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October 29, 2024

How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Key Essentials

Source: iStock.com/Deagreez

If you're looking for a way to simplify your closet without sacrificing your personal style, consider building a capsule wardrobe. Focusing on timeless pieces you love—and ditching the pieces you don't—reduces clutter and makes getting dressed easy. 

In this guide, we'll explain how to build a capsule wardrobe that fits your lifestyle. 

What’s a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of clothing that you can mix and match to create multiple outfits.

For example, a capsule wardrobe might contain items like fitted blazers, crisp button-down shirts, and high-quality denim in the same color family. And adding a few pairs of shoes that go with everything helps you easily create new looks. 

When you organize your closet into a capsule, you focus on building a small collection of timeless pieces that work across seasons and occasions.

5 benefits of building a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is an efficient way to simplify your closet. Here are five reasons to give it a try.

1. Improved morning routine

When you only own a few clothing items, figuring out what to wear in the morning is no longer an issue. Instead of sifting through piles of clothes to find pieces that work together, you can pull out any top, bottoms, and shoes, and you're good to go.

2. Increased space in your closet

Limiting your wardrobe to the essentials is beneficial because it contributes to an organized closet. When every piece has a purpose, you're not wasting valuable storage space on items you dislike or don't fit. This makes it easier to put clean laundry away and leaves room for your wardrobe to grow if needed.

3. Saved time and money

When you build a collection of clothes you genuinely enjoy, you'll spend less money impulse buying trendy items and shopping online. This makes capsule wardrobes a budget-friendly choice, as you can wear each garment in multiple outfits instead of searching for statement pieces that you’ll only use once.

4. Better sustainability

Building a capsule wardrobe is a great way to be more sustainable with your fashion choices. By picking a smaller number of timeless, high-quality pieces you truly love, you cut down on how much you buy. This reduces the demand for fast fashion brands, which often have a negative impact on their workers and the planet. And owning fewer garments means you'll get rid of fewer items over time, keeping clothing out of landfills.

5. Enhanced personal style

Building a capsule wardrobe starts with understanding your style goals, since all the items in your closet need to go together. So, whether you prefer to dress more casually or stylishly, this closet clean-out process will help you narrow down your wardrobe to your favorite pieces.

3 steps to build a capsule wardrobe

If you’re ready to build your own capsule wardrobe, here are three simple steps to follow.

1. Pick a color palette

Sticking to one color scheme means everything in your wardrobe will work together. Neutral tones like black, white, beige, and gray are great starting points. These colors go with almost anything, and if you like a pop of color, consider accent pieces in shades like red, navy, and forest green. Choosing patterned accessories like scarves or bags is another way to add personality.

2. Assess your wardrobe

Pull out everything from your closet and drawers to take stock of what you own. Sort the clothes into piles, using categories like "keep," "donate," and "maybe." Focus on identifying items you love that match your chosen color palette. Remember, this capsule is meant to suit you specifically, so keep items that suit your workplace and hobbies best.

If you come across clothes that don’t fit right or you never wear, it’s time to let them go to make room for new pieces. Of course, hold onto sentimental items, even if they don’t match your capsule wardrobe vision.

Pro tip: If you come across any stained or ripped items, upcycle them into cleaning rags.

3. Fill in the gaps

Once you've figured out what to keep from your existing wardrobe, you'll probably need to shop for an essential item or two to round out the capsule. That might be an oversized black cardigan, white sneakers, or a simple white tank top—anything you need to create the outfits you have in mind. 

There’s no firm guideline for how many pieces you need, so curate a closet that suits your needs. Two popular methods for building a capsule wardrobe are choosing 10 or 33 core garments, depending on how small you want your collection to be. Another option is creating a capsule of 10 items for each season.

When you’re ready to shop for any additions, go online thrifting on ThredUp to find high-quality pieces at a fraction of the retail price.

Essentials for a capsule wardrobe

Below are a few basic items you can pick up to create a cohesive capsule wardrobe: 

  1. Classic white shirt: This timeless piece pairs perfectly with everything from jeans to a pencil skirt.
  2. Tailored blazer: A fitted blazer instantly elevates any outfit, whether you wear it over a dress for a business meeting or with denim and a T-shirt for a casual look. 
  3. Neutral trousers: Use neutral-colored trousers to create sophisticated looks. Black or beige pants are practical for both work and weekend wear. 
  4. Jeans: Pick out a great pair of jeans to create endless outfits. Reach for your favorite style in a dark wash to transition day to night.
  5. Little black dress: You can't go wrong with a little black dress, a simple go-to for more formal events. Dress it up or down with heels or ballet flats. 
  6. Cardigan: A neutral-toned cardigan is perfect for layering during those in-between seasons, since it isn't too bulky. 
  7. Sweater: A neutral or classic patterned sweater is critical for keeping warm as the weather cools down.
  8. Versatile jacket: Choose an outer layer that works with both casual and formal outfits, such as a trench coat or leather jacket.
  9. Midi skirt: A midi skirt is elegant and versatile, pairing well with a blouse and heels or a T-shirt and sneakers.
  10. Ballet flats: Black or beige flats are comfortable enough for running errands and stylish enough for brunch with friends. 
  11. Classic heels: A pair of simple heels can elevate almost any outfit. Choose a height and style that's comfortable for you, like kitten heels or slingback pumps, so you'll feel more inclined to wear them. 
  12. White sneakers: White sneakers add a casual touch to your capsule wardrobe. They're comfortable enough for everyday wear and are perfect for dressing down a look. 

Build your minimalist wardrobe capsule on ThredUp 

Creating a capsule wardrobe makes getting dressed easier and promotes a sustainable approach to fashion—a win-win. With ThredUp, you can create your collection from our vast selection of preloved clothing. To get some outfit inspiration, use our Style Chat feature to describe your aesthetic, and we'll offer suggestions to help you complete looks in no time.

And if you're ready to declutter to make room for new garments, use our Clean Out bags to sell the items you no longer need. Just send us your gently worn clothes, and we'll take care of the rest and give you thrifting credit, too.

With ThredUp, building a capsule wardrobe has never been easier. Start thrifting today to create a collection that works for you and the planet.