Step By Step Guide: How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe

If you have never heard of a capsule wardrobe, here is the jist of it.

Quality over quantity.

In the age of fast fashion, online shopping and influencer marketing, we are buying clothes faster than we can even wear them. You might even have clothes still sitting in shopping bags or clothes with the tags still on them in the back of your closet.

Even if you aren’t THAT extreme of a shopper, when was the last time you bought something that you truly loved? It fit you perfectly? You were comfortable in it? It was a classic piece you knew you would love forever?

Okay, so maybe not EVERY item in my closet fits this description (hopefully, someday!) but over the last 4 years, I have LOVED owning a capsule wardrobe. I buy a few new, very intentional, thought out, items each season and that is it.

I have saved money.

I have saved time.

And most of all, I just feel better.

I really have loved being intentional about this area of my life.

I am convinced that this is the secret sauce to saving money on clothes!

So are you ready to dive in and try it?

Here is the Step By Step Guide

1. Take everything out of your closet- this will help you visualize just how much you actually have.

2. Put only the things you love back into your closet. Ask yourself these questions:

• Have I worn this in the last year?
• If I were shopping right now, would I buy this? 
• Is the only thing that is keeping me from getting rid of this that I don’t want to waste money? 
• Am I holding onto this for sentimental reasons? 
• Do I have a similar clothing item that I like even more?
• Does it fit me? 
• Are there any stains or holes?
• How versatile is this piece? 
• Am I holding onto a broken item to fix in the future? 

3. Count how many items you have. Decide how many you want to have in each season and divide them up accordingly. (I have about 40 now but started with 60– the number isn’t that big of a deal later but it can be really helpful at the beginning when you are trying this out) Only the current seasons items should be hanging in your closet. 

4. For the next few weeks/months, pay attention to how things fit and if you really do like them or not. If not, donate or sell them. 

5. Next time you go shopping, shop with a list of the specific items you are looking for (this step is crucial) to add to your capsule. Look for high quality pieces that will last and budget this in!

6. Repeat this process as often as needed! 

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And that is it! Pretty easy right?

A quick note about step #5. I HIGHLY recommend making the list. This step allows you to truly think about what you want and imagine it in your mind FIRST before you go look at stores. (online or in person) This helps you to really be a picky shopper and ultimately not spend as much.

Stick to that list as much as you can!

I usually go through my wardrobe once a season (I have a two season wardrobe-Fall/Winter & Spring/Summer) and make a list of what I want to get for my birthday or with my her fund for that season.

My List for This Year’s Spring Capsule

1. 3-4 more T-shirts (I found I have plenty of “date night” shirts or nice blouses but need a few more casual shirts for this season of life)
2. 2-3 Dresses (I am REALLY picky with dresses)
3. 2 pants/jeans/shorts
4. Swimsuit
5. White replacement sneakers OR one pair of sandals

I may not get all of that this year but it helps me decide what to prioritize!

Do you have a capsule wardrobe? Do you love it as much as I do?

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