• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

This is Us...Living

Live Simply & Travel Slow

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Living Abroad
  • Astrogeography
  • Simple Living
  • Slow Travel
  • Contact

How to build a capsule wardrobe (plus the guidelines I use)

July 17, 2017 by Meg 46 Comments

Read this post to find out exactly what is currently in my wardrobe, and the guidelines I use to have a capsule wardrobe.In April this year I set out to declutter my wardrobe, and wrote about how I got rid of all the clothing items that didn’t fit, I wasn’t going to wear, or just didn’t bring me joy. Since then, it has become a bit a talking point around friends as to how on earth I have continued to live with only 30 items of clothing in my wardrobe. So I thought I would lay out what is currently in my wardrobe, and the guidelines I use to have a capsule wardrobe.

First, yes, I still have 30 clothing items in my wardrobe, here is a full list of what they include:

  • 4 formal outfits/ clothes I wear for special occasions ( 2 dresses, 1 suit jacket, 1 jumpsuit)
  • 5 pants
  • 1 shorts
  • 2 skirts
  • 2 tights
  • 1 dress
  • 4 tunic tops
  • 5 casual tops
  • 4 blouses
  • 2 jerseys

There are things I still want to get rid of:

  • 1 formal dress – I want to replace this with a dress I can wear for work
  • 2 casual tops – the ones I own are a bit tatty, so I would like to replace these

And there are things I want to buy:

  • 2 smart work tops (short sleeve)
  • 1 smart work top (long)

What are my guidelines for building my capsule wardrobe?

  • I am not to hooked up on a particular number in my wardrobe, but I like that I own 33 clothing items from the above list
  • I consider the above list, a list of everyday clothing items, things I wear either to work or casual or to a special occasion (like a wedding).
  • I keep a few seasonal items in a storage container under my bed. Things like: winter jerseys, long tops I wear in winter, winter pj’s, a South African soccer shirt, 3 summer formal dresses, a house hoodie, and a small selection of clutch handbags, including some clutch handbags I got from my mum that I wear only for special occasions.

  • My capsule wardrobe excludes certain items (listed below):
    • Shoes (4 boots, 3 heels, 3 takkies, 2 slops, 1 slippers, 1 pumps, and 1 gumboots)
    • Accessories (scarves, belt, necklaces etc) and handbag (I only have 1 handbag)
    • Pj’s (3 summer, 2 winter) and dressing gown (1 summer,, 1 winter)
    • Workout gear (bras, tights, tops, jackets)
    • House wear ( 1 shorts, 1 track pants, 1 top, 1 hoodie)
    • Bras, underwear, stockings and socks
    • Outer wear (1 coat, 1 trench, 1 puffy jacket, 1 rain coat)
    • Items I have in storage
Read this post to find out how to build a capsule wardrobe. Click To Tweet

There are still things I keep in my wardrobe that I need to work through.

  • I would like to sort out my accessories, but I seem to hang on to these “just in case” – I don’r own a lot of scarves but I seem to favour one or two, but own about 8 in total.
  • I don’t really wear jewelry that much, but I know when I start work I will wear a few items, so I am holding onto these until I start working to see what I wear and what I can get rid of.
  • I know I need to sort out my workout gear. But honestly, this pile has been carefully accumulated to a number that is realistic if you run more than 3 times a week. At the peak of my training, I was running 5 days a week, and it saves on washing if I own enough outfits that I can run that frequently.

workout gear

  • I have 12 pairs of running tights – this is because some are duplicates. If you are a runner you will know that when you find tights that don’t slip when you run, you buy duplicates because that is a rare find. But honestly, some of these tights are very light weight/ more summer gear, so it is not really helpful living in a country that I know I would probably not wear them, and rather stick to wearing the longer tights in my wardrobe. Still I find it hard to get rid of them because every pair of tights I own fit and work perfectly for me.
  • I have 5 sport bras, but only 3 actually fit well. The thinking is that I have enough that I can run at least 3 times a week with only one wash cycle. But 2 of them fit terribly. Actually writing this has made me realise how stupid that sounds, so I am chucking the 2 sports bras that don’t fit right now.
  • I know I should probably get rid of 2 pairs of heels. because I know that I will never wear them, and perhaps I can then replace ย them with 1 comfy pair of smart shoes I can wear at work. I don’t need to replace both.

shoes

  • I know I only own one handbag, and it is a teal leather type handbag. But I really would prefer to own brown leather handbag, own that goes with a bit more of my outfits, as I sometimes feel the teal colour clashes with certain outfits in my wardrobe.

