Building the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe
Written by Costbuys
Capsule wardrobes are all the rage these days and are mini wardrobes that only include essentials that can be paired together to make a number of outfit combinations. This method means that you will spend less on impulse purchases and always have an outfit that you love to wear at hand. Here is how to build a capsule wardrobe;
What is the Capsule Wardrobe – The term first appeared in the 1970s, and is credited to a woman named Susie Faux. She owned a boutique store in London named “Wardrobe” and she had some thoughts on essential fashion. In Faux’s view, the capsule wardrobe contained only the most important items, and would be immune to changes in style because it would be easy to adapt. In practice, it means picking out essentials, and having an eye for the timeless.
It All Starts With You – Before you get into the nuts and bolts of picking out pieces, first give your style an honest examination. What is your body type? What kinds of color schemes are you going to work with? It’s good to have a number of base colors picked out, and knowing your body shape will help you find the best pieces to look for. The idea is to choose a color scheme that will make everything interchangeable, where each piece complements the next. Remember, start small and build up so this is a good time to clean out your closet.
Pick a number – You should start by picking a number from 30-40 pieces that will be your starting point for your wardrobe (excluding nightwear, fitness apparel and underwear). You will then have to keep, remove or donate pieces from your current wardrobe. If you have pieces that are seasonal, place them in a box for when you need them.
Budget – The reason we include this step is to say that you should budget for high quality clothing. Not because you want to buy brands, because you want to buy things that will last. The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is longevity, so try and buy your clothing with that in mind. Look at the current brands in your closet, and find the oldest pieces you have. Ask yourself what still looks good, and you’ll have a simple roadmap to stores that will sell you the kinds of pieces to complete a capsule wardrobe.
Plan – It is best to plan what you have and need for your season. Look at starting with a color palette of about 4-6 colors and only stick to these as mixing and matching will become a lot easier. When you know where you are short, plan on a shopping run. It is also a good idea to look at your favorite discount website for clothing that fits your budget.
Shop for the season – Your wardrobe should be based on one season and therefore last you 3-6 months. It is best to avoid items that are trend based and concentrate on practical pieces. When you are close to the end of the season, list out what you need and look at online discount shopping for great deals.
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