How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe

Oh to have a complete, organised wardrobe. I'm definitely still working on mine, there are so many essential items I'm missing. So in figuring out what I need to get for myself, I want to share with you how to build a capsule wardrobe!

I've created the guide below so you can start from scratch, pull everything off the rack or out of the cupboard and begin with a fresh space. When building a capsule wardrobe, you're ultimately trying to create a selection of clothing, shoes and accessories that can be mixed and matched on a daily basis. Every item should be something you wear often, with nothing that's a 'just in case' type of item. In doing this, getting dressed will be so much easier, and it will be easier to switch up your style or add in trend pieces when you already have the basics in place. Following are my steps to get started on your capsule wardrobe:

1. What's Your Style?

Your style is the essence of the clothing and accessories you wear. Discovering exactly what your style is can be a challenge in itself, however you should have some idea of how you'd describe the way you dress. Do you lean towards more casual clothing, or do you love dressing up? If both, what do you wear during the day? Classic stripes and denim, earthy tones and prints, or maybe lace and softer fabrics? If you're really struggling, think of a character from a movie or tv show, whose style your admire. Think how you'd describe their style and run with that!

2. Choose A Colour Palette

Choosing a colour palette should be easy. You would have your go-to colours that you love wearing. It also helps to have a search for colours that suit your hair colour and/or skin tone - you can find charts online that suggest different colour palettes. The more you reduce your colour palette, the better your capsule wardrobe will be. You should always have neutrals, such as black, white, nude/tan and grey. I then suggest choosing no more than three colours to mix in. I like to stick to different shades of pink.

3. Add Texture + Print

Besides your colour palette, you need items in textured and printed fabric to add interest. Denim is a given, always make sure you have comfortable jeans in black and blue. I highly suggest owning something stripey as well. Then add in textures and prints that fit in with your style. If you lean towards more feminine styling, you might like to add lace and sequins. If you love boho, maybe fringing and Aztec prints might be more your thing. 

4. Shop The Basics

The basic items necessary in your wardrobe are those everyday staples that can't go wrong. Tees, denim, leather jacket, beige coat, skirts, jumper and an LBD. These should all be investment pieces, as they're items that tend to never go out of style. Find good quality basics that won't fall apart after a few wears.

 5. Add The Extras

Here's where your personality comes in. Find items in your chosen textures and prints that can be paired with your basics. It helps to try and avoid 'trend' pieces, but sometimes that can be hard to do! If you find a trendy piece you love, picture yourself wearing it a year from now. If you're only going to wear it a handful of times and it most likely won't be in next year, I suggest not adding it to your wardrobe. Instead, spend your money on pieces that you absolutely adore.

6. Select The Shoes

The selection of shoes I've chosen are, in my opinion, the staples you need. These include a pair of casual white sneakers, black ballet flats, nude heels, tan sandals, black sandals and black heeled boots. You'll never be stuck for shoes if you have these in your wardrobe!

7. Accessorize

And lastly onto the accessories. Choose ones that fit in with your style and personality. I always think you can't go wrong with a classic black handbag and sunglasses. Having a smaller sling bag as well is really handy for nights out and for when you don't want to carry as much. Investing in a nice wallet or coin/card case is also a great idea. 

Once you have complete all these steps, you should now have your very own capsule wardrobe for the New Year. Hope this helps you out!

Follow