How to build a capsule wardrobe:

  1. Lay everything out and review all your clothes in one go. Pull it out of your wardrobe and pick up every item one at a time. Do you wear this? Does it fit? Do you like it? Would you buy it again?
  2. Work out the outfits you can create with the items you own. Match bottoms with various tops, or tops with various bottoms – do they all work together?
  3. Stick to styles that work for your body type. Don’t worry about matching exactly what I have, some things might not work for you. Perhaps you are not a fan of tights, or hardly wear dresses. Keep what works for you.
  4. Replace, don’t add. This is key, once you get rid of a lot of items in your wardrobe, your first instinct will be to go out and buy more to fill the void.
  5. Try living with less for a while. At the start, it will feel like you have nothing to wear, it will cause panic and anxiety. You will feel like you wear the same thing every day. Push through, because let’s be real, we all have our faves we always wear even with a wardrobe full of clothes!
  6. You don’t need to stick to black, white and grey. Often people think you have to stick with the same palette. I disagree, I love adding colours to my wardrobe – do what works for you!
  7. If you love an item of clothing, you will make it work for you in your capsule wardrobe.ย I think the key is that the separate items I have in my wardrobe can be mixed and matched, and create various outfits – regardless of colour.
  8. Think before you buy – do you need it? how will it work with the other items in your wardrobe? does it fit your style?
  9. Fold your clothes, and pack away in your wardrobe, so that everything can be see by just a quick glance.

With everything in life, I know my closet is not perfect. There are items I know I need to still sort through, but right now, I am actually not sure if I need them. Perhaps I will use them in the future? So I have decided to keep what I have until November. That will mean that I would have had these items for one whole year, so then I can review again and get rid of the clothing I never wore in a year. The best part of having a capsule wardrobe is that I can really see what I have in my wardrobe, and I know exactly what I wear and what I don’t ever wear but simply doing a quick scan. It makes it easier to manage. Nothing is hiding behind piles and piles of clothes. Everything has been accounted for and weighed up before I put it into my wardrobe, I love the order a capsule wardrobe brings.

HAVE YOU TRIED THE DECLUTTER CHALLENGE?

Unlock the simple life,

~Meg~

p.s. If social media is your thing (snap! It’s my fave too!), you should totally follow me on Instagram.

p.p.s. I try post varied content once or twice a month, to be sure you don’t miss out on the new post you should sign up and get all the news straight in your inbox – Sign up now!

PIN THIS AND READ LATER:

Read this post to find out exactly what is currently in my wardrobe, and the guidelines I use to have a capsule wardrobe.

my capsule wardrobe, how i built a minimalist closet that works for me. plus the guidelines/ rules I follow to achieve my tiny wardrobe.
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest

Related

Filed Under: A Happy Life Tagged With: capsule wardrobe, Challenges, declutter, irishlife, journey, life, minimalism, simple life, simple living

Previous Post: « Athlone: A day trip to the middle of Ireland
Next Post: The cost of living in Dublin compared to Johannesburg »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 2summers says

    July 17, 2017 at 8:59 am

    This is amazing! I feel like I did a really good job of narrowing down my wardrobe when I moved to SA, but over the years it’s ballooned again. My main problem is t-shirts — I have so many and find them really hard to let go of because they all have special meaning. Anyway, thanks for he inspiration.

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:23 am

      It is something to always be mindful of – I am determine to not let my wardrobe get out of hand again!

      Reply
  2. Tanvi Rastogi (@Tanviidotcom) says

    July 17, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    These are some useful and practical tips. Would definitely try and implement them in my wardrobe.

