Everyday May 7, 2023 The Capsule Wardrobe: How to Reduce Your Closet to 37 Pieces by Kat Collings, Sierra Mayhew Photo: @sylviemus_ Is it us, or does it suddenly seem like less is so much more? While the minimalist lifestyle has been gaining traction for a while now, lately it seems the trend has narrowed in on an area dear to our hearts: the closet.Whether it’s Marie Kondo’s often wardrobe-focused tidying technique or Matilda Kahl’s choice to wear one outfit to work for three years, many are looking to edit down their closets.We know we’re guilty of stocking some unworn, low-quality items, but we’d like to change that.One closet-reducing program that’s especially buzzy as of late is the capsule wardrobe.While many have jumped on the clothes-purging bandwagon, the authority on the capsule wardrobe movement is Caroline Rector of Un-Fancy.Below, we explore what a real capsule wardrobe looks like, Rector’s methodology, what it’s done to change her life, and how to start your own capsule collection.Scroll down to see our how-to and what the capsule wardrobe looks like IRL so you can start simplifying your closet and your life.
What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? In the words of Rector, a capsule wardrobe is “a mini wardrobe made up of really versatile pieces that you totally love to wear.” Each season, you clear your closet except for a set number of pieces to be in your capsule wardrobe.Rector’s golden number is 37 items, but it varies by season.Your capsule collection is made up of a combination of items you already own and love to wear, as well as new, quality items that you can shop for once a season.
Learn more details about how it works on Un-Fancy.The Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe According to Un-Fancy, a capsule wardrobe represents more time, more money, and more energy for the things in life that really matter (i.e., not your clothes).By shopping only once a season, you save money on frivolous items that add up.Rector also says that by narrowing her wardrobe, she was actually able to define and understand her style more.Plus, she always feels like she has something great to put on, as every single item hanging in her closet is something she would love to wear right at that moment.Photo: @sylviemus_ How to Start a Capsule Wardrobe: Rector has a five-step approach to building your own capsule wardrobe.1.Pare down your closet to 37 items.2.
Wear only those 37 items for three months.3.Don’t go shopping during the season until… 4.During the last two weeks of the season, plan and shop for your next capsule.5.The amount you buy for the next capsule is up to you, but less is more.Check out Rector’s additional tips and rules for paring down your closet.Items to Include in a Capsule Wardrobe (and How to Style Them): 1.Trench Coat Photo: @aimeesong Not only is it extremely practical for inclement weather, but a khaki trench coat is a true wardrobe classic that will never go out of style.
Mango Oversized Cotton Trench Coat $159 Shop Now 2.
Cream Tank Top Photo: @champagnemani A great tank top is such a perfect layering piece for fall and winter.In the spring and summer, it’s fantastic for staying cool and showing off some skin.Favorite Daughter The Layla Tank $148 Shop Now 3.Blazer Photo: @ada_oguntodu Blazers have the power to add polish to even your most basic jeans and tees.It’s always a smart investment.
Zara Oversized Blazer $89 Shop Now 4.White Blouse Photo: @fitzpatrickerin What’s more classic than a white blouse? It never looks out of place whether you’re at work, at the bar, or running errands.& Other Stories Voluminous Stand Collar Blouse $129 Shop Now 5.Denim Jacket Photo: @_sierramayhew Does this one really need an explanation? Denim jackets will always be a smart investment.Agolde Charli Oversized Denim Jacket $198 Shop Now 6.
Printed Dress Photo: @cocobassey All of our favorite retailers are chock-full of printed dresses, so it’s never hard to find a style that will suit your taste and budget.Mango Asymmetrical Satin Dress $99 Shop Now 7.Denim Skirts Photo: @emmanuellek_ Denim skirts are the staple that we’ll never be shy to bust out every single spring and summer.H&M Denim Mini Skirt $29 Shop Now 8.Pointy-Toe Pumps Photo: @greceghanem Pointy-toe pumps always give me confidence because they look like they mean business.
Mango Ankle-Cuff Pointed Toe Shoes $69 Shop Now 9.Utility Jacket Photo: @annalaplaca A fashion girl take on a classic outerwear piece, utility jackets are ideal for transitional weather as well as layering.Cos Crop Cargo Jacket $135 Shop Now 10.Maxi Dress Photo: @lefevrediary There’s a reason every fashion girl is wearing a maxi dress right now, it’s the definition of chic.Bec & Bridge Ren Open Back Long Sleeve Satin Maxi Dress $330 Shop Now 11.Ankle Boots Photo: @aimeesong A well-made pair of ankle boots will get you far in life.The Reformation Ramona Ankle Boot $298 Shop Now 12.Little Black Dress Photo: @nnennaechem As Karl Lagerfeld famously said, “One is never overdressed or underdressed with a little black dress.” Pixie Market Antonia Padded Bra Dress $143 Shop Now 13.
