Get Rid Of Clutter & How To Start A Capsule Wardrobe
What is the Capsule Wardrobe Concept?
A capsule wardrobe is simply a collection of fewer clothes with more neutral colors that are easily interchangeable. These items are designed to maximize the number of outfits by wearing in different ways. Think of the accessories!
I have been capsule wardrobing for years. To tell you the truth I never knew this. When questioned about my limited wardrobe I explained I was sick and tired of wasting time, effort and money on a simple task like getting dressed in the morning.
I had 2 goals when I basically tossed out everything in my closet 30 years ago. 1. To make my life easier. 2. To have a clean background to promote my jewelry and fiber arts. My career as a designer and maker of unique jewelry pieces, one of a kind scarves and vests made it necessary for me to self promote. My one of a kind pieces looked best on a plain white or black background. I prefer black clothing to white clothing. So black tops it was and is – with jeans for the bottoms. And accessories, jewelry and more accessories.
Decluttering Your Closet
Our closets are often a reflection of our personal style and our own unique style. However, over time, current wardrobe can become filled with items we no longer wear or need, leading to clutter and chaos. Decluttering your closet is not just about creating a more organized space it’s a transformative process that can bring clarity, simplicity, and a renewed sense of style to your life.
One popular approach to decluttering your wardrobe is adopting a capsule wardrobe. Lots of folks are embracing a capsule wardrobe and raving about the numerous benefits.
A Step-by-Step Guide
Assessment
First step is to empty your closet. I realize, unlike me, people will not be discarding their entire closet contents. Do curate your clothing with an honest eye. With the exception of a piece or two you may wear for special occasions, if you have not worn any pieces of clothing within a year you likely do not like the piece or it does not fit well. Why would you keep this?
Ask yourself honestly- ‘Are you ever going to like that purple and mauve paisley, or equivalent, blouse’? Are the size 2 jeans ever going to fit you again? Why waste valuable real estate in your closet?
Sort and Categorize
Create piles of all your clothing pieces to categorize them, such as keep, donate, sell, or toss. Consider donating items that no longer fit or suit your style but are still in good condition. For items with sentimental value, you can set aside a small box.
Seasonal Evaluation
Since seasons change, evaluate if the clothing is suitable for the different seasons. If not, consider storing off-season items in a separate space to create more room in your closet. I have such a select group of clothing the 4 New England seasons of clothing fits in one closet!
Quality Over Quantity
When rebuilding your wardrobe, prioritize better quality over quantity. Invest in versatile, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched into different outfits easily for many different looks.
Organize and Display
Organize your closet by grouping similar items together, such as tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear. Some consider organizing by color a good idea. This can make it easier to find what you need. Display your favorite daily outfits and everyday essentials prominently for easy access.
Regular Maintenance
Make decluttering a regular practice. Every few months, assess your wardrobe and remove items that you haven’t worn. This ensures that your closet remains clutter-free and aligned with your personal style. We can call this our ‘smart closet!’
The Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of essential, versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. You can choose what style of outfit planner to embrace. Here are some compelling benefits of embracing a capsule wardrobe:
Simplicity
A capsule wardrobe streamlines your clothing choices, making it easier to decide what to wear each day. With a small selection of clothes, you’ll spend less time agonizing over outfit choices.
Reduced Clutter
By carefully selecting only the items you love and wear, you eliminate unnecessary clutter, creating a more organized and visually appealing closet space.
Financial Savings
A capsule wardrobe encourages thoughtful purchasing decisions. Investing in quality pieces that last longer saves you money in the long run compared to constantly buying trendy, disposable items. Imagine dressing more confidently and having extra money!
Effortless Style
With a well-curated capsule wardrobe, you’ll always have a selection of coordinated outfits at your fingertips. This promotes a sense of your own personal style. Capsule wardrobe planning is effortless and confidence building.
Environmental Impact
Embracing a capsule wardrobe aligns with sustainable fashion practices by discouraging excessive consumption and reducing textile waste.
Focus on What Matters
Simplifying your wardrobe allows you to focus on the experiences and activities that truly matter in your life, rather than being bogged down by material possessions.
Decluttering your closet and adopting a capsule wardrobe can be a transformative journey. It empowers you to take control of your style, reduce clutter, and cultivate a more intentional and mindful approach to clothing.
By assessing, organizing, and embracing a capsule wardrobe, you’ll discover the numerous benefits that extend beyond your closet and positively impact your daily life.
How Should I Shop For a Wardrobe Capsule?
Shopping to fill your wardrobe capsule involves a thoughtful and strategic approach. The goal is to acquire versatile, high-quality classic pieces that complement each other and fit seamlessly into your existing capsule. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shop effectively for your capsule wardrobe:
Assess Your Needs
Before you start shopping, take a close look at your current capsule wardrobe. Identify any gaps or key pieces that you need to enhance your outfits. Consider factors such as core pieces, your base color, style of clothes, and types of clothing.
Set a Budget
Determine how much you’re willing to invest in building and maintaining your own capsule wardrobe. This helps you make informed decisions and avoid overspending on unnecessary items.
