Tretorn has some great neutral, + comfortable, sneakers), jewelry, and bags all help to make an outfit look unique and different. Adding a wide brimmed fedora makes it look much different than tossing on a baseball cap…. wearing sneakers is a completely different look than booties.

5. Fun Pieces: Something I didn’t want to do with my closet was purge it of all my “fun” pieces. For me, it was more about creating a balanced closet… one that’s 95% of the time practical and interchangeable, but that still has 5% left for pieces that only come out on a special occasion or that I wear when I just want to feel a little extra. I reserve this for brighter colors, fancier items (those “don’t fit into my lifestyle” items), and other statement pieces.
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Outfit Details Above (some items are no longer available…)
Leopard Dress
Long Sweater Coat (Natalie20 for 20% off)
Grey Sweatpants
Cropped Tee
Coatigan (shorter cardigan)
Grey Sweater
Linen Coverup
Jamie Jeans