The Only Capsule Wardrobe Checklist You’ll Ever Need
Your Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
Sick of having a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? If so, it may be time to pare down + use a capsule wardrobe checklist once and for all.
But what’s the secret sauce to creating one that works (as opposed to one that’s ‘meh’)?
It isn’t about base neutrals or accent pieces. It isn’t about following rigid number rules, either.
Amanda Warfield creates capsule wardrobes for a living. Below, she divulges her Number One Secret for creating a successful capsule wardrobe; she offers up the only capsule wardrobe checklist you’ll ever need, too.
[Related: How to create a kid’s capsule wardrobe that works.]
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First things first: What’s a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a small but curated collection of clothes that’s created with intentionality.
A successful capsule wardrobe improves self-esteem, reduces mental clutter + makes getting dressed a heck of a lot easier.
They also:
– Encourage better shopping habits.
– Reduce decision fatigue (because getting dressed becomes a snap!).
– Eliminate guilt when getting dressed.
By using a capsule wardrobe checklist, you’ll ensure that you have just the right amount of pieces in the right categories.
No more, no less.
The only capsule wardrobe checklist you’ll ever need
Amanda’s FREE capsule wardrobe checklist offers up the essentials for creating your first successful capsule.
Snag it here:
For whom are capsule wardrobes right?
A capsule wardrobe may be for you if:
1. You feel disappointed or insecure after getting dressed.
2. You spend more than 30 minutes deciding what to wear (+ then spend even more time cleaning up the clothes tornado you created).
3. Your closet is so stuffed that you have little idea what’s actually in there.
4. You believe that dressing well takes incredible amounts of time, effort + money.
5. You spend more time in your “grungy” clothes than in actual adult clothes.
Capsule wardrobes allow you to feel put together on a daily basis without having to put in energy to feel that way.
The number one secret to creating a successful capsule is …
It’s not about your base neutral.
It isn’t about those accent pieces, either.
The secret to creating a successful capsule wardrobe is to know your body type.
Many of us stay abreast of fast fashion trends + assume what’s in style will look good on us. If it flatters the mannequin, it’ll flatter us too, right?
Wrong.
Emphasizing your assets improves confidence; knowing how, exactly, to dress your shape empowers you to eliminate all the items in your closet that don’t make you shine.
[ Friendly note: Body type is not dependent on weight. Body types come in all different sizes.]
The Hourglass
About you: You consider yourself curvy. Your bust + hips are roughly the same measurement + you have a well-defined waist.
Emphasize: Your midsection.
Your secret weapon: Draw attention to your waist by wearing fitted tops, wrap dresses + anything with a belt.
The Pear
About you: Your hips are wider than your shoulders.
Emphasize: Your top half.
Your secret weapon: Balance your silhouette with plunging necklines, bell sleeves, scoop necks + cowl necks. Focus on statement tops that draw the eyes upward. Harness the power of bulky necklaces + flashy earrings, too.
The Rectangle
About you: You do not consider yourself curvy. Your shoulder + hip measurements are about the same.
Emphasize: Proportion (If you wear a loose-fitting top, keep your bottoms form-fitting, and vice versa.)
Your secret weapon: Draw attention to your athletic arms + shoulders in halter tops, razorback shirts + dresses.
The Apple
About you: Your shoulders are wider than your hips.
Emphasize: Your full bust.
Your secret weapon: Opt for A-line dresses; tunics, too. Abandon items with a structured waistline.
[Related: 7 garments we all want to keep but shouldn’t.]
The only capsule wardrobe checklist you’ll ever need
Grab your FREE checklist:
Your capsule wardrobe checklist: More tips
1 – Plan your color palette.
Start by choosing a base neutral (beige, black, or navy blue).
Next, decide on two accent colors that go well together AND go well with the neutral you picked.
2 – Worried your capsule is boring? Fix that by incorporating 2 or 3 bold pieces into the rotation. If you incorporate too many accent pieces, you run the risk of having a capsule where nothing matches. Choose 2 or 3 of your most favorite patterns.
3 – If you live in a location with distinct seasons, create capsule wardrobes for each season. This way your capsule will always feel fresh.
4 – When adding clothes to your closet, consider buying secondhand instead of buying new. If you love new clothes, consider perusing ThredUP and PoshMark using the “New with Tags” filter and enjoy major cost savings.
5 – If you purchase new, make sure to purchase quality items made with natural fibers that are designed to last. Items made from organic cotton, linen, hemp, wool, and silk tend to last longer (and keep their shapes!) for the long haul; polyester, acrylic, and rayon, by contrast, are made of plastic microfibers and degrade more quickly.
Support sustainability with your dollars: Here are some my favorite eco-friendly clothing brands:
Everlane: Fashion made from recycled materials
Girlfriend Collective: Ethical activewear in sizes XXS to 6XL
MetaWear: Boasts turnkey sustainable fashion manufacturing practices
PACT Apparel: Organic cotton essentials for men, women, and kids
Patagonia: Active and outerwear for men, women, and kids
People Tree: A Fair Trade fashion pioneer; underwear, too!
PrAna: Active and outdoor apparel made from sustainable materials for men and women
Slumlove: Sweaters for men and women
TenTree: Assorted sustainable pieces for men and women
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2 thoughts on “The Only Capsule Wardrobe Checklist You’ll Ever Need”
Hi,
You talked about a flow chart for making decluttering your wardrobe easy and said you’d leave it in the notes but i’ve Looked and cannot find it.
I was wanting to tackle my wardrobe this weekend. Please help!
Many thanks.
Hi Julie,
he Capsule Wardrobe Flow Chart is available here. (There’s an opt-in form within the post.) Hope it helps. Best of luck tackling the closet!
Stephanie
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