top of page
gold_render_edited.png

Start a Capsule Wardrobe with 5 Simple Items

Writer's picture: Tom GoedhartTom Goedhart

Continuing from my earlier discussion about the concept of capsule wardrobes, let's explore how to make the most of these hot summer days with this effective method for outfit coordination. Creating a capsule wardrobe is remarkably straightforward; anyone can do it, and the best part? You don't need to spend a dime on new clothing!


A capsule wardrobe is a carefully curated selection of clothing, footwear, and accessories, all designed to work together seamlessly. The beauty of this approach lies in the simplicity of combining a small group of items to generate a wide array of outfits.


While the term "wardrobe" might evoke images of grandeur, a "capsule" simply refers to a compact collection of clothes that you can set aside from your main wardrobe. The idea is to mix and match these items for maximum versatility, enabling you to create a multitude of outfits effortlessly.


The primary goal of a capsule wardrobe is to establish clear limits, alleviating the frustration and confusion that often accompany the question, “What should I wear today?”


How to Build Your Capsule Wardrobe


  1. Select Your Pieces: Determine how many items you want in your capsule wardrobe, focusing on tops, bottoms, and shoes. Aim for a total of 5 to 10 pieces, excluding underwear, socks, and accessories.

  2. Duration: A capsule wardrobe is intended to be temporary, allowing you to reset and create new combinations over time. Typically, it lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the number of items. For instance, 5 pieces can cover a week, while 7 can last up to three weeks.

  3. Choose Versatile Items: Opt for classic, basic pieces with minimal trends. Neutral colors like white, black, gray, beige, navy, and olive are fantastic choices for creating a flexible capsule wardrobe.


Sample Capsule Wardrobe with 5 Items

Here’s a practical example from my own experience. With just these five items, I can create six distinct outfits:


  • White Uniqlo T-shirt

  • Officine Generale denim shirt

  • Beige Alex Mill chinos

  • Indigo Orslow jeans

  • White Common Projects sneakers


Even without accessories:

These five basic pieces offer a variety of combinations, demonstrating how a simple capsule wardrobe can deliver diverse outfit options. Imagine the possibilities if you add a pair of loafers or a white oxford button-down shirt!

After incorporating the capsule wardrobe philosophy into my routine for over two years, I’ve discovered several benefits:

  • Simplified Decisions: Fewer choices make daily outfit selection easier, especially helpful for long trips or business travel.

  • Boosted Creativity: Limited options challenge you to think outside the box, like trying different tucks or experimenting with accessories.

  • Time Savings: Naturally, less time spent deciding means more time for other pursuits!


Embrace the capsule wardrobe approach and experience how a minimalist mindset can revolutionize your daily dressing habits.


0 comments

Related Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page