4 Steps to Starting Your Capsule Wardrobe

We’ve talked about the history of the capsule wardrobe and we’ve discussed the benefits of the creating a pared down closet. Now we’re ready to start the process of creating a capsule wardrobe that works for you! Just remember: this is a process. It probably took years to collect all the clothes you have in your closet. It will take a while to cull through that closet and begin creating the perfect capsule. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Pitch & Purge

Take everything out of your closet or your dresser. We recommend, for your own sanity, to tackle one area first. Section out your wardrobe and the task will be more manageable. Place all of your items on your bed and begin by picking up the item on the top. We like to use Marie Kondo’s approach to “tidying up” and consider if that piece of clothing “sparks joy.” As Kondo writes:

“When something sparks joy, you should feel a little thrill, as if the cells in your body are slowly rising. When you hold something that doesn’t bring you joy, however, you will notice that your body feels heavier.”

If the piece of clothing sparks joy and you reach for it on a regular basis, place it in the “keep” pile. If not, place it in a “discard” pile. This may seem like a daunting, time-consuming task, (and it is) but think of it is a time for reflection, almost like meditation. You will feel more enlightened, both physically and mentally, by the end.

Not every item will produce a clear “joy/no joy” response. Here are a few examples:

• Clothing “Crutches”:

  You might have items of clothing that you wear often but do NOT bring you joy or make you feel good. These are “crutches” and we recommend that you get rid of them. You should want to reach for every item in your capsule and they should all make you feel great.

• “Should” Clothing:

  Every woman has clothing she feels like she “should” own. It could be a suit you bought for an interview but never wore, or a black cardigan your mother bought you. If you don’t wear it, don’t keep it. You don’t have to own anything that doesn’t work for you.

• Sentimental Clothing:

  We all have pieces that have special meaning to us, but may not get regular use. That is totally fine. If these items bring you significant joy, keep them. Just don’t go crazy and get too sentimental and let these clothes rule your closet.

Jay’s sentimental items include her mother’s engagement dress, her wedding shoes, a black jumper she wore to her rehearsal dinner, and a t-shirt from the Brass Kickstarter party.

Step 2: Further Evaluation

You should now have a Keep Pile and a Discard Pile. It’s time to evaluate further.

Discard Pile

1. Clothes in good/great condition: You might be able to resell it, especially if it is a known brand. We love turning old clothes into cash that you can use towards a more purposeful item. You can go to a local consignment shop, do a clothing swap with friends, or use an online service like Tradesy. This site is great because you upload an image of your item, name the price, and list your item. If someone buys your item, they take a small percentage and you get cash.

2. Clothes in good/decent condition: If you do not think it can be resold take it to a Goodwill or donation site. We do not recommend throwing clothes in the trash. They will go to a landfill and depending on the material, take decades to decompose. Do your best to donate or repurpose old clothes.

Keep Pile

1. Clothes in great/good condition: Fabulous! These are keepers and have a place in your new wardrobe.
2. Clothes with signs of wear: If the item has holes, stains, rips, tears, or is stretched out, then it should be replaced. It is easy to overlook the condition of a garment we rely on regularly. You might wear black jeans three times a week. If the knees have bagged out or the interiors of the crotch seams are worn down, consider replacing this piece of clothing. A capsule wardrobe is less clothing, but you want these pieces to be in great condition so you can look fabulous with ease.

Step 3: What’s Missing?

Lay all of your final Keep items out on your bed. You may have gotten rid of half your closet by now and be a little freaked out. Don’t be. This is a good! You are starting to craft your capsule wardrobe. It’s time to figure out what you are missing. If you are unclear, here are the top 20 items that (we think) serve as a great foundation to a capsule wardrobe:

1. Structure Blouse 2. Blazer 3. White Button Down 4. Sleeveless Blouse 5. Cocktail Blouse 6. Tunic Top 7. Chambray Shirt 8. Long sleeve pullover 9. T-shirt 10. Pencil Dress 11. A-Line Dress 12. Fit & Flare 13. Party Dress 14. Maxi Dress 15. Pencil Skirt 16. Trouser 17. Black Jeans 18. Dark Jeans 19. Leggings 20. Boyfriend Jeans

You might own variations of these items. Use this as a guideline and adjust based on your unique needs. After you have determined which items you are missing, rank them in terms of importance. If you need a new blazer because you work in an office setting, but also need a pair of jeans, prioritize the blazer over the jeans. You will need to wear it more often. If you are a full-time mom, you would likely prioritize the jeans over a blazer or cocktail dress. Most importantly, do what works for you and make a physical list, on paper or on your phone. Reference this list whenever you go to make a new purchase.

Step 4: Have a drink.

It can be tiresome going through your closet. Crafting the perfect capsule wardrobe is difficult and it takes time. Recognize that you have taken the first step in building the foundation for your capsule. Pour yourself a glass of wine and do a little online “window shopping”. Don’t buy anything just yet. Put your new list next to you and start looking for quality brands that make clothes that last. You will now be investing in pieces that will be worn often. They should fit well and make you feel great. It will take you longer to find the “perfect” jeans or blouse or dress, but do not settle. Just remember, you should love to reach for every single item in your closet. That is the goal.