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Capsule Closets (and why they are the future)

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at NCSU chapter.

In our current world of micro-trends, Shein hauls, and the constant pressure to have an updated wardrobe for all seasons, it’s hard to keep up. That’s why a capsule closet is your best friend. I started opting for quality over quantity and I’ve never looked back.

What Exactly is a Capsule Closet?

A capsule closet is a wardrobe that consists of a few pieces that can go together interchangeably. These pieces are that should be timeless silhouettes and lean towards neutral colors that complement each other. The goal is to create as many different outfits with a limited number of pieces. Throw in a couple of staple accessories to spice up your looks and your capsule closet is complete.

Why Make the Transition?

While it can be fun to indulge in fun trends, I would argue that the pros of a more simple wardrobe majorly outweigh the cons. First, there’s less decision fatigue. Having to rummage through stacks of clothing every morning, all varying in cut, color, and pattern, can be more stressful than we might imagine. On a daily basis most people are making hundreds of decisions, minimizing this will only make your life a little easier. Not to mention the time it says you for some extra shut eye. Next it’s a money saver. While it is worth spending a little extra money on the pieces you have in your capsule closet, you end up saving lots by cutting down on the amount of items. Plus, the quality pieces you get will last a long time! A capsule closet is also more sustainable and you can feel better about your carbon footprint by participating. Lastly, it helps you find your personal style. Curating a capsule closet takes time and consideration. This means you have to really find what you love because you’ll be wearing it a lot. It also means not just following trends but finding what flatters you the most and makes you feel the most you.

Getting Started

Now it’s time to start building your capsule closet! It can be overwhelming at first, but just take it one step at a time:

Go through your current wardrobe and only keep the pieces you LOVE. Be picky during this step and ask your self what you truly wear regularly and what your wardrobe needs to fulfill your current lifestyle. This process will also help you discover what you value in your clothing and give you a better sense of your personal style. Start planning your wardrobe and buying the missing items you need to make complementary and cohesive looks. I would recommend taking pictures and making lists of your current items and your needs. Buy clothes that you truly love, will pair well with your updated wardrobe, and are good quality items that will last.

If this still feels like a lot I would recommend using this list as a basic starting point:

Tops: 1 bodysuit, 1 white tee, 1 graphic tee, 1 button up

Bottoms: 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of trousers, 1 pair of leggings, 1 pair of denim shorts

Outerwear: 1 leather jacket, 1 warm weather coat

Formal wear: 2 dresses, 1 mini and 1 maxi

Shoes: Pair of white sneakers, Pair of heels, Pair of sandals

Best of luck on your capsule journal!

Junior at NC State in Textiles Management. Raleigh born and raised. Lover of fashion, culture, and hot takes.