Simple definition? It’s a mini wardrobe made up of really versatile pieces that you totally LOVE to wear.
For Unfancy purposes, it’s a 37 piece wardrobe that includes tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes.
Why is it so great?
Ever buy some fun new clothes, but end up wearing your old favorites anyway? Me too. Ever go to your closet and feel like you have nothing to wear, even when your closet is filled with clothes? Me too!
I started wondering why I was keeping a closet stuffed with mediocre clothes I didn’t love/wear. And I also started wondering why I kept spending money on mediocre clothes I didn’t wear because they didn’t fit/look right.
So I tried out this capsule wardrobe idea I’d been hearing about. I NEVER. LOOKED. BACK. Now I always feel like I have something awesome to throw on, be it Sunday brunch or a client meeting, because every single item hanging in my closet is something I would love to wear right this moment.
We’ve all experienced closet envy. We’ve been conditioned to want the celeb closet-room, you know? And even though those are pretty cool, you can be really happy with a lot less.
To me, a capsule wardrobe represents more time and energy for what really matters (less time spent deciding what to wear / less time spent shopping / less time doing laundry or caring for clothes) more money for our dreams + helping others (less money spent on clothes that never get worn) and more contentment and happiness.
About this time, you may be thinking, “Yeah that’s great and all, but clothes + shopping are my thing.”
Me too. The goal here isn’t to bash/quit/judge shopping and clothes. The goal is to try something new if we don’t like our current closet situation.
When I started this capsule wardrobe challenge, I was afraid it was going to deny me one of my favorite hobbies (style). But I found it didn’t. In fact, I actually found my style–the real me style that makes me feel comfortable, cool, and, well, happy to be me.
cool idea! but to even thinking about it feels like when giving up smoking (which I did last year) like loosing a friend!! Even though you know it will be good for you. :)
I will start light and try to “clean” my make up bags first :) I think about 37 pieces would be enough too, including all the tools. Recently I threw away some eyeshadows that I had bought more that 10 years ago! ewwwww…. why was I keeping them all those years!! :D Greetings from Barcelona!
Yes!!!! Love it
Hi Caroline,
I am so inspired by you capsule wardrobe concept! And I am so inspired by your own simple personal style! I tried gutting my own wardrobe this week, but have only managed to reduce it to 137 items!!!! Living in Ireland I’m finding this difficult as the weather is so unpredictable. This week we’ve had both sun & hailstone showers!!!! Since this I’ve discovered your page ‘Capsule Wardrobe 101’ on how you break down your tops & bottoms and this has inspired me to further tackle my wardrobe this week, as I found your breakdown a good guideline for myself. I also want to ask what make up products you use, as your makeup is beautiful and simple and a reflection of your fabulous style, really enjoying your blog & looking forward to my own capsule wardrobe challenge, thanks to your inspiration. Jx
Hi Judith,
I also live in Ireland, how are you getting on with the new Capsule ethical clothing for women? Marie
I am so fascinated by your wardrobe capsule concept. I don’t know if I could ever pare it down that much but I am inspired to at least clean out my closet. I love the idea of only having pieces in my closet that I love. Where I live there are very distinct seasons and I have a different wardrobe for work vs. weekends vs. church, etc. So I’m thinking of paring down to your concept of 37 items for each work, weekends/church and then having one for the four seasons.
One question, do you have your spring capsule listed? I would love to see how you went from spring to summer. And I can’t wait to see your fall capsule.
I’m so inspired by your blog! I’m a mother of a 1 year old and a part time professional, and I had given up on having a ‘personal style,’ so to speak. I also had a closet full on things I wasn’t excited to wear. But these past couple of days, I’ve gotten myself almost down to 37 items, and I’m still going! It’s so tough at first – I keep catching myself thinking, ‘I could wear it…’ and I have to remind myself, ‘would I be excited to wear this?’ I know I’m putting too much in storage instead of just getting rid of it, but I figure it’s a good step for now. But between your blog and the fact that I’ve actually gotten a couple of items I get excited to wear, there’s hope for me yet! Thanks!!