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:22 am

      Thanks Tanvi, hope they help – good luck with the declutter! Let me know if you need any more advice.

      Reply
  3. Samantha Dube says

    July 17, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    I’ve been really analyzing my wardrobe and I have too many shoes, dresses I not longer wear (mini) and too many bags. i will definitely screen my wardrobe come spring. This is a great concept.

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:22 am

      Happy Decluttering Sam – shout if you need any help!

      Reply
  4. Sarah Jean says

    July 17, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    I am a minimalist to my core and so my wardrobe is already pretty condensed, but I think I could do better about having pieces that go with everything else instead of just fewer things. One thing I do love are dresses though! Especially here in D.C.

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:21 am

      Ah summer dresses, I wish I could wear them here. Winter gets a bit trickier here in Dublin, but I am working on it!

      Reply
  5. Heather says

    July 17, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    Wow I have to admire your organisation. My wardrobe is in a bit of a mess and could use a declutter.

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:20 am

      Been there Heather, hope the post helps motivate you to get stuck in and sort out your wardrobe!

      Reply
  6. Lena says

    July 17, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    I love my capsule wardrobe! I am glad to hear that you don’t include your pj’s and workout gear in your capsule because I always feel a little insecure about not including them, like am I a fraud? But those items are in need of a lot more rotation so if I included them my number would double I think lol.. This is such a great comprehensive outline for a starter capsule! I wish I had read this back when I started making my capsule over a year ago!

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:19 am

      Do what works for you. I actually don’t even think you need to focus on the number – the key is to keep what you wear, and be aware what you bring in. I agree pjs and workout gear is something you need to wash more regularly!

      Reply
  7. The Real Couponer (@TheRealCouponer) says

    July 17, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    5 pants? To me, that sounds like a lot

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:17 am

      haha, well I am just starting out! But honestly, 2 pairs of jeans (one more formal), 2 work pants, and a pair of jeggings doesn’t seem like a lot to me! How many bottoms do you own?

      Reply
  8. Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat. says

    July 17, 2017 at 7:59 pm

    I feel like a lot of us fall into a capsule wardrobe because we wear our favorite things over and over, we just never actually get rid of all the stuff we don’t wear lol

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:15 am

      exactly, a good trick is to turn your hangers around when you wear something, you find out pretty quick the items you wear and the ones you don’t touch!

      Reply
  9. Kristen Jones says

    July 17, 2017 at 8:14 pm

    This is so awesome. I am really wanting to cut down on the clothing that I have. I am so motivated now to clear more items out to sell. It’s def going to be this week’s project for sure.

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:14 am

      Woohoo! happy decluttering week – let me know if you need any more help from me!

      Reply
  10. Payton says

    July 17, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    WOW! I am so impressed you only have 33 items in your wardrobe! I need to build my capsule wardrobe

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:13 am

      Let me know if you need any more advice or help to get you started!

      Reply
  11. Be You and Thrive says

    July 17, 2017 at 10:39 pm

    Thanks for this information! I have been really good over the last few years to purge and mix and match what I have. yay!

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:13 am

      Yay! I only started this year, but I think it will stick.

      Reply
  12. lcross35 says

    July 18, 2017 at 12:42 am

    Great read! The tips here are really great, I know a few people who could stand to consolidate their wardrobes!

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:12 am

      I think that is key – just start! and being aware what you bring in. That was the eye-opener for me.

      Reply
  13. jessicadevlinessica says

    July 18, 2017 at 12:59 am

    I’ve been doing a capsule wardrobe for just under 10 years. This is a great guide.

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:11 am

      Thanks so much Jess, that means a lot coming from a veteran!

      Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 9:11 am

      Thanks so much Jess, that means a lot coming from a veteran!

      Reply
  14. Mwarianesu Mutsaka says

    July 18, 2017 at 9:45 am

    INTERESTING HOW YOU DO IT. BEE THINKING OF THROWING OUT SOME STUFF AS WELL

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 18, 2017 at 10:02 am

      Hope it helps you to get into your closet and get rid of things that you don’t wear!

