How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe That’s Personalized to You

by Sara LaTorre

Does your entire wardrobe “spark joy” for you? Chances are, the answer is a hard no. In the spirit of spring cleaning, now is the perfect time to downsize your wardrobe to a capsule of 49 pieces and always have something to wear.

We’ve already talked a little bit about capsule wardrobes, but what exactly are they? In simple terms, a capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of functional and versatile clothing items that can be worn interchangeably. It includes timeless pieces like denim, t-shirts, tank tops, work slacks, blouses, skirts, dresses, and stylish shoes. The exact garments that make up your wardrobe are up to your you, but the purpose of building a capsule wardrobe is to make it easier for your to create many various outfits. You may have a capsule wardrobe consisting entirely of weekend clothes, or you may have one that includes mostly options for work. The specifics are entirely up to you and your lifestyle.

While there are no rules to building a capsule wardrobe, there are a few recommendations for creating your wardrobe. Experts typically recommend including between 37 and 50. You don’t have to have a number, but aim for 50 or fewer pieces. The key is having all of the basics covered with garments that you can mix and match with different types of looks and purposes. With strong timeless key pieces, you can easily change up your day to day look with accessories and jewelry.

Does this sound like a stylish setup you’d like for yourself? If the answer is yes, then keep scrolling to get my top capsule wardrobe-building tips—and shop our favorite pieces for each of the 6 outfit ideas.

How it works:
A capsule wardrobe is created to minimize your closet and declutter your life. You only hold onto your favorite items that are each useful in your weekly wardrobe. Not only will you declutter your closet, but you will declutter your head as well.

Fewer options (with endless combinations) will alleviate some of that getting-ready stress we all experience on a daily basis. Simply look to minimize what you have to roughly 37 items, including tops, pants, dresses, and shoes. This number does NOT include items outside of typical dressing for the day. So worry not, your yoga pants, sports bras, coats, evening gowns, and loungey PJs aren’t included in that 37 item limit.

The benefits:
According to The Washington Post, a capsule wardrobe can make life easier. First of all, you are saving money when you avoid buying unnecessary items. You are also saving time when you no longer can to trying on 7 outfits in the morning to see if something even fits your right. Another benefit The Washington Post mentions is the quality of the clothing you will own. If you are investing in a capsule wardrobe, you’ll want to choose items that will last, and will look great on you in different combinations. So long, cheap-looking skirt you will never wear again.

How to make your capsule wardrobe personalized.

Creating your individual capsule wardrobe is actually not very complicated. Just think of how much stress this will relieve. Minimalism at it’s finest! A few simple steps to getting started (recommended by Caroline Joy) are: