How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe you Love

In mid-October, I myself falling into a frustrating pattern in front of my wardrobe. The weather was getting colder, and I was feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in my closet.

I was stuck. What to wear? It was the nagging question, daily. But an important one.

Research shows that the way we dress and present ourselves daily has an effect on the way we see ourselves. We simply feel more confident in ourselves when we feel good about our appearance. 

The stay-at-home mom uniform of yoga pants and a zip up hoodie wasn’t going to cut it for me (well, some days, but not daily).

I wanted to find outfits that expressed my style, were super comfortable, and were quick to put together. And, this winter, I didn’t want to stop wearing my summer knee-length dresses; they were modest, comfortable and what I felt my best in. Wearing them made me feel more put-together and ready for the day.

I had to figure out a way to streamline my wardrobe (mom’s need to be able to get dressed quickly) but make it one that I loved at the same time.

I’d heard of a capsule wardrobe, an idea that has gained popularity recently through the work of Courtney Carver and Project 333. The premise of her project is simply this: wear just 33 items for 3 months. All clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, and shoes count toward your number. Exceptions include wedding rings, underwear, sleepwear, in-home loungewear, and workout clothing. By simplifying your life, starting with your closet, you will get back all the joy you were missing while you were worrying about what to wear, Carver promises.

While I wasn’t sure I needed to count out exactly 33 clothing items, the idea of a simple capsule wardrobe comprised of interchangeable pieces I loved was appealing. Especially if it meant gaining more time in the morning while reducing stress levels. 

It was time to minimize my wardrobe – here’s what worked.

How to create a capsule wardrobe you love (in 4 simple steps):

1.Discern your style

The first step in creating a wardrobe I loved was knowing what I loved to wear.

You can do this too with a bit of reflection. What is your favorite outfit and why? What outfits are most flattering on you? What outfits do you feel your best in? You want every outfit in your closest to be a flattering favorite. Why wear something if it’s not right for you? If you don’t know what looks best on you, it helps to know your body type. With a few measurements, you can determine your body type and the styles that suit you and those to avoid. This website is a helpful resource. 

I knew knee-length dresses (especially those with a higher waistline like these) were a good fit for me, so that is what I decided to build my wardrobe around. 

2. Minimize to mix and match

Once I’d determined my favorite style, then it was time to declutter my closet. So I got to work, taking every item out of my closet, inspecting it, and deciding if it belonged in my capsule wardrobe.

To do this, you could count out 33 items and join Carver’s minimalist challenge. Or, you could only keep clothing items that are in line with your favorite style (remember, this is what you look and feel best in). Then add similar pieces in different colors that you can mix and match. 

For example, if you’ve found a flattering style of pants, get a couple in different colors (maybe black and grey). Then do the same with your favorite tops. If flowy tunic tops are your thing, then you could add a couple with different colors or patterns. They key is to mix and match flattering staples to create a simple, versatile wardrobe you love. Then add more variety with a few key accessories.

For me, I realized I could “winterize” my knee-length dresses by adding leggings, an open-front sweater and a pair of boots. I decided to go minimal in my decluttering. I kept 5 dresses, 6 sweaters (including added thrift store finds), 2 pairs of leggings and 1 pair of boots. Since I could mix and match all these pieces, I could make many different outfits with minimal articles of clothing. I also kept 3 scarves and 3 headbands to further add variety to my outfits. I did keep one pair of jeans and 2 shirts I liked just in case, but, honestly, I haven’t worn them year this fall/winter.

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3. Donate or box up extra clothes 

Next, it was time to address the piles of clothing lining the floor of my newly decluttered closet. Many items were donated and some boxed up.

Once you’ve decluttered your closet, take a good look at the clothing you’ve removed. Donate it if you can. If you feel you may still need some of the pieces, then box them up for a month. After that month, ask yourself if really missed anything. Did you go digging for that purple scarf you thought you’d need? No? Then you can confidently let it go. 

4. Rock your wardrobe and observe 

I began mixing and matching outfits each morning and soon found I loved the simplicity and also the creativity involved. I decided the wardrobe was working for me and that it was a go for this fall/winter.

Carver recommends sticking with your set wardrobe for 3 months to truly test if a capsule wardrobe is for you. During this time, observe what it’s like to have a simplified wardrobe, full of only flattering pieces you love. Is your stress level lower in the morning when deciding what to wear? Do you save time getting dressed in the morning? Is your self-talk even more positive because you consistently like how you look? 

After just a week of living with a simplified capsule wardrobe, I could easily answer these three questions with an emphatic yes. My stress levels were lower as I got dressed quickly and I had more time on my hands in the mornings.

I started receiving more compliments about my outfits and was happy to feel confident and comfortable in what I was wearing. I even realized I had more energy to make decisions throughout the day since my decision-making power wasn’t zapped on early-morning outfit choices. (Decision fatigue is real. Saving brain power is a top reason entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs wear the same thing daily).

After experiencing the benefits of a capsule wardrobe, I highly recommend experimenting with one of your own. It will take some thought and effort up front, but maintaining it is almost effortless. 

Less stuff really does lead to more life – more time, more joy (less stress), and more meaning.

Why not take a step toward simplifying your life today by starting with your closet?