Spring has arrived and it’s time to evaluate if a capsule wardrobe is something I want to continue? From January through March I used what I would consider a winter capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes, usually with a style and color scheme that allows all the items to easily match when used in different combinations. It’s meant to save time, remove clutter and help simplify your life. It’s often used by minimalist but you do not have to be a minimalist to use and benefit from a capsule wardrobe.
I was drawn to trying it because I am on a de-cluttering and simplifying journey that is touching all parts of my life. I was intrigued by the capsule wardrobe idea and tried it for a season. Now that I completed one season, will I continue using it? In order to know, I’ll need to answer some questions.
What were the benefits of using a capsule wardrobe?
- It made my morning routine easier. As a matter of fact, it made getting ready to go anywhere easier. Even getting ready for date night with my husband was super quick. (Now that is a miracle, just ask him!) Fewer outfit changes and simply less decision fatigue. I could spend more time focusing on our time together instead of fussing about what to wear.
- It was actually easier to match and put together an outfit by having less options to consider. I know that may not make sense at first but it is true.
- My closet is tidy and organized. It’s much easier to find things now!
- I ended up with extra time. It removed the “what should I wear?” game that we all play and it used to make me run late. In the mornings I can now fit in a quick yoga routine or meditate instead and it sets up my day on a positive vibe instead of being rushed and grumpy.
- I saved money by not buying new clothes and shoes just because it was a new season. I normally go spend a lot of money shopping for new items each season. It is recommend to shop from within your wardrobe first before adding items to your capsule. I agree with that. It doesn’t mean you can never buy anything again, just consider your theme and plan carefully. It will get easier to develop this skill.
- Every outfit I wore I actually loved, it fit me and I felt comfortable in it. Do you have clothes hanging in your closet that you never wear for a variety of reasons? They either don’t fit, feel uncomfortable or not your style. A capsule wardrobe cures that.
My first attempt at developing and using a capsule wardrobe was a huge success! I am a newbie at this but strongly believe the process I took was a great way to ease into it. I have utilized a capsule wardrobe all winter. I survived having a fraction of my normal wardrobe and indeed felt a sense of simplicity come into my life very quickly which is exactly what I set out to find. No one I know even noticed anything different about my clothes. My theory on this is simple. We already wear a capsule wardrobe and do not realize it. If we weed out all the clothes that don’t fit and the items we don’t wear we’d see we naturally wear the same favorite items over and over. All the other clothes just clutter up our closets, get in the way and give us the illusion that we need that much. I bet most of you are already wearing a limited number of clothes if you were able to remove the other unworn items. Try this process and see!
My sorting process:
This is how I figured out how many items I need in my wardrobe. Maybe it will be different for you. My number for a winter capsule ended up being 50.
My sorting process resulting in multiple bags of clothing, shoes and purses donated to charity and some thrown away. Some items went to family members that could use them. The rest, I was not ready to part with were packed away in my garage in storage totes just in case I “needed” them. The good news is… that never happened. I do recommend not to getting rid of all the stored clothes until you at least try the capsule for a season then make a decision if it is right for you.
First choose a color scheme. I chose Grey, white, black, navy and my accent color blush pink. There was one floral pattern that made it into my collection and a maroon & white sweater too. You may end up with an odd ball item or two and that’s perfectly fine. Sometimes an item doesn’t quite match the theme but it’s something we really love. Things we love and wear a lot should always have a place in our wardrobe.
What I included in my winter capsule wardrobe:
- Tops (Blouses, T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Sweaters)
- Pants (Dress pants, Jeans)
- Shoes (Sneakers, Boots, Dress shoes)
- Purse (Only one!)
- Sunglasses
- Scarves
What I did not include in my winter capsule wardrobe:
- My summer shoes such as sandals and flip flops. They are packed away. Boots can be rotated out for sandals/flip flops in spring or summer!
- Socks and under garments. I did pare them down and used the KonMarie method to fold them and organize the drawers which was so rewarding. I highly recommend it.
