Capsule wardrobes are an all-time classic, as they provide a timeless solution to most wardrobe problems. But how can you build one for yourself and where should you even start?
Today, we collaborate with experts from EuroOptica to answer these questions once and for all.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
To put it simply, a capsule wardrobe is a minimal set of interchangeable clothes that you can combine with each other to create varying outfits. It is quite a popular concept among both fashion enthusiasts and people who mostly care about the functionality of their wardrobe.
Here are some of the reasons behind this popularity.
What makes capsule wardrobes great?
First and foremost, capsule wardrobes are an amazing way to save your resources — whether it is time, money, or attention. Nothing comes close to being able to create a great outfit in a minute instead of standing in front of the mirror for half an hour and not being happy about your look.
A capsule wardrobe also enables you to stop spending money on items that only work for very specific occasions and instead helps you achieve your desired look with minimal or even no spending at all. If you still want to spend some money on clothes, you will be able to invest in timeless classics and higher quality pieces instead of spending extra on cheaper clothes in search of variety.
You might think that a capsule wardrobe isn’t a great fit for people who like shopping and experimenting with different styles and outfits. However, nothing stops you from creating a simple capsule wardrobe for times when you don’t have the energy to choose what you need, while also having a separate wardrobe for fun ideas. This way you can get the best of two worlds.
How to make a capsule wardrobe
First of all, capsule wardrobes are minimalist by design, which means that you don’t build them by adding new clothes. Instead, you audit your wardrobe to identify pieces you like the most and then use them as a base for your capsule. Remember that capsules should be fitting for most daily occasions, so timeless and versatile classics with neutral colors work best.
Secondly, you should pick the pieces you find fitting to your base items and add them to the capsule. No one can provide you with the exact number of pieces you should have in your capsule, but generally, we recommend somewhere between 20 and 35 — otherwise, the choosing process can become tedious, and the capsule will be pointless.
Here’s what your capsule wardrobe should include, according to EuroOptica experts (and don’t forget about a pair or two of glasses if you wear them!):
- Several pairs of pants and jeans
- A skirt or two
- At least five T-shirts
- Several tops
- A couple of sweaters
- One or two dresses
- Two or three jackets or coats
- At least two or three pairs of shoes
- A couple of bags and belts
Finally, it is time to come up with a few base outfits to work with. Pick a single item and try to base your look around it. When you’re done, repeat it with several other items. Now you have at least three options that you no longer have to think about, and you can come up with new looks later, or even on the spot.
Key characteristics of a capsule wardrobe
Functionality
Your capsule wardrobe should account for different occasions and you should be capable of picking an outfit for any weather that can be expected during a certain season. A capsule wardrobe that doesn’t accommodate your umbrella isn’t that great. The clothes should also be easy to maintain and durable enough that you won’t have to replace your core pieces and ruin the whole capsule as a result.
It is okay to buy a few pieces to make it all work together — the point is to create a long-lasting everyday wardrobe solution.
Simplicity
The clothes you choose should work well enough in most scenarios and enable you to feel comfortable wherever you are. This is why relying on timeless classics is a good idea — the more experimental your top or jeans are, the less likely you will be to wear them every day.
Convenience
The point of a capsule wardrobe is to simplify the process of picking your clothes. When you come up with several outfits, it is okay to stick with them for a while — the less you have to think about it, the better your wardrobe is.