      Reply
  15. Aine says

    July 18, 2017 at 11:43 am

    Great tips, have been struggling to reduce my wardrobe so will definitely be applying some of these when I get home ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 19, 2017 at 11:59 am

      Good luck Aine, i think the best thing to do is take it all out of your wardrobe in one go and start from there!

      Reply
  16. LaNeshe says

    July 18, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    Much more colorful than the other capsules I’ve seen!

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 19, 2017 at 12:00 pm

      Yes! you have to keep true to your style I think, and I love adding loads of colour ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  17. Mica says

    July 18, 2017 at 2:16 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing this! I made a capsule wardrobe for pregnancy which was easy as my choices were pretty limited anyway with the baby belly, ha! But I’ve never been sure how I could do it within my large wardrobe now everything fits again, I appreciate you sharing your advice ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 19, 2017 at 12:07 pm

      Good Luck Mica, I promise you once you start there will be no going back to an overcrowded wardrobe!

      Reply
  18. Rachel @ HelloRachelBright.com says

    July 18, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    Wow! I’m a self-professed fashion hoarder so I doubt I could ever succeed in narrowing my wardrobe down to just 33 items, but I love your approach of getting rid of things that don’t bring you joy!

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 19, 2017 at 12:04 pm

      i think the big thing is being aware of what you actually wear and what you hold on to for no purpose – i was keeping tons of things just in case and never ever wearing them!

      Reply
  19. anniesnomsblog says

    July 19, 2017 at 9:37 am

    This is honestly so helpful!! I have so many clothes it’s unbelievable, I’m so overwhelmed by it all that I can still rarely find anything to wear!! I really need to pull everything out and be brutal with what I keep! I feel like I’ll feel less stressed if I know there are outfits I’ve put together beforehand and I only have a few items. Right now, I open the closet, see 150 tops and am like “ARGHHHH where do I start?!”

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 19, 2017 at 12:06 pm

      pull it all out and go through my steps to declutter – I was just like you when I started!

      Reply
  20. foratau says

    July 19, 2017 at 11:52 am

    I’m so glad I came across your blog post, I’m moving out soon and your guide will be very helpful!!

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 19, 2017 at 12:06 pm

      moving is the BEST time to declutter! good luck!

      Reply
    • Meg says

      July 19, 2017 at 12:06 pm

      moving is the BEST time to declutter! good luck!

      Reply
  21. allison says

    July 19, 2017 at 12:54 pm

    I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe! I used one during my pregnancy and am trying to get back to that mentality.

    Reply
    • Meg says

      July 19, 2017 at 2:32 pm

      Give it a try Allison and let me know if you need any help!

      Reply
  22. Trisha says

    October 15, 2018 at 9:07 am

    I only ever have had less than 30 items in my wardrobe at any one time – just do not like too much stuff and would never be able to choose/find anything if I had more than that. Most of it is fairly practical if stylish, puffer jackets, jeans, tops, a couple of better looking black jeans and stretchy pants to wear more formally and one black dress for special events/funerals. I live in the highlands of Scotland, so need to take account of very changeable weather and always need a hood when outside, apart from long periods of hot weather, such as we had this summer.

    Reply
    • Meg says

      October 16, 2018 at 11:06 am

      I totally agree Trisha, why have a heap of clothes you never wear?!

      Reply

I love it when people leave a comment! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Join the monthly newsletter!

About Meg

new pic

Hey! My name is Meg. I blog about the life I share with my hubby, Rob; our furbaby, Jack and the newest family member, our daughter Riley. In 2016, we moved to a new country, cut down on clutter, and started focusing on unlocking a simple life, filled with travel and adventure. Read my story here

Connect with me on social

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Booking.com

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

Archives

Footer

Follow Me on Social

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Sign up to the monthly newsletter!

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

Archives

Tags

Challenges discover dublin discover ireland dublin expat expat life Happiness ireland irishlife irish travel journey life living abroad simple life simple living travel travelling travels travel tips vacation ideas

Copyright © 2022 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress