If you could refresh and reset the contents of your wardrobe again, would you do it? As women, a common fashion woe is to complain how we have nothing to wear even if there’s over 200 items of clothing in our wardrobe. This is caused by our habit of impulse shopping where we feel certain pieces we see would be great additions to our wardrobe. While we may think having elaborate pieces in our wardrobes means we’re stylish, a simple wardrobe still makes it easier for us to decide on what we choose to wear.
A capsule wardrobe is a core element of a minimalist approach to style. The concept of a capsule wardrobe is to curate a small section of items that form the foundation of your wardrobe. It generally consists of about 20 to 30 key pieces and basics tailored to express the essence of your personal style and even your lifestyle. A capsule wardrobe technically contains the ‘main ingredient’ in your wardrobe, consisting of key pieces that allows to quickly pull together an outfit for every occasion.
When you create a capsule wardrobe, it’s important to consider form and function. Instead of buying pieces that are currently trendy, you’ll also want to emphasize on the aesthetic and function. To help you create a functional and trendy capsule wardrobe, we’ve listed down four easy steps to help curate your own wardrobe that will reflect your personality and lifestyle.
1. Define your style
The first step to building your capsule wardrobe is to know your sense of style, what you like and what feel comfortable in. This is where it gets fun because you can browse through myriads of styles over the internet. Create a mood board on Pinterest and categorize inspirational looks based on season, colors, or casual day-to-day looks.
2. Plan a wardrobe foundation
Before you start looking for fancy, one-of-a-kind pieces, source out on getting some top quality basics. Basics pieces are technically meant to be your ‘uniform’, in other words. These include tailored pants, jeans, a crisp shirt, a versatile dress, and tops. Think minimalism when planning out the basics.
Once you know what you need, you can start thinking about quantity. A general rule of thumb is that you should have more tops than bottoms. Give yourself a variety of tops in different structures. And just because it’s minimalist, that doesn’t mean you should stick to a monochrome palette. Pick out colors that work with your skin tone, mood and season.
One important thing you should do when planning your basics is to only purchase pieces that you can wear one a day-to-day basis without compromise. So only get pieces that you can start wearing on the same day without hesitation.
3. Invest in statement pieces
Statement pieces don’t always have to be loud. Accessories are your best bet in enhancing your uniform without having to overpower your outfit. A light printed scarf can add more life to your outfit without having to try too hard. Subtle floral-prints are great for daytime use, but a leopard print scarf goes well with just about every color and is perfect for either day or night. It also looks effortlessly glamorous!
Jackets or cardigans are also great for spicing up your look! Biker jackets and knitted cardigans may look a little off-putting especially with our hot, tropical weather. This is where kimono jackets come in handy. Printed kimono jackets offer both comfort and style to your look. If you’re worried about it looking slouchy, get one with a more structured shoulder line. Lightweight blazers are also worth investing in since they can be used for workwear and even your casual look are smart, collegiate feel.
4. Pick the right shoes
Variety in footwear isn’t as crucial. However, you should always have a comfortable pair of shoes for each purpose. A pair for casual outings (sneakers, loafers, ballet flats), work appropriate that can also double-up as evening shoes (pumps, strappy heels), and a something trendy like a pair of boots, brogues, stylish sneakers or wedges. A pair for common occasions is all you need. This way you get variety without adding clutter into your shoe cabinet.
A capsule wardrobe will grant you a de-cluttered wardrobe that’s easier to manage. Once you have from 10 to 30 pieces, you can pretty much work it with everything you have. Don’t forget to set up some time to think of more ways to wear what you have to express the person you are!
