How to Build Your Dream Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe in 3 Easy Steps

How many clothes in your closet do you actually wear? We all hate it, but you know that moment when you’re late for an event, digging through your clothes, and nothing seems quite right? We’re left standing in a pile of hangers and clothes we haven’t worn in five years saying, “I have nothing to wear!”

I’ve had that experience too many times. And so, I decided to build a minimalist capsule wardrobe to help myself save time, money, and clothing.

Keep reading if you want to learn how to build a capsule wardrobe you’ll love!

Learn more about developing minimalist money habits!

What is a capsule wardrobe?

Essentially, a capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of clothing where everything goes with everything. A capsule wardrobe should be built around your lifestyle with things that make you feel happy and that you love to wear repeatedly.

Some people will say that a capsule wardrobe should be 30 or 50 pieces, and then you switch them out every few months for the new season, but personally, I don’t believe in putting a number on it.

To me, a capsule wardrobe, like all minimalist habits, is all about getting rid of excess to hone in on what really serves you and brings you joy.

So, you can have 70 or 100 pieces – as long as you actually wear and enjoy them, it’s all good.

Why I Decided to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

Mostly, I wanted to make it easier to get dressed. I have way more important things to focus on than what I’m going to wear. BUT, I also care about looking good and having a personal style is important to me, so that’s what led me on the capsule wardrobe journey.

I also wanted to love everything in my closet. I’m a huge Marie Kondo fan, so if it doesn’t spark joy, it’s out.

I also wanted to make a change that would be in line with my values of environmentalism and anti-consumption. I didn’t want to keep buying clothes from fast fashion brands that are destroying the earth. I wanted a more sustainable approach.

In sum, I wanted to stop wasting time and energy, enjoy getting dressed, and feel like I was living in line with my values.

How I Built a Capsule Wardrobe

First of all, I knew I wouldn’t be able to do this on my own, so I hired a stylist I found on the internet. She’s amazing, I love her, and would highly recommend!

If you know me, you know I need accountability for getting things done. Well, Cassie was the ultimate guide on this journey. So with her help, here are the steps I took:

1) I did an audit of my current wardrobe

I tried every single piece of clothing on, in front of a mirror. I asked myself, with Cassie’s input:

• Does this piece bring me joy?
• Do I feel great and confident in it?
• Does it match my personal style? (I was going for a sophisticated, classic look. So when I put on a dress that was too short and looked too young, it was out.)
• Does it go with at least 3 other things in my wardrobe? (If it was a bold pattern and didn’t work with multiple other items, it was out!)

2) I planned my capsule wardrobe

After I eliminated everything I didn’t want or didn’t work, I had a much clearer picture of what I was working with.

Then we created outfits with the clothes that were left. Cassie would show me how to dress up or dress down the same piece so I could wear it to a picnic, or to an event.

As we were creating outfits, I discovered the clutch pieces that were missing from my wardrobe, like a great leather jacket.

3) I took action

I donated or brought to clothing swaps all of the items that didn’t fit in my newly curated wardrobe, then I kept my eyes out for the few missing pieces.

(Although, I’m still looking for a great leather jacket if you have any recs!)  

Ready to Build Your Own Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe?

I strongly recommend building a minimalist capsule wardrobe. Having a smaller, cohesive collection of high quality pieces takes more stress off your daily routine than you’d think. Plus, I feel much more confident in my style because I know that I’m only keeping clothes I truly love and feel amazing in.

If overhauling your entire wardrobe sounds overwhelming, start small. Donate some clothes you don’t wear anymore and limit the amount of clothing you buy.

Over time, you’ll notice your personal style becomes more defined, your decision fatigue drops, and you save money. Wins all around!