It’s been an interesting week over here, with a minor cold floating around. Harper stayed home from school on Monday with some minor congestion, but by the end of the day, was begging to go into the pool… and then Camille seemed to come down with something Tuesday afternoon, and woke up Wednesday fairly lethargic and complaining of stomach issues (that could have been due to the 3 middle of the night wake ups though…). After a fairly long mid-morning nap, and some ginger ale, she seemed to be feeling better… and in the midst of that TJ has been out of town for work. Everything could be way worse, but needless to say, very excited that tomorrow is Friday and the weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend…

All of that aside, I’m sharing a Q+A I did over on instagram a few weeks ago on how to start a capsule wardrobe, and I thought it would be helpful if it had a permanent place here (and I elaborated a bit more in this post…). Happy to answer any additional questions if something comes up after reading this post (just send an e-mail)!

With that, I hope everyone has a good weekend ahead.. and that you’re able to disconnect, recharge, and sneak in a bit of relaxation!
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1. What is a capsule wardrobe?

Probably the best place to start. A capsule wardrobe is basically a collection of clothing items that consists of pieces that are interchangeable, which helps to maximize the number of outfits you can create, and increase the versatility of your wardrobe. It typically involves making purchases in which you know the items you are buying can help you create various outfits for different occasions. It helps to cut down on making one time wear purchases, and instead buying items that are “staples” in neutral colors.

I shared this quote before, but I feel as if it perfectly embodies the reason why I started capsule wardrobes for myself:

“I’m staring at my closet full of clothes, but have nothing to wear.”

Capsule wardrobes are about maximizing your wardrobe, versatility, and having pieces in your closet that fit your lifestyle. More on that below…

2. Where do I even start? LOL!

I started by cleaning out my closet: what wasn’t I wearing anymore, what didn’t fit into my lifestyle anymore (ex: we aren’t doing multiple weddings a year anymore, nor does our lifestyle have us going out to social cocktail events… so I don’t need several dresses like this… and I don’t go into an office anymore, so workwear isn’t something that fits my current lifestyle), and what After that I considered the following:

• Add in essentials/basics in neutral colors and timeless style (whites, blacks, and beiges worked well in my wardrobe). Examples of classic/timeless styles would be a white button down, basic black tee, flowy white dress, leather jacket, ivory joggers. These examples are specific to my lifestyle, but you can pick whatever. Maybe you spend the majority of your day in a business casual environment, so you night want a classic black trouser, silk blouse, and a classic blazer.

• Choose accent colors. For me, this is how I incorporate color… but I always make sure that they easily mix with my essential neutrals- so I typically opt for blushes as my addition of color, or other soft, cool tones versus the warmer, vibrant tones.

• Add in patterns: Another way to show your style- florals, stripes, polka dots… as long as they nix and match with your core basics and you can create several outfits you’re good. An example would be this stripe tank that I was able to easily create 7 outfits with from items I already owned in my closet.

• Consider accessories- this is a really way to create versatility in the items you have. Think hats, scarves, shoes, jewelry, and bags. You can easily take a basic tee and jeans from day to night with simple accessory swaps. For daytime, maybe a cap, larger tote bag, and sneakers or slides and to transition it to the evening, a pair of low heels, hair pulled back into a low bun, earrings, and a smaller bag.

3. How did you decide what to get rid of first- before deciding the capsule portion?

As I stated above, I focused a lot on lifestyle (office clothing and fancy dresses were out…). Then I looked at the items I really wasn’t going to wear anymore… or that I couldn’t really create outfits with. I also want to mention that this wasn’t done in one day- it’s something that I worked on over a few months/seasons. As we would move into a new season, I was able to purge what I wasn’t going to wear that season and bring in some new items. I don’t think it’s financially feasible to completely purge and then rebuild your closet for every season at once.

4. I just cleaned out my closet and see holes in every category… how do I prioritize need/budget?

I would start with the season we’re either in… or moving into shortly (so for right now, spring/summer). You don’t need to invest in a heavy camel coat right now (save that for fall)… but maybe a great pair of summer shorts, a good summer dress, basic tank + tee… and work those in depending on priority/budget.

Also, maybe you have the shorts and tee already, so a great pair of neutral sandals or a bag might be higher on the priority list.

5. Do you replenish items every year?

Nope! That’s been the best part. I’ve had the same linen shorts for the past 3 years, same white tee for 2 years, same ribbed cardigan for 2 years, tan coatigan for 3 years, same leather jacket for 3 years… sometimes it quality over quantity.

All this to say you can replenish if you want- maybe you want to add in a black pair of linen shorts… or a white pair of denim shorts… It’s really where you find the wardrobe gaps that you’ll want to “replenish.”

6. 4-5 items to start your capsule… I don’t even know what my style is anymore after having kids!

I would break this down seasonally… and even when you do that, the shifts should be relatively seamless… as spring fades to summer, you start dropping a long sleeve top and weave in the tanks and tees… leggings are replaced by other lounge shorts, etc… so it’s not a complete overhaul each season. Since we’re heading into summer in about 6 weeks, here are five basic items I would start with…

• Basic Tee (white or black)
• Favorite jeans that can be dressed up or down… these, these, and these work for me… and I recently just tried these out from Reformation and they’re great!
• Classic White Button Down
• Denim Shorts (swap for a skirt if you don’t like shorts… or a pair of gauze pants…)
• A Basic Dress (this one, this one, this one, or this one depending on your style/lifestyle/budget would be great)

Again, the key is in the accessories in making these items work for day and night… or various occasions. If your lifestyle is predominately casual and around kiddos most of the day, the dress can be worn with sneakers or sandals… and the basic tee can be dressed up or down as I mentioned in an above question. Dressing up doesn’t always have to involve statement tops, etc… so using the basic pieces you have, with some great accessories, is a good option.

7. What are the best pieces to buy to wear through all seasons?

A CRISP WHITE TOP.. it can easily be dressed up or down, and works well with shorts or pants… and a heavy coat or cashmere cardigan can easily layer over it…

BLACK JEANS– they can easily be worn through a variety of seasons and mix and match well with a lot of different tops… I also own and recommend this non-distressed option (size down)…

OVERSIZED RIBBED CARDIGAN– It’s great for cool fall and winter days… and lightweight enough for a cool summer evening … this one is 15% off with code Natalie15, but here is another option here, here

BASIC WHITE + BLACK TEE: as I’ve mentioned, these are great solo, for layering, and easily dress up and down…

A GOOD PAIR OF JEANS: I love this 90’s loose fit pair, and they have seamlessly taken me across summer, fall, winter, and spring…

8. What’s one item you would recommend splurging on?

I would have to recommend the Jenni Kayne Cocoon cardigan. I purchased this two years ago and I reach for it all the time. It’s so soft, the perfect weight, and has that oversized fit I just haven’t been able to find with another cardigan. I was so nervous when I invested, but once I took it out of the box I was sold and knew it would be a closet staple. Sharing 9 ways to wear it below (although I have many more photos of it styled, these just demonstrate its versatility). I don’t have a code, but you can use Natalie15 for 15% off….