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7 Steps for Creating Your Chic & Effortless Style!
Are you ready to create your signature look with a few key pieces? Well, creating a seasonal capsule wardrobe allows you to do just that and achieve "wardrobe sanity."
Your capsule wardrobe includes basic pieces that can be mixed & matched to achieve lots of different outfits. These key staple pieces should be the best quality that you can afford - The capsule is all about what will work for you.
Timelessness is a quality we look for in everyday items, from handbags, interior decor to furniture. Yet, when it comes to wardrobe, we tend to value trend over longevity. Proponents of capsule wardrobes urge us to think differently. By following the rules for your bodyline and body proportion for these garments and purchasing classic styles, your pieces will last for many seasons.
So, What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a specific collection of clothing set at a certain number of pieces that correlate well together to create a variety of different looks for a set duration of time that perfectly complement the personal style and lifestyle of the capsule wardrobe owner.
Depending on how much money and space you have for your clothes, it is most economical to buy these pieces in your preferred neutral colors and then just add the colorful accessories season by season to keep up to date. Or, if you more color adventurous, go big! And although it does take time and effort to design and put together the perfect seasonal capsule wardrobe, in the end, the advantages of the capsule wardrobe process are well worth it.
How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe
One of my favorite ways to celebrate the start of a season is to create a chic and stylish capsule wardrobe that genuinely captures my sense of style and appreciation for that particular season!
Of course, when done correctly, a capsule wardrobe is the perfect way to have an efficient, minimal clothing collection that fully portrays who you are in every look created. One of the primary missions of Haus Deco Chic is to teach my readers how to create the perfect capsule so they can live their best-styled & chic life.
So, below is my guide to putting together your perfect seasonal capsule wardrobe.
Advantages of Having a Capsule Wardrobe
SAVES TIME - Sure, creating the capsule takes time on the front end, but if done correctly and carefully, putting together endless looks with your capsule will be a breeze! No more "I have nothing-to-wear” days!
CREATES A TIDY & ORGANIZED SPACE - When you have a minimal amount of clothing pieces to keep in your closet and don’t allow yourself to continue shopping after the capsule is complete, you will be amazed at how refreshing it is to open a wardrobe that is not bursting at the seams with pieces you haven’t worn in ages.
SAVES MONEY - When you have your capsule complete, that’s it - no more shopping for that particular season or other set duration of time. When you search for pieces to be added to the capsule, you shop mindfully and not just spend impulsively. You aren’t wasting money on 'maybes'; but purchasing the perfect pieces you will use much more in the long-run.
CREATES A GREATER VALUE & APPRECIATION OF YOUR CLOTHING - Again, when done correctly, your capsule wardrobe will be just what you need to be fashionably chic & always ready! The pieces that make up your capsule will be items you genuinely love - and selected with care. You will appreciate your work and will love the looks you can create.
Creating the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe Catered Specifically to Your Personal Style!
HDC STEP 1: CHANNEL YOUR STYLE & FASHION INSPIRATION & IDEATION Let’s start with the fun part! For me, Pinterest has been a haven for fashion & style inspiration and ideation in creating my own personal style. All you need to do is browse Pinterest for outfit ideas and pin any look that remotely resonates or inspires you. Don’t hesitate if you love one part of an outfit and are unsure about another aspect. Pin it anyway! I recommend creating a separate board for your capsule wardrobe.
HDC STEP 2: LIST THE PIECES Next, go through your created capsule wardrobe Pinterest board and list every clothing piece you like. Remember to only list those items you can see yourself wearing, which would legitimately fit your lifestyle and match your seasonal needs. Make sure to list everything...If you’re anything like me, it will be quite a long list.
HDC STEP 3: CONSOLIDATE YOUR TOP ITEMS This is where you go through the items and condense them. You’ll want to have your number in mind here. If you’re going to keep your capsule set at 33 - 45 pieces, don’t let your consolidated list go above that. This is where you eliminate duplicates and items that really won’t work well in your wardrobe. Also - if you pinned something that you already own, leave it on the list! After this step is complete, you will have your TOTAL list of pieces for your seasonal capsule wardrobe, whether you need to buy them or already own them.
HDC STEP 4: SELECT YOUR PREFERRED COLOR PALLET It’s essential not to have every color of the rainbow represented in your capsule. Though it may sound restrictive to pin a color scheme and be beholden to it for the rest of your capsule wardrobe days, it’s not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. Selecting a color pallet will make creating coordinating looks so much easier. Easily pairable colors like black, white, grey, and navy blue are all excellent options that are probably already sitting in your closet. Choose two or three base colors and two or three accent colors that pair well together no matter how you interchange pieces.
HDC STEP 5: EVALUATE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE Now it’s time to get down and dirty. It’s time to get all of your clothes out. Yes, all of them, and make a huge pile. Go through all the pieces you plan to keep in your possession and evaluate which items could work as one of the articles on your capsule wardrobe list you consolidated in HDC Step 3. Then, check-off the items you already have.
