A capsule wardrobe is unique and authentic to you, it encompasses many aspects of your identity and life. In this post we are going to cover some essential knowledge needed to help you build your capsule wardrobe. We will look at some of the best capsule wardrobe tips and tricks so your capsule wardrobe can last a lifetime!
1. Personal Colour Palette
When building a capsule wardrobe you will need to have a colour palette, this is so items can be mixed and matched to make multiple looks from the same items and be cohesive. Knowing your favourite colours and what look best allows a more authentic wardrobe that will suit and grow with you. Knowing what colours look best can be done using a colour analysis, this tells you your season and which colours, tones, vibrancy and contrast look best on you. You can read more into this on our blog post ”PERSONAL COLOR TEST ANALYSIS: TEN TIPS AND TRICKS TO UNDERSTAND YOUR COLOR PALETTE & SEASON” to find out more.
2. Staple pieces
Its good to start your capsule wardrobe with staple pieces, this could include basics such as tops, trousers, jeans and sweaters that can you can build looks around. For example, having something to start with like a black pair of trousers perhaps that you feel best in can be worn with many outfits because the item is simple, a main colour in your wardrobe that goes with everything.
3. Seasons & Local climate
You will want to consider weather all year round where you live, when building your wardrobe. It can be overwhelming so you could plan for your current or next season, but its good to consider items that can be incorporated into different outfits all year round. A hoodie you like for example can be worn in the summers evenings with a skirt or shorts and then in winter the same hoodie could instead be paired with a large coat, under layers and trousers.
4. Shop second hand
Shopping second hand clothing in charity shops, thrift markets and many second hand online shops are a great way to find quality clothing and be budget friendly. If an item is still in good condition after being worn by the first owner, then its a good indicator the item is quality and will stay in condition. Its also a great way to be more environmentally and ethically considerate.
5. Quality over quantity
Its important to look for quality, as mentioned second hand clothing is good for this. This doesn’t have to be expensive, but if possible perhaps considering one quality item over five fast fashion items for the same price might be better for your wardrobe in the long run. Its good to look for materials and focus on the longevity of the item of clothing you are buying.
6. Lifestyle
Do your outfits fit your current lifestyle or your future one perhaps? This looks at many aspects of your life, such as career, family, hobbies and how your wardrobe surrounds them? Perhaps you have a beloved white cat, so dark clothing isn’t the best choice unless you wish lint roll constantly. Are you always running errands and on the go? Do you have children? Are you quite sporty? Try and consider how your wardrobe fits into your life.
7. Identity
What do you dress for? Is fashion a creative outlet for you? How does what you wear tell people about yourself? Do you like comfy outfits? Practical outfits? Do your outfits focus around your career? These are all questions to ask yourself when building a capsule wardrobe.
8. Grow with you?
Will an item you love now still be something you wear in a few years? Its good to consider when buying an item, if its something you’ll love forever.
9. Don’t follow trends
Linking to the last point, do you love this item or is it just trending? Its easy to get caught up in trends, its important to know the difference between an item trending and one you genuinely like. Its ok to partake in trends if you genuinely like the style or outfit and its something you’d still enjoy when no longer trending.
10. Declutter Sustainably
Perhaps its a good idea to start fresh. Declutter you wardrobe of items you no longer wear, this allows you to plan outfits easier. You may also find items you forgot about that you love. Give unwanted items a now home, such as friends, family, a charity donation or sell online to put money towards your new wardrobe.
11. Avoid impulse buying
Try not to impulse buy items in the moment. A good idea when considering purchasing something, is to take time away and come back to it the next day or so, you may find you longer find the item suitable for your wardrobe.