The idea of creating a capsule wardrobe is new to me, but oh so exciting. For those who haven’t heard of the concept: a capsule wardrobe is basically a much more simplified wardrobe filled with pieces you love and invest in. It’s all about spending more time enjoying your life – instead of it staring at your closet trying to figure out what to wear. Here are the five steps laid out by Capsule Wardrobe queen herself Un-Fancy:
I am a self-admitted closet hoarder. Somehow I have filled up my entire walk-in closet and three dressers; yet, there are so many days where I have that whole “I have nothing to wear” thing. I think the most difficult part is that I’m just overwhelmed with pieces. I am the type of person to snag a $10 t-shirt from Forever 21 and then keep it around while it falls apart because “I may need it someday”. However, the pieces that I have invested in are the ones that I truly love wearing and seem to keep picking up. They also seem to mix so flawlessly with other pieces and last the longest.
Although I do think that paring down my entire wardrobe in one weekend is a bit crazy, I have started creating a list of the essential capsule-type items I really want to invest in. Most of them are basics (accessories and such are not included so those are fun to mix and match with!) but are things that I’ve overlooked in the past. I have 41 pieces in total – which can be added to/swapped out between seasons. The best part is that some of the pieces are already owned so it’s all about simplifying:
Tops
White t-shirt | just got this one in white (and in black)
Black t-shirt
Cream oversized sweater – here’s the one I currently own
Black oversized sweater
Black and white striped shirt
Vest
Classic white button up
Long cardigan
Plaid boyfriend shirt
Slouchy sweater
Black leather jacket
Tan suede jacket
Turtleneck (go for the cashmere)
Dressy dress
Boho dress
Boho top
Lace bralette
Chambray shirt
Black graphic tee
Bottoms
Ripped black jeans | the Joni Jeans are my favorites
Black leggings
Black tights | I have a ton of these pairs from Simply Vera Vera Wang
Classic jeans
Suede skirt
Boyfriend jeans
Dark flare jeans
Shoes
Black chelsea boots
Tan booties | these from Nordstrom are my favorites!
Tall brown boots
Black over the knee boots
Rain/snow boots
Sneakers
Tan flats
Other
Black work tote
Black everyday purse
Printed clutch
Tan bucket bag
Basic watch
Tan felt hat | just picked up this one from Free People
Baseball hat | I have this one in graphite and love it (here’s a photo for reference)
Black felt hat
For this upcoming Fall/Winter season I’m forcing myself to only purchase things on the list above – and things that are a certain quality. It’s investment over hoarding, people. I also plan on doing a major closet clean out this weekend and getting rid of anything that has been unworn in the past year, doesn’t fit properly, or just doesn’t necessarily fit into my current style. Aka friends: you can do some closet shopping!
How do you feel about a capsule wardrobe? Would you do a major overhaul at once or limit things piece-by-piece? I’ll be sure to keep you updated as I take this project on!
P.S. The photo above is our best attempt at an #OOTD in NYC. You can’t tell, but it is absolutely pouring out so my rain-soaked self is not chic at all. Ya win some, ya lose some…