Did you know that the average American family spends about $1700 on clothes each year? Still, many people find themselves scrounging around in their closets, looking for something to wear.
Often, the problem isn’t a lack of clothing but rather a lack of planning. Understanding how to build a wardrobe can help, and it may surprise you to learn that you don’t need to purchase many new garments to get the job done. You likely have a lot of great pieces to work with already!
We’ll share the secrets of creating a great capsule wardrobe without breaking the bank in this post. Moreover, we’ll teach you how to combine your pieces to make different outfits for all occasions and seasons.
Do you want to learn more? Then, keep reading!
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
If you’ve never heard about capsule wardrobes, it’s important to know that they are small collections of clothes that you can combine in different ways to make outfits. Typically, capsule wardrobes consist of less than fifty garments, including clothing, shoes, undergarments, and accessories.
Capsule wardrobes are ideal for men, women, and children, no matter the style of clothes they prefer. However, this post will focus on creating women’s capsule wardrobes using classic pieces that never go out of style.
Finding Your Style
Before you can start creating the perfect capsule wardrobe, you’ll need to choose a color scheme. Doing so will make it easier to pick pieces you can mix and match.
Of course, all your garments and shoes don’t have to be neutral or the same color. However, you should choose colors that look nice together and feel comfortable wearing year-round.
Moreover, it would help if you thought about your style, which could be:
- Street style
- Classic
- Sporty
- Bohemian
- Gothic
- Vintage
Most people’s wardrobes reflect several styles since we usually wear more formal clothing to work than we do in other circumstances. Moreover, you likely need a sporty capsule for your gym sessions if you like sports. Thus, it’s best to make smaller capsules according to the occasion.
Pick a Base Color
The base color of your wardrobe will set the tone for your color scheme. It should be neutral and easy to match with colorful pieces, such as:
- Navy
- Black
- Beige
- Brown
- Grey
If possible, choose one neutral color for your wardrobe. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can have other neutral pieces in your closet, but the neutral color you pick will be your main focus and set the base for your whole wardrobe.
Brainstorm Your Color Palette
After selecting your neutral color, you’ll need to decide which colors to pair, resulting in a color scheme. Although it may seem complicated, choosing colors for your wardrobe is easy if you don’t overthink it!
Tip: Arrange your clothes according to colors and take note of the colors with the most garments. Likely, these are the colors you feel most comfortable wearing, so try to include them in your capsule wardrobe.
For example, if you find you like to wear many pastel-colored clothes, you may choose the following color scheme.
- White (as a base)
- Light blue
- Blush
- Beige
- Black
- Brown
You’ll notice that these colors are mostly earth tones but include light colors that pair nicely with them to make cheerful outfits.
Organize Your Closet by Occasion
As mentioned, it’s a good idea to create mini time capsules for different aspects of your life.
A closet organizer can help you separate your different wardrobes, or you can organize clothes according to color and type. The important thing is that you can easily find everything you need, which makes locating something to wear much less of a hassle!
Build Your Capsule Wardrobe Around the Basics
Basic pieces are the staples of your wardrobe because you can wear them on any occasion. They should be comfortable and of good quality, ensuring your ability to wear them for many years to come.
The following items make great staples in traditional wardrobes:
- Jeans, slacks, pants, and skirts
- Dresses
- T-shirts and blouses
- Sweaters and cardigans
- Blazers, vests, and coats
- Accessories
Do you already have many of these items? If so, sort through them one by one and ask yourself:
- Is this garment comfortable?
- Do I like how it fits?
- Does it flatter me?
- Do I love it?
If you can answer yes to all these questions, keep it for your capsule wardrobe. And if not, consider donating it and finding a garment you love that will be a valuable staple in your closet.
Moreover, if you love the fit of an item, but it doesn’t go with your color scheme, tuck it away. Then, if you decide to change your color scheme, you can incorporate it back into your closet.
Prioritize Your Everyday Wardrobe
Your everyday wardrobe includes the items you wear daily and is casual. So, the clothes you wear for outings with friends, errands, or an afternoon in the park should all be in this wardrobe.
Here are some bottoms that you should have in your everyday wardrobe:
- Pair of blue jeans
- Black or dark-colored pants
- Wide-legged pants or a skirt
- Shorts
Most people tend to choose neutral or solid-colored bottoms, but it’s always fun to have a patterned skirt or pants to wear with neutral tops.
Other pieces to include in your daily wardrobe are:
- Plain and patterned shirts
- Sundresses
- Sweaters or cardigans for layering
- Outerwear
- Boots
- Tennis shoes
Of course, the basics you choose for your everyday wardrobe depend on your style, so you may find that all of these items are not essential. For example, you may not like to wear dresses or skirts, and that’s perfectly fine! And, if you live in a climate with extreme seasonal changes, you will want to have plenty of different coat styles.
