How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide in 2023

In recent years, the idea of a capsule wardrobe has gained popularity as a way to simplify your closet and create a streamlined collection of clothes that can be mixed and matched to create countless outfits.

Linked to the minimalist, the concept of a capsule wardrobe has in fact been with us since the 1940s although not termed as such then. It gained serious traction and popularity in recent years, and from what we can observe through data and trends analysis, it was rocket-fueled during the Covid pandemic.

Concise History of the Capsule Wardrobe

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The conventional capsule wardrobe typically consists of around 30-50 versatile pieces that can be worn season after season, and the concept is based on the idea of quality over quantity.

Our guy Mike was keen to get cracking with his capsule wardrobe after having completed the 30-day decluttering challenge and to help him and you, we put together the core steps required to build a capsule wardrobe for men. The guide will provide you with tips, some examples of versatile items, plus a comprehensive explanation of what it is.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits for different occasions. It typically consists of a small number of high-quality, versatile items that can be worn in different combinations to create a range of looks.

The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is to simplify your clothing choices by focusing on quality over quantity. By choosing versatile, high-quality pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways, you can create a wardrobe that is both functional and stylish. Ultimately you want to create a curated selection of clothing that you love and feel confident wearing.

If you are like Mike, you not only want to reduce the clutter in your wardrobe but be more intentional and informed about your fashion choices so that you can reduce your environmental impact (fast fashion, excess, and wastage) and try to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe

There are many benefits to creating your capsule wardrobe. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Saves Time: A capsule wardrobe eliminates decision fatigue and saves time. You’ll have a clear idea of what to wear each day, and you won’t waste time trying to figure out what to wear.
2. Saves Money: By investing in high-quality, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, you’ll save money in the long run. You won’t need to constantly update your wardrobe with new items since you’ll have a solid foundation of clothing that can be worn for years to come.
3. Reduces Clutter: A capsule wardrobe helps to reduce clutter and streamline your closet. You’ll be able to see all of your clothing options at a glance, and you’ll only keep the items that you actually wear and love.
4. Simplifies Packing: When traveling, a capsule wardrobe makes packing easy. You’ll only need to pack a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, and you won’t have to worry about overpacking or forgetting essential items.
5. Encourages Creativity: A capsule wardrobe encourages creativity and helps you to develop your personal style. Since you’ll be working with a limited number of pieces, you’ll need to be creative in how you style and accessorize them.
6. Eco-Friendly: By investing in high-quality, long-lasting pieces, you’ll be reducing your impact on the environment. You won’t need to constantly buy new clothing, and you’ll be able to reduce your carbon footprint by choosing sustainable and ethical fashion brands.

Fast fashion: How Clothes are Linked to Climate Change

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Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Capsule Wardrobe

Now that you understand the concept, and the benefits of a capsule wardrobe, it’s time to start building one. Below is a step-by-step guide for how to create a capsule wardrobe. Good luck and do share your experience with us.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Wardrobe

Clean out your closet: The first step to building a capsule wardrobe is to clean out your closet. Go through all your clothes and separate them into three piles: keep, donate/sell, discard and maybe. Be honest with yourself and only keep the items that you truly love and wear regularly. Donate or sell the items that you no longer need or use. Discard any items that are torn, misshapen, that don’t fit, or are unwearable. Put the maybe pile aside for now.

Take everything out of your closet and evaluate each piece of clothing. As you go through each item of clothing, ask yourself these questions:

• Does it fit me well?
• Is it in good condition?
• Is it versatile and timeless, or is it a trendy piece that won’t be in style for long?
• Do I feel confident and comfortable wearing it?

• Does it match my personal style? (see the section below if you need help with this)

Make four piles as you sort your items: keep, donate/sell, discard, and undecided. Remember to be ruthless. Quality over quantity. If you need some help with your wardrobe decluttering, feel free to use our 30-day challenge to guide you.

30-Day Decluttering Challenge: Tips to Transform Your Wardrobe for Minimalist Living

Start to declutter your wardrobe today ☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻

Step 2: Identify Your Personal Style

Look for patterns in the clothes that you decided to keep. Do you tend to wear neutral colors or bold prints? Are you drawn to classic pieces or more trendy items? Are the items casual or formal wear? What are the dominant colours of the items selected?

This will help you determine the types of clothes that you should include in your capsule wardrobe and help you to make informed decisions about the clothes you purchase and ensure that they fit well with your overall aesthetic.

We would suggest that you also browse fashion blogs, Instagram, and Pinterest to get inspiration and identify the types of clothes that resonate with you. Make a list or a vision board of these items and keep these for step 5 when you identify the gaps in your wardrobe.

