What Exactly is a Capsule Wardrobe?

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I stumbled across an article about putting together a capsule wardrobe – interesting, to say the least. I’ve actually seen references to this concept on a number of lifestyle blogs that I read, but I never really paid much attention to those posts until recently.

What exactly is a capsule wardrobe? Apparently, it’s a collection of 30-something or so pieces of clothing that are switched out with each season – the specifics seem to vary depending upon where you look, but the idea is the same – tops, bottoms, and shoes count. Accessories aren’t included.

Ironically, I seem to have this, more or less, covered. I did something very similar to this when I was shopping for maternity clothes.

–        2 sweaters

–        4 short-sleeved tees

–        4 pairs of pants

–        2 maxi skirts

And yes – that was, for the most part, exactly what I wore day in and day out through my entire third trimester. I couldn’t exactly wrap my head around spending any more money than absolutely necessary for clothes that I’d only wear for a few months. I basically bought just enough to get through a week without doing laundry when you factor in the few things I already had that still fit.

Fast forward to now and as I’m looking through my closet, I’m noticing a trend. I’ve unintentionally managed to accomplish the same thing again.

–        4 sweaters

–        2 short-sleeved tees

–        4 long-sleeved tees

–        6 tank tops

–        8 pairs of pants

What can I say? Fashionable is something that I’m definitely not. What I find interesting, though, is that I tend to pull this type of thing off without noticing or trying. Sure, there are other things hanging in my closet, but each week I find myself washing those same few simple outfits over and over again. Occasionally, I grab something that’s not on that list, but more often than not – I stick with just those few basics.

I’ve also noticed that I tend to buy the same colors – black, white, blue, and gray. The way I look at it, I don’t have to worry about whether or not things match. I’m apparently a creature of habit and that habit seems to be buying basic styles in neutral colors that I can mix and match or layer. For most of the year, I can easily get away with wearing a tank top under a tee with a sweater of some sort and a pair of pants.

So, what exactly is the point of a capsule wardrobe? From what I’ve read, the most common answers seem to be to eliminate clutter, to save money, and to have fewer decisions to make on a day to day basis.

Have I managed to accomplish any of the above? Yes, definitely – actually, all of the above. Overall, I have less hanging in my closet than my husband does and I almost never buy clothes – at least not just for the sake of buying them. As far as the whole decision-making thing, it’s as simple as grab and go when you don’t really have all that many choices to start with.

What do you think? Do you have a capsule wardrobe – intentional or otherwise? Does it work for you? Leave a comment and share your thoughts on the concept.

Written by: Cristi Wuenschel

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