How to create a capsule wardrobe (and why you’d want to)

Lifestyle

How to create a capsule wardrobe (and why you’d want to)

Lifestyle

How to create a capsule wardrobe

If there’s one thing that’s been on my goals list every month, it’s been decluttering. For some reason I just couldn’t seem to get on top of everything I wanted to sort out. I did occasionally chuck out some clothing, but then like magic, my wardrobe would be overflowing again. Usually the new items were cheap things that, after the initial purchase, just didn’t get worn. After being pregnant and having Fin, I didn’t seem to have much of a handle on my style.

I was getting pretty fed up, and then in August I came across the blog Un-Fancy. I was instantly inspired to create a capsule wardrobe! I’ve always wanted to be able to do it, and finally I felt like I could create a really wearable capsule collection. Un-Fancy offer a free wardrobe planner, and I excitedly used it to plan out my autumn wardrobe. Then I discovered the No-Brainer Wardrobe Workshop and took things even further!

To start, I did a radical de-clutter of all of my clothing. I kid you not, I donated and discarded about 5 bin bags full of clothes, shoes and bags – some I’m ashamed to say still had their labels on! It was a bit scary when I was left with an almost empty wardrobe, but then I checked my list of things I wanted for the autumn and started to research and purchase really good quality items to create my now beloved capsule wardrobe! I bought extra wooden hangers (although I still need a few more) a tip from Hayley at The No Brainer Wardrobe, as these hang your clothes so much better.

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So how does mine break down? I decided to follow the guidance from Un-Fancy and have up to 39 items of clothing and shoes and unlimited accessories, underwear, workout clothing etc, although I did still dramatically cull those things too. Here is what is in my capsule wardrobe:

  • 1 pair of black skinny jeans (Oasis Lily high waisted ankle grazers)
  • 1 pair of blue skinny jeans (Oasis Lily high waisted ankle grazers)
  • 1 pair of blue boyfriend jeans (H&M)
  • 2 pairs of plain black cotton leggings (H&M)
  • 1 pair of thick, black leggings (Topshop)
  • 1 pair of khaki trousers (New Look)
  • 1 long light grey thin cardigan (H&M)
  • 1 long thick dark grey cardigan (GAP)
  • Dusty pink smart wrap dress (Warehouse)
  • Dusty pink day dress (New Look)
  • Dusty pink sheer sleeveless shirt top (New Look)
  • Purple cami top (Warehouse)
  • 3 x long line vests in black, white and mushroom (H&M)
  • 2 oversize t-shirts in black and white (Zara)
  • 2 basic short sleeved t-shirts in grey and raspberry (Warehouse) 
  • Multiple stripy tops in black and white and one in red and white (GAP, New Look, Mango)
  • Stripy jumper (H&M)
  • Floral blouse (Warehouse)
  • Light denim shirt (Warehouse)
  • Khaki shirt (Next)
  • Thick oversize striped jumper in light grey (French Connection)
  • Floral Kimono (Oasis)
  • Khaki jacket (GAP)
  • Leather jacket (huge investment piece – Hush, I got this one instead of the Whistles one I did have my eye on and OMG it’s one of the most beautiful things I own!)
  • Stripy blazer (New Look)
  • Metalic tote bag (Warehouse)
  • Gym Tote
  • Black clutch bag
  • Grey converse trainers
  • Black ugg style rocket dog boots
  • Tan brown knee high boots
  • Black peep toe shoes
  • Gold sandals
  • Black ankle boots

When I reviewed my style and day to day activities it became clear that I really didn’t need a lot of dresses or smart clothes. I spend most of my time working at home, going out for coffee or days out and obviously running around after Fin. I feel like my capsule wardrobe reflects that with just a few dressy items for occasions when I might actually get myself out! 

The biggest change I’ve noticed has been the lack of floral as I used to own a lot of vintage floral dresses. I feel like perhaps I’m starting to settle more into my thirties and I felt that the floral dresses just didn’t quite feel right for me anymore.

I’ve found that my neutrals are denim, black, grey, khaki and striped (yep stripes are like a neutral for me!) and then my accent colours are dusty pinks, purples and navy. I feel they suit me really well. My No-Brainer outfit is jeans and a stripy top with a statement necklace and my leather jacket, or leggings and oversize t-shirt or vest with a long cardigan and colourful scarf. I’ve only recently discovered Hush when I noticed that gorgeous leather jacket and their products are so my style right now, such a beautiful brand.

In addition to that list I have a couple of pairs of pj bottoms which I pair with old H&M vest tops for nightwear, the usual underwear and my workout clothing which is mainly yoga leggings!

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I also still have loads of statement necklaces so I can mix and match and create different outfits. I’m in love with the Style Book app for creating different looks, it’s so easy to use and great for when I’m struggling with what to wear, although to be honest that doesn’t happen very often now I have a more pared down collection of clothes.

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So as for why you’d want to create a capsule wardrobe, I think these reasons will convince you:

  • You’ll save time getting ready in the morning.
  • You’ll save money, and when you do spend it, you’ll know it will be on clothes that will last and you’ll actually wear!
  • You’ll have a much more honed sense of style and what suits you.
  • You’ll feel more confident in everything you choose to wear.
  • You won’t waste money following trends that fall out of fashion quickly / won’t suit you.
  • If you’ve recently gone through a big life change like having a baby, you’ll be able to reassess your style.
  • It will be a joy to open your wardrobe.