White Sneakers Photo: @kristenmarienichols I personally can never stop buying white sneakers.They go with absolutely everything and are never a bad investment.Veja Esplar Sneaker $130 Shop Now 14.Pleated Midi Skirt Photo: @_sierramayhew A pleated midi skirt is the update to a classic wardrobe staple that we all need right now.It looks just as equally chic styled with knee-high boots as it does with sneakers.Mango Leather Midi-Skirt $399 Shop Now 15.
Polished Jeans Photo: @elizagracehuber There’s just something about a good pair of jeans that can take you so far, the opportunities are endless.Citizens of Humanity Horseshoe Wide-Leg Jeans $268 Shop Now 16.
Skinny Belt Photo: @christietyler I rarely leave the house without a belt on these days.It’s the perfect finishing touch to any outfit and makes your look feel twice as expensive, I’m in love.Loewe Leather Waist Belt $390 Shop Now 17.Loafers Photo: @emmanuellek_ If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that you can wear all year round and walk for miles in, I have an answer for you.
Loafers have never failed me.Madewell Billie Clean Loafers $148 Shop Now 18.Wide Leg Pants Photo: @annarvitiello I can’t believe that we made it this far without mentioning wide-leg pants.They’re currently a star player in my wardrobe and I can’t get enough.Everlane The Way-High Drape Pants $128 Shop Now 19.Shoulder Bag Photo: @pernilleteisbaek It’s rare that we go to the office without seeing a slew of fashion editors wearing a shoulder-bag.
Why? It’s the timeless style every fashion person wears on repeat.Savette Whipstitched Suede Shoulder Bag $1450 Shop Now 20.Kitten Heels Photo: @tylynnnguyen If you love wearing heels everywhere but need to be able to actually walk in them—which is so crucial for us—you probably already know about kitten heels.They’re lowkey a gamechanger.The Reformation Wilda Kitten Mule $278 Shop Now 21.White T-Shirt Photo: @cassdimicco You don’t know true happiness unless you’ve found the perfect white t-shirt.
Comfort, fit, and style can make a huge difference.Fm 669 Little Organic Cotton T-Shirt $110 Shop Now 22.Cozy Cardigan Photo: @veroocampos We’ve found a way to wear a cardigan everywhere from a casual day in the park to a formal dinner.It’s the sweater style that can take you from day to night with ease.BP.Rib Fitted Cardigan $45 Shop Now 23.Leather Jacket Photo: @camillecharriere Leather weather is year-round for fashion people.We’ll always find a way to put a leather jacket on top of any outfit in our closet because they’re that good.
Levi’s Faux Leather Dad Jacket $150 $99 Shop Now 24.Sophisticated Jewelry Photo: @annabelrosendahl Jewelry is the ultimate outfit-maker and you’ll never regret curating a striking collection.Whether you’re ready to spend $20 or $2,000 you’re guaranteed to find something special.Jenny Bird Stevie Chain Necklace $158 Shop Now 25.
Classic Sunglasses Photo: @nlmarilyn How can we talk about a capsule wardrobe without mentioning our love for sunglasses? They are the accessory that keeps on giving, plus the cost-per-wear stats are quite convincing.Bp.50mm Cat Eye Sunglasses $15 Shop Now 26.Tailored Vest Photo: @sophiaroe A tailored vest is lowkey a gamechanger in your closet.It can take any boring basic to the next level when styled correctly so naturally it’s in our capsule wardrobe.Mango Buttons Suit Waistcoat $69 Shop Now 27.Button Down Shirt Photo: @deborabrosa The amount of wear that we get out of our button-down shirts feels endless.
Since there’s infinite ways to style them, we have fun with it.H&M Oversized Linen Shirt $34 Shop Now 28.Slip Dress Photo: @abimarvel Investing in a good slip dress will continue to pay itself forward over and over again.Having this in a capsule wardrobe is crucial because you’re destined to be invited to a beautiful soiree.Favorite Daughter The Favorite Dress $248 Shop Now Up Next, 9 Under-$200 Brands You’ve Probably Never Heard Of Explore More: capsule wardrobe.