How to create the perfect capsule wardrobe

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

You don't need a lot of things to look stylish. It is enough to be able to combine them correctly.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule is such a trending word that is associated with something innovative and complex. We, stylists, also fell in love with it and call it a capsule mini-wardrobe of 5-10 items, united by one style or occasion.

A capsule is those things that you combine with each other.

Let's say you are on a business trip for a few days. You have a business meeting, and then dinner. You take with you a business attire, a dress shirt or dress and comfortable things for flights and walks. You have a capsule in your suitcase.

Examples of things from the capsule:

• Sweater Only & Sons →
• Nike Sweatpants →
• Jacket United Colors of Benetton →
• Crosby Sneakers →

Or, for example, a vacation capsule is a few summer items, including shoes that go with everything.

Examples of things from the capsule:

• Jacket Bonprix →
• New Look Velvet Espadrille Sandals →
• Top Miss Selfridge →

The evening capsule is your most elegant piece of clothing that you wear to a corporate party, a party or a wedding of friends.

Examples of things from the capsule:

• Kimono dress MADEMOISELLE R →
• Sweater Vero Moda →
• Coat TrendyAngel →
• Call It Spring Booties →

Why is it needed at all?

A capsule wardrobe allows you to buy fewer items and have more combinations. This approach protects you from impulse purchases of unnecessary clothing.

Think about why you need new things. Are you changing jobs? The new season is coming and you are not in trend, so you have nothing to wear? Stop randomly navigating all the shops, buying things you like spontaneously, and then puzzling over what to combine with and what else you need to find. Create a capsule wardrobe instead.

How to choose things?

The capsule is very convenient and efficient. The more universal things are, the more combinations and images there can be.

When creating a capsule wardrobe, follow the rule of three things: each thing should be combined with three others.

For example, in the men's casual style capsule, the cardigan is combined with jeans, a shirt and a T-shirt. Throw in a jacket and boots, swap a cardigan for a jumper and jeans for trousers, and you have a capsule of 8-10 items that gives you 20-30 different combinations.

Examples of things from the capsule:

• Jacket with faux fur ASOS →
• Jeans Nisko →
• Call It Spring Andler Chelsea Boots →

There are even more options in the women's capsule: the coat is combined with trousers, a blouse and a dress. Pants can be replaced with a skirt or jeans, a blouse with a top, and a dress can be supplemented with a jumper. And in such a capsule you need to add a handbag and universal shoes that fit everything.

Examples of things from the capsule:

• Handbag MICHAEL Michael Kors →
• Jumper Piazza Italia →
• Free People Ankle Boots →

It's not difficult at all if you keep in mind the purpose for which the capsule is needed and the color combination.

How to match colors correctly?

One capsule should contain no more than three accent colors plus monochrome base colors. It is easier to combine shades at the same temperature: cold with cold and warm with warm. For example, in a capsule with cold shades, the accent will be blue, emerald, burgundy, and with the basic ones - gray and white with black. In this case, absolutely all things will be combined with each other.

This also applies to accessories: the color of the print on the bag and the finish of the sole should also be in harmony.

Examples of things from the capsule:

• Monki dress →
• Jacket Abercrombie & Fitch →

It will probably be expensive. Or is it not?

If you dress in the mass market, the average cost of a capsule of 10 items will be 30,000 rubles. A capsule with winter outerwear will, of course, be more expensive. But it’s not worth saving on things like coats and shoes. The better they are, the more comfortable and warm you will be and the longer this thing will last.

A summer capsule can cost 15,000 rubles if purchased at a sale. It is important to pay attention to the materials here. They need to breathe and be comfortable.

It is profitable to buy capsules. You do not just spend these 15-30 thousand rubles on 10 things, but acquire from 20 to 50 different bows due to the compatibility of all the elements with each other.

So where do you start?

When assembling the capsule, start with one key piece - a jacket / blazer or shirt / jumper. It is better if it is bright or printed. This thing will set the palette and style. All you have to do next is pick up some suitable lows and additional highs.

Examples of things from the capsule:

• Pants BODYFLIRT →
• Pimkie clutch →
• Coat LOST INK →

Trousers, a T-shirt, a cardigan, a skirt, jeans, a sweatshirt - collect several things that match in color at once, from which you will get several sets.

Often in the store, items that match each other are placed next to each other so that you can immediately try on the finished look. Take them all to the fitting room and try different combinations.