This post is sponsored by Cuddl Duds but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
We just had our first snowstorm yesterday and I guess I can’t deny that summer is officially over. As I’ve been decluttering our home the past several years, I’ve adopted a capsule wardrobe. I’ve started to get into a rhythm of going through my clothes each season. I donate items that don’t fit well or that I never wore that season (we all have them)! Here are the first steps to creating a capsule wardrobe, and what I’ve learned is the secret to a capsule wardrobe.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
There is some variation in the number of items, but it’s a set number of items of clothing, shoes, and accessories for a season. Courtney Carver of Project 333 chooses a seasonal capsule wardrobe of 33 items for 3 months. She counts clothing (including coats), shoes, jewelry, and accessories in her 33 items. She does not count underwear, lounge around the house clothes, and workout clothes (if you’re actually working out) in her 33 items.
The First Step in Creating a Capsule Wardrobe
When I first started my intentional capsule wardrobe, I took everything out of my closet and put it on my bed to actually see what I had in my closet and dresser. I had 90 pieces of clothing total after all of my decluttering.
Consider what roles and settings you need clothing for – work outside the home? work at home? casual? formal? I personally have been holding onto a couple of formal dresses and blazers/suit skirts that I probably don’t need but I’ve been holding onto “just in case.” I really don’t want to purchase those things if I can just wear what I already own. On the other hand, I’ll most likely try them on again and see if they fit and re-evaluate how I feel in them.
The Second Step in Creating a Capsule Wardrobe
- Divide your clothes into Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer.
- Store your out of season clothing and shoes
- Put your current season clothing back in your closet and dresser (you will be able to see and choose your outfits with SO much more ease now that there is space and it’s only filled with things you love and wear)
- Pick a neutral base color for your capsule wardrobe (black, grey, navy)
- Pick your accent colors
The Secret to a Capsule Wardrobe
I’ve been living with a capsule wardrobe for two years now and the secret to a capsule wardrobe is to layer and combine.
You will have basics like jeans, basic tees, or black pants to start your outfit. Adding in sweaters, scarves, hats and other accessories will make each outfit unique and interesting. Choosing different combinations with your basics will make your capsule wardrobe feel fresh and interesting.
I recently got a few pieces from Cuddl Duds that I love for my Fall/Winter capsule wardrobe. I work from home two days a week and their Fleecewear with Stretch leggings and wrap are perfect for working at home and quick trips out to drop off and pick up kiddos from school and after school activities.
Click the image to see the other options from Cuddl Duds!
For a limited time, you can get 25% off Cuddl Duds warmwear for her instore or online at Macys. Check out all the options HERE.
Click the image to see other great additions for your capsule wardrobe to stay warm this Fall and Winter!
One of the things I’ve been doing is adding patterns to my capsule wardrobe. I tend to stick with solid colors in grey and black, but I love this cowl tunic in tonal paisley that pairs well with jeans and black pants or the fleece leggings from Cuddl Duds.
Click the image to see all the layering options from Cuddl Duds!
Try a capsule wardrobe – you won’t regret it! If the thought of paring down to a certain number makes you nervous, just set the clothing aside and store it without donating it. See if you actually notice that they’re gone for a year. Having a capsule wardrobe this Fall and Winter will make dressing easy and joyful!
PIN IT FOR LATER:
I pretty much have a capsule wardrobe, without even trying. Purple!! And jean capris. I only own 1 pr shoes. Only 1 sweatshirt, and 1 hoodie. More shirts than anything. And only 1 dress, and 1 skirt that I never wear.
Thanks for the tips!
I probably (like many people, I suspect) only really wear a capsule wardrobe but have SO many more clothes that rarely or never are worn! I definitely want to pare down with a conscious system but haven’t had the time yet. I can tell you one thing, when I do? All my clothes will definitely NOT fit on my bed!!! ;P
I love having a capsule wardrobe, especially for traveling!
Thank you for sharing this! I’ve been wanting to create my capsule wardrobe but didn’t know how to start. I’ll definitely utilize this information for my closet. Great article!