How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: A Beginners Guide

What’s Your Clutter Vice?

As a professional Organizer, you would likely expect me to have my shit together. To have embraced minimalism and worship at the altar of Marie Kondo. Keeping only the objects that “spark joy”.  I can honestly admit that my closet situation is out of control.  Not only is space an issue, the sheer quantity of clothing (121 dresses at last count) is a sticky point in my psyche. Should I build a capsule wardrobe?

Clothing sparks joy for me. I see clothing as an extension of my personality. It’s part of my personal brand.  I believe that many of us struggle with letting go of certain things, for some people it could be sentimental items passed down through the family. For others, it could be children’s artwork or books.  Me, it’s clothing.  For my husband, it’s the requisite basket of tangled cords and connectors that he just can’t seem to let go of. I even found a plug to a fax machine in there. We’ve NEVER owned a fax machine.  Why?  I digress…

Delayed Decision-making

To be honest, I’ve been avoiding a clothing declutter for quite some time. Partially because well, I recently made a significant career change and took the exhilarating leap into self-employment.  Many of my outfits are suited for an office or business casual environment. Paring down my existing wardrobe means that I’m also letting go of that significant part of my career and life.  Or, that’s what the clothing represents for me, anyway.  It hurts, just a little.  But, I want to fully embrace my new direction and that involves being timely and organized.  How awesome would it be to basically grab anything out of my closet and know that it’s going to work for me?  (Angels singing). 

“Clutter is simply delayed decisions.” -Barbara Hemphill

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

I decided to explore the concept of a capsule wardrobe.  Insert collective gasps from family and friends here.  What is a capsule wardrobe?  It’s simply a trendy term for a small collection of versatile clothing that are your classic “go to’s”. Pieces that you love and wear on a frequent basis.  Capsule wardrobes focus on your lifestyle and investing in higher quality pieces. 

When it comes to building a capsule wardrobe there are no hard and fast rules that you absolutely must follow. You really have to look at your day to day clothing needs and what’s going to work for you.  Undergarments, workout clothing, sleepwear/loungewear and accessories (jewellery, purses, bags etc.) and shoes may be included in curating a capsule wardrobe-it’s your choice.  Essentially, it follows three principals:

1. Reduce existing closet items to include only things you absolutely love and will wear
2. Match outfits-tops and bottoms that work together
3. Select fewer clothes of higher quality

The capsules are typically comprised of: 1 outer layer (blazer, cardigan, jacket), 3 tops (T-shirt, blouse, tank etc.) and 2 bottoms (skirts, pants, shorts).  Each capsule is comprised of these 6 items and creates 12 different outfits.  I’m guessing you can see the appeal of 6 articles of clothing creating 12 different looks, right?!

Where my attempt to build a capsule wardrobe went wrong…

So this is where I ran into trouble…I don’t own any pants.  Yes, you read that right.  Aside from some yoga pants and flannel jammies, necessary to survive my drafty old house.  None the less, I persevered.  Here is my ten step guide for how NOT to build a capsule wardrobe:

Ten Steps how NOT to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

Step One:  Remove all clothing from closet & dressers. Place everything on bed.

Step Two:  Get overwhelmed. Open bottle of wine.

Step Three:  Try on everything.

Step Four:  Call sister crying.

Step Five:  Sister arrives.  Open second bottle of wine.

Step Six:  Get stuck in a too small dress, panic and assume I will die that way.

Step 7:  After near death experience, have a wine induced, religious-type epiphany and begin letting pieces go.

Step 8:  Accumulate multiple piles of clothing; divide into donation, consignment or sell.  Place labeled bags immediately into the trunk of car. Drive around with bags until it’s deemed safe for drop-offs.

Step 9:  Rehang kept items, colour coordinated by clothing type & length (cardigans, dresses etc.)

Step 10:  Accept that you have failed to build a capsule wardrobe by peeking through local thrift & consignment store’s online albums. Check out one of my favourite local stores here: https://www.facebook.com/piperandmax

Capsule Wardrobes: Not for Everyone…

One thing that I do know that having fewer possessions definitely makes organizing easier.  Having less clothing makes getting dressed easier as well.  To be fair, I do purge my closet, typically on a seasonal basis.  So, although my attempt to build a capsule wardrobe was a flop of epic proportions, I learned some important things about myself:

1. I’m actually pretty good at letting things go and can easily weed out things that I don’t wear.
2. I’m thrifty and buy quality clothing that includes essential wardrobe pieces.
3. Despite having a larger wardrobe, I love all my pieces and wear them regularly.

In closing, I’ve decided to follow the advice of Greek philosopher, Epictetus.

“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.

I hear you, my dude.

Yours in All Things Sorted,

Kelly