We should absolutely love all of our clothes. But so often, we don’t.
We should be pleased when we look at our wardrobes. But sometimes all we want is something new.
Our clothing should make us feel fantastic. And yet, it frequently doesn’t.
It’s time for a new approach to building a wardrobe. It’s called a CAPSULE WARDROBE.
A capsule wardrobe allows us to simplify our closet, eliminate the amount of time folding, organizing, buying and washing our clothes, and guarantees that we’ll always love what we wear.
I’m launching my capsule wardrobe today: 40 pieces in 90 days.
The purpose of a capsule wardrobe
Have you ever found yourself staring at a closet full of clothing, and yet having this awful feeling that there’s nothing you want to wear? I have.
Have you spent hours organizing your closet, and yet still forget about the pieces you never wear? I have.
Do you continue to shop despite the fact that (if the above is true of you) you clearly have tons of clothing already? I definitely have.
So, the purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to ultimately change our relationship with our clothes.
With a successful capsule wardrobe, here’s how we’ll feel when we put on each piece:
Wow. This dress was made for me.
This shirt actually takes me from desk to dinner.
I feel so comfortable in this.
I could walk miles in these shoes and still feel fabulous.
When I wear this, people actually see me, not my clothes.
These pants make me feel good in my own skin.
… And so much more.
Despite what the fashion industry and advertising companies want us to believe, clothes should be made for the body, not the body for clothes.
Your closet should work for you by being a simple, flawless collection of items that do what they’re supposed to– clothe you appropriately. It should not be a labyrinth of doom that engulfs you, overwhelms you, and takes hours to clean out and shop for over and over again.
So, let’s build wardrobes that are made for us. Let’s stop forcing ourselves into fashions that are anything less than PERFECT for our bodies and our lifestyles.
This is why I am (and hope that you will consider) building a capsule wardrobe.
The Numbers: 40 pieces / 90 days
I’ve selected 40 pieces– clothing and shoes– to carry me through the next 3 months. This is clothing that I will reach for every single morning. Whatever outfit I put together should carry me through the rest of the day.
These are my current favorite pieces. These are the ones I’ve reached for almost automatically; the ones that I know will keep me comfortable and happy all day long, all week long, all season long.
Why 90 days? Every three months, seasons change. Our schedules might change as well, and the weather will certainly change. So within 3 months, we should be able to cycle through the same pieces and find ourselves appropriately dressed.
Often times people will ask at this point what’s not included in these 40 pieces. As you’ll see below, I am not including: loungewear, undergarments, athletic wear, formal occasion (e.g. wedding) attire, accessories or anything that I wouldn’t be able to wear to work or out on the town. More on these exclusions later!
I am including pieces that:
- Are appropriate for my lifestyle: both work and play.
- Actually fit me right now.
- Make me look and feel my best.
- Transition from one scenario to another with ease.
- Are versatile enough for moving around.
- Are consistent with each other.
- Can be dressed up or down.
The 40: Favorite Brands and Favorite Pieces
Everyone’s style is different, and everyone’s needs are different. These are the items I’ve selected to reflect my needs, my job, my hobbies and my personal style!
Tops: A balance between loose-fitting and tighter-fitting tees, button-downs and blouses.
Outerwear: A mix of simple cardigans that pair well with the tops.
Bottoms: Pants (for work), long skirts, and shorts for warm weekend days.
Shoes: Comfortable flats, sandals and one pair of heels.
Dress: My absolute favorite work and dinner dress.
A Note on Brands:
Brands don’t really matter for a capsule wardrobe; but quality tends to matter. Since I’m wearing these pieces for 3 months straight, they’re going to have to hold up to washing, some stretching and a variety of activities.
One perk of shrinking your wardrobe is that you might be able to purchase higher quality, long-lasting pieces that would otherwise be too expensive. Buying less allows you to spend more on quality, which means you get more wear out of each piece. More bang for your buck!
More importantly, I started with 40 pieces that were already in my wardrobe. I did not go out and purchase 40 new pieces of clothing.
Brands included in this capsule wardrobe: Ann Taylor, Vince, Madewell, C. Wonder, Bar III, Earth, Tory Burch, Silence & Noise, Joe’s, Adriano Goldschmied, Aerosoles, Stuart Weitzman.
What to expect next from my capsule wardrobe:
In case you’re wondering, I actually will be sticking to these 40 pieces of clothing for the next 90 days. I’ll even show you some of the outfits I put together!
I’ll also be writing more about capsule wardrobes, including: how to build one that works; some goals that it can help you achieve; how to decide what to keep and what to toss; where to find high-quality clothing; and much more!
I hope you’ll follow along on this journey of mine! It’s just one more way to make minimalism work in practical ways.
* An earlier version of this post had 120 days– my mistake! The intention is for this to last about 3 months, not 4!
Cool post! I have a question though: although I have culled my closet a lot, I sometimes find myself wanting different pieces or a different style. Also my work and play clothes are VERY different. What do you suggest I should do to keep my closet to a minimum? Fyi, I currently have a full dresser and armoire (that includes work clothes, casual clothes, ceremony stuff, exercize clothes, lounge wear and unmentionables).
