Want a minimalist capsule wardrobe? This guide is perfect for beginners and will teach you how to build a capsule wardrobe in three easy steps –complete with a free printable capsule wardrobe checklist, tips, and examples. Start today, and you can have a simplified wardrobe in just a few hours!
In this post, I cover:
- What is a capsule wardrobe?
- The history of capsule wardrobes
- Benefits of having a capsule wardrobe
- How to build a capsule wardrobe (3-step guide)
- Step 1: Declutter your wardrobe
- Step 2: Choose your core capsule pieces
- Step 3: Create 10 everyday outfits
- What to do with what’s left
Today I’m sharing my simplified, streamlined process for building a minimalist capsule wardrobe. It also includes a free, printable capsule wardrobe checklist, tips from my years of experience, and capsule clothing examples.
Before I teach you how to build a capsule wardrobe, let’s quickly cover what a capsule wardrobe is, its history, and its benefits.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
If you’re new to the concept, you may be wondering what exactly is a capsule wardrobe.
A capsule wardrobe is simply a collection of clothing composed of thoughtfully curated, easily interchangeable items designed to maximize the number of outfits that you can create.
Essentially, a capsule wardrobe allows you to create a variety of different looks with a small selection of clothes.
The history of capsule wardrobes
The term capsule wardrobe dates back to the 1970s and came from Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called Wardrobe. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe contains a few essential and timeless items, such as skirts and pants, that you can supplement with seasonal pieces.
The concept took off in 1985 with designer Donna Karan’s first capsule collection called “Seven Easy Pieces.” The collection included a bodysuit, skirt, tailored jacket, dress, something leather, a white shirt, and a cashmere sweater and was designed to take a woman from a day in the office to an evening out.
Today, capsule wardrobes seem to be having something of a revival due largely to an increase in public interest in reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact and greater demand for brands with sustainable and responsible manufacturing processes.
Benefits of a capsule wardrobe
There are so many benefits to having a capsule wardrobe! Here are some upsides we’ve experienced first-hand.
- You’ll have less decision fatigue. I was worried having fewer clothes would feel too limiting, but as it turns out, having fewer options makes it significantly easier to decide what to wear. My capsule also helps me get more creative with my wardrobe compared to when I had hundreds more items hanging in my closet.
- Capsule wardrobes are better for the planet. Purchasing fewer clothes has significantly less impact on the environment. Less clothing means fewer chemicals in our water and oceans, less clothing in landfills, and a smaller carbon footprint.
- You can afford nicer stuff. When you stop buying clothes you don’t need, you have more money to invest in timeless, high-quality pieces that will last multiple seasons —or, in many cases, years.
- You’ll reclaim hours (even days) of your life back. Think of all the time you’ve spent buying clothes over the last few years: shopping (online or in-store), trying on, and making returns or exchanges. Then think about how much time you’ve spent managing the clothes in your closet (tailoring, organizing, and purging) and fretting out what to wear. When you have a minimalist capsule wardrobe, you spend considerably less time on all those things, leaving you more time and energy to focus on other, more important things.
- You’ll reduce unnecessary stress and overwhelm. Clutter increases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. By downsizing your wardrobe, you clear physical clutter from your home, and your closet suddenly becomes a more open and calming environment. Also, getting dressed is stress-free when you have a wardrobe of clothes you love, know how to wear, fit you well, and make you feel confident.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe:
Your Simple 3-Step Guide
Step 1: Declutter your wardrobe
The first step in building a minimalist capsule wardrobe is removing things from your current wardrobe that you know you are ready to part with.Doing this allows you to clear the clutter so you can focus on building a capsule wardrobe with pieces you love.
Donate, sell, or recycle things that:
- Don’t fit
- You don’t like
- Are duplicates or very similar in color and style to something else you own
- Don’t work with your skin tone or body type
- Are stained or damaged beyond repair.
Then clear some space in your closet and organize what’s left into categories:
- Bottoms (non-denim trousers/pants, skirts, and non-denim shorts)
- Denim (long and short)
- Tees and tanks
- Tops and blouses
- Sweaters
- Dresses and jumpsuits
- Coats and jackets
IF YOU LIKE CHECKLISTS… Grab my free capsule wardrobe checklists before continuing. I have one-page and two-page versions, depending on how big or small you want your capsule to be.
