There can be many different motivations for building a capsule wardrobe, from reducing over-consumption or impulse buying habits to simplifying daily decision-making or wanting to narrow down or develop your personal style further.
But ultimately, whatever your goal is, the process of creating a capsule wardrobe is the same. It's about setting clear intentions and cultivating a closet full of items you love and want to wear on repeat.
1. Set Your Own Limits
If you've avoided creating a capsule wardrobe in the past because it looks or sounds limiting, it doesn't have to be. While initially, the concept of capsule wardrobes started out focusing on highly curated, number-limited edits that often only felt reflective of one specific type of style, the idea has now evolved, becoming a more holistic endeavour that allows for a greater expression of individuality and personal style.
Ultimately, a capsule wardrobe is only as limiting as you want it to be. While some will find that sticking to a set number of items per season (for example, 30) helps narrow their field of vision and ultimately hone their personal style, others find the opposite to be true.
Personally, we sit somewhere in the middle and like to think of capsule wardrobes as the starting or 'reset' point on which we build the rest of our wardrobes. This solid foundation, cultivated of quality basics and versatile capsule pieces, provides the perfect jumping-off point for pulling together every outfit and allows for nearly endless styling options.
2. Take Your Time
It's important to note that a capsule wardrobe isn't the kind of project that can be achieved overnight—and we wouldn't suggest that anyway. A key component of creating a capsule wardrobe is allowing yourself time and space to invest in thoughtfully and intentionally selected pieces. This process naturally requires more time, both to save up the funds to invest in higher quality items that will last in your wardrobe and plan out your purchases more strategically.
3. Declutter Mindfully
But where should you actually start? First, we'd recommend taking some time to evaluate your current wardrobe. Go through your pieces and pull out the items that make you feel great, that you love to wear, and that truly make you feel like yourself. For the remaining items, don't put any pressure on yourself to cull or declutter; instead, take note of why you are not putting these things to use.
4. Identify The Gaps
This leads us to the next step: identify the gaps in your current wardrobe and the roadblocks or points of stress you face. We like to keep a running list of things we notice when getting dressed every day—for example, being unable to style certain items because we're missing a perfectly cut black t-shirt or a versatile but elevated pair of shoes.
Identifying these missing basics or capsule pieces can really transform the way you think about your existing wardrobe. You might even happily discover you already have many great pieces, and all you needed were a few key wardrobe basics to complete the puzzle.
Ready to start your capsule wardrobe journey? Keep scrolling below to shop some of our favourite wardrobe essentials.
Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
Raey Textured Twill Maxi Skirt
PRICE: $459
This minimalist navy maxi skirt is cut from a textured twill with a super-straight fit and hem slit for enhancing movement. Shop here.
Levi’s 501 Original Jeans
PRICE: $159.95
Endlessly versatile and a true wardrobe staple, these classic straight-cut blue jeans will always stay in style. Shop here.
RE/DONE Classic Tee
PRICE: $130
Made for a slightly boxy fit, this tee features a crew neck with short sleeves cut from soft, lightweight cotton. Shop here.
Esse Studios Stretch-Knit Bodysuit
PRICE: $252
Made locally in Sydney, this stretch-knit bodysuit is the minimal basic that'll work whatever the season or occasion. Shop here.
Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino Crew Neck Cardigan
PRICE: $59.90
This versatile and soft merino wool cardigan can be worn in multiple ways for endless styling and layering options. Shop here.
Toteme Organic Cotton-Jersey Tank
PRICE: $140
This versatile tank is made from ribbed organic cotton and can be worn with everything from tailored pants to boyfriend jeans. Shop here.
COS Wide Leg Tailored Wool Blend Pants
PRICE: $190
Crafted from a traceable wool blend, these black wide-leg tailored pants have been designed to fall loosely over the body. Shop here.
Arket Long-Sleeved Merino Top
PRICE: $59
This soft merino wool top has a slightly transparent appearance, raw-cut edges and a tight fit for versatile styling. Shop here.
H&M Tailored Jersey Dress
PRICE: $49.99
This classically cut jersey dress will look just as good styled for work as it does casually on the weekend. Shop here.
Toteme Signature Cotton-Blend Trench Coat
PRICE: $1300
Totême's signature trench coat is cut from a sturdy cotton-blend canvas and features a double-breasted silhouette that will stand the test of time. Shop here.
Raey Thin-Strap Satin Midi Dress
PRICE: $459
Thanks to its flattering bias cut and form-flowing fit, this satin slip dress will be a year-round wardrobe staple. Shop here.
Cotton On Dad Shirt
PRICE: $39.99
An absolute wardrobe essential, we love the oversized cut and crisp cotton on this classic white, boyfriend-style shirt. Shop here.
Christopher Esber Bias Trouser
PRICE: $695
Featuring an elasticised waist which emphasises the boxy and bias cut, you'll wear these comfortable pans season after season. Shop here.
Country Road Sabina Thong
PRICE: $159
A simple yet elegant option, these elevated thongs are made from smooth leather and an elevated sole for all-day comfort. Shop here.
Tibi Layered Cotton-Poplin Shirt
PRICE: $424
Designed to look like two identical styles layered on top of each other, this crisp cotton-poplin shirt is the perfect elevated basic. Shop here.
Senso Florence I
PRICE: $239
These patent pointed-toe mules are the perfect shoe option to take a simple outfit to the next level and add visual interest. Shop here.
Uniqlo U AIRism Cotton Crew Neck Oversized T-Shirt
PRICE: $19.90
This affordable wardrobe basic features a wide fit, drop shoulder and a narrow crew neck that elevates it beyond similar styles. Shop here.
Arnsdorf Isabella Dress
PRICE: $790
Inspired by 1920s swimwear, this perfectly cut dress will allow for endless styling options making it the perfect dress for all occasions. Shop here.
Wardrobe.NYC Rib Tank Mini Dress
PRICE: $129
Cut from super-soft cotton, this rib tank mini dress will be your new go-to fit for all-day comfort. Shop here.
Still shopping? Check out the jeans that are trending for 2023.
Image credit: The Undone | Toteme
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.