Still not used to getting out of your loungewear cocoon? If getting dressed every day is starting to sound more like a chaotic challenge than a delightful experience, it might be a good time to finally consider giving your wardrobe a much-needed detox. As the world starts to go back to normal, there is no better time to finally let go of the sweatpants, define your style, and start laying the groundwork for your outfits for the days ahead. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is by building a well-curated wardrobe filled with pieces that will carry over from season to season.
While it’s easy to get swayed by influencers and fashion gurus, it’s critical that you remember how to classify the fashion pieces they are promoting. Why? Well, more often than not, those that are branded as the “HG piece” will turn into nothing but a short-lived trend. Remember those acid-washed jeans, super wide belts, and bandana tops? All of those were “in” then, but you shouldn’t be caught dead wearing those today!
If you want to win over outfit decision fatigue and make your wardrobe more versatile, a good place to start is by building what we call a “capsule wardrobe.” A capsule wardrobe is a transformative and intentional way of styling where you’ll be wearing carefully selected pieces that can mix and match with one another to create endless outfits. With only a small selection of clothes to choose from, you’ll actually get to wear everything and make it worth its price.
And on that note, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Marie Kondo-ing your wardrobe and our most recommended core wardrobe essentials. Let’s get started!
What’s A Capsule Wardrobe?
Capsule wardrobe, also known as an edited wardrobe, is a term coined by Susie Faux in the 1970s which refers to the concept of simplifying your existing wardrobe with only the bare necessities. It doesn’t mean that you have to chunk everything out or meet a specific number of what’s reasonable. Rather, it encourages us to be more mindful of the pieces that we add to our carts and influences us to invest in well-made clothing.
The key here is to look for high-quality, go-to pieces that can be worn on repeat and do not need constant replacement. At the end of the day, you do not need a gigantic walk-in wardrobe or several items to pull off different show-stopping looks. You only need a small selection of clothes and your creativity to let your real style shine for both professional and casual moments.
At first, the whole idea of creating a well-rounded wardrobe might seem inhibiting. However, it makes perfect sense to pursue building one as it has a range of amazing benefits like…
It Encourages You To Be Thoughtful Of Every Purchase
With a slew of flash sales happening almost every week, many of us end up going after those impulse purchases with the thought that they are a good idea. Unfortunately, not all of those buys are well worth the money, especially if they are from cheap, fast-fashion brands. If you want pieces that will last you far longer, fabrics that don’t fade easily, or those with strong stitching, you need to invest in quality clothing designed to last.
It Cuts The Time And Energy You Need For Dressing In Half
With only a limited number of pieces inside your wardrobe, you’ll save yourself from stressing over what to wear next and fully embrace a minimalist lifestyle. If you have a wardrobe filled only with the essentials, you can roll out of bed every morning and spend less than 15 minutes creating your ridiculously chic combo for the day. Now you have more time for your other morning rituals!
It Saves You Money
When you are starting out creating your capsule wardrobe, you might need to shell out more for those investment pieces. In the long run, these classic items will pay for themselves over time as you can wear these on any occasion and season. On top of it, you can liberate yourself from following all those momentary trends and embrace a more sustainable approach to your styles.
How To Evaluate Your Existing Wardrobe
Building a capsule wardrobe does not need to be an expensive thing. In fact, you can simply edit it by going through every piece and assessing it based on the questions below:
- Is this damaged? Check if there are holes, seams that need stitching, or missing buttons.
- Can I still fit in it? It’s never good to store pieces that no longer fit you or give you enough room to move.
- When did I last wear this? If you have touched the item for more than three months, there’s a high chance that they don’t satisfy your tastes anymore.
- Does it suit my body shape and height? Clothes should fit you and not make you feel more conscious about your body. If it doesn’t enhance your lovely shape, throw it out!
- Do I like the colour and fabric? This will depend on your overall style, but it is always recommended to go after neutral colours and comfortable clothes.
Aside from those above, you should also take into account your lifestyle and work. For instance, you can keep your gym attire and power suits, especially if you regularly use them.
Must-Have Pieces For Your Capsule Wardrobe
Planning out your capsule wardrobe is more straightforward than it seems. You basically just need the wardrobe heroes that can serve you all year round. Ready to build yours today? Below are our eight most recommended must-haves!
1. Basic Plain T-Shirt
A basic tee is one of the most versatile staples anyone can invest in. Not only can you wear it on the weekends, on casual workdays, or during your grocery runs, but it is also perfect for all seasons! You can tuck it in, let it hang loose, or top it with an oversized Denim Jacket for an edgier look.
