A capsule wardrobe can take on many shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, many people (myself included once upon a time) find them to be rather restrictive. And rightfully so. Capsule wardrobes are often assembled in a “one size fits all” approach. When searching “capsule wardrobe”, you are likely to find pictures of example closets that looks something like 5 blazers, 3 tanks, 5 tees, and 3 pairs of pants and 1 or 2 dresses. Not only that, but they tend to be in a monochromatic color scheme. When I saw and even tried this type of capsule, it failed me every time because it just wasn’t for me.
It wasn’t until I broke the mold of a traditional capsule wardrobe and leaned into my own style and preferences, that I finally found a capsule that works for me. That is why I developed a new system for building your very own personalized capsule wardrobe which you can check out HERE. In trying this method out for myself, I have found it to be the exact opposite of restrictive. In fact, it has given me so much freedom.
Freedom from trends that don’t match my style or body type. Financial freedom from constantly buying new clothes that I wear only a few times. Freedom to develop and embrace my own personal style rather than relying on marketers and advertisers to tell me what I should be wearing. Freedom to buy high quality, well-made clothing that lasts. And so much more.
Reasons To Love A 10 Item Capsule Wardrobe
Capsule wardrobes have been an interest of mine for quite some time. As someone who appreciates simplicity, calm, ease and rhythm in my days; a capsule wardrobe just seemed to make sense. Less decision fatigue, less time shopping, and more time actually living in clothes that served me. While these things have all been true since adopting a 10 item wardrobe, there were also some benefits that I didn’t expect. Those are the ones I want to share with you today in case you too are craving a change up in your closet.
#1 It’s Just Simpler
It’s probably pretty obvious that it’s simpler to have fewer clothes rather than more, but it is also simpler in ways I didn’t expect. Yes, all the of the obvious simplicity benefits of a capsule wardrobe are true. I have fewer clothes to choose from so I spend less time deciding. My clothing can be mixed and matched because the color scheme is similar. And I enjoy wearing and feel good in all the clothes I own so the time I spend changing outfits that don’t quite feel right in the morning has basically gone to zero.
However, I also found simplicity in other areas. I no longer spend time searching and shopping the latest trends because I know what I like and what feels good to wear. If the latest trend happens to fall within my the realm of my personal style, great. If not, I love the clothing I wear and don’t feel pressured to try out something I know isn’t for me.
The financial simplicity of a capsule wardrobe was another benefit I didn’t expect. While initially it felt strange (and a little dangerous) to be spending more money high quality pieces, I have found that I end up spending way less per year on clothing than I did previously. By investing in higher quality pieces that I love, they last longer and I enjoy wearing them over and over again because they feel that good to wear. While the cost per item went up, the cost per wear decreased dramatically.
#2 There Is ALWAYS Something To Wear
We’ve all experienced that moment when you stand in front of a closet full of clothes and find yourself with nothing to wear. What I discovered in building a capsule wardrobe was that the random collection of trendy items I had collected over the years really had no cohesiveness to it. This created those frequent moments of having nothing the wear not an actual lack of clothing.
Not only did the clothes not have any cohesive style theme, but most of them also weren’t my style. By creating a cohesive wardrobe catered to my preferences and body type, the dreaded moment of having nothing to wear disappeared. Having a smaller amount clothing that actually fits my lifestyle and personal style means there is always something to wear.
#3 Defines My Personal Style
I thought by limiting the number of clothing items that I would limit my style. Now, I have never been a fashionista, so admittedly this wasn’t a major concern for me. As it turns out though, I feel my style is more defined than ever before. Yes, it is true that it’s probably more limited, but I also feel more like myself than ever before.
I used to be concerned if I walked into a room and was overdressed or underdressed or wasn’t wearing the latest trend. Now, I know that I’m wearing exactly what is best for me, so it simply doesn’t matter what others are wearing. Showing up as myself feels like the very best way to show up.
#4 Always Feel Comfortable In My Clothing
This was a huge unlock for me in creating a capsule wardrobe. When I was trying to mimic other capsule wardrobes I saw, I never felt comfortable in the types of clothing they included in their capsule. It wasn’t until I started exploring what I truly feel comfortable wearing, that my capsule started to come together.
For me, I mostly enjoy wearing casual, loose fitting clothing made from natural fibers, so things like blazers and pencil skirts and even most jeans just weren’t going to work. When I switched to a wider leg jean, cozy cotton sweaters in the winter, and breezy lightweight linen in the summer; my capsule became infinitely more comfortable. The more comfortable it was, the more I loved wearing it! No one wants spend the day tugging on uncomfortable, ill-fitting clothing. It will simply make you less likely to wear it again.
#5 Frees Up Mental Space
I didn’t realize how much time and mental energy I spent planning outfits and shopping for clothes until it was something I no longer felt the need to do. At first it was weird to shop less, almost like coming down from an addiction. But the more I wore and loved my new capsule, the less I felt the need to shop for new items.
This freed up so much mental space for things that I really enjoy and that matter to me such as trying out new recipes to make for the people I love and writing ideas here on this blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t you get tired of wearing the same clothes?
My answer here for the most part is no, but I will be honest that on occasion it does happen. Usually it occurs near the end of a season, so I will just simply begin mixing in the next season’s clothing to mix things up since I change out my 10 items each season.
The other way I prevent fatigue is by borrowing or renting items when I feel the need. There are plenty of websites out there where you can rent dresses for special events. Or do a clothing swap with a friend.
However, most often the answer to this question is just a simple no. I love wearing the clothes I own and feel they define and solidify my personality and style far more than they limit it.
Will people notice if I keep wearing the same items?
The answer for me has again been no. Even if people notice that I always wear the same thing, they have never said anything about it. In fact, I will often get compliments on the same outfit even after several wears. I believe this is once again due to the item fitting my personality and style rather than being about how often I wear the item itself.
How can I build my own capsule wardrobe?
After years of trial and error, I have put together this full proof system for creating a capsule wardrobe that fits you and your lifestyle! You can find it by clicking HERE on this post.
What does an example of this type of capsule wardrobe look like?
If you are looking for specific examples of what this type of capsule wardrobe looks like, you can see the process in action HERE. I am happy to share what my own capsule looks like but encourage you to really explore your own personal style and preferences. The only way it will work for you is by getting to know yourself!
More Capsule Wardrobe Posts You Might Enjoy…
How To Create A Capsule Wardrobe
My 10 Item Winter Capsule Wardrobe
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