Step 2: Choose your core capsule pieces
Once you’ve done your initial edit, it is time to choose clothes you want to incorporate into your capsule wardrobe from what you have left.
When doing this, look for quality basics that are both functional and versatile. A functional piece of clothing is practical, useful, and suits your current lifestyle. A versatile piece of clothing easily pairs with other clothes, can be styled in different ways, and can be worn in different contexts.
When evaluating items for their functionality, think about the item’s fabric, weight, physical attributes (like length, silhouette, and sleeve style),and how easy it is to clean and maintain.
When evaluating the versatility of a garment, consider how easily it can be mixed and matched with other pieces, colors, and patterns and whether you can wear it to different events or in different seasons.
You will build your capsule for the current season and focus on one category at a time. It’s easier and more efficient to focus on what you need now. You can pick favorites, eliminate duplicates, and identify what’s missing more easily when you look at everything together.
Bottoms
Bottoms are the foundation of an outfit. They’re the easiest starting point whether you’re building a capsule wardrobe or a simple outfit. We’ll focus on non-denim bottoms first.
Tips for choosing capsule wardrobe bottoms:
- Choose bottoms that fit well, are comfortable, and can be worn with multiple tops, sweaters, jackets, and tees. Keep in mind that neutrals will be more versatile than bold prints or bright colors.
- While some bottoms can be worn year-round, you will probably have different bottoms for different seasons. For example, lighter, more flowy trousers for warmer seasons and heavier trousers for the colder seasons. Focus on the bottoms you’ll need for this season, and hang onto some to revisit when the seasons change.
- If you have several bottoms in a similar color and style, keep the best one and donate or consign the rest.
Here are some key capsule bottoms to consider:
- Black seasonal trousers in linen, cotton, wool, etc…
- Lighter-colored seasonal trousers (white, off-white, beige, or taupe)
- Cotton or linen shorts for summer
- Knee-length skirt, midi skirt, or maxi skirt: These lengths will be more versatile than a mini skirt.
Massimo Dutti Linen Bermuda Shorts
Mango Pleated Culotte Pants
BOTTOMS: Pull a small selection of bottoms you love and hang them in the space you cleared in your closet. Store away any you won’t need this season to revisit in the coming months. Note any gaps in your denim collection that you might want to add to your capsule and add them to your checklist.
Denim Jeans
Versatile jeans are the other key foundation of your capsule wardrobe. When I get dressed, the first thing I decide on is whether or not I want to wear denim —which is why I like to tackle these two categories first.
Tips for choosing the best denim for your capsule wardrobe:
- Have a few different washes. For example, a dark wash, medium wash, light wash, and black or another neutral color will give you maximum versatility and allow you to dress up or dress down the tops you pair them with.
- Find the brands and styles that fit you best. If you don’t have a few pairs of denim jeans you love, I highly recommend going to a few stores and trying on as many as possible to figure out what brands, styles, inseams, rises, and washes you like best. If you can afford a pair or two of premium denim, I find they’re worth the investment. They keep their shape and fit significantly better than cheaper denim made with lower-quality fabric. My favorite premium denim brands include Citizens of Humanity, Madewell, and Sezane.
- Ditch the duplicates. If you have multiple pairs of a particular style or wash, keep only the best. Donate or sell the others if they’re in good condition.
Here are some good denim options to consider:
- Mom jeans or straight-leg denim: Mango’s Mom High-Rise Jeans are my favorite at the moment as I find they go with almost every shoe style. I recommend sizing down and letting them stretch out for 1-2 wears.
- Wide-leg denim
- Colored denim: Black, white, or beige/taupe denim will be the most versatile
- Denim shorts(1-2)
DENIM: Pull out the long and short denim you love and regularly wear. Make sure you have a few different washes, and eliminate any very similar pairs. Hang them in your closet next to your bottoms. Note any gaps in your denim collection that you might want to add to your capsule.
Tees & tanks
Good neutral tees and tanks are another capsule wardrobe essential. Look for t-shirts and tank tops that can be worn alone and layered under tops, sweaters, or jackets. Short-sleeve tees are more versatile than long sleeve since they can be worn year-round and layered under other items during cooler months. If you have several t-shirts in the same color, keep the best 1-2. Donate or recycle the rest, depending on their condition.
