Capsule wardrobes have been a topic of conversation for several years now. I first learned about them from a popular YouTube content creator, Audrey Coyne. You can watch her playlist on capsule wardrobes here. Learning the following key tips to a capsule wardrobe has simplified my life, saved me tons of money, and allows me to pack for travel with ease.
As we embark on a new kind of adventure, travel is an active part of our lives. We travel both for work and for leisure and even when our destination has varied weather, I can rest assured I will be prepared no matter what the forecast holds.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
Everyone has a different take on the definition of a capsule wardrobe. Jennifer L Scott prefers a 10-item wardrobe. Pinterest and Instagram were all a flurry last year with the 3-3-3 wardrobe. Others, like Audrey Coyne prefer to cultivate and cull their capsule wardrobes from season to season.
Personally, I have shifted and sifted my clothing over the last couple of years until I have an ‘almost’ year round capsule wardrobe I can wear in all seasons, depending on how I layer and style my pieces. In the cooler months, I layer on a blazer, cardigan, or pull-over. In warmer months, I swap out shorts and skirts for long pants and tights. Overall, my pieces stay about the same and can be worn year round.
Does a capsule wardrobe mean you only dress in neutrals?
The answer to a capsule wardrobe does include neutrals, but it doesn’t have to only include neutrals. I recommend sorting out a color palette that suits your skin tone and your personality first. I believe once you have a basic color palette in place, you will be left with options that suit all weather situations, summer or winter, spring or autumn.
For example: I L O V E neutrals. If I could get away with it I would wear black and white, camel and cream every day of my life. I feel my best in these colors, I don’t feel like I stand out too much, and I always always always feel put together and classy in this combination.
My current capsule wardrobe color palette
In my closet I have the following – what I consider to be staples: For pants, I have black, camel, and cream trousers. I swap these out from wide-leg to narrow-leg depending on the current trends. I have black, camel, and cream linen shorts. Included are also a few skirts options: Black and cream slip skirts, a black leather skirt, and two denim skirts; one dark wash, one light wash with a high split and light distressing. My tops are typically black, white, camel, cream, blue, or red. Then there are dresses. Most of my dresses are in this same color palette, but I do include a couple of navy maxi dresses, a sky blue polka dot sundress, and one black floral that has white flowers with a bright yellow center.
For when months are cooler, I have a few season-specific pieces. A couple of neutral cardigans, a couple of neutral pull overs, a camel and black blazer, and an evergreen sweater dress.
Depending on weather, social convention, or work responsibilities, all of these items work together to provide me a wardrobe I can use year round, and for multiple occasions.
How to keep a capsule wardrobe interesting?
I find keeping a mostly neutral capsule wardrobe interesting depends on accessories. This includes shoes / boots, purses and handbags, scarves, and jewelry. I have a thing for gold jewelry. I believe it’s a classic, adds a warmth to an otherwise neutral palette, and lends sparkle when you need a little pizzaz. However, during warmer months, I prefer more casual jewelry options, like woven earrings, carved wooden bracelets, and casual necklaces.
I try not to wear scarves around my neck during warmer months because the heat is uncomfortable to me. But when the temperatures chill down and there is a nip in the air, I’m the first to add a pretty scarf to my sweaters, to a collared shirt, or as a tie around my handbag. I also find that adding accessories like hats can add a layer of warmth in the winter months, and also add an unexpected touch of style to an outfit.
How to pack for travel utilizing a capsule wardrobe?
How does all of this benefit travel? I have found this type of capsule wardrobe has saved me multiple times during travel – both weekend getaways and extended trips abroad.
I tend to lean toward my darker and patterned options when I travel. For instance, I will take two patterned dresses over solid-colored ones. If I get a spill, or the fabric wrinkles, a dark color or pattern are more likely to hide those accidents. I also find that a pattern is easy to dress up with a solid blazer or cardigan if the weather turns chilly.
For shorts and pants, I typically go with a camel and a black option. The same principle applies. I am less likely to see stains or spills on these colors than I am on a lighter cream, or a white option. Occasionally, I will take a cream pair of slacks with me, but I take them knowing they may only get worn once or twice.
My general rule of thumb for packing light using a capsule wardrobe is this: (length of travel dependent)
- Five bottoms: Two pair of shorts, two pair of slacks, one skirt
- Five tops: Two long sleeve, two short sleeve, one dressy blouse
- Additional pieces: 2 dresses, 1 cardigan, 1 blazer,
- Shoes: 2 pair of sandals, one pair of trainers, and if the weather is colder, one pair of walkable boots.
Because my color palette works together seamlessly, I can mix tops and bottoms, sweaters and dresses, blazers and shorts all week long to make stunning outfit combinations. Because I’m only taking less than 20 staple items (for a two week trip overseas), I had room for a trench coat, an extra handbag, and open space for souvenirs.
For two-weeks abroad, this is what I packed
Bottoms:
Tops
Dresses
Footwear
Capsule Wardrobes are versatile and functional for lighter travel
Whether you’re downsizing your belongings, culling your closet or cultivating your own capsule wardrobe, I highly recommend using a capsule for travel. You take a minimal number of pieces, but end up with numerous outfit combinations. Added Bonus: Because all of your pieces mix and match, if one gets overly soiled or damaged, you still have so much to choose from. Try it! I know you’ll love it!
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