Men’s Capsule Wardrobe Colour Ideas

Step 3: Choose Your Core Wardrobe Pieces

Core wardrobe pieces are versatile items that can be dressed up or down and paired with a variety of other items. Choose classic, timeless pieces that are in neutral colors like black, white, grey, navy, and beige. Here are some examples of core wardrobe pieces for men:

1. Crisp White Button-Down Shirt: A classic white button-down shirt is a timeless piece that can be dressed up or down. Choose a well-fitted one with a high-quality cotton material that is durable and versatile. You may also consider options like a light blue dress shirt or a patterned dress shirt.
2. Dark Denim Jeans: A pair of dark denim jeans is a versatile and classic piece that can be dressed up or down. Choose a pair that fits well and is made from high-quality denim. Alternatively, you may opt for black jeans, light-wash denim, or distressed denim for a more casual look.
3. Neutral Colored Chinos: Chinos are a comfortable and stylish alternative to denim. Choose a neutral color like beige or khaki that can be paired with a variety of tops. Alternatively, you may consider colored chinos like navy or olive for a more unique look.
4. Tailored Blazer: A tailored blazer can elevate any outfit and is a versatile piece that can be worn to formal events or dressed down for a casual look. Choose a classic color like navy or charcoal gray and make sure it fits well. Alternatively, you may consider options like a corduroy blazer or a patterned blazer for a more unique look.
5. Suit: Every man should have at least one well-tailored suit in their wardrobe for formal occasions. Choose a classic color like navy or charcoal gray that can be worn to a variety of events. Alternatively, you may consider a patterned suit or a brighter color for a more unique look.
6. Neutral-Colored Sweater: A neutral-colored sweater is a cozy and comfortable piece that can be dressed up or down. Choose a versatile color like gray or navy and comfortable material like wool or cashmere. Alternatively, you may consider a cardigan or a patterned sweater for a more unique look.
7. Leather Shoes: Leather shoes are a classic and versatile shoe option that can be worn to formal events or dressed down for a casual look. Choose a high-quality pair that is comfortable and durable. Alternatively, you may consider other shoe styles like loafers or wingtip shoes.
8. Basic T-Shirt: A basic t-shirt is a versatile and comfortable piece that can be worn on its own or layered under a shirt or sweater. Choose a well-fitted t-shirt in a neutral color like white, black, or gray. Alternatively, you may consider a t-shirt in a unique color.
9. White Sneakers: A pair of white sneakers is a versatile and comfortable shoe option that can be paired with a variety of outfits. Choose a high-quality pair that is comfortable and durable. Alternatively, you may consider other sneaker colors or styles like high-top sneakers.
10. Coats and jackets: Having the right coats and jackets will carry you from season to season and add a layer of interest to whatever you’re wearing.
    • Keep versatile, seasonal favorites.
    • Identify the jackets you can wear the most that work in the current season and beyond.
    • Consider the weight and color.
    • Neutrals are more versatile than prints and bold colors. Here are some key capsule wardrobe jackets and coats to consider: versatile blazer denim jacket, neutral lightweight jacket, Leather jacket, fleece jacket, and heavier winter coat if you stay in s cold climate.

Kurated List of Casual Capsule Wardrobe Items on Amazon

Capsule travel wardrobe ideas ☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻

Step 4: Select Your Supporting Wardrobe Pieces

It is also important to have supporting pieces that can elevate your outfits and add a touch of personality and style. In this blog section, we’ll be discussing some essential supporting pieces for men’s capsule wardrobes.

1. Belts: Belts are an essential part of any wardrobe, not only for functional purposes but also to add a touch of style to your outfits. It’s important to have a couple of belts in your wardrobe, in both black and brown, to match your shoes and complete your outfits. A leather belt is a functional and stylish accessory that can be worn with a variety of outfits. Choose a high-quality leather belt that matches your shoes. Alternatively, you may consider a patterned belt or a belt in a unique color for a more unique look.

2. Watches: Watches are more than just timepieces, they are accessories that can add sophistication and elegance to your outfits. Whether you prefer a classic leather strap or a sporty metal band, a good watch is an essential supporting piece that can complete any outfit.

3. Sunglasses: Sunglasses are not only a stylish accessory but also serve a functional purpose, protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. A good pair of sunglasses can add a touch of sophistication and coolness to any outfit.

4. Scarves: Scarves are versatile accessories that can add texture, color, and warmth to your outfits. Whether you prefer a classic wool scarf or a lightweight silk scarf, they can be worn in a variety of ways to elevate your style.

