If getting dressed often feels chaotic and confusing, you may own more items than you need.

The solution? A capsule wardrobe —a more mindful approach to fashion that focuses on creating a variety of looks with a small selection of clothing.

Want a little help with your capsule wardrobe? Read on to get started.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

The concept of a capsule wardrobe traces back to Susie Faux, owner of the London boutique Wardrobe, in the 1970s. Faux’s vision of a capsule wardrobe is curating a few essentials and timeless pieces, like skirts and pants, that can be enhanced with seasonal pieces. In 1985, Donna Karan brought the idea to life with her Seven Easy Pieces collection. The collection featured a skirt, cashmere sweater, dress, bodysuit, white shirt, leather piece, and tailored jacket. Today, the essence remains: a compact wardrobe of versatile essentials that can take you from boardroom meetings to dinner outings.

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Step-by-Step

Audit Your Wardrobe

A good place to start building your capsule wardrobe is to look at what you already have. Sort out your wardrobe, separating items you love and wear often from those you are ready to let go. The pieces you love will likely form the foundation of your capsule wardrobe and give you a better grasp of your style.

Start with the Essentials

Every capsule wardrobe begins with selecting staple pieces that form the foundation of your style. Think jeans, skirts, tops, dresses, blazers, shirts, and a few pairs of shoes and bags. Aim for 2-3 pieces of each category, with room for extras in frequently worn items like blouses, tees, jackets, and shoes (3-7 pieces).

Keep in mind that neutral colors like black, white, beige, and navy pair well with almost anything.

Identify What You’re Missing

The next step is to assess what you have and what’s missing. Focus on statement-making pieces like a tailored coat, midi skirt, colored blazer, versatile boots, or a cozy cardigan. These pieces add layers to your staple pieces and add a touch of personality to your overall look. The key is to choose items that complement your essentials and can be styled in multiple ways.

Create Some Possible Looks

Next, experiment with your selected pieces to create at least 10 different outfits. See how many looks you can create with jeans, a blazer, and other staples. This exercise will give you ideas for new combinations and save you mental energy when getting dressed. You can also seek inspiration on Pinterest and create boards based on the clothes in your capsule wardrobe.

Invest in Accessories

Accessories are the secret weapon of a capsule wardrobe.

A few thoughtful pieces, like a sleek leather handbag, classic sunglasses, and statement jewelry, can turn a simple outfit into something extraordinary. For versatility, consider investing in jewelry for every occasion, such as a freshwater pearl necklace, geometric studs, simple chain bracelets, and adjustable rings that can transition from boardrooms to brunch.

Edit and Refine Regularly

Building a capsule wardrobe is an ongoing process. Regularly assess your collection to remove items that no longer serve you and identify items you need to purchase.

Final Thoughts

A capsule wardrobe embraces simplicity, ensuring you always have the perfect outfit ready. By focusing on quality over quantity, getting dressed becomes a joy, freeing you from the stress of endless choices.