How to Build a Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe

Minimalism isn’t about limitations… It is refinement.

The point of creating a minimalist capsule wardrobe shouldn’t feel like you are limiting your options. It’s so that you can wake up every morning and always have something to wear.

Spend less time on your clothes and more time to focus on other more important things.

SO, how many items are in a capsule wardrobe exactly? There isn’t a definite number. It’s what works for you! Just be rational about the choices you make. *And don’t exaggerate – a 100-piece wardrobe is not the goal.*

A minimalist capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be difficult. Therefore, here is a list to help you out!

What’s Your Style?

First, before diving into a minimalist capsule wardrobe, you must discover your personal style.

This. Will. Be. A. Process.

You won’t figure out your ideal wardrobe right away. It will take time especially as you discover, select pieces, and develop a style that is unique to you. A minimalist capsule wardrobe isn’t necessarily about building your closet from scratch, but making better shopping decisions moving forward.

A Closet That Reflects Your Lifestyle

Second, think about the 3 activities that you do often.
For me, it’s:

1. going to work;
2. spending time on this blog and Instagram – going to coffee shops to do so *or lounging around* and taking pictures;
3. going out for brunch or dinner with friends.

Then think about how you usually dress for those types of activities. If it’s all the same, then it’s even easier for you to create a minimalist capsule wardrobe! Also think about how often or how much time you spend on those activities in a week. This can give you an idea of what percentage of your closet will be dedicated to that activity.

Next, what are your “ideal” 3-4 outfits for each activity, including accessories? I love Pinterest to create boards and get inspiration!

Clean Out Your Closet

Third, the fun part…

Empty your closet and dressers – Marie Kondo style!

Create different piles – keep, maybe, donate. The maybe pile is always the hardest for me. Look at the pieces that you love and that are maybes – is it something that you would see in the store and still buy today? Is it something that you see yourself wearing at least 30 times?

After, re-think about those outfits made previously. Is any of your “maybe” items part of those outfits? If not, then transfer those to the donate pile. No what ifs situations! If you haven’t worn them for the last 3-6 months, then you probably won’t wear them for the next.

Quality over Quantity

Fourth, make a list of essentials – what you know you will always wear and will go with anything. These are your neutrals.

Invest in well-made basics and know your materials. These are the pieces that are the most versatile and that you will often wear. You want them to last. So don’t forget to look at the seams and how tightly woven are the materials. If you pull and tug, and it’s slightly coming apart, it is not worth it.

Finally, you want the items to fit your body.
My advice: don’t get so hung up on the numbers and sizes – if it fits great, get it. If it doesn’t, don’t waste your time… or have it tailored if you can.

Is It a Necessity?

Fifth, pick your pieces carefully and only choose what you need. It is easy to indulge in your wants. But it will take determination.

Always remember… follow your style – not trends.

It’s easy to fall in love with trends especially if you love fashion and see all these cool outfits. I do admit that sometimes, I fall for trends and end up not wearing them… But I have now built enough willpower to not shop as much and just appreciate some trends, but not indulge in it. I look more for versatility and follow my style.

I find it more eye-catching when people KNOW their personal style and own it, rather than people who all look the same following what’s “in.” This doesn’t mean you won’t find trends that fit with your minimalist capsule wardrobe style. If you do, go for it! The purpose again is to buy and wear for a long time – the piece is something that has earned a place in your closet.

Therefore, forget about style types like “bohemian” – try not to label yourself and style. Or else, you will feel like you can only buy items in that specific category or that are marketed as bohemian, for example. This can also create this psychological “want” to buy that item because you think it fits your “personal style.” Just buy what you love and what you think you will wear for a long time. Build your own look.

A Minimalist Closet Doesn’t Mean Neutral Colors Only

Sixth, if you love colors or if you love black, this is for you. You simply have to pay more attention to color coordination. This simply means you need to know what colors work together, what you like mixing and matching, and what works for you.

Closet Organization and Care

Seventh, organize your closet the way you like it, by category of clothing, by color, etc. When you get up, you can take a glance at what’s in your closet, see all the pieces, and easily create an outfit with what you see.

And as always, treat your clothes with care. How? See this post about eco laundry.

Lastly…

If you think this is all too hard and you can’t see yourself having a few sets of clothes and accessories for every day of the year…

Start with a minimalist capsule wardrobe for every season. Choose key seasonal pieces. And eventually, you can find common pieces that you wear for all. Those will be your essentials, your basics to invest in.

Remember, you don’t have to buy everything all at once.

It’s important to take your time to find the pieces that you love!