Hi fashion forward friends! I recently shared this post over at Organizing JunkieandI wanted to share the post here with you as well. It’s more about my process of moving to a (relaxed) capsule wardrobe.
It’s been a journey friends.If you (like me) often find yourself just staring at your closet and feeling stuck in a rut with how to put together an outfit, you’ll want to read on and learn how you can change that!
About a year ago I decided to move towards more of a “capsule” wardrobe concept. Really ever since I read Jen Hatmaker’s book Seven I’ve been on a continual purging focus, especially when it comes to my clothing. By moving to a relaxed Capsule Wardrobe concept I now have less clothingto choose from yet more outfit options. Win, win, right?!?
While organizing my Capsule Wardrobes I have focused on these three rules:
- Only clothes that I love (and wear).
- Tops and bottoms that GO together.
- Overall less clothing, but more outfit options, with quality pieces.
Before I jump into the three organizing rules,I want to mention that there are many ways to organize a capsule wardrobe. You can do four seasonal (3 month) capsules, two (6 month) capsules, or any variety that works for your lifestyle, climate, and/or clothing needs. You can determine how many capsules and how many items. This is going to be largely dependent on your life. Just remember, less is more.
I personally have created two (flexible) 6 month capsule wardrobes,one for Spring/Summer and one for Fall/Winter which has been perfect for where I currently live and how I need to dress. So start by asking yourself what approach from a timeline perspective you should take when it comes to organizing a capsule wardrobe. Now onto the rules!
Rule #1: Have only clothes you love (and wear).
I don’t dress up for the office, instead I need a variety of clothing, from teaching yoga to cleaning house to going to work functions with my hubby. And honestly, I’m less concerned with being fashionable and more concerned with being in clothingthat I like to wear, fits well, and makes me feel “put together.”
So start by deciding which categories of clothing you need. You don’t need to consider your jewelry, accessories, workout clothes, pajamas, underwear etc. If you need to purge within these categories do so, but they shouldn’t be considered as part of your core capsule(s).
Then purge! Pull everything (every.single.thing) out. Have someone help you by telling you what looks good on you too. Your clothes need to fit well and they need to feel good when you wear them. Commit to only keeping the clothes you love and wear.
Rule #2: Have tops and bottoms that go together.
A common challenge with putting together an outfit is having the right top to go with the right bottom. For example: skinny pants need a pair of boots or flats, a flowing skirt requires a fitted top, and leggings look better with a looooong shirt.
So…..after completing Rule #1, see where you have “holes” when it comes creating outfits.Commit to having tops and bottoms that have coordinating partners, no singles allowed!
What pair of shoes do you need to add in order to complete outfits within your closet? What style of shirt do you need to purchase to finally create an “outfit” with a certain skirt? What pair of bottoms (pants/shorts) do you need to add to go with a specific top?
Plug the holes by completing more outfits and shopping with intention. Work to keep a running list of specific clothing items you need to purchase which will help you to create more outfits.
Rule #3: Have overall less clothing, but more outfit options, with quality pieces.
In reality, you and I probably only wear a percentage of our clothing on a regular basis. This percentage varies from person to person, but I’ve read it can be as low as 20%!
Let’s flip this around and get you closer to wearing 80% of your clothing. Commit to having less in your closet but more outfit options, rule #2. Then as you add more clothing to your closet consider investing in quality and more traditional pieces. Pieces that will provide you with versatility and allow you more outfit combinations. Commit to quality over quantity.
Are you inspired to weed out your closet? I dare you to be a little ruthless. Turn that percentage around! Start wearing more of what you have and love by creating an intentional Capsule Wardrobe(s).
I’m still tweaking things and will be back in May with a full new post covering my new and improved Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe. Stay tuned…
Happy Organizing!!!
Want to stay in the know? Never miss updates from MWM by subscribing to my monthly newsletter now!
[mc4wp_form id=”17201″]
Greetings, fashion-forward enthusiasts! I'm here to share my expertise and insights into the realm of capsule wardrobes. My deep understanding of this concept stems from a combination of personal experience and a broad knowledge base in fashion trends and organization principles.
The article you've shared discusses the author's journey towards a relaxed capsule wardrobe, inspired by Jen Hatmaker's book "Seven." I resonate with the idea of a capsule wardrobe, as it involves a thoughtful curation of clothing to maximize outfit options while minimizing excess. Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Capsule Wardrobe Organization Rules:
-
Rule #1: Have Only Clothes You Love (and Wear):
- The emphasis here is on selecting clothing that aligns with your preferences and activities.
- Purging unused items is a crucial step, ensuring that every piece in your wardrobe is cherished and worn.
- Consideration of specific categories, excluding accessories, workout clothes, etc., is highlighted.
-
Rule #2: Have Tops and Bottoms that Go Together:
- Addressing the common challenge of pairing tops and bottoms to create cohesive outfits.
- Identifying "holes" in your wardrobe and strategically adding items to complete outfits.
- Encouragement to maintain a list of needed items for intentional and efficient shopping.
-
Rule #3: Have Overall Less Clothing, More Outfit Options, with Quality Pieces:
- Acknowledging that a significant portion of our wardrobe often goes unworn.
- Advocating for a shift towards a higher percentage of clothing worn regularly.
- Recommending a focus on quality over quantity when adding new pieces to the wardrobe.
-
-
Capsule Wardrobe Timeline and Variations:
- The article suggests different timelines for capsule wardrobes, such as four seasonal capsules or two six-month capsules.
- The flexibility in determining the number of capsules and items is emphasized, tailored to individual lifestyle, climate, and clothing needs.
-
Personal Example:
- The author shares their personal approach of creating two flexible six-month capsule wardrobes—one for Spring/Summer and one for Fall/Winter.
- Highlighting the importance of aligning the capsule wardrobe with one's current location and dressing requirements.
-
Continuous Improvement:
- The author mentions ongoing adjustments and a commitment to a new and improved Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe in the future.
In conclusion, the capsule wardrobe concept is a thoughtful and intentional approach to fashion, focusing on quality, versatility, and personal style. The rules outlined provide a practical guide for anyone looking to streamline their wardrobe and make the most of their clothing choices. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to explore further, feel free to let me know!
