What is a Capsule Wardrobe Anyway?

After years of having a wardrobe that was overwhelming in size but lacking versatility, I decided it was time for a change.

I’m starting a capsule wardrobe, on a mission to a LEANER CLOSET, and look at shopping in a whole new way.

I first heard about the concept of a capsule wardrobe from Caroline from Unfancy and Lee Vosburgh from Style Bee. These ladies offer a lot of great resources and have inspired me to try it out! I’m sharing some of those resources and my own take on what this whole thing means to me below, enjoy!

OK, SO WHAT IS A CAPSULE WARDROBE?

If you look it up, there’s going to be a lot of definitions and perspectives. But to me, it’s a small wardrobe that includes pieces that you LOVE to wear that fits your body & lifestyle.

I know we’ve all made those impulse buys because your favorite celebrity or blogger is wearing it. But come to find out, it’s either not your style, doesn’t fit your body right, or doesn’t fit your lifestyle. So you go back to what you usually wear or those pieces that you actually love to wear, that actually fits YOU and YOUR STYLE. A capsule wardrobe includes more of the latter.

As a WORK FROM HOME MOM now, I’ve had to take a hard look at my lifestyle and want to start exploring and developing a style that works for me. Something that’s not all sweatshirts & tees but not too trendy and uncomfortable to move in when I’m on the go. ie: high heels. My goal is to find elevated everyday style that makes me happy and gives me confidence as a mom.

I like how Caroline from Unfancy puts it..

“Dress for real life & not fantasy life.”

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Logistically speaking, it’s a 30-50 piece wardrobe that includes tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes. Doesn’t include loungewear, activewear, jewelry, or underwear. But in the end, it’s not really about the number as much as it is about loving each item that you have and trying new things with your closet. You can pick the number. It can be 20, it can be 50. I think there should be room to change as your style evolves. These are meant to be guidelines, not hard rules.

Caroline offers More FAQS on capsule wardrobe here

If you’re wondering how you can get started, keep an eye out on this series on this blog. I think it’ll be fun and I plan to share my own lessons learned along the way.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TO GET YOU STARTED