I have been doing a capsule wardrobe for about 2 years now. I love the way it simplifies getting ready and promotes simplicity. One of my favorite parts about a capsule wardrobe is there are no rules!

You can make it whatever you want. 30 items, 40 items, 20 items- whatever! You had a 30 item capsule wardrobe and now you just saw a shirt that you want- that’s okay- make it a 31 capsule wardrobe, or put something else back. The rules are yours and you can make it fit your life.

When I was working outside the home I probably would have wanted a 40 item capsule, but today when I stay home with the kids I could manage with a 30 item capsule with wearing the same 5 things 80% of the time- haha!

Okay, let’s get started.

If you have not created a capsule wardrobe here are the steps:

1. Organize your closet
2. Think about the function of your wardrobe (30% home, 50% work, 20% church)
3. Get ideas online! Pinterest, Instagram, etc.
4. Make a list of the # and category of items for your capsule (ex. 3 jeans, 1 sweater, 2 vests, etc.)
5. Shop your closet!
6. Mix and match your wardrobe and have a try on!

Step 1: Organize your closet

I could write a whole post on closet organization, but to simplify the process it is necessary to remove everything out of the closet first (trust me) then start putting things back only if they have been worn within the past year and only if you realistically think you will use them. If not, why are they taking up space!? Donate them!

Step 2: Think about function

I love heels. But realistically I wear heals a few times a year these days. If I were to create a capsule wardrobe around clothes I love, but won’t wear it would be silly. So, first think function and then decide what your capsule wardrobe should look like. Mine will include a lot of casual and cozy items with a little bit of trendy.

Step 3: Get ideas!

This is a fun step- research what looks you like for the season using Pinterest or Instagram and save ideas that you can recreate from your closet or simply by adding a few items to your wardrobe. The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is not to shop for new clothes, but to use items you already have to create outfits that are easy to put together.

Step 4: Make a list!

You guys know I love lists! I take my # of ‘allowed’ items and break it down to # of each type of clothing I need to select. My list currently looks like this:

• 3 jeans (1 holes, 1 no holes, 1 skirt)
• 1 black jean
• 1 black legging
• 6 shoes (slippers, tall boots, sneakers, booties, black booties, slides)
• 1 scarf
• 2 vests
• 2 cardigans
• 3 sweaters
• 1 black undershirt
• 1 white undershirt
• 1 print shirt
• 1 button up plaid shirt
• 1 jean jacket
• 1 short sleeve shirt
• 1 casual shirt
• 1 long dress
• 1 short dress
• 1 short sleeve button up shirt
• hat

Step 5: Shop your closet!

Now it is time to go shopping in your closet! This may not sound fun, but you would be surprised what outfits you can put together if you have some inspiration and know that these are the clothes you are going to be wearing for the next few months. Sometimes I will need to buy a few key items in order to create several new looks with my capsule wardrobe, but you don’t need to buy anything at all. Get creative!

Step 6: Try it on!

You can make hundreds of outfits from a 30 piece capsule wardrobe! Start with a pair of pants and mx and match your items to create several new looks! You can roll pants or roll sleeves to create new looks, too. Or tie a shirt around your waist or add a scarf- the possibilities are endless.

Like I mentioned before- the rules are yours! I like to do a capsule wardrobe and try to stick with it at least 2 months. I also don’t get rid of the rest of my wardrobe- I just don’t wear it that season to simplify things and to stick to the capsule. If you were extreme you could donate everything except the capsule wardrobe items, but I like to change it up each season and switch things in and out from time to time.

I will create a highlight on my Instagram stories for the capsule wardrobe process so you can see it in action.

After you create a capsule wardrobe and use it for a few seasons I think you will also love the simplicity of them!

Until next time,