jokimjorgensen

Before we dive into this post, I want to make clear that I will be using “capsule” as a verb in this post in the context of whether or not an item can capsule.

Capsule – VERB: to meet the criteria to easily fit into a capsule wardrobe. Examples: “Does it capsule?” “It capsules well”.

How do you know if something fits the criteria of a capsule wardrobe item? Below are 5 questions I ask myself when evaluating whether or not a clothing item will capsule well before letting it stay in, or when inviting something new to, my wardrobe. I hope posing these questions will also be helpful to you, if you are also currently on your capsule wardrobe journey.

1. Colour: Does the colour fit into your capsule wardrobe colour palette?

Remember when you were planning your capsule wardrobe? The second step was to know your colour palette. Does this new item fit within your colour palette? Is it a colour you wear often? Is it a colour that pairs well with the other colours within your palette? If yes, then move on to the next question!

2. Quality: Is it made of a material that feels long-lasting?

Keep in mind that one of the main objectives of a capsule wardrobe is practicing quality over quantity. Is the clothing piece you are considering well-made? Does the textile feel like it will stand the test of time? If it is a summer item, does it feel breathable? If it is a heavier knit item, does it feel like durable and warm? Is it easy to wash and maintain? If yes, next question!

3. Versatility: Can you pair it with at least 5 other pieces that are already in your wardrobe?

Remember that the items in your capsule wardrobe should be as versatile as possible. They should easily be able to mix and match with many of your other wardrobe pieces harmoniously. Is the clothing piece you are considering versatile? Can you wear it with at least 5 other pieces that you already own? A bonus if you can wear the item as part of more than 1 of your dressing scenarios (i.e. workwear and casual).

4. Lifespan: Will you wear it at least 30 times?

I remember my mom asking me this so many times growing up. Will you wear it 1023092084029348 times?? Now, I’m not going to be as dramatic as my mom, but seriously – will you wear it?? Will you wear it, and re-wear it over, and over again? I see the number ’30’ thrown around a lot when it comes to capsule wardrobes and slow fashion, which is why I’ve decided to include that number here, but in my opinion 30 times is not enough. Ask yourself, will you wear this item repeatedly for years to come?

5. Seasonality: Can you wear it in more than 1 season?

This last question is a bit of a bonus. I like to ask myself this because I just love a good versatile piece. I know it’s not always possible to have pieces that can be worn in more than 1 season if you live in a 4 season climate (shorts, for example…though you could layer them with leggings and wear them in the fall!), but I love how Fall items transition with you into Winter, how some Fall/Winter items can transition into Spring, and how many Spring items can transition into Summer. Can the item be worn in more than 1 season? If yes, this is a major plus! And will create ease as you transition your seasonal capsule wardrobes.

If you are able to answer ‘YES’ to at least 4 of the questions, then it’s fair to say that the item capsules! I hope these questions can be a helpful checklist to reference if you are also on your journey of building a capsule wardrobe.

Are you on a capsule wardrobe journey? How do you decide if something capsules? Would love to chat in the comments!

-Jo