So many capsule wardrobes are based on neutral tones, from cool blues and greys to warm creams and browns. This colour palette is a safe choice that lends itself to versatility and timelessness, making it easy to create many different outfits from a limited choice of items.
For anyone who loves fun clothing and colourful patterns, having a capsule wardrobe feels more like a hinderance rather than a help. Sticking to a neutral colour palette might make getting dressed easier—but it's arguably a lot more boring!
Contrary to popular belief—and numerous Pinterest pins!—a capsule wardrobe doesn't have to be completely devoid of colour. It's possible to balance classic, timeless pieces in neutral colours with statement items in punchy shades.
Read on to discover how to create a colourful capsule wardrobe that is as fun as it is timeless with striking hues and unique prints that add an interesting twist to your outfit choices.
Can you have a colourful capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing that can be rotated throughout the seasons. Unlike trend-led fast fashion items, capsule wardrobe basics are classic and timeless in style. Each piece is specifically chosen so that it can be mixed and matched to create many different outfit combinations.
The purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to make getting dressed easier and more enjoyable. But if neutral tones aren't your thing, it's possible to create a colourful wardrobe that reflects your personal style rather than hiding it.
You don't need to look like a minimalist in order to have a minimal wardrobe! There's a common misconception that a capsule wardrobe must have a neutral colour palette in order to be both timeless and versatile. It's totally possible to have a colourful capsule wardrobe—and I'll show you how!
How do you make a colourful capsule wardrobe?
Creating a colourful capsule wardrobe is a great way to maintain your personal style while still reaping the benefits of a minimalist approach to style. However, neutral tones are easier to pair together. Choosing a colour palette that works requires extra care and attention to get it just right.
Whether a capsule wardrobe is colourful or not, its success lies in how well each item of clothing can be mixed and matched. So whatever colour palette you choose for your capsule wardrobe, make sure each item works well together. Experiment until you discover a colourful combination that not only looks good but makes you feel good too.
Creating a colourful capsule wardrobe is all about choosing a colour palette you love, adding in statement pieces, and mix and matching pieces to create multiple different outfits. With some planning and a little creativity, it's possible to create a colourful capsule wardrobe that is both fun and functional.
Use What You Have
Before making any decisions about what capsule wardrobe items to include, spend some time thinking about the colours you love—and hate!—and how you see them being incorporated into your outfits. Do you want a bold wardrobe with eye-catching outfits or do you want mostly neutrals with a touch of colour? Are you interested in punchy shades or soft pastels? Start with what you have and go from there. If you already have colourful pieces in your wardrobe you love, use these to inspire your capsule wardrobe.
Find Outfit Inspiration
Pinterest is excellent for finding outfit inspiration that will help you to create a colourful capsule without having to buy a whole new wardrobe. Try recreating outfits using the clothes you already own before committing to a colour palette or buying anything new. Testing out outfit ideas and colour combinations before committing to a capsule wardrobe will help avoid impulse purchases or unnecessary wardrobe decluttering!
Choose a Colour Palette
Although it's tempting to design a capsule wardrobe around your favourite colours, it's better to narrow down your options. Not all colours work well together, and your favourite colours might not be the ones you feel the best wearing. Take some time to figure out a capsule wardrobe colour palette that's easy to wear and can be slowly incorporated into your existing wardrobe.
There are different colour theory "rules" you can follow when picking a colour palette. But my advice is to simply pick whatever colours feel most comfortable wearing and suit your style. Avoid adding too many different colours too quickly though, at least until you have a firm idea of how you want your capsule to look—and how colourful you want it to be!
Use Prints and Patterns
Unique prints and patterns can help combine neutral pieces with bold items to create more cohesive outfits, which is particularly useful when transitioning from a neutral capsule wardrobe to a more colourful one. Choose prints that feature the colours of your wardrobe—either in the print or the main fabric—so that its much easier to mix and match each piece together. Using prints in this way should make it possible to tone down bold outfits or make neutral ones more eye-catching, depending on how you style them.
Wear Statement Jewellery
If you want to add more colour to your wardrobe but don't want to risk committing to a colour palette until you're certain it'll work. Try experimenting with accessories first. It's a low risk option that enables you to experiment with your style before making any big commitments to a new colour palette. Unique jewellery is a simple yet effective way of adding fun details to an outfit without overpowering a look. Use statement jewellery to make neutral outfits more visually appealing, or balance out bright colours with minimal jewellery.
A Colourful Capsule Wardrobe
For years, I had an all black wardrobe. Despite trying to incorporate colour into my outfits, I always failed; whatever shades I chose never felt quite right. It took me a long time to figure out a capsule wardrobe colour palette I love.
It all clicked into place once I started putting together seasonal style inspiration moodboards. Paying close attention to the patterns and shades I was repeatedly drawn to helped me to develop a capsule wardrobe colour palette that actually worked for my style. Using these moodboards, I slowly developed my own colour palette by incorporating thrifted pieces here and there.
Thrifting is a low risk way of experimenting with outfits, colours, and styles that is both affordable and sustainable. I use Depop and Vinted to thrift colourful items to mix through my existing wardrobe. By slowly introducing new pieces, it's easier to figure out what colour palette works—and what doesn't.
This is an example of a colourful capsule wardrobe I put together using the clothes I already own. I enjoy wearing punchy tones with neutral shades and a black base for heavy contrast. The focus of the outfit is on a statement piece, rather than being colourful all over.
- Double-Breasted Coat
- Sleeveless Jumpsuit
- Sleeveless Maxi Dress
- Knitted Vest
- Wrap Dress
- Midi Dress
- Embroidered Shirt
- Turtleneck Jumper
- Oversized Shirt
- Balloon Trousers
- Swimsuit
- Maxi Skirt
- Loafers
- Wedge Slides
- Sandals
- Circle Bag
- Patterend Tote
- Sunglasses
- Daisy Necklace
- Wavy Earrings
- Durian Necklace