Focus on Formal Wear
If you must wear formal clothes to work, having a formal capsule wardrobe will help you look great and professional every day without needing to spend a lot.
Of course, formal wear tends to be expensive, so try to invest in pieces you love and never go out of style. Here are some articles to consider:
- Suits
- Slacks
- Button-downs and blouses
- Dresses
- Cardigans, blazers, and sweaters
- Trench coat and wool jacket
You can group your suits and dresses together so you can quickly choose one when it’s time to get ready. Then, hang your tops and bottoms by color and fold your sweaters on shelves so that you can see each one.
Don’t Forget a Workout Capsule!
Even if you aren’t an athletic person, having the appropriate clothes for your workouts is a great motivator. And if you like to do yoga, go running, and swim, you likely need a lot of different clothes to participate in these activities.
Organizing sportswear in a wardrobe will prevent you from buying items you don’t need and make it easier to get dressed for the gym.
- Workout pants/leggings
- Running shorts
- Breathable t-Shirts and tanks
- Athletic jackets and sweatshirts
- Gym shoes
In addition, you should consider the accessories you need for your workouts, such as an armband that holds your phone and a tote bag.
Build a Fashion Wardrobe for Special Occasions
Most of us need to attend special occasions from time to time, such as weddings or parties. However, how much attention you place on this aspect of your wardrobe will likely depend on how often you attend formal gatherings.
However, for most people, the following items will suffice:
- Black dress
- Cocktail dresses
- Dress coat
- Clutch bag
- Formal jewelry
- Formal heels or sandals
With this wardrobe, you won’t need many pieces if you plan carefully. For example, if your dress shoes and coat are the same neutral color, choose dresses that match these. Then, you won’t have to worry about buying shoes every time you buy a new dress for an event.
Tips for Creating a Wardrobe You Love
If it’s your first time creating a capsule wardrobe, you may feel overwhelmed with all that’s involved. This is especially true if you lack most of the pieces you desire.
Here are some tips that will make building your capsule wardrobe a lot more affordable.
Take it Slow
Your capsule wardrobe should last you a lifetime, so you can take your time acquiring pieces and working out the kinks. It’s better to purchase pieces you love that are of good quality rather than splurge on items you will soon need to replace.
Of course, your clothes will eventually wear out, but purchasing good-quality materials will help them last a lot longer. Moreover, you’ll contribute to sustainability rather than fast fashion.
Focus on One Thing at a Time
As your budget allows, you can start acquiring different clothing articles from your list. It’s helpful to start with the basics first, such as a nice pair of jeans or solid color blouses.
Yet, once you have these items, you can focus on creating different looks. So if you have a patterned skirt and nothing to pair with it, look for a blouse, sweater, and shoes that make an outfit.
Choose Colors and Fabrics for all Seasons
If you choose the right color scheme and fabrics, you won’t have to worry about being too hot or too cold during any time of the year. So, for optimal versatility, pick colors that are neither too bright nor dull. Moreover, fabrics like lightweight cotton and linens can be layered and worn most of the year.
Layering Is Key
If you live in a climate with cold seasons, you don’t have to create an entirely new wardrobe. Instead, you can use pieces that layer easily, such as blouses with knit sweaters. Moreover, you can wear tights with your skirts and dresses to keep warm without purchasing different garments.
Plan Ahead
Often, we purchase items we aren’t in love with because we need them right away. But planning will prevent you from buying things out of necessity and give you more time to acquire a wardrobe you treasure.
For best results, start planning your summer wardrobe in the winter, when you are more likely to find these items on sale. First, revise the things you have and make a list of what you need. Then, shop for each item until the season arrives.
You can use a similar tactic when going to an event, such as a wedding.
Ask for Wardrobe Essentials as Gifts
Creating a wardrobe is expensive, so talk to your loved ones! Let them know that you prefer items for your wardrobe for birthday and holiday gifts. Then, give them some ideas of items on your wishlist so they can choose the perfect item you will love.
Not only does this help you build your wardrobe, but it also prevents loved ones from buying you clothes you don’t love or need.
Use Pinterest for Inspiration
Inspiration is key when creating fashionable capsule wardrobes, and thankfully the internet is full of it.
One of the best places to look for visions for capsule wardrobes is Pinterest. You can find samples of capsule wardrobes, color schemes, and outfit ideas there. Save them on a board and use them to design an ideal wardrobe!
Now You Know How to Build a Wardrobe
After reading this post, you have a good idea of how to build a wardrobe that you can wear on any occasion!
Of course, it’s up to you to decide the pieces you will include, your color pattern, and the different types of wardrobes you need. But, by following the tips in this post, you can become a successful outfit planner in no time!
Would you like more practical tips relating to beauty and fashion? If so, browse through more of our topics that can help you look and feel your best!
