If you have considered giving a capsule wardrobe a try, I highly encourage it. While it can be a great way to start simplifying your closet, it can also be a great eye-opening experience for how you use the items you own. Capsule wardrobes can become a useful tool to help you build a wardrobe that will last, but it could also end up creating a wardrobe that won’t make it past a week if you’re not careful. Here is A few easy tips on how to build a capsule wardrobe that will last a lifetime.
The first thing you need to do is purge your wardrobe. It helps to put the clothing items you own into categories and declutter from there. You can easily see how many pairs of boots or sandals you own when they’re all sitting in front of you. This step will help you remove the excess from your wardrobe so you can focus on what you want to keep. Try using ThredUp to sell those clothes you decide to purge. Here is a link to get a free clean out bag. Once you get it, fill it with pieces you’d like to sell & get credit for.
You Don’t Have to Have a Number
There are varying theories on what the magic number for a capsule wardrobe is. This is supposed to make it easy to be able to stick to it and make your wardrobe last. The reality is that you don’t have to have a number. What feels right to you can be your number! A number is merely a guideline and something to aim for to keep your wardrobe from growing too large. It is better to shift your mindset into replacing anything you are tired of with something fresh than adding to the pile.
Capsule wardrobes aren’t perfect! Your life or your style will change over time. Adjust your wardrobe as you change! It’s not the kind of thing you will build once and then never have to deal with again! You may have to declutter often or test out pieces to see how they fit into your lifestyle and wardrobe.
Be Honest About Your Lifestyle
If you aren’t a runner or don’t work out (at all), then you probably don’t need many workout clothes. If you don’t dress up for events that often, you may not need as many formal pieces. Be honest about the way you REALLY live and then adjust your wardrobe to fit that lifestyle. Keeping pieces for just in case won’t serve anybody.
Buy Quality Pieces that Will Last
The final piece to the puzzle is to buy quality pieces that will last. If you buy pieces that are in good condition and will last more than a single wash, your wardrobe will last. Your perfect wardrobe starts to die out when your clothing does, so avoid this by investing in your pieces with quality items that can stand the test of time. My ideal capsule wardrobe includes white button downs, straight leg jeans, loafers, blazers, denim shorts with a few camis, a few cardigans & brown sandals that can go with everything. I have a few ideas linked here.
Putting together a capsule wardrobe is easy, but what will make it last is following these tips. This will help ensure that you never end up with a cluttered wardrobe again and that your pieces can stand the test of time.
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