HDC STEP 6: SHOP FOR & SELECT THE ESSENTIALS After you’ve gone through what you already have, you’ll know what you still need to shop for to create your perfect capsule wardrobe. Basic capsule wardrobe essentials are those items you can wear all year round and take you from day to night.
Here’s a list of 5 Capsule Wardrobe Essentials To add to your collection:
Black Trousers – Choose a soft crepe that is smart enough for business but can easily be dressed up for the evening. If you have trouble finding a pair that fits perfectly, consider getting them altered. A lined pair will keep its shape better. Also, consider your budget - can you afford to keep dry cleaning them? If you find the perfect pair, consider buying two pairs and having one for flats and another for high heels.
Shirts – Take care to follow the advice for your bodyline here, but a fitted shirt, particularly a stripy one, is a great wardrobe addition. Worn open with a camisole underneath or layered under your V-neck jumper or tank top, leave the bottom peeking out of knitwear for a modern look. Plain white is great, but why not add some bright colors from your color palette too? These work brilliantly with jeans for your casual look and with the black trousers or suit trousers for something smarter.
Dresses – For most women, a wrap or empire line dress in a soft jersey fabric works well. Dressed up with sexy sandals and an open neckline, this can be a great evening dress. Layered with one of your shirts underneath and flattering knee-high boots, it can be a great casual look. We'd also put tunics and smocks in this category. If you are not keen on your legs, then shorter dresses over trousers can be a very flattering look. I love this because it allows you to wear flat shoes and still look elegant (great if you are running around all over the place with either your job or chasing small children).
Shoes – You'll need a pair of sexy sandals for evening wear. Ankle boots for under trousers and jeans - something you can walk around in all day. We choose a pointy-toe kitten heel or a chunky heel cowboy boot. Medium-height knee-high boots - stretch fabric if your calves are big - these work with your skirts and dresses. Choose carefully and find a pair that is comfy enough for day wear but also sleek enough for evening elegance. Flip-flops or sliders for summer casual dressing. Trendy trainers for running around at the weekend - not gym trainers - but perhaps something suede or a colorful canvas. Plus, colorful statement shoes - remember shoes are a great accessory – choose patterned colorful statement pairs to update your more classic looks.
Handbags – Ensure you have a bag for each of your looks - formal needs a structured sturdy leather handbag, casual needs something less structured and softer. For evening, you'll need a dainty little clutch. Like shoes, handbags are an awesome accessory to update your outfit and look.
HDC STEP 7: SWITCH IT UP Once you have what you need to be purchased, it’s time to update your closet. I highly recommend storing any item you plan to keep but are not a part of your current capsule. I don’t know about you, but seeing sweaters in my closet on a beautiful June morning does not inspire me to create a fantastic summer outfit. Plus, you’ll find that when you store the clothing, you are currently not wearing, it will almost be like shopping again when it’s time to switch it up!
And there you have it…You’re ready to create the perfect seasonal capsule wardrobe. Are you ready? Now it’s your turn – Give these helpful tips a try & let us know how they’ve helped!
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know your thoughts in the comments section! One Last Thing…
Here’s Your Ultimate Seasonal Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
For Spring/Summer 1. Denim Shorts 2. Denim Jacket 3. Lightweight trousers 4. Ankle jeans/pants 5. Midi skirt 6. Tanks 7. Tees 8. Lightweight sweater 9. Dresses 10. One-piece swimsuit 11. Sandals 12. Flats
For Fall/Winter 1. Sweaters 2. Jeans 3. Jackets 4. Wool trousers 5. Faux leather leggings 6. Scarves 7. Heeled booties 8. Winter boots
For Work 1. Formal trousers 2. Blazers 3. Button-up shirts
4. Skirts 5. Dresses 6. Loafers/formal shoes 7. Silk tank tops for layering 8. Heels
For Weekends
1. Sneakers
2. Shirts
3. Cardigans
4. Coat
5. Trousers
6. Jeans
For Nights Out 1. Little black dress 2. Straight leg jeans 3. Blouse 4. Silk tank top 5. Heels
REMEMBER: Building a capsule wardrobe is so much fun and can save you so much money and time! Create a capsule wardrobe structure & get to work building your dream capsule closet!
I’ll be back soon with a new post, and in the meantime, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Bloglovin’. You can also contact me via
e-mail if you’d like to ask a question, need friendly advice, or chat.
Live, Laugh & Love Always, Tiffany
Be Confident. Be Bold. Be Uniquely YOU.
Are you looking for some additional great pieces to complete your fall wardrobe?
Check out Haus Deco Chic - Fashion & Style Soul Collective Boutique for the latest designs and fashion-forward pieces. You can also check our fabulous finds in Haus Deco Chic’s Closet on Poshmark!
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