Simple Capsule Wardrobe

Apr 2, 2020

Have you ever walked in your closet and immediately felt frustrated? Yep, that was me a few months ago. It was morning - in the middle of the get-ready-for-school rush to be exact - and once again I had walked into my closet, stared at my clothes, and felt frustrated. I was rushed and my only pair of jeans were in the washer, the top I wanted to wear didn't match my other pants, and what was clean was for a different season. I sighed as I took a casual dress down off the hanger and pulled my hair back into a pony-tail. I was tired of the same old pieces hanging in my closet where nothing matched. I was tired of standing in my closet trying to choose outfits only to find myself feeling not put together in an out of style in an ill-fitting outfit. It was time for a change.

A few years ago, I got caught up in the leggings and tunic fad, but that eventually faded out, and what I eventually realized was that I never really felt confident or put together in those outfits. They had some great patterns and the fit was great, but they just weren't "me." I have always had more of a classic style. I like color, but not an overkill. I also like calming neutrals too. I like things that pair well together and don't really go out of style.

Creating my capsule wardrobe sort of happened by accident for me. I knew I wanted my closet to feel calm and peaceful, and I wanted to feel put together each day. So, I started where I always start... with a list. hah! It's true though. I began to map out what I wanted on a scratch piece of paper. I chose 4 neutral colors (taupe, navy, cream, and black) and two "pops" of color (robin's egg & blush). Then I thought about what I had in my closet and what I wanted to see...

I started with pinterest. I went through my Savvy Style board, found all of the mix & match pieces in my color scheme, and corralled them into their own category. Anything I'd saved that fit into my list made it's way there too! Seeing how others has put together the outfits inspired me and helped me see new ways to use what I had already.

Then, I pulled everything out of my closet & dresser and sorted through it. I started with my colors, pulling everything that didn't fit into my palette aside. Next, I looked at what I had left and asked myself what I was missing. I needed a few solid tee-shirts, maybe a blazer, some dressy-casual slacks, and a neutral knee-length duster sweater. I added those things to my shopping list, and kept it tucked into my planner so that when I was in town, I could keep an eye out.

Over the next few weeks I sold or donated all of the clothes I had set aside. There were a few pieces that didn't fit my list but were items I really liked or had a sentimental value to. I allowed myself to keep a handful of those items. Now I have a wardrobe that makes me feel confident, put together, and ready to tackle the day! It only takes about 5 minutes to get dressed because all the pieces I have left match so I don't have to think about it anymore! Hooray!!!

My closet is now a calm place to be when I get ready for my day...

Do you find yourself wondering what to wear or overwhelmed by too many choices?