Capsule Wardrobe
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
You may have heard the term ‘’capsule wardrobe’’ floating around in the fashion world and more so over the past few years but, what does this mean?
A capsule wardrobe is a ‘clothing collection that is composed of interchangeable items, allowing you to maximise the number of outfits that can be created’. This means that you have a smaller selection of clothes than you may have currently, but by mixing and matching these pieces, you can create many different looks for different occasions.
Why have a Capsule Wardrobe?
There are many benefits of a capsule wardrobe. From keeping your wardrobe clutter free and organised, through to being more sustainable. Having a capsule wardrobe will mean you only keep clothes that make you look and feel fantastic, which boosts your confidence on a daily basis.
A capsule wardrobe can also save you time as deciding what to wear is much quicker and easier, meaning less stress when deciding what to wear because you have less choice, and you know you look your best in whatever pieces you choose. Less stress, more confidence whilst saving you time, space and money, what’s not to love?
Where to start with your wardrobe
Before you look at adding new additions to your wardrobe, why not set aside a few hours with a good playlist on and a cup of tea, giving you a chance to fully empty your wardrobe or draws. Make sure to find those clothes sneakily hiding in other spaces around the house and have a good old sort out! You need to categorise the items you already own into tops, dresses, trousers, skirts, accessories and so on. This will allow you to filter these clothes down to true wardrobe staples and favourite pieces. Set aside items can be swapped and changed to make multiple outfits – do you have basic t-shirts/Jeans in a few colours, or jackets in different styles, colours, or patterns for example. Of course, you can keep one-off pieces that you love, but try to drill down as much as you can.
Once you have your new base of clothing you can then start to look at how to add additional items to this and really build a wardrobe that’ll stand the test of time. You will need to add a few new staples each season to allow this wardrobe to flow from month to month.
What to do with the clothes you let go?
When deciding to start a capsule wardrobe, most people will find they have to declutter a number of pieces and reduce how big their wardrobe is. This often means letting go of several items. When looking to reduce the number of pieces in your wardrobe, this can be difficult. Our advice is to take your time and focus on what clothes you really love and will wear most often. Using something such as a ‘maybe box’ as a safety net can allow you to make decisions without the fear of regretting letting go of some items. Put any potential items into the maybe box and if you’ve not found a reason to wear something for a few months you will feel better about getting rid.
For those clients you decide to lose, why not donate these to friends or family and see if they would like some of these pieces? If your items are of a decent quality, then why not take a look at some reseller sites such as Vinted meaning you can sell your clothes whilst making some money for your new wardrobe. Or perhaps you simply want to donate your clothes to charity helping some fantastic causes.
Have you also seen our fantastic Tilletts Pre-Loves Sales page? Share your Pre-Loved Tilletts clothing with people who like you, LOVE Tilletts.
Building your Capsule Wardrobe
The Tilletts ladies basics wardrobe collection is a great place to start when looking to add some tops that’ll go with EVERYTHING, as we go into Autumn/Winter items like the ‘Helga Top’ Are ideal staples that you can bring out year after year to compliment jeans, leggings and can be paired with both a Demin jacket like the ‘Khaki Denim Jacket’ Or even a biker jacket and boot like the ‘Ebony Boots’ and ‘Harlow Faux Suede Jacket’ you’re already on your way to the capsule wardrobe of dreams!
How big should my capsule wardrobe be?
There aren’t any rules when it comes to the size of your wardrobe, create a wardrobe that feel right for you. If you want to give yourself a strict limit, or you want more flexibility then both of these will work for you – you get to make your own rules.
The size might be dependent on how long you are creating a wardrobe for. This might be for a few months or could be for a full year covering different seasons and events. You might also want a different wardrobe for work and pleasure as well so whatever works for you is the best way forward. A capsule wardrobe should be fun, not stressful!
Doesn’t this mean my wardrobe is boring? We hear you ask!
Capsule wardrobes do NOT have to be boring or filled with neutral tones, if you have a love of colour and pattern that works too, you just need to continue to add additional pieces that work with each other. If you love patterns why not add some items like our ‘Lola’ Jumper or ‘Harmony’ Dress, the Harmony dress can be worn with tights and boots, or in early summer with sandals and a cross-body bag with a pop of colour like the ‘Paige’.