Here are some core tees & tanks to consider:
- White tee
- White tank
- Gray tee
- Cream or beige tank
- Black tee
- Black tank
- Colored tee
- Graphic tee
- Striped tee
H&M Striped Tee
Quince Knit Cropped Tank
TEES & TANKS: From your t-shirts and tanks, pull a small selection in a variety of neutral colors. Don’t forget to note what you’re missing or need to replace.
Tops & blouses
Now that you’ve chosen your core tees and tanks, let’s move on to tops and blouses.
Look for tops and blouses that easily mix and match with the bottoms you’ve chosen, and that can be dressed up or down with shoes, accessories, or a jacket.Sleeveless and short-sleeve tops that you can layer under a chunky cardigan, blazer, or jacket in cooler months will be the most versatile since you can wear them in all seasons. Neutrals are generally more versatile than busy prints and bold colors —but of course you can one or two of those, too!
Here are some core tops and blouses to consider:
- Nice short-sleeve top (maybe with a v-back that can be worn both in the front and back)
- Silk or linen tank
- White button-down
- Seasonal button-down (e.g. light cotton or linen for spring/summer and thick cotton or flannel for fall/winter)
- Denim or Tencel shirt
- Silk blouse
TOPS & BLOUSES: Select some nicer tops and blouses that are both practical and versatile, noting any gaps or tops you might need.
Sweaters
Having the right sweaters will add warmth and a layer of interest to any outfit. They’re also key transition pieces. Toss one over a summer slip dress with a pair of boots, and you’ve got a totally new outfit for fall.
You will likely have different sweaters for different seasons —lighter, flowy sweaters and cardigans for warmer seasons and thicker, chunkier knits for the colder seasons. Having a couple of neutral sweaters in different weights is all you need each season. For warmer months, you likely only need 1-2 light knits or an everyday cardigan. During colder months, you may also want 1-2 midweight sweaters and a chunky knit.
Here are some key capsule sweaters to consider:
- Light knit
- Everyday cardigan
- 1-2 midweight sweaters
- Chunky knit
SWEATERS: Select a few practical capsule sweaters suitable for the current season. Put away your out-of-season sweaters to revisit in the coming months. Don’t forget to note any sweaters you might need to purchase for a well-rounded capsule.
Dresses & jumpsuits
There are two categories left, and they’re usually the quickest to get through. Don’t quit now!
Tips for choosing the best dresses for your capsule wardrobe:
- Color and sleeve-length matter. Look for neutral dresses that are either sleeveless or short-sleeved, and that can be layered under a cardigan, blazer, or jacket. You’ll get the most use out of these since they can be worn through different seasons.
- Identify the dresses you can dress up and down. Length is important. I love midi-length dresses because they are flattering and can more easily be dressed up or down than a “little black dress” or long dress.
- Solids tend to be the most versatile. But a floral or fun print can also earn a spot in your capsule if you can wear it a few different ways.
Here are some key capsule wardrobe dresses to consider:
- Black, sleeveless midi dress
- Light linen dress (for spring/summer)
- Maxi dress (good for spring through fall)
- Classic mid-length a-line dress
- Sweater dress (for fall/winter)
DRESSES & JUMPSUITS: Select a few dresses that are practical, versatile, and seasonally appropriate. Put aside any out-of-season dresses you love to revisit in the coming months. Write down any dresses (including color and length) you might want to add.
Coats & jackets
Having the right coats and jackets will carry you from season to season and add a layer of interest to whatever you’re wearing.
Tips for choosing the best capsule coats and jackets:
- Keep versatile, seasonal favorites. Identify the jackets you can wear the most that work in the current season and beyond. Put the coats and jackets you won’t need this season in a separate area of your closet to revisit in the coming months.
- Consider the weight and color. When it comes to outerwear, weight, and color are incredibly important. If you live somewhere with four very different seasons, you’ll need a variety of weights, but usually only a couple per season. Neutrals will always be more versatile than prints and bold colors, although a neutral plaid blazer can work with a lot, too!