These are just a few of the things I’ve experienced from having a capsule wardrobe, I’m a complete convert and I totally urge you to give it a try!

Don’t forget to check out these resources:

The Un-Fancy free wardrobe planner

The No-Brainer Wardrobe Programme – this is just brilliant!

Stylebook app

What’s the current state of your wardrobe? Would you give a capsule wardrobe a try? How has your style changed over time?

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19 Comments

  1. emma

    I had a huge clear out myself a few months ago. Literally bags and bags of stuff went. Items that I’ve kept for years and seasonal summer stuff thats put away as not quite right for an English summer! Also, I’m 36…..some items were perfect for my 16 year old niece, so they went straight away!
    Like you said, I feel like my style has changed since becoming a mum. I need to be able to get dressed in a flash. I also read the life changing magic of tidying up last month and I purged a whole lot more.
    I’m still building on my wardrobe and as I still have a bit of pregnancy weight to lose I haven’t bought too much, but I’ll get there.
    I really like your choices, looks like you’ve really settled into your style. And that black and tan bag is gorgeous. I have a few statement necklaces but find they dont work well with sebs little fingers! So I’ll be treating myself to a teething friendly one from chapter eight.

    Reply
    • Laura Agar Wilson

      Love the life changing art of tidying up, that inspired me to chuck out a whole lot of stuff! Fin is pretty bad with the necklaces, I need to get some teething ones too!

      Reply
  2. Rachel Winchester

    I NEED to do this! Might need someone to watch over me and keep me in track though.

    Between these links and introducing me to the Earthmiles app you’re on an inspiration roll at the moment!!

    Reply
    • Laura Agar Wilson

      Haha, let me know if you need an accountability buddy! Glad you like Earth Miles, I need to start treating myself to some of their things on discount!

      Reply
  3. Anna @AnnaTheApple

    I don’t think I actually have too many clothes. I tend to be quite brutal when it comes to sorting things and if I haven’t worn something for a while (that’s not like an evening dress or something for a special occasion) then it goes straight to the charity shop. I find the things that I get the most wear out of are simple long-sleeved tops which I can jazz up with scarves or necklaces. And always having two pairs of good fitting jeans – one black and one blue. And shorts for summer are a must for me!
    I think I probably have too many fitness clothes…

    Reply
    • Laura Agar Wilson

      That’s pretty good, I think a lot of people are hoarders. It’s so easy to have too much fitness clothes, they do need to be washed so often though!

      Reply
  4. Noemi @ Wealthy in Health

    I already have a capsule wardrobe – my secret is the hatred towards shopping :D
    I don’t like the fact that it’s not a big wardrobe because I’m always in a need for other clothes. Maybe if I rethink what I really need and buy some basic things I would feel more comfortable…
    (I hate shopping but I always like your posts on clothes)

    Reply
    • Laura Agar Wilson

      Haha, I’m the opposite! I think it would be easier when you have some basic stuff you know you always wear :-)

      Reply
  5. Maria @ runningcupcake

    It’s a great idea. We share a wardrobe so we have to keep things in there to a minimum- I seem to always be clearing out. But I have so many workout clothes now, but the trouble is with only 2 of us we don’t need to do washes that often so I need a good weeks worth of things to last me through to the next wash (so I could not do with just 2 pairs of leggings- I wear them a lot for work, I would need at least 5!).

    Reply
    • Laura Agar Wilson

      I try and do that too or I’d be washing clothes all week! I totally get what you mean about needing several pairs of something to get you through from wash to wash.

      Reply
  6. Zoe

    I love this idea and it’s something I really want to do! However, I wonder how best to approach it given that my working wardrobe is very different to my casual wardrobe? I would like to keep them separate, ideally. I suppose two capsule wardrobes defeats the object!

    Reply
    • Laura Agar Wilson

      Have a look at the Un-Fancy free download as that does help you think through that question, it might help!

      Reply
  7. sandra moffat

    I just cant do it! I love my clothes too much. I still need to cull a bit as I just moved and the amount I have scared even me but a capsule wardrobe for me wd be more like 500 items than 40! Maybee as I get older ill changle my mind but for now im a happy horder x ps I do hang up 10 outfits every subday so I can just grab and go in the week but my hour or two of picking outfits on a sunday is me time that I love x I do admire your dedication tho :-)

    Reply
    • Laura Agar Wilson

      Haha! It is hard, especially if you do love your clothes. I guess it depends if you’d feel a benefit from it, but as you say you’re a happy hoarder so why not enjoy!

      Reply
  8. skinnyfat

    I read this book called “the joy of less” last year and now my husband is frightened to sit still for too long incase he’s off the charity shop. I love decluttering!

    Reply
    • Laura Agar Wilson

      Haha, I bet he is! Nothing beats a good declutter does it :-)

      Reply
  9. Louise (@louliveswell)

    I love this too! I had a clear-out last month as well so my wardrobe is better but some of it I just don’t think suits me anymore. I can’t afford to replace it all though so I’ll have to do it gradually. It does make you love your clothes more though as you only own what you like wearing!

    Reply
  10. Maureen Dillon-Bowers

    Can you believe the Style Book App is only available on iPhone? Raging. It seemed the perfect way to see what outfits I could put together and then get rid of all the other clothes!

    Reply
    • Laura Agar Wilson

      Oh no! I thought it was available on Android as well, how frustrating! I’ll keep a look out for any other similar apps available across other devices x

      Reply

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