I am in love with this whole idea! A friend sent me a link to your site saying that she thought I would like it and I so do! I also saw your home tour and am convinced we are practically the same person : ) My husband and I sold a large house for a small apartment and love the freedom and simplicity of life we have found. Other factors that correlate – favorite foods=tacos, husband that cooks, love of minimalism/simplicity, budgeting system etc. : ) Thanks so much for creating this blog and the resources, I’m actually cleaning my closets and so annoyed with my stuff (I just don’t want any of it) so this will be really helpful!
I’m off to follow you on instagram now. All the best to you guys!
Good Morning,
My goal is to be debt free by January 2015! This has been a helpful resource in my debt free journey. I have created new and fun outfits for FREE!!! THANK YOU!!!
Sincerely,
Adelle Davis
I find this interesting. We really only have two seasons where I live (cold (for us) and hot, hot, hot). My entire wardrobe (including shoes) is 35 pieces. Obviously I’m not really a clothes person! Good idea for people who need to de-clutter.
I have few social graces and am often surprised at what others find distasteful. So with capsule wardrobes, the issue of how frequently to rewear a given shirt or pair of pants comes up. I know I would wear my favorite pair of jeans every day so long as they don’t smell or have visible stains. Others may find that practice objectionable. (Yes, I heard about that Austalian anchorman who wore the same suit every day for a year and nobody noticed… Men are so lucky they can get away with that!). I work a professional job, not wearing suits but I can’t wear jeans or sandals. The rest of the time I am raising 4 small children who don’t care what I wear. So my question is, with respect to my work wardrobe, how often can I get away wearing a given piece (except outerwear) or pair of shoes? Is once a week okay? Can I wear my favorite boots 2-3 times a week? I only do laundry once a week and I don’t wash everything that often anyway (life is too short to wash things that aren’t dirty).
I found your blog today <3 Totally in love with it .
Hello, I really like this concept ! I’ll be moving to Germany in February and since I’ll be restricted in luggage I’ll definitely give this a try ! and maybe link you on one of my posts if it works ;) you’re just brilliant !! XOXO
I have been working towards this since the end of last year and really made it an intention for 2015. I love your advice and ideas on the subject! I am definitely going to try under-bed storage for those off-season and big ticket items that I am not quite ready to part with yet.
This is such a good idea I think I might try it myself
Charlotte x
where can I hire someone to buy this capsule wardrobe for me, clean out my closet and set up the new wardrobe?
Does this include underwear and pajamas? :-)
I love your blog! I’m the administrator of the Facebook Group, “Capsule Wardrobe Collective” and would like you to join the group! I keep a capsule wardrobe of my own and have several E-Books on my blog.
Leanne,
ClassyYetTrendy.com
Hi! I’m so inspired (like many other people) with your capsule wardrobe method. I’m currently planning mine out for fall. I was curious though if you had any suggestions for creating a work out clothes capsule?
Hey Melissa! I would use the same guidelines as with a regular capsule. Use the wardrobe planner as a guide, determine what types of workout gear you need and will use the most, and go from there! Good luck :) xo, Caroline
I just stumbled across your blog the other day and I am so happy that I did! You’re such an inspiration for living a beautiful life without all of the stuff and the fuss that we all sometimes assume must go along with it. I am trying this challenge for Spring– excited to report back!
I’ve just discovered your blog, thanks to the how to shop online post. I. LOVE. IT. I’m going through my wardrobe again, tossing out things that are beautiful but don’t make me look beautiful; things that would flatter me if I hemmed them; things that were on sale and not in my colour; things that are so on point fashion-wise that I hesitate choosing them and thus never wear them. ENOUGH. I’ve also spent a year not shopping and just living with the things I love. I have a new appreciation for the things I do love. Thanks to you, I understand better my go-to styles, and have just spent some money (hopefully) choosing pieces online that will become more go-to pieces. Stay tuned!
I’m an entrepreneur and a blogger. I like to look good when I’m working, and unfussy when I’m not. I’ll give you both sites here: http://www.theadmingap.com is my pay-the-bill site, and http://www.past-presence.com is my passion project.
xoxox and HNY!
Linda