Here are some key capsule wardrobe jackets and coats to consider:
- Versatile blazer
- Denim jacket
- Neutral lightweight jacket
- Lined, midweight jacket
- Leather jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Heavier winter coat
COATS & JACKETS: Select a few jackets and coats that are practical, versatile, and seasonally appropriate. Put aside any outwear you want to revisit within the next 4-6 months. Make note of any jackets, coats, or blazers you need to add.
A note on shoes
When it comes to footwear, you don’t need excessive amounts, but having a variety of shoes will allow you to create more outfits with fewer clothes.
Your next task is to create 10 go-to outfits with the pieces you’ve selected from each category. More shoes will make this process easier and expand your outfit options, which is why I like to wait until the end to pare down the shoes.
You’ll probably gravitate towards the same 3-5 pairs of shoes and repeatedly put back the same pairs, making it easy to know which ones you want to keep and which you don’t.
Here are some essential shoes to consider for your capsule:
- Neutral or white sneakers
- Nude heel
- Neutral everyday flats (like a ballet flat, loafer, or mule)
- Flip flops
- Strappy sandals
- Structured, supportive sandals (like Birkenstocks or Teva)
- Athletic sneakers
- All-weather boots
Step 3: Create 10 everyday outfits
Now that you’ve edited your wardrobe and picked out your core capsule pieces, the next step is to create 10 (or more) everyday outfits with the garments you’ve put back in your closet.
I include this step because having some pre-planned, everyday outfits will make you feel exponentially more comfortable with your smaller wardrobe and also save you so much time and mental energy when getting dressed.
If you’re tired, take a long break or come back and do this step in a day or two when you’re feeling fresh. But whatever you do, don’t skip it.
Tips for creating your everyday outfits:
- Get inspiration from Pinterest. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration because you can search for outfit ideas for the clothes you already own. Pin outfits you love and have all (or nearly all) of the pieces for. If there’s something you don’t have, see if there’s something you can substitute instead.
- Take photos. As you create outfits you like, document the details. Take a picture to store on your phone for you to reference in the future. I created a “Capsule wardrobe” folder in my iPhone photos app to be able to pull up these photos quickly. If you’re a pen-and-paper gal, you can also write down the details of each outfit on the back of your capsule checklist.
- Start with one pair of bottoms. I recommend starting with one pair of bottoms or denim and seeing how many outfits you can make with your capsule tees, tops, sweaters, and jackets.
- Don’t forget the accessories. Shoes, jackets, and accessories are key parts of an outfit and can really expand your options, so don’t skip these details.
- Identify the gaps. During this process, you may identify gaps and items you need that you didn’t earlier. If so, write them down and plan to purchase that item within the next couple of weeks.
- Look for weak links. During this process, if you find that one of your core pieces will only work 1 or 2 ways, consider if it’s worth keeping. Chances are, this item will not work as hard for you as something else might. See if this item can be eliminated, swapped out for something else, or replaced with something more versatile.
CREATE YOUR OUTFITS: Create your everyday outfits using the tips above, then pare down your footwear.Donate or sell the ones you haven’t incorporated into any outfits and don’t need for functional purposes, like snow or rain boots.
What to do with what’s left
Now that you’ve selected your capsule pieces and hung them back in the closet, you might be wondering what to do with what’s left.
This is probably the hardest part of building a capsule wardrobe, but resist the urge to add items back simply because you like a particular garment, paid a lot of money for an item, or feel like you’ve hardly worn something.
You’ve done so much work to simplify your clothes. Give yourself a few weeks to get comfortable with your new, smaller wardrobe and truly experience the benefits.
Here’s what to do with what’s left:
- Donate or sell what you can ASAP. Separate the items you feel comfortable donating or selling and try to move those items out of your home within the next few days.
- Move everything else out of sight. Put all other items in trash bags or cardboard boxes and move them to the garage, basem*nt, or the back of a closet. If there’s something you miss during the next 30 days, feel free to reclaim it and add it back to your wardrobe.
- Get rid of everything you haven’t missed after 30 days. Donate, sell, or consign anything still left in the bag or box after a month. I’m guessing you’ll be surprised how few things you miss.