Any help appreciated!
Best,
Marie
Does anyone know of a StichFix kind of service that does a capsule wardrobe in the US? I’m hopeless at this and hate shopping….
Thanks, girl! And yes, weather can be a huge hurdle, so I hope warm weather comes your way! It’s much easier here in LA where I know the temperatures can only fluctuate so much. That said, it’s getting WAY too hot WAY too fast… this wardrobe is not designed for 90+ degrees!
I love seeing the items you chose! I’m surprised at how far 40 pieces will go. You have a very clear and versatile style, and I can see how you’ll be able to mix and match everything. I’m planning to take the plunge and do my first capsule wardrobe once the Chicago weather decides it’s going to stay warm. 🙂
I hope you do try a capsule wardrobe Anna! You’ll love it! 🙂
I want to do this! I feel like I don’t like any of my clothes 🙁 Haha. It’s the worst! I probably just need to go through and clean out and find the stuff I do like.
http://www.sheisjoyful.com
This is another super helpful post for my preparation period! I am so happy you photographed all of your choices for the next 90 days. That’s a great visual for me, too!
Thank you for sharing and helping!!!
Much Love,
-Stephanie Eva
http://www.stephanieheva.blogspot.com
This looks like a great capsule wardrobe!! Your requirements for the pieces you selected are spot on! I really look for comfort and maximum versatility too! Can’t wait to see more on this!
My wardrobe needs this desperately. I would love to love the clothes in my closet… But right now those pieces are buried under pieces that don’t fit or that just don’t make me feel beautiful,
Such a great project! I can’t wait to see what outfits you come up with your 40 pieces! I’ve been meaning to build a capsule wardrobe but I haven’t yet. I’m sure I can come up with 40 pieces right now but ultimately, I want to end up buying well-made pieces such as a real leather jacket and the perfect white blouse! Thank so much for sharing this! Seriously, I really can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Katherine Lou
http://www.wanderhour.com
Ah thank you friend!! And that’s a great rule to have, so you don’t keep accumulating stuff you don’t love anymore. So glad to have you along for this journey!
Awesome!! Can’t wait to see what you put together 🙂
Thanks so much Joanna! I really appreciate that!
Good question Amanda! I think if they’re operating as undergarments (like under a sheer dress) then I wouldn’t count them. Everything I’ve counted can be worn on its own (which is why I don’t count scarves either). But if you’re doing this, then definitely do what works best for you! 🙂 If a dress you have can’t be worn without a slip, then I would count those as one piece.
Thanks Heidi!!
Thanks so much Erin! 🙂
Thanks girl! x
Yes, I feel that Kimberly! For the longest time I held onto pants that were too loose or too tight, thinking that I might eventually need them. But, seeing as it’s been several years, I’ve decided to cross that bridge later!
I know right! I’ve loved picking up awesome recycled pieces. Am definitely hoping that they’ll last me a while!
Thank you so much Laura! It’s a great way to simplify. And that’s exactly how I was– reaching for the same pieces over and over again!
Ah thanks so much Brooke!! Let me know if you decide to build a smaller wardrobe that’s less intimidating 😉
Thank you Lauren!! I think storing things away is a fabulous idea. I still have tons of things to sort through, and I’ll be keeping them at least until these 90 days are over.
Awesome Gina. That is just fantastic to hear! I’ve already experienced that simplicity as well– am loving it.
Thanks girl!! 🙂
Thanks so much Kristy! 🙂 I hope you do– I’ll keep writing about it and trying to share some tips!
I cant wait to see this project come to life! I still have those, I have nothing to wear days, but I swear I’m getting way better than I once was. I find outfit planning works very well for me. I’m less stressed about what am I going to wear tomorrow. I’m the first person anyone see’s at the company I work. I always want to look my best. I also play by the out with the old, in with the new rule. Every time I make a purchase, I get rid of or donate something I’ve been neglecting. (:
http://www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com
I’m planning to try a capsule wardrobe now that baby is out! These are great tips 🙂
I love this, Daisy!!! I’m excited to follow and love all the pieces you’ve chosen to be part of your capsule wardrobe 🙂
lovejoanna.com
I’m curious – do you include tanks and camis in the count, or no because they count as undergarments, since you wear them under sheer dress shirts, etc.?
This is so genius Daisy and I love all of your pieces!
Heidi
http://www.wishesandreality.com
Wow! Love the concept of this! 🙂 I cannot wait to see how you mix and play with all the pieces! 🙂 Really gets you to appreciate pieces you may not wear otherwise 🙂
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatwirl.com
Yes, so I’m not limiting my wardrobe but eliminating spending and shopping for clothes. I realized that the tricky aspect of a capsule wardrobe you can begin to think that you must shop for the perfect piece. I don’t love everything in my closet and I am missing something’s but I need to be content right now. We’re going on vacation in April and I knew that I might want to buy something at a local boutique but until then!
