1. Create a capsule wardrobe for your lifestyle
While you might want to copy other capsule collections down to a tee [pun intended], in order for your capsule wardrobe to actually work for you, it is important to remember to choose pieces based on your lifestyle.
I was inspired by many European bloggers when creating my capsule, but I found my style to be much more casual than their city chic outfits [since I live in the suburbs of California] and so I implemented a lot more casual pieces into my wardrobe. So whether you work from home, the office, are a busy mom, live in activewear, etc…be sure your capsule reflects your lifestyle!
2. Choose versatile pieces
One of the most important things I look for when selecting an item is its versatility. Items like a basic white tee, sneakers, tank, blazer, etc. can be styled so many ways. Try to avoid items that you have trouble figuring out how to style or are one-time wear pieces. This helps you build a solid foundation for your wardrobe and makes it easy to mix and match with just about everything in your closet.
3. Stick to a color palette
Sticking to a color palette goes along with choosing versatile pieces. This will also make it easier to style items together.
The French Minimalist wardrobe consists of mostly a neutral palette [i.e white, ivory, beige, brown, etc.] with any accent color(s) [i.e light blue, green, red, etc.] and/or a patterned fabric of your choice. The more accent colors or patterns you add, the more challenging it may be to pair pieces together, so it is recommend that you keep these to a minimum.
4. Stick to classic styles
If you are constantly buying the newest trendy pieces, then you will constantly be buying the newest trendy pieces. Because thats how trends work. They are ‘in’ one season and ‘out’ the next. And it’s exhausting to keep up with.
Wardrobe staples like a black blazer or a white t-shirt will never go out of style. The cut or fit may change slightly over the decades, but classic styles have stood the test of time — for a good reason.
5. Choose quality pieces
It is about quality, not quantity. Rather than trying to keep up with trends, or spending money on items you will only wear once, invest in pieces that will last you for years to come.
And choosing quality pieces doesn’t always mean a bigger price tag. I have a few Theory blazers that cost me a few hundred dollars each, but I also have a few H&M that cost me $50 or less and I’ve worn them for years. Yes, the quality is different, but I also love the style and fit and will continue to wear them for years to come.
6. Include only the items you truly love
Do you have 50 shirts but really only wear 5 or 6 of them on a daily basis? Remember, it is about quality, not quantity. All the extra items in your closet that you don’t love or wear are taking up valuable space (physical and mental!), and it’s time to remove them from your wardrobe.
Some questions to ask yourself when evaluating your closet: How many times have I worn this in the last year? Does this fit in with my day to day life? Does this article of clothing make me feel confident? Does this item bring me joy?
7. Shop intentionally
Strategize first before hitting the stores to find those last pieces to complete your capsule wardrobe. It’s easy to be influenced by sales or the latest trends that trigger those spur-of- the-moment purchases that you might regret later. When you’re focused on imitating everything going on in the fashion world, it’s hard to see if what you’re buying works for your own life. You know your needs and desires for what you wear on a day-to-day basis. Saving money for quality items and shopping specifically for what you love will make you feel good about what you have in your closet and compliment what you already own.
Check out my summer 2021 capsule collection and my capsule wardrobe e-book store for additional resources and tips!
Outfit details from video linked HERE
Current capsule wardrobe favorites:
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