There’s something about beginnings like the start of a new year, month, week or day and wanting to improve the quality of our lives by cutting off bad habits, people and things —including the clothes overflowing in our closet.
Chances are, you have a full wardrobe, yet when it’s time to step out, it seems you never have anything (that you like) to actually wear. Perhaps you simply have more pieces than you actually need. Like those items that have been hanging in your wardrobe for ages—the cut-out dress you were certain you loved but just never got around to wearing it or the patterned jumpsuit you wore that one time and never again. See, we totally get it!
If dressing up feels chaotic or even like a chore, it’s time to re-evaluate your wardrobe choices and build an excellent capsule wardrobe that suits your taste, lifestyle and body shape.
What’s a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a limited collection of timeless clothing pieces that mix and match well enough to maximize the number of outfits one can create. Building a capsule wardrobe is a sustainable approach to fashion. It transcends the cheap, rapidly changing style trends and one-hit wonders offered by a majority of the fashion industry. Once you have your capsule wardrobe on lock, you can gradually add trendy items in season that you love and align with your personal style.
How Do I Build a Capsule Wardrobe?
You will need to experiment with a variety of things before you can curate the ultimate capsule wardrobe, so let time and patience be your friend in this journey.
- Declutter your closet (no, we are not asking you to start from scratch by clearing out your whole wardrobe): Sometimes your wardrobe may be overflowing, making the idea of decluttering seem overwhelming. Our top tip? Ask yourself these questions: Does this item still fit me? Is it a past trend, or is it a timeless staple? When was the last time I wore this?
- Work out what you actually wear: Finding the clothes you wear on repeat will give you great insight into your personal style. It’ll help tell you what you like to wear and what you never will(even though you keep saying, ‘I’ll wear it when the time is right’). Now, stick to those heroes and consider the various ways you can mix and match them.
- Dress for your body type: Your capsule wardrobe should comprise items that flatter your shape. Find styles that fit just right. Consider things like sleeve types, waistlines, necklines and hemlines.
- Embrace neutrals: Neutral colours like black, white, tan, navy, grey, khaki and so on are the backbone of every capsule wardrobe. Remember, you want to work with pieces you can seamlessly dress up or down.
What Items Should Your Capsule Wardrobe Have?
The Humble White T-shirt
There is a reason the White T-shirt (and tank top) has stood the test of time. Whether you are dressing up or down, it has its way of serving a crisp, clean and put-together look.
The Slip Dress
An elegant option for a cocktail soiree, keeping you looking polished sans effort. Switch to an elevated daytime look by throwing on a t-shirt, blouse or sweater over or underneath.
The Hardworking Jeans
Jeans do so much heavy lifting in our wardrobe department that you honestly don’t know true style happiness unless you have found the perfect pair for yourself.
The Hoop Earrings
There’s just something exquisite about black women in gold hoops. No further explanation needed.
The Maxi Skirt
Maxi skirts—slip, denim, mesh—are a game changer. Pair with heels for a (semi) formal look, or sandals, slides or wedges for a relaxed vibe.
The Oversized Blazer
Show me a better clothing item that instantly exudes power and confidence. I’ll wait.
The Classic Sunglasses
The cost-per-wear stats are quite high; they protect your eyes, elevate your outfits and make you look mysterious. Seriously, what’s not to love?
The Little Black Dress
The LBD acts as a blank canvas that allows you to style and accessorize in limitless ways. You can dress it up with a bejeweled purse, statement jewelry and chic heels, or tone it down with flat shoes and a tailored/oversized blazer.
The Go-To Flats
In a footwear dilemma? Slip on a ballet flat, loafers or Slides.
The Sensible Heels
Be it slipper heels or pointy heels, never underestimate the quiet power of high heels in elevating an outfit. Taking it from zero to a hundred.
A capsule wardrobe will look different for everyone. What’s important is that yours consists of items that you love, suits your lifestyle, and makes you look and feel good.
