Imagine a wardrobe full of versatile clothes that can be effortlessly adapted to suit any season or occasion, simplifying the daily routine and making getting dressed easy. Building a capsule wardrobe can do that for you.
Contrary to popular belief, a capsule wardrobe doesn't have to be boring! When tailored to your personal style and lifestyle requirements, a capsule wardrobe can revolutionise your relationship with fashion and how you feel about the clothes you wear.
A capsule wardrobe takes all the effort out of choosing what to wear without compromising on personal style. But it isn't just about the clothes; it's a lifestyle shift towards intentional and sustainable way of expressing your unique fashion sense.
Learn what the difference is between a year-round wardrobe and a seasonal capsule, which one will work best for you, and how to build your own seasonal capsule wardrobe.
Year Round vs Seasonal Capsule
What is a year round capsule wardrobe?
A year round capsule wardrobe is a cohesive and practical collection of clothing specifically chosen for its versatility and ability to be worn all year round. Nothing is stored away with all items being accessible year-round.
Comprised of staple wardrobe pieces in neutral colours that can be layered, a year-round capsule allows for a seamless transition between the seasons without the need to switch out clothing.
An year round capsule wardrobe is better for anyone with a small wardrobe and limited storage space. It also requires living somewhere that experiences mild weather conditions with subtle seasonal changes.
What is a seasonal capsule wardrobe?
A seasonal capsule wardrobe is specifically tailored for a particular season, such as spring, summer, autumn, or winter. Off-season clothing is usually stored away with only the current seasons clothing available to wear.
Clothing items are chosen based on the weather conditions and style requirements with seasonally appropriate colours, fabrics, and styles. By aligning clothing options with the climate, a seasonal capsule wardrobe allows for a more flexible and creative approach to outfit styling.
A seasonal capsule wardrobe is a great option for anyone with a large wardrobe and plenty of storage space. It also works best in countries where there are distinct seasons with noticeable changes in weather.
You don't have to choose between a year round capsule or a seasonal capsule! My method involves a combination of both.
I have a year round capsule wardrobe with versatile clothing options that can be worn through each season—with some careful styling. For each new season, I create a mini-capsule to wear over the next 3 months.
There's no limit on the number of items contained in my year round capsule but each seasonal capsule wardrobe has only 21 items. I don't limit access or store away any of my clothes but I do try to only wear what's in the current capsule.
This combined method ensures I get the most wear out of my clothes by limiting how many items I have each season, encouraging me to be more creative with my outfits.
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How to Build a Seasonal Capsule Wardrobe
Creating a seasonal capsule wardrobe encourages a mindful approach to fashion. It's a practice that challenges you to rediscover and restyle the clothes you already own, instead of buying new items every season.
It's not just a sustainable approach but a practical one too. The curation of a seasonal capsule wardrobe simplifies the daily routine of choosing an outfit, saving valuable time and minimizing wardrobe clutter—while still encouraging the exploration of personal style.
This is how to build a seasonal capsule wardrobe using the clothes that are already in your wardrobe. Restyling what you already own in different seasons will not only make you more creative with your outfit choices but is a more sustainable way to enjoy fashion.
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Assess the Season
When building a seasonal capsule wardrobe, bear in mind the weather conditions, temperatures changes, seasonal holidays, daily activities, and special occasions.
Understanding these seasonal requirements will help build a capsule wardrobe with outfit options suitable for wearing every day, no matter the weather, activity, or occasion.
Define a Colour Palette
A well-chosen colour palette will ensure a seasonal capsule wardrobe has a cohesive style with clothes that can be easily mixed and matched.
Start by choosing 3-5 neutral base colours, such as black, white, grey, beige, or navy. Then add accent colours or patterns to reflect the season and personal style preferences.
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Consider Seasonal Trends
It's possible to incorporate seasonal trends into a capsule wardrobe in a sustainable way.
Make sure to be selective and choose only the trends that align with the overall aesthetic of outfits to ensure the capsule wardrobe remains relevant without sacrificing its long-term appeal.
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Identify Seasonal Staples
The foundation of a capsule wardrobe is made up of seasonal staples that ensure reliable, weather-appropriate outfit options for every day.
These staple items should be easy to mix and match with other clothes to create cohesive, weather-appropriate outfits to suit the temperature changes and style preferences of the season.
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Create Potential Outfits
Every item of clothing included in a seasonal capsule wardrobe should provide multiple outfit combinations.
Experiment with outfit options using the seasonal staples as a base, choosing items that complement each other in terms of style, colour, and texture. This will make it possible to maximize the number of outfits using a minimal number of pieces, promoting a sustainable and minimalist wardrobe.
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Add Accessories
Accessories have the power to add a personal touch to every outfit without cluttering up a wardrobe.
Outfits can be enhanced by incorporating accessories such as scarves, hats, bags, or jewellery that complements the current season's style but can still be worn all year round.
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Mindful Shopping
When shopping for new clothes, prioritise quality over quantity and try thrifting before buying new.
Sticking to a wardrobe wish list will help to minimise impulsive purchases and avoid unnecessary spending. Only buy clothes that can be easily mixed and matched with other items to create multiple different outfits.
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Regular Evaluation
Stay attuned to lifestyle changes, personal preferences, and seasonal needs by updating the capsule wardrobe accordingly. A seasonal capsule wardrobe isn't set in stone and items can be switched out for more suitable options.
Consider selling or donating any clothes that aren't easy to style or don't feel good to wear. This will help to maintain a clutter-free and sustainable wardrobe.
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How many pieces should be in a seasonal capsule wardrobe?
The number of clothes in a seasonal capsule wardrobe will vary depending on personal requirements, seasonal activities, work commitments, and lifestyle. Aim to choose between 20-40 items for a seasonal capsule wardrobe. This includes clothes, shoes, and bags but excludes undergarments, workout clothes, and accessories.
The focus should be on creating a seasonal capsule that suits your lifestyle, meets the demands of the season, and allows for versatile outfit combinations. Try to strike a balance between minimising the number of items included in the capsule while still having enough clothes to express your personal style