5. Ties: Ties are an essential supporting piece for men’s capsule wardrobes, adding a touch of professionalism and sophistication to any outfit. Whether you prefer a classic silk tie or a more modern skinny tie, a good collection of ties can elevate your style game.

6. Pocket squares: Pocket squares are a small but impactful accessory that can add a pop of color and pattern to your outfits. They are versatile accessories that can be worn with both casual and formal outfits, adding a touch of personality and style.

7. Casual button-up shirts: Casual button-up shirts are an essential part of any capsule wardrobe, offering versatility and comfort. Whether you prefer a classic Oxford shirt or a more relaxed linen shirt, they can be dressed up or down, making them an essential supporting piece for any wardrobe.

8. Hoodies or sweatshirts: Hoodies or sweatshirts are the perfect supporting pieces for more casual outfits. They offer comfort and versatility, making them ideal for weekend wear or for when you want to dress down but still look stylish.

9. Lightweight jackets: Lightweight jackets are an essential supporting piece for any capsule wardrobe, offering versatility and style. Whether you prefer a classic bomber jacket or a denim jacket, a good lightweight jacket can elevate any outfit while keeping you warm and comfortable.

The above list of core and supporting items provides a starting point, but it’s important to choose supporting pieces that fit your personal style and needs. With the right supporting pieces, you can elevate your wardrobe and create endless outfit options with just a few key pieces.

Before moving on to the final step, your next task should be to create 10 go-to outfits with the pieces you’ve selected from each category. More shoes will make this process easier and expand your outfit options, which is why we like to wait until the end to pare down the shoes.

You’ll probably gravitate towards the same 3-5 pairs of shoes and repeatedly put back the same pairs, making it easy to know which ones you want to keep and which you don’t. Once you have had some fun and created combinations that work for you, move on to step 5.

Step 5: Identify Gaps and Make a Shopping List

After you’ve assessed your current wardrobe, identified your personal style, and chosen your core and supporting pieces, it’s time to identify any gaps in your wardrobe and make a shopping list to fill those gaps.

1. Make a List of Items You Need: Look through your new capsule wardrobe, and outfits you created and identify any gaps in your clothing that you need to fill. For example, you may need a new pair of dress shoes, a belt that matches your dress pants, or a sweater in a specific color. Make a list of these items and prioritize them based on your needs.
2. Consider Your Lifestyle: Think about your daily activities and the types of clothing you need for each. If you work in a formal office, you may need more dress clothes, while if you work in a casual environment, you may need more casual clothes. Also, consider any special events or occasions that you may have coming up, such as weddings, vacations, or job interviews, and make sure you have appropriate clothing for these events.
3. Shop for Quality: When shopping for new items to add to your wardrobe, prioritize quality over quantity. Invest in high-quality pieces that are durable and well-made. While these items may be more expensive upfront, they will last longer and save you money in the long run.
4. Stick to Your Budget: Set a budget for your shopping trip and stick to it. Avoid impulse purchases and focus on the items you need to fill the gaps in your wardrobe. Look for sales or discounts on high-quality items to save money while still investing in quality pieces.
5. Consider Sustainability: When making your shopping list, consider choosing sustainable and ethical fashion brands. Look for items made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or recycled polyester, and choose brands that prioritize fair labor practices and ethical sourcing.

Summary and Parting Words

The capsule wardrobe has evolved over time from a practical necessity during wartime to a popular minimalist lifestyle choice today. The concept of a minimal wardrobe with interchangeable pieces has been present in various cultures and time periods, but as we mentioned earlier it wasn’t until the 1970s that the term “capsule wardrobe” was officially coined by fashion designer Susie Faux.

Since then, the capsule wardrobe has gained popularity for its simplicity, versatility, and sustainability. By focusing on a few high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits, individuals can reduce their consumption and waste, while also simplifying their daily routines and increasing their sense of personal style.

While creating your ideal capsule wardrobe can take time and effort, the benefits are numerous, including saving money, reducing clutter, and promoting a more mindful and intentional approach to fashion. As the fashion industry continues to face environmental and social challenges, the capsule wardrobe offers a simple yet effective solution for individuals to make a positive impact.

In this article, we have provided you with practical step-by-step guide on how to build a capsule wardrobe and provided a guide that iy can use as a capsule wardrobe checklist. We hope that it has helped you and that you you have success in creating yours. Feel free to reach out to us or share you experience or give us a shout if you need any help.

If you are interested in more content about minimlism, being a minimalist or how you can apply it to your life, you may want to read the articles below.

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