jokimjorgensen

So you want a capsule wardrobe, but you don’t know where to start? I gotchu.

If you haven’t already, I advise you read my post here where I dive into my own philosophy around what a Capsule Wardrobe is.

Did you read it? Are we on the same page? Alright – let’s get you started on your capsule wardrobe journey.

1. Find your style and the silhouettes that work for you.

Before you start to go gangbusters on purging your closet, there are important steps you’ll need take that will help you make very informed decisions around what will stay and what will go. The first is to find your style and the silhouettes that work for your frame. If you already know these details about yourself – great! You’re ready for step 2! If not, then take some time to familiarize yourself with your personal style and silhouette preferences. If you’re unsure of what your personal style is, take a look at the most common outfits you’ve worn in the last month. And also in each previous season (if you live in a multi-season climate). What kind of “look” do you usually gravitate towards? Do you dress more tailored? Or do you prefer less structured clothing? Is your style more laid-back, or full-out glam? Please be true to yourself and your personal style when going through this exercise. The last thing you want to do is commit to a personal style that isn’t genuinely you.

To find your preferred silhouette, take a look at the clothing you feel the best in. Think back to pieces in your wardrobe that flatter you (these are usually pieces you are complimented on when you wear them!). Depending on your body frame, you may prefer a full bottom and a fitted top, or vice versa. You may prefer waist cinching looks or structured shoulders. For a little extra help in finding out which clothing silhouettes suit your frame, check out this helpful resource on Stitch Fix.

If you’re really unsure on the above two details, I recommend you try on the items in your closet. The ones you feel best in will inform you on your style and shape preferences.

2. Know your colour palette.

The second step you need to take is to identify your colour palette. This should consist of a balance of colours that are timeless, colours you prefer and colours that look great on your skin tone. To find out which colours best compliment your skin tone, you can use this helpful resource on The Fashion Spot.

A capsule wardrobe typically consists of mostly neutrals as this palette is the most timeless and classic, and colours in the neutral family go well together when mixed and matched. However, if orange is a colour that you wear regularly, then don’t afraid to let it stay in your capsule wardrobe.

Personally, I favour black, white, beige, and grey. I have never really gravitated towards wearing too much colour, but I do welcome red, navy and khaki green as “neutral colours”. And don’t forget about prints! Some prints can totally capsule! (I’ll do a post on colours and prints that capsule in the near future.)

3. Make a list of what you need to complete your capsule wardrobe.

Now that you know your preferred style, silhouette and colour palette, you’re ready to make a list of clothing items that you feel would round out your capsule wardrobe. I find that the easiest way to do this is too make a capsule wardrobe checklist. To do this, it is important to try to think of your most common dressing scenarios. Do you work in a corporate environment that requires formal office dressing? Do you frequently go to formal evening events? Are you usually in sportswear? Defining your common dressing scenarios will help you map out the categories of clothing you will need to make a list for. You will also need to make sure you consider the climates/seasons where you live. Will you need both summer and winter workwear options? Or just summer?

For my lifestyle, these are the dressing scenario categories I’ve made lists for: workwear, casual everyday wear, athleisure, and event. Because I live in a 4 season climate, I will need to address cooler and warmer temperatures for each of these categories. Once you have defined your categories, make a list of each clothing item type you need. My recommendation is that you include a lighter and darker option for daily pieces like pants and tops, and that you make sure you do not stray way from your style, preferred silhouettes and colour palette.

4. Purge your closet! Be cut-throat!

Now that you know your personal style and you’ve made your capsule wardrobe checklist, it’s time to purge your closet. This is the best part. I promise you. I recommend a glass of wine and a great playlist to accompany this task.

Go to your closet and start by removing the pieces that are on your capsule wardrobe checklist. You are essentially shopping your own closet before you purge. Try each item on. If it fits and is in good condition – great! Keep the item and check it off the list. You’re on your way! Once you have “shopped your closet” and gone through the checklist, see what is remaining in your closet.

Anything that does not meet your style, silhouette and colour preferences, and that does not have a place in any of your wardrobe dressing categories on your checklist, need to go. These items do not have a place in your capsule wardrobe. Get rid of it. Get. Rid. Of. It. Place the item in a box to give away to a friend or family member or for charity, or consider selling the item on for some extra cash.

5. Take inventory of your existing ‘capsule’ pieces.

After your closet purge, take note of the capsule pieces that are remaining. Also, take a deep satisfying breathe of air as you look at the open space in your closet. It is weirdly satisfying – I promise you.

Take a look at your capsule wardrobe checklist, and the unchecked items that still need to be added. You are ready to start the next chapter of your capsule wardrobe journey!

6. Shop mindfully.

Now you’re ready to slowly add pieces into your capsule wardrobe to fill in the gaps. Keep in mind that your criteria for shopping now involves the lens of your capsule wardrobe aesthetic and checklist. It’s also important to remember that one of the key elements of a capsule wardrobe is choosing items that will last for many seasons. This doesn’t mean you need to shop at the most expensive places. It just means you should be mindful of the fabrics and materials you choose.

7. Enjoy the journey!

Congratulations! You are now well on your way to creating the capsule wardrobe of your dreams! I would love to see how you’re getting on. Tag me in your capsule wardrobe posts on Instagram, and use the hashtag #jkjcapsulejourney.