If you’ve never heard of it before, a capsule wardrobe is a miniature wardrobe made up of intentionally versatile pieces that are meant to fit any occasion. The minimalist lifestyle is said to provide a great sense of wellbeing, and oftentimes, in result of reducing clutter, reduces stress and anxiety. Living with a capsule wardrobe has been a goal of mine ever since learning about the concept, and as I try it out for the first time this semester, I’m inviting all of you to follow along!
My intention:
As an aspiring minimalist, I’m working towards the goal of learning to live with less. My wardrobe has always been a problem for me in that department. I was constantly looking in my closet packed full with clothes and feeling as though I had nothing to wear – a familiar feeling to many of you, I’m sure! My closet made me feel overwhelmed and uninspired, and I usually found myself getting stressed while picking out my clothes in the morning, a process that used to be fun. In the end, I usually went with the same rotation of pieces, and wore them in the same way I always would.
Obtaining a capsule wardrobe will hopefully change that. With a smaller wardrobe, full of only the most versatile pieces that I actually love wearing, I’m be more inclined to mix-and-match between them, and come up with new and unique pairings every day.
My approach:
My wardrobe includes everything that I would wear on a day-to-day basis, and appropriate for my personal lifestyle. This covers what I might wear to class, a night out with friends or weekly (sometimes muti-weekly) trips to Target. Because I’m on the go a lot, I needed my wardrobe to accommodate to such. However, every capsule wardrobe should be unique to the individual, and should be supportive and reflective of that person’s lifestyle.
I also put a heavy emphasis on comfort, confidence and practicality. These are three attributes that make up the most personally versatile wardrobe. Without them, I’m a lot less likely to wear those clothing items.
In terms of style, I chose to incorporate a mostly monochromatic color scheme because it tends to be the most versatile. Integrating a specific color scheme will help you pair all of your pieces together more smoothly. However, I’m also a fan of quirky and fun looks, which I incorporate through accessories and select statement pieces. I find it more convenient this way, seeing as accessories take up less space and have more ability to mix and match, and wear over again without need to wash.
My Wardrobe:
Finally, pictured below are all of the clothes (or some close replicas) that are included in my capsule.*
*Not included are athletic wear, undergarments, pajamas, accessories and winter outerwear
Tee Shirts:
Tank Tops:
Long Sleeve Shirts:
Short Sleeve Blouses:
Courtesy of Topshop
Long Sleeve Blouses:
Courtesy of J Crew
Sweaters:
Courtesy of Madewell
Courtesy of Alyssa Williamson
Pants:
Courtesy of Brandy Melville
Overalls/Jumpsuits
Courtesy of Alyssa Williamson
Dresses:
Courtesy of Alyssa Williamson
Courtesy of Target
Cardigans:
Outerwear:
Courtesy of Alyssa Williamson
Shoes:
Courtesy of Clarks