Make a Shopping List
Create a shopping list based on the gaps you identified in your capsule wardrobe. List specific items you need, such as a versatile blazer, a classic pair of jeans, skinny jeans, a little black dress or a comfortable pair of shoes.
Prioritize Quality
When shopping for capsule wardrobe pieces, prioritize high-quality pieces over quantity. Invest in well-made items that are durable and timeless. Look for fabrics that will stand the test of time and craftsmanship that ensures longevity.
Stick to Your Color Palette
Choose items that align with the color scheme of your capsule wardrobe. This makes mixing and matching easier and ensures that new additions seamlessly integrate with your existing pieces.
Versatility is Key
Opt for versatile pieces that can be styled in multiple ways. For example, a classic white button-down shirt can be dressed up or down and paired with various bottoms.
Mix Basics with Statement Pieces
While the foundation of your perfect capsule wardrobe is built on basics, don’t shy away from adding a few statement pieces that reflect your personal style. These can add interest and uniqueness to your outfits.
Try Before You Buy
Whenever possible, try on items before purchasing. Pay attention to fit, comfort, and how well they complement your existing wardrobe. Avoid impulsive purchases and take your time to make informed decisions.
Avoid Trends
While trends can be tempting, they may not always align with the timeless nature of a capsule wardrobe. Focus on classic and enduring styles that won’t quickly go out of fashion.
Consider Ethical and Sustainable Brands
If possible, support ethical and sustainable brands that align with your values. Investing in well-made, ethically produced pieces contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry.
Shop Secondhand
Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces for pre-loved items. Secondhand shopping is not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly.
Stay Mindful
As you shop, stay mindful of your shopping list and the needs of your capsule wardrobe. Avoid impulse purchases and focus on acquiring items that truly enhance your existing collection.
Integrate New Pieces Gradually
As you acquire new items, introduce them to your capsule wardrobe gradually. This gives you time to experiment with styling and ensures that each new piece truly complements your overall aesthetic.
Be mindful that building a capsule wardrobe is an ongoing process. Take your time to find the right pieces that align with your style, needs, and budget. By shopping intentionally and thoughtfully, you’ll create a cohesive and functional wardrobe that reflects your personal style while minimizing clutter.
How Do I Know If I Am Buying the Right Clothes?
Not everyone instinctively knows what clothing looks best for their shape and personality, but it’s a journey that can be explored and learned over time.
Finding the right clothing that flatters your body shape and resonates with your personality involves a combination of self-awareness, experimentation, and understanding fashion principles. Here’s how you can navigate this process:
Self –Awareness
Start by understanding your body shape, proportions, and features. Take some time to assess your body type (e.g., hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle) and identify the areas you’d like to highlight or downplay. Recognize what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Experimentation
Trying on various styles, cuts, and silhouettes is key to discovering what works best for you. Most garments are one of four basic shapes, otherwise known as silhouettes – natural, rectangular, tent and full. Natural shape is the classic shape that follows the body outline.
Experiment with different types of clothing and pay attention to how they make you feel and how they flatter your body.
Seek Inspiration
Look for fashion inspiration from sources like magazines, online fashion platforms, and social media. Pay attention to individuals with similar body shapes and styles that resonate with your personality.
Understanding Color and Patterns
Learn about color theory and how different hues can complement your skin tone and enhance your features. Similarly, understand how patterns and prints can either accentuate or balance your body shape.
Fashion Principles
Familiarize yourself with basic fashion principles, such as the importance of proportion, balance, and focal points. These principles can guide you in choosing clothing that highlights your best features.
Personal Style
Define your personal style by considering your preferences, lifestyle, and personality. Are you more inclined toward classic, bohemian, minimalist, or edgy styles? Your personal style plays a significant role in determining what clothing suits you best.
Listen to Your Instincts
Pay attention to how you feel when you wear certain types of clothing. If something makes you feel confident and comfortable, it’s likely a good choice for your shape and personality.
Professional Help
If you’re unsure about what suits you best, consider seeking advice from fashion professionals. Personal stylists or image consultants can provide personalized guidance based on your body shape and style preferences.
Feedback
Sometimes, getting feedback from friends, family, or trusted individuals can offer valuable insights. Others might notice aspects that you haven’t considered. ‘Does this make my butt look fat?’
Learn from Mistakes
Don’t be afraid to make fashion mistakes; they can be valuable learning experiences. Over time, you’ll gain a better understanding of what works for you and what doesn’t.
Evolution
Personal style and body preferences can change over time. Be open to evolving your fashion choices as you grow and change.
Ultimately, finding the clothing that suits your shape and personality is a dynamic process that requires exploration, patience, and a willingness to learn. It’s about embracing your uniqueness and expressing yourself through your clothing choices.
Taking the time to read and learn about trends like capsule wardrobes and understanding how to choose clothing that suits your shape and personality can be a rewarding and empowering experience.
Or toss all your clothes and buy black tops and jeans like I did!
Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutter-er and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.
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