- Jewelry. I’m not yet sure how I feel about including jewelry in the capsule item count. I’m a beginner at this so I will be contemplating it later in my journey. (though most capsules include accessories)
- Workout clothing (yoga pants and tank tops)
- Some ladies like to wear their yoga pants as everyday wear and if so, they should go in the pants category and be included in your capsule.
- Outerwear (jackets & coats)
- Work Uniforms
- Sleepwear
Although I did not include these items in my capsule wardrobe, I did pare all of them down drastically to align with my goals to de-clutter and simplify my life. You can be as strict with your capsule as you want. I was very flexible and did not limit myself to a specific number of items for this first attempt. At the end of the winter season I was able to find my ideal number of items. My initial goal was just to make sure it was at least a quarter of my current wardrobe. My basic process for this first attempt went like this:
- Go through every piece of clothing. Most methods tell you to pile it all on your bed and that is a good method but however you wish to do that part is up to you.
- Make 3 piles (trash, charity, keep)
- Try on all of your clothes one at a time. It’s not so fun trying on clothes after a while but it’s important to try on ALL the clothes. Pay attention to how you feel in the item. Choose a pile to place it in. Go with your first instinct. It is usually right. (Of course the trash pile is only for clothes you could not give away due to stains or damage)
- I put anything not winter clothing in totes to store away. (Whatever season your building a capsule for, put the other seasons away).
- From the winter items left that fit my color scheme I determined which items I did not love to wear and put in totes to store away. Everything else went back in my closet with the hangers turned backward. You may have heard of this trick! It was a huge help later in determining what I actually wear.
- At this point, I believed that everything left in my closet was all clothing I would surely wear all the time and that I would not be able to pare down any farther. Quick spoiler…I was wrong about that!
- I had picked my style and color theme so there were a few pieces I felt I needed so a this point I did buy a few things to complete my capsule.
After all the above steps were taken my capsule wardrobe was in use. I used it for 3 months (January-February-March). The items I actual wore were easy to count since I had the hangers turned around. The number of items I wore surprised me.
Results:
| Items | # in closet | # worn |
| Tops | 55 | 31 |
| Pants | 19 | 8 |
| Shoes | 15 | 6 |
| Scarves | 12 | 4 |
| Sunglasses | 1 | 1 |
| Purse | 1 | 1 |
It was eye opening! That adds up to 51 items I actually wore over a 3-month period. I am motivated to carry on with this as a lifestyle and create a spring capsule wardrobe! My number will be 50 items. This time only the 50 items will be in the closet. (Not the 55 shirts, 15 Pair of shoes, etc.) Just the capsule part as this process was meant to see what I actually wore and get my number. I definitely recommend this way for beginners.
If you are interested in exploring a capsule wardrobe there are a lot of resources out there. You can find many articles, tools and guides online to help you get started. Since I am still perfecting my process it will be a while before I have a guide to share.
In the meantime, I can recommend checking out Courtney Carver’s Project 333. She offers a great guide on the capsule wardrobe process. It was one of the initial sources that got my wheels turning and provided motivation. I agree with her opinions that you should not have a closet full of clothes yet nothing to wear. You should love the items you do have. Your closet should not be the source of dread or frustration because items are not really your style, you got it on sale or you are holding on to it because it was a gift. A lot of times we buy clothes even though they are not needed because yes, it’s fun to shop. It picks up our mood and makes us feel better. But we really could spend that time and money on things that are more meaningful in our lives.
If you wish to dive deeper on the topic read about Project 333.
You can find it here: https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/
If your closet is a source of frustration, cluttered and derails your time and mental energy a capsule wardrobe may be bring surprising changes to your life like it did mine. Take this journey with me! I would be happy to give support, advice, tips and ideas! I’d also love to hear from you so leave me a comment!
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Make this journey fun and always… Be True to Yourself!
Jen to the Zen
~Jennifer Smith