How to: Capsule Wardrobe For Beginners
Ever think you have way too many clothes with too many different colors and patterns that just don’t go together? That’s where I was three years ago. I decided to donate and sell most of the clothing I had and essentially start over. I had heard the words “Capsule Wardrobe” a lot and was highly intrigued in building a wardrobe that would encompass minimalism and creating outfits from the same items of clothing used in various ways. On the journey of living a minimalistic lifestyle and capsule wardrobes, I have learned a lot and I’m here to share it with you!
Tip #1: Start with Selling and Donating
The first step I took to building my capsule wardrobe is to remove any clothing items in the following list:
Items that had not been worn in years and still had tags
items with crazy patterns/ colors or gimmicky look that would not incorporate into a capsule wardrobe of neutrals/ a mature wardrobe
items that had been worn and torn for many years and NEEDED an upgrade
items in colors/fit that never looked good on me but were worn out of guilt of spending so much
items that were bought as trends and fast fashion items (ex. snake skin print)
items that I had duplicates of that were bought over and over unnecessarily
items not of cheap quality that did not fit/ feel well
Tip #2: Invest in the Right Colors
One of the most valuable lessons I learned while transitioning my closet is that not every color is going to suit you. The best way to choose which main colors (other than neutrals) to add to your wardrobe is to keep in mind the colors that complement your skin well and get you loads of compliments. This is the best way to know that a certain color suits you really well and is worth adding to your wardrobe.
Tip #3: Categorize into Seasons and allow Overlap
When starting a Capsule wardrobe, many think that it has to be limited to small number of items of clothing because of the overlap of having a capsule wardrobe and minimalism. The truth is that the best way to organize your wardrobe is to have four mini capsule wardrobes, one per season. What this essentially means is to have items, for example, that can be worn in the summer season and worn in layers in the winter season. Once you have smaller wardrobes per season, it becomes relatively easy to overlap items from the seasons to build your ideal closet.
Tip #4: Invest in Capsule Wardrobe Pieces
Many people like to shop at stores like Forever 21, Shein, Zara, HM, etc. These are what are known as fast fashion brands. Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of inexpensive, trendy clothing that is quickly produced to respond to the latest fashion trends. While fast fashion brands are great for finding items that are affordable alternatives to high end unaffordable items, they are not ideal for building the base of your capsule wardrobe. Capsule Wardrobe base pieces, such as jeans, dress pants, tank tops, body suits, etc., are pieces that you want to last for years and not get worn out and look worn and torn at the end of six months. Due to the materials used from most fast fashion brands, clothing items can become “out of use” more quickly. For this reason, it is important to invest in brands that have longer lasting quality. To find out the best places to find quality pieces to invest into click here:
Tip #5: Handle with Care
Sometimes we don’t realize that certain items need extra care until its too late. The best way to ensure that your items are taken care of and last years are:
Read Care Labels, check for specific washing, drying, and ironing instructions.
Sort Before Washing: by color and fabric type to avoid color bleeding and damage to delicate fabrics.
Use Mesh Bags: Place delicate items, such as lingerie or clothing with embellishments, in mesh laundry bags to protect them during washing.
Turn Inside Out: Turn clothing items inside out before washing to prevent fading and minimize friction on the outside.
Avoid Overloading: Don't overload the washing machine; it can lead to inadequate cleaning and increased wear on clothing.
Use Cold Water: Cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps prevent colors from fading.
Air Dry When Possible: Air-dry delicate or stretchy fabrics to maintain their shape and prevent shrinkage.
Denim:
Wash jeans inside out to preserve color.
Spot clean when possible.
Air dry to maintain shape and prevent fading.
Wool and Cashmere:
Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent.
Dry flat to avoid stretching.
Store folded to prevent hanger marks.
Leather and Suede:
Use a specialized cleaner for stains.
Keep away from heat and direct sunlight.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Silk:
Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent.
Avoid wringing or twisting.
Air dry away from direct sunlight.
Athletic and Activewear:
Wash after each use to remove sweat and bacteria.
Follow care instructions to avoid damaging technical fabrics.
Avoid using fabric softeners.
Formal Wear:
Dry clean according to care instructions.
Store in garment bags to protect from dust and damage.
Shoes:
Rotate shoes to allow them to air out.
Clean according to material (leather, suede, canvas, etc.).
Use shoe trees to maintain shape.
Tip #6: Don’t invest in Trends
Trends are definitely fun and make us feel like part of society… for a quick second. The rest of the time, those items we buy in the frenzy of wanting to fit into society tend to live on the top shelf or in the back of the closet for the rest of eternity. My only advice.. don’t do it.
Tip #7: Take it One Step at a Time
My very last, and most important tip for you is that take a deep breath and don’t rush it. As you declutter your space, allow it to declutter your mind and create breathing space. It took me two to three to build a wardrobe that I actually loved wearing and feel comfortable in. You won’t find everything at once, nor should you. Enjoy the process! Always be on the look out but if you find yourself constantly scrolling through websites or going to the mall to find the perfect pieces, remind yourself that it’ll happen with time.
