Thinking about a capsule wardrobe? Here’s what I’ve learned from owning one—pro tips, outfit insights, and the truth about simplifying your closet.
Okay, real talk—owning a capsule wardrobe has been a total game-changer. I used to stare at my overstuffed closet, feeling like I had ‘nothing to wear’ (sound familiar?). But after switching to a more intentional, curated wardrobe, I’ve learned a thing or two—actually, five (or maybe more).
If you’ve ever wondered whether a capsule wardrobe is worth it, or you want to stop impulse-buying things that never get worn, grab your coffee, and let’s chat. Here are the biggest lessons I’ve learned from simplifying my closet—no gatekeeping, just honest truth.
This post is all about the capsule wardrobe.
1. A Capsule Wardrobe Helps Reset Your Style
One of the most interesting things that happened when I started a capsule wardrobe was that it helped reset my personal style. I often say that our personal style is a reflection of our personal life. We go through life events that shake us to the core and we emerge as someone different, new identity and all. These transformations are painful, usually requiring a major paring back of people, places, and things.
Essentially, we need to go back to basics to begin again.
The same process occurred for me as I dove into the world of capsule curation. Having undergone a major wardrobe clearout for personal reasons, the capsule wardrobe checklist was a guiding light in my efforts to build a new wardrobe (almost entirely) from scratch. With my new (and much smaller) budget intact, I carefully began reusing and shopping for timeless essentials that were incredibly versatile.
I focused on purchasing clothing and accessories that I actually needed while postponing superficial purchases until my capsule closet was complete. The patience required for this was rather testing (several years), but it gave me a lot of time to think about my goals and desires for my style.
Owning a capsule wardrobe frees you to explore what else you need in your closet to dress more authentically.
Related Post: How To Find My Style In 5 Easy Steps
How Many Pieces Do You Really Need In A Capsule Wardrobe?
Most capsule wardrobe examples list an average of 30-50 items, which I tend to agree with. This is an excellent foundational wardrobe for anyone looking to simplify their style. It’s also a fantastic base if you live in a mild climate year-round.
If you live somewhere with four major seasons, like I do, you’ll need to supplement for extreme temperatures. You may need additional basics such as thermals, stockings, hats, and undergarments. The list excludes activewear, loungewear, and other extra-curricular items depending on your lifestyle.
If you live in a suitcase you may prefer a minimalist wardrobe, having fewer items than the typical capsule.
2. Shopping Is No Longer A Mindless Habit
One of the most game-changing things about owning a capsule wardrobe was that I cured my shopping addiction. And when I say addiction, it was to the extreme of going into debt multiple times. Cringe.
While that behavior was partly a trauma response (which is entirely off-topic and thankfully healed), the major justifying issue for impulse spending was that I didn’t have the everyday wardrobe essentials I needed. You know, the bread and butter to almost every outfit, those layers and basics that make styling a breeze?
Adopting a capsule wardrobe enabled me to fill in important gaps in my wardrobe instead of mindless repeat buying. Rather than owning ten similar pairs of black pants (and only two get worn), I have two specific pairs that style with everything I own. The relief I feel knowing I have the exact essentials I need is priceless.
Related Post: How To Buy Clothes You’ll Actually Wear, Seriously
How I Stopped Impulse Shopping (And Saved Money!)
By adopting a capsule wardrobe mentality, I shifted the mindset of shopping for what I wanted to shopping for what I needed. Quality over quantity became my focus, so researching, or what I like to call “online window shopping,” was key. An item was required to meet all my needs before I considered purchasing it.
I made a shopping wish list and stuck to it. So, if I felt the urge to purchase something super cute (which occurred weekly, TBH), I’d bring up my list to remind myself it wasn’t a priority, so I didn’t spend. As a result, I stopped needing that dopamine hit from swiping my virtual credit card.
There are true benefits when you treat your wardrobe like a business.
3. I Actually Wear (Most OF) My Wardrobe
Since a capsule wardrobe requires a mindful curation of pieces, you pay better attention to details such as colors, style, and versatility. I wanted my closet to easily mix and match together and get as much four-season wear as possible. Before purchasing an item, I considered whether it would play nicely with the rest of my capsule.
This took some getting used to as my old wardrobe was full of different colors and styles, but many pieces were out of place and only styled with one other item. By resetting my wardrobe to neutrals with a few accent pieces in my favorite colors, it was like I had my own, Ready-To-Wear collection with a multitude of different outfits from fewer pieces.
Now I’d be lying if I said I wear every item in my closet. Sometimes, I still make a purchase I think will be a winner, but it falls flat. We can’t predict the future, but we can learn from the past. I’m proud to say I wear most of the clothes in my smaller, more curated wardrobe, and getting dressed is so much more fun!
Related Post: How To Shop Your Closet The Right Way
4. Your Styling Skills Improve (And Improve!)
There’s no better way to learn how to style than when you downsize from an enormous closet to a 50-piece capsule wardrobe. I never thought twice about outfit repeating when I had 100s of items to choose from. Conceptually, a minimalist wardrobe is the exact opposite. With fewer options to choose from, styling becomes effortless and much more sustainable.
By the way, there is nothing wrong with an outfit repeater! However, if you’re like me and always looking to change things up, a capsule wardrobe forces you to get creative with styling. You begin to pair different pieces you’d never expect together or uniquely layer and watch your ability to choose an outfit level up. This is where “shoulder season” outfits for 50-70-degree weather actually become fun.
Learning to mix contrasting colors, aesthetics, fits, and textures helped me understand my style type better: an avid eclectic, who jumps from style to style based on my mood or the event I’m attending.
Related Post: How To Style Your Clothes Using Juxtaposition
The more you integrate your capsule wardrobe into your life, the more your fashion sense will grow.
5. A Capsule Wardrobe Is Not The Final Answer
The last eye-opening lesson I’ve learned from owning a capsule wardrobe is that it’s not meant to be the end-all, be-all. Not for everyone at least.
The capsule wardrobe formula is very prescriptive and the typical essentials consist of simple, classic pieces. The emphasis is on timelessness rather than trendy, a concept you learn to discern as you build your capsule. Styling outfits becomes easier because you remember what’s in your wardrobe and what to wear to look put together.
The capsule wardrobe was my new beginning. From there, I needed to expand to curate my dream wardrobe. Having an eclectic style means I love pieces from different styles and decades. I love colors, statement items, and statement outfits. I shop trends to add pieces to my forever collection. Bold colors, maximalism, boho chic, French chic, Sporty Spice, and everything in between, I’m game.
A capsule wardrobe completely transformed my approach to fashion—and I’ll never go back. It’s the mindset shift that changed everything. This method isn’t just a trend for me—it’s the foundation of my style. More importantly, the game-changing principles behind it now guide every style and spending decision I make, for life.
Related Post: How To Start A Capsule Wardrobe This Year
No matter how you evolve your style, a capsule wardrobe provides a timeless foundation to build upon.
This post was all about the capsule wardrobe.
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