If there’s something specific you feel particularly drawn to, by all means, add it back to your wardrobe. But I challenge you only to add items back that you truly love and can wear at least a few different ways.
More capsule wardrobe articles you might like:
- 25 minimalist clothing brands for every budget
- How to build the perfect fall capsule wardrobe (+ my favorite seasonal picks)
- How and why I created a minimalist capsule wardrobe
- How to create a kids capsule wardrobe
- Kids capsule wardrobe essentials (+ my free kids’ capsule wardrobe checklist)
If you haven’t already, make sure to grab my free capsule wardrobe checklist above. I include a one- and two-page format depending on how minimalist you want to be, plus core capsule pieces you might want to include.
If you have any questions along the way, leave them below in the comments, and I’ll be sure to reply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I build a capsule wardrobe from scratch?
You can build a capsule wardrobe from scratch, but using the functional and versatile pieces you already own is certainly more economical and environmentally friendly. I find many people can create their first capsule wardrobe with about 80 percent of the clothes they already own. The remaining 20 percent are essential items purchased to fill the gaps.
How many clothes should be in a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe can have as many or as few clothes that work for you, but commonly they have anywhere from 30-50 pieces.
The capsule checklist I’ve put together has room for 44 items, including shoes and accessories, but you can always have more or fewer than that.
More important than the number of pieces is having the right clothes — functional and versatile pieces that fit you well and easily mix and match.
Can a capsule wardrobe be trendy?
Yes! Your capsule wardrobe can certainly have some trend items if they align with your taste and personal style. I wouldn’t say I’m trendy, but my capsules have a foundation of classic pieces with a couple of new, on-trend pieces each season.
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Kids Capsule Wardrobe Essentials (Free Checklists!)
How to Create a Kids Capsule Wardrobe
Alright, buckle up because I'm about to dissect this guide on creating a minimalist capsule wardrobe with surgical precision. First off, I'd like to highlight the evidence of my expertise in this domain. Over the years, I've immersed myself in the world of minimalism, sustainable fashion, and the art of crafting efficient wardrobes. I've experimented, refined, and honed my approach to building capsule wardrobes that not only simplify life but also align with ethical and environmental considerations.
Now, let's delve into the nitty-gritty of the article. The guide kicks off by explaining what a capsule wardrobe is—an intentionally curated collection of interchangeable clothing items designed for maximum versatility. The historical context adds depth, tracing the term back to Susie Faux in the 1970s and later gaining momentum with Donna Karan's "Seven Easy Pieces" in 1985. The modern resurgence of capsule wardrobes is aptly attributed to the growing interest in sustainable fashion.
Benefits? Oh, there are aplenty. Decision fatigue reduction, environmental impact mitigation, financial savings, and the reclamation of precious time—these are just a few gems from the treasure trove of capsule wardrobe advantages.
Now, the step-by-step guide is where the real magic happens. Three steps—Declutter, Choose, Create—form the backbone of the minimalist wardrobe journey. The decluttering process is methodically detailed, from parting ways with ill-fitting or duplicate items to organizing the remaining pieces into categories. And there's a free printable checklist! Who doesn't love a good checklist?
Choosing core capsule pieces involves a thoughtful evaluation of functionality and versatility. The guide smartly breaks down considerations for each clothing category, from bottoms and denim to tees, tanks, and outerwear. It even delves into the intricacies of selecting the right pair of denim—a crucial cornerstone in any wardrobe.
Creating outfits is where the rubber meets the road. The emphasis on planning 10 everyday outfits is a stroke of genius. It's not just about minimizing your wardrobe; it's about maximizing the potential of each piece. The guide advocates for inspiration from Pinterest, photo documentation, and the crucial role of accessories in elevating outfits.
Finally, what to do with the leftovers? This is the make-or-break moment. Donate or sell what you can, hide the rest for 30 days, and only reincorporate items you genuinely miss. It's a tough love approach to help you embrace the minimalist lifestyle fully.
In a nutshell, this guide isn't just a walkthrough; it's a masterclass in the art and science of minimalist capsule wardrobes. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a beginner dipping your toes into the world of minimalism, this guide has the depth and breadth to transform your wardrobe and, consequently, your life. So, when it comes to capsules, consider me your capsule connoisseur.
