Year Round Capsule Wardrobe Basics

Capsule wardrobe basics are items in my closet that stay there year-round. The pieces are basic or neutral colors so they can be paired with items in my seasonal capsules and work capsule. At the moment, I have my capsules split into four capsules—Capsule Wardrobe Basics, Spring/Summer Capsule, Fall/Winter Capsule, and Special Events. My Capsule Wardrobe Basics and Special Events capsules stay in my closet year-round. My seasonal capsules get packed and stored once that season is over and I pull out the current season’s clothing and hang it in my closet. Athleisure and loungewear fall under their own category and I don’t consider it a capsule as I don’t switch things out with the season.

Before we jump into my year-round capsule wardrobe, let’s discuss what a capsule wardrobe is (and what it isn’t).

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothes that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits from the curated collection. The goal of creating a capsule wardrobe is to have a stylish and functional wardrobe that is easy to maintain. They typically contain between 30 and 60 pieces and sometimes, they can be based on a specific color palette.

But there has been a lot of misconception about the “rules” of a capsule wardrobe. Some people truly believe that you can only have a specific number of clothing items or you’re restricted to a boring, muted color palette. This couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t have to only wear black and white, although, if you want to, you absolutely can!

The point of a capsule wardrobe is to fill your closet with items you truly love and create new ways to be innovative with your closet and the outfits you piece together. It’s to help you not just buy something that’s on sale because it’s on sale instead of saving for something you love. None of these “rules” are set in stone and they can adapt over time based on your taste and needs!

The benefits of a capsule wardrobe

There are so many benefits to having a capsule wardrobe, but there are three primary benefits that really drew me into creating a capsule wardrobe.

a well-created capsule wardrobe can help you save money.

The focus is on pulling items together that you truly love, fit you well, and are versatile. Meaning that while all of the pieces might vary in terms of formal to casual, they can be paired together in different ways to create the look you are wanting.

One of the common tenants of capsule wardrobes is that you plan out your purchases, budget for them, and then purchase once you’ve budgeted. You’re limiting impulsivity when it comes to shopping and instead thinking through why you want an item and how you’ll use it.

Second, a capsule wardrobe can help you to save time.

How many times have you looked at the mountain of clothes in your closet that should definitely be hung up and wondered what you should wear that day? When was the last time that the first outfit you put on was an outfit you loved?

When you know what you have to wear, you can get dressed quickly and easily. You know the items in your closet are items that you love and can put with other pieces and know you’ll look fire. Plus, when you cut down on the number of items you have in your closet, you can spend less time on laundry.

Third, a capsule wardrobe can help you to reduce stress.

How many times have you had an event or function come up and you’ve convinced yourself that you absolutely need something new to look nice for it? Do you have clothing items in your closet that you’re hanging onto because while they might not fit right now, they may someday? Not only is that bad for your mental health, it’s also taking up space in your closet and your mind.

Your closet should be a source of happiness, filled with items you love. Items that you know fit well. Items that make you feel confident. When you have a well-curated wardrobe with items like these, you are less likely to feel overwhelmed when it comes time to get dressed.

How to create a capsule wardrobe

Creating a capsule wardrobe can seem like a daunting thing, but it’s actually pretty easy to get started.

Other capsule wardrobe guides would say that the first step is to take inventory of your existing closet. I disagree.

The first step is actually to assess your lifestyle. How do you spend the majority of your time? Think through a normal month in your life… Do you like to go out on the weekends? What kind of places are those? What’s the overall vibe of the place?

Do you work in an office? Work from home? Do you have to go and visit clients? Do you travel a lot? What kinds of clothes do you need for work? Another piece of your lifestyle is where you live. If you’re in Canada, I guarantee your clothing needs look different from mine here in Dallas, TX.

The second step is for you to inventory your current wardrobe. Try on everything. See what fits. See what you hate and what you love. Get rid of anything that you do not wear, and keep only the items that you love. If it’s still in good condition, try selling the item online. If you don’t want to mess with that, suggest a clothing swap with your friends to see if there are any items they might want and items they want to get rid of that you might want. From there, donate.

If the item is in bad condition… please don’t donate it. Throw it away. As a social worker, I’ve worked in a number of different places, and the things that people donate… (used underwear… ick) It’s just really sad.

Now, after you’ve assessed your lifestyle and then inventoried your current wardrobe, it’s time to plan out your shopping. There’s a reason the third step is for you to start shopping for clothes. You need to make sure you know where your wardrobe currently stands in comparison to your lifestyle needs before you ever make a purchase.

When you are shopping, start online. Look for pieces that are versatile and that can be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe, but don’t purchase until you’ve checked to see if you’re getting the absolute best price. One of my favorite tools I use to help me with this is Rakuten. I’ve gotten almost $400 in cash back since joining in 2021 and Rakuten always knows the latest promo codes to ensure I’m always getting the best deal. You can sign up here.

My typical wish list timeline is between 1-3 months. If it’s a more urgent need, that timeline gets moved up a bit. But it’s all based on what I’ve budgeted and if there are any deals available.

Must-have pieces for a year-round capsule wardrobe

Today, we’re going over my basics. I’ve had many of these items for several years, so they are meant to last a long while. I hope that this peek in my closet will give you ideas on how to stock your closet up with items that are quality pieces that can be used in many different ways.

Must have tops for a year-round capsule

Must have dresses, pants, and skirts for a year-round capsule

Must have accessories for a year-round capsule

How to maintain your capsule wardrobe

Capsule Wardrobe Organization Tools:

I hope that this guide has been helpful to you all! I’ve pared down my closet to these pieces because I’ve found myself going to these items again and again. Of course, I mix them with pieces from my other capsules to make them seasonally friendly.

Moving towards a minimalist lifestyle does not mean you have to sacrifice style. It means you’re more intentional with your purchases and how you pair the items together.

Have you thought about having a capsule wardrobe? What are some fears you have about it?

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