What is a Capsule Wardrobe and Why am I Starting One?

Have y'all heard of a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a a collection of versatile garments that work together to create numerous outfits. Instead of having a closet full of countless individual articles of clothing that create independent, isolated outfits, a capsule wardrobe is a smaller curated collection with clothing that can be worn countless ways. 

Thankfully there are some fabulous women that have gone before me and shared their capsule wardrobe phenomena via the web. 

Caroline from the blog Un-Fancy creates four capsule wardrobes, one for each season, and keeps each capsule around 37 pieces of clothes and shoes. Accessories are not included. 

Courtney from Be More with Less pares down her wardrobe to 33 items, including clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear and shoes. 

Neither women include pajamas, workout clothes, under garments, or lounge clothes in their capsules. 

Once the capsule wardrobe is set for the season, all shopping ceases. 

Photo Credit

So why do I want to do this?

My mom mentioned the capsule wardrobe idea to me about a year ago and my initial response was . . . No. Way. Jose. 

I love clothes. I love shopping. Why on earth would I want to limit my fun?

And then I started building my professional wardrobe and dressing for work every morning and you know what -- I am completely and utterly uninspired. I find getting dressed in the morning to be an annoying chore. I don't really bother with my hair and I certainly don't even attempt to swipe on any makeup. 

I have clothes and accessories in my closet with the tags still on them. I have lipstick that I have never even used. I order things online and never actually try them on when they arrive. 

I fell into the black hole of shopping for the sake of a sale and not for the purpose of dressing myself. 

I. Want. Out. 

I want to get dressed in the morning and feel fabulous and put together -- something I haven't felt in way too long. 

What will my capsule wardrobe look like?

Since I have to dress very professionally for work (think suits most days) I am going to put together two capsules for each season -- one for work and one for weekends. 

I am going to try and keep my work capsule under 40 pieces and my weekend wardrobe under 20. 

My capsules will include clothes and shoes -- but will not include accessories, undergarments, workout clothes, or lounge wear. 

Since I live in San Antonio, Texas, I only need a heavy outer coat a handful of times a year, so I am not going to include my trusty black dress coat in my capsule. 

What happens to all the stuff that is not part of my capsule?

In creating my capsules, I am going to do a major purge on my closet, discarding and/or donating items that are stained, worn out, or ill-fitting. 

The garments that I still want to keep that won't be a part of my current capsule will be stored. Caroline from Un-Fancy stores her extra clothes under her bed. I think I may just put mine in another portion of my closet, since I have a fairly large walk-in. I'll let y'all know what I decide to do. 

You sure about this?

I am really excited to try this little experiment. I am excited to really delve into my closet and wear the items that are in there and donate what I don't need anymore. I know I have a ton of business casual wear that was appropriate when I was a legal assistant, but isn't professional enough to wear now as a lawyer. 

I want to enjoy getting dressed in the morning. I don't want to stand in my closet every morning and wonder what to wear. I want to like my clothes. 

I also want to cut back on empty, useless shopping. I spend way too much time trolling the web, trying to find the next best thing, order it, and then not really care when it arrives. 

I also have drawers full of scarves and necklaces that I want to incorporate into my wardrobe that are not being utilized right now.

The old phrase less is more, has never held a greater meaning to me before. 

I hope y'all will join me on this journey of minimalist fashion. I'll be posting my wardrobes over the next few days as I decide what stays and what goes. 

Wish me luck!

XOXO

Meg