The concept of a capsule winter wardrobe is becoming increasingly popular together with our growing care for quality and sustainability as consumers. However, there are many people who’d like to try building one but feel intimidated or overwhelmed by it. This is understandable, given the amount of choice we are presented with. For instance, when searching for women’s winter jackets, you will find hundreds of different styles, colours and materials – but which one will be the most practical and wearable in your capsule winter wardrobe…
What is a capsule wardrobe?
For those who have never heard of it, a capsule wardrobe is essentially a limited selection of clothes where each piece works well with one another, without the need to purchase new items for a long period of time. Therefore, it allows you to create a variety of different outfits easily and quickly as well as save money in the long-run. So how do you build a practical and stylish winter capsule wardrobe for yourself? Here are some simple steps to follow.
Step 1: Assess your current wardrobe
The very first thing you want to do is look through all of the clothing you own now and see which pieces you tend to wear the most and the least (or not at all). We tend to always reach for the same items once we find nice ways to style them but you likely have great pieces you forget to wear or simply don’t know how to. Try to separate those items and get rid of any clutter you don’t want anymore (e.g. old, doesn’t fit you, you don’t like it anymore, etc.). Be super critical and realistic when doing this!
Step 2: Understand your needs and wants
Once you have your most worn / loved pieces in front of you, you will have a clear view of what exactly your wardrobe consists of and what the gaps in it are. Think about your goals at the end of this process – do you put more effort into being stylish or are you happy with your current style, just want to make the dressing process easier in the mornings? You should also consider your lifestyle, work and other practicalities. Do you wear formal clothes to work? Are you a very active person? What do you prioritise in your clothes? This will give you an idea of what kind of items you should opt for.
Step 3: Make sure you have the basics
Capsule wardrobes will typically consist of a strong foundation with basic items that are the must-haves and then a range of other pieces that are based on your own style and preferences. The basics are such things as simple, plain T-shirts and tank tops, a good pair of jeans, a simple sweater and so on. It may feel like these items are the most plain and represent your personality the least. However, they will allow you to pair and style other pieces more easily later on.
Step 4: Think before you buy
Most people do not build their capsule winter wardrobe in one day – it is usually a process of slowly acquiring the right pieces. It will require a bit of test and trial but remember that you don’t have to make it perfect straight away. The most important thing is to consider your existing wardrobe before you acquire any new clothes. Do not let the ever-changing fashion trends sway you, keep your focus on what works with the things you already own. Consider the different styles of the clothes, patterns, colour palettes and so on. If you find it difficult to put outfits together in your head, there are various apps that are designed to help you visualise them.
