How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe With Ease

The stylish modern woman wants to feel confident in the clothes she wears. Whether it’s a blazer for work or a dress for date night, she wants to look effortless without sacrificing quality or comfort.

Building the foundations to a capsule wardrobe is all about getting back to the essential basics. A capsule wardrobe is a combination of pieces that you can mix and match and wear over and over because they don’t go out of fashion. Here’s some tips on creating your own capsule wardrobe with ease.

Choose a Base Color

Stick to what you like and what makes you feel good from head to toe. Neutral tones like black, grey, white or beige are an ideal base because you can add a pop of colour without straying from your goal of simplicity. If you prefer bright colours, have some fun! Just make sure what you buy, goes with other things in your closet.

While solids are easier to match, invest in a few patterns if you want to mix things up. Remember, when creating a capsule wardrobe, you don’t have to be boring, just be you!

Key Pieces That Are Easy To Mix & Match

Few would argue that there are some key pieces most ladies have in their wardrobe. These are versatile items that can be worn for such a wide variety of occasions. Besides a pair of blue jeans, there are fewer garments as versatile as a classic black dress. It ticks all the boxes. It’s a simple yet flattering style that is perfect for layering in winter and looks great worn alone in summer! Accessories elevate this look. A leopard scarf makes a statement, and the black tights and booties keep it appropriate for work. In Spring, grab a denim jacket and a fedora. Hello, fashionista!

A simple white tee is another staple and perfect for in-between seasons! Accessorize with a bold necklace or earrings. Don’t save your best jewellery for special occasions. Break out the goods and people will be none the wiser that you wear the same thing over and over again.

Know How To Invest

Invest in quality every time. You’ll be wearing these items more often so you’ll want to make sure they stand the test of time.

By the time you’re done reading this article, the next trend may be over before you even knew it started. This is the very nature of fast fashion; to keep you wanting and buying. As a society, we’ve gone from 4 seasons in a year to 52! Shopping in this manner becomes a very costly exercise, not only for your bank account, but for the workers at the end of the supply chain making the garments who are often exploited for cheap labour and the environment.

When building your timeless capsule, consider the nature of how those items were made. Were they made in an ethical manner? Are they made with quality materials and environmental conscientiousness in mind? Look for long-lasting staples that you can add to your collection. A higher price tag may be involved in the short term, but in the long term, it’s priceless knowing workers were being paid fairly and supporting a slow fashion movement that doesn’t come at such a high cost.

Slow fashion involves taking the time to understand what your clothes are made of, where it comes from, who made them and how to clean them properly for longevity. Since simplicity is key, you’ll want to stick with fabrics that are more durable like linen, cotton and bamboo. Some fabrics, like bamboo, are naturally antibacterial.

Tip: The secret to extending the longevity of clothing is to wash them less frequently. If you didn’t get smelly and sweaty in it, does it really need to be washed? Repetitive washing degrades a fabric over time.

Shoes and Accessories

This is where you get to truly define your look. Shoes and accessories can make or break an outfit. At the end of the day, you can only wear one pair of shoes at a time. So is it really necessary to have 52 pairs? Think a single pair for these main categories; a special occasion, a casual, everyday sneaker, a workout jogger, a pair of winter boots and a pair of sandals or flip-flops for summer.

From morning strolls with your pooch along the promenade, to afternoon picnics in the park, an outfit with white sneakers will keep you looking effortlessly on-point. They’re easy to style, practical, and the small platform will add a fun touch to your outfits. Pair with fancy dresses to tone down the look.

Soft, luxurious and warm, a cashmere blend scarf keeps you cosy when paired with a chic coat. You can also drape it over your shoulders when wearing a cocktail dress. It’s so versatile; it’ll become a go-to essential for travel.

For your handbag, a classic crossbody bag goes with nearly everything. The practicality of a sling bag that frees both hands cannot be denied. Choose one with a removable strap so you can turn your bag into a clutch as needed; two bags in one – winning! A neutral tone also makes it easy to wear with everything in your minimalist wardrobe — no need to swap bags for every outfit you wear.

Keep it Versatile

Think season to season. Slip into your go-to flowy dress in Summer, and layer it with a scarf and cashmere sweater in Autumn. When searching for items to add to your capsule wardrobe, ask yourself, “Can I dress this up or down?” or “Will it work well with an extra layer?”

Top tip: If it’s cute, but not comfortable, let it go. You’ll want to stock your closet with items you can wear over and over again. The secret to creating a capsule closet: Make sure it’s always comfortable, and always practical.