Got a business-casual theme? You can throw on the Jenna Jacket and pair it with a pencil skirt. Want to go on a date? Create the perfect ensemble for a night out by wearing it with some skinny jeans or Jeggings along with pumps and flash accessories. The things you can do with a solid Spring Tee are limitless!2. Statement-Making Wide Leg Pants
You’ve seen them everywhere! Wide-leg pants are easy to wear and work well with plain T-shirts, Batwing Tee, and any other tops you can think of. Regardless of your proportions, donning them can make you appear slimmer, taller, and even leaner, meaning it’s a wardrobe staple that you can wear for many occasions.
Depending on your figure, you can opt for full-length ones like the Camille Pants to extend the line of your body and then pair it with heeled sandals or boots. On the other hand, taller women may choose cropped wide-leg and complete the ensemble with loafers or a cute sneaker. You can also choose between solid colours that are easier to match with other pieces or get one with intricate designs for a more upscale look.
3. Perfect Jeans
Finding “the one” when it comes to jeans is never easy. When you find the best fitting pair, then it’s obviously going to be your best friend for a long time! You can choose from many cuts, and it all boils down to your body shape.
If you are unsure where to start, the best one to get is skinny jeans like the Larsa Slim Fit Jean in Indigo. For those with pear shapes, flare jeans are your best bet! However, apple, hourglass, and athletic bodies will rock their looks with a straight leg cut.
4. Trusted Stretchy Leggings
Gone are the days when we reserve leggings for the gym because now it is just part of every woman’s wardrobe. They are perfect for all weather and seasons and can instantly define your shape. They also do not wrinkle and can be dressed up or down to suit those coveted day-to-night looks.
Looking for the best sunny day attire? Why not choose black leggings, a white tee, a neutral-coloured cardigan (just in case!), and your favourite sandals? Complete the outfit by adding sunglasses, a hat, and a simple handbag.
5. One-And-Done Glam With Jumpsuits
In a rush to get dressed? Create an effortlessly chic look in a couple of minutes by wearing a jumpsuit. What makes this an ultra-powerful piece is that you can style it in different ways to make it blend in well with the occasion. Just pair it with heeled booties, sneakers, or sandals, and you’re good to go.
On the search for something that looks professional in the morning yet still dressy in the evening? The Sophia Jumpsuit is an indispensable piece that can be made even more powerful with a tailored blazer or a Jenna Jacket. If you want something more casual for running errands or grabbing coffee, you can take along a Denim Jacket or a Candy Cardigan of your choice. And if the mornings are just a bit chilly, grab your most comfy chunky knitwear to throw on over the jumpsuit itself.
6. Everyday Dress
On the hunt for an effortless option? There’s a reason why dresses are in no matter the season! Whether attending an evening soiree, going to work, or hanging out with your girlfriends, you can never go wrong with flattering dresses that you can match up with simple accessories, depending on the occasion.
Attending a summer party? Pull off a polished yet modest look with an Abstract Frill Dress in Black and pair it with a sassy hat to shield your face from all the sun in style. If you want something more work appropriate, keep up the glam with the Cheetah Dress or Kitty Dress and heeled sandals.
7. Classy Knitwear
Want something that can easily transition between seasons? Knitwear, in the form of sweaters and cardigans, will help set you up for the days ahead. They should be part of your regular rotations as they are easy to pair with jeans, Jeggings, and slacks, adding more drama to any ensemble.
Unsure of what the weather might do? Sip your yummy lattes while wearing our crewneck Candy Knit, along with your favourite denim and sneakers for a casual look. You can add warmth to your spring dress by topping it off with a mid-length Candy Cardigan.
8. Killer Pairs Of Shoes
Shoes are the ultimate investment, as they can make or break your style quicker than any other fashion piece. While there are several designs and types to choose from, there’s nothing more that we can recommend than having these four:
- a classic white sneaker
- black boots
- neutral heels
- slide sandals
These all can be worn with literally anything and can take you from the shops to the office without hassle. Keep the colour scheme neutral so you can easily pair them with your other fashion pieces.
Over To You!
And there we have our complete list of must-have power pieces you need as you lay out the foundations of your capsule wardrobe. There are still several items that you can add and remove as your preferences shift throughout the year. But you know what? That’s totally okay because, in reality, there are no rules that define what makes a solid capsule wardrobe. At the end of the day, it all depends on you and what makes you feel special, confident, and beautiful!