Assessing Your Style: How to Curate a Capsule Wardrobe

By now, you may be convinced of the various advantages a capsule wardrobe can bring to your life.

Let's dive into the steps for creating a capsule wardrobe. Building a capsule wardrobe is not about limiting yourself, rather it's about compiling a collection of essential pieces that reflect your own personal style while also simplifing your choices.

An integral step in creating my personal capsule wardrobe was finding individuals or celebrities whose style inspired me. Personally, I could page through outfits of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly for hours and never tire. Their classic, sophisticated looks are what I longed to embody in my fashion selections. I compiled a plethora of pins on Pinterest that spoke to me. Then, I was ready to find inspiration from lay people in this style of dressing. I used terms such as "French Girl Fashion" and "Classic Style" to steer myself into the personal style I envisioned for myself. Now, it is time to review your current wardrobe against what you long your wardrobe to be.

Declutter your closet by removing any items that no longer serve you. Be honest with yourself and let go of pieces that no longer fit, are damaged beyond repair, or simply don't align with your personal style. If the pieces makes you feel uncomfortable, let it go regardless of what you paid for it. There is nothing worse than staring at a sea of items that are not right. You want to retain pieces that make you feel fabulous. The decluttering step is crucial for creating a streamlined wardrobe filled with pieces you truly love and wear regularly.

Once you have decluttered, start building your capsule wardrobe by selecting a few versatile basics. These are the foundation of your wardrobe and should be timeless, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched with ease. Think about key items such as a white sweater tee, a classic pair of jeans, a tailored blazer, and a little black dress. These basics will form the backbone of your capsule wardrobe, providing a solid foundation for endless outfit possibilities.

After selecting your basics, add some statement pieces that reflect your personal style and add interest to your outfits. These could be items such as a colorful blouse, a patterned skirt, or a unique pair of shoes. For me, my cardigan collection adds a feminine touch to my otherwise basic ensemble. Remember, the key is to choose items that you truly love and that can be mixed and matched with your basics to create different looks.

As you build your capsule wardrobe, pay attention to the colors and patterns of the pieces you select. Aim for a cohesive color palette that allows for easy mixing and matching. Neutral colors such as black, white, gray, and navy are versatile and timeless, while pops of color or patterns can add personality and interest to your outfits. For me, the neutral color pallette gives me an easy canvas to mix and match with ease. The only pattern I allow into my wardrone is a classic stripe, which adds a touch of interest.

Finally, don't forget to regularly evaluate and update your capsule wardrobe. As seasons change and your personal style evolves, it's important to reassess the items in your wardrobe and make adjustments as needed. By doing so, you can ensure that your capsule wardrobe remains relevant and continues to serve you well. Two years after adopting a capsule wardrobe, I reviewed my wardrobe to ensure it still matched my personal preferences. I let go of pieces that no longer resonated with my personal style, to make room for pieces that aligned better.

With these simple steps, you can create a capsule wardrobe that reflects your personal style, simplifies your choices, and effortlessly puts together stylish and versatile looks every day. Now that you have the foundation, let's move on to some tips for maintaining your capsule wardrobe and making the most of this simplified approach to fashion.