You’ve done this so well!x
Thanks so much Chelsea, glad to have you 🙂
Thank you Natalie! And I will definitely be putting new outfits together! I hope you enjoy reading about this 🙂
That sounds cool! Does the fast mean that you’re not shopping, or limiting what you wear?
And I totally agree about special occasions– I have sooooo many party dresses (some even from high school) that I never ever wear now.
Thanks Kay!! Yes, the numbers are flexible, but I think it works out pretty well. 🙂
Thanks Ariana! I really appreciate that. Now that my clothes are on the internet I can’t cheat, right? 😉
Yes!! Me too. I hope you’ll follow along and let me know what you think 🙂
Thank you Annie! Yes, I’m so often stuck in the “I might wear this” land. I even keep things that don’t fit, just hoping I might need them if my size changes. Thanks for reading, I hope you find some encouragement here 🙂
Thank you Jen!
Yes, it’s a bit scary, but I’m hoping it will ultimately prove to be fun! 🙂 Thanks for reading, Shannon!
Thanks Alison!! I hope these posts will be encouraging!!
Thank you Shireen– I really appreciate that!!
Thank you Nabihah!! Yes, we do that don’t we– buy things that we already have multiples of and don’t use!!
I do not have too many clothes number and space wise…- this is not a struggle of mine. but in the few clothes I DO have…i have clothes mixed in that do not fit and also clothes I do not like…that I keep around for just – in – case it fits one day…etc. And these are hard to let go of for me – but I NEED to let them go! 😉
Love me a capsule wardrobe! I also agree with buying less clothing so you can spend more on good, quality pieces that will last for a long time. Value over quantity/cheap is always my motto 🙂
This is such a great idea. I’ve been seeing capsule wardrobes popping up here and there. Honestly, I tend to wear the same rotation of pieces already. I need to pare down my closet anyway. This is good motivation to do so. Thanks Daisy!
.. Laura ..
This is amazing Daisy. I give you major props for organizing and streamlining your life like this. I immediately feel overwhelmed thinking about organizing my wardrobe, haha, that should tell me something!
Brooke
pumps and push-ups
I love this! I’m working on a capsule wardrobe but some of my items are difficult to part with. For now I’m just going to store them away for awhile and see if I miss them at all.
I just did this over the weekend! I got my wardrobe down to 33 pieces that I plan on sticking to for the next three months. I’m loving how simple it makes getting dressed and I’m loving how clean my closet is.
You go girl. You will absolutely LOVE it.
I absolutely love this! I want to do one so badly. 🙂 You’ve given me inspiration to get mine started. Awesome, Daisy!
This is so cool and interesting, I think you’re going to learn and grow a lot through this! Excited to follow along. 🙂
Oh this is awesome! I have heard of capsule wardrobe but didn’t know anything about it. I did the 30 by 30 remix thing many years ago and I loved learning to love my wardrobe. I would love to do it again sometime, or maybe I’ll do the capsule! I hope you’ll share your outfits-I can’t wait to see what you put together!
I put myself on a clothing fast for the month of January and now February. It’s been quite freeing to say “hey my wardrobe isn’t perfect and there are things that need to change, but it’s okay for now.” I plan on sticking through until we go on vacation in April. The area I’m more excite to develop is my special occasion capsule — most of my dresses are from weddings I went to after college and they aren’t really right for my lifestyle and taste now. I wasn’t thinking long term!
I love it! I think you’ve got this down even further than me. I’m a “numberer” by nature, and it really works perfectly for a minimalist lifestyle. Super idea, the capsule wardrobe! 🙂
Love this, and love your items! It’s very brave to put your capsule contents out there, but it’s so rewarding actually wearing your clothes- not letting your clothes wear you! Your pictures are great!
This is so great! I have always wanted to do this… I think I wear the same clothes every day anyway.
brunch and bijoux
Love this idea! I always build up way too many items “I might wear”. Recently I decided to also purge my closet of all those things I haven’t worn in years. I have resigned myself to the basics and it makes getting dressed so much easier! Shoes and coats are my weakness though, haven’t been able to let go! Thanks for sharing!
xo Annie
laircake.com
What an incredible idea, I love this post! xx
Style by Avery
I loooove the idea of a capsule wardrobe and have thought about it many times, but for some reason the idea tends to intimidate. I am excited to hear how your journey with a capsule wardrobe goes! Maybe I’ll get a little push 🙂
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Ah, I so NEED to do this! I try to stay on top of donating and tossing clothes every 6 months but it seems as if it’s one of those projects that is always daunting. You’ve got a great system down here girl! I will be excited to see how it goes! 🙂
Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
What a brilliant idea, Daisy and one that I will be following too. I am waiting for Spring/Summer as I have proper clothes for it. Looking forward to see how you style the clothes, I’ll be taking inspiration from you too.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
I absolutely love this idea! I’ve been great with spending less on clothes but a Forever21 opened up right by my house and I spent quite a bit there this week! That being said, I thought about what I actually needed from my new purchases and decided to return a few things today. I don’t need another sweater-dress when I rarely wear the ones I have! At first I thought 120 days is so long to go with only 40 pieces but it’s only 3 months which is a good time given the season change!
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com