How to create a capsule wardrobe for simple living

Do you have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear?

Have you ever pulled apart your wardrobe in a frantic panic, trying desperately to piece an outfit together—but nothing “works”? It’s a universal experience—you can’t find a skirt to suit that statement top; or your favourite scarf clashes with all your sweaters.

If this sounds like you—try creating a capsule wardrobe.

Capsule wardrobes are the sustainable response to fast fashion.

Trends cycle. Trends die. That jacket you loved so dearly last winter has been collecting dust in your closet all year. It’s just not trendy anymore.

Capsule wardrobes solve this problem—they last for life. You’ll fill them with simple, evergreen pieces that never go out of style. No matter the weather, or the occasion, you’ll always have a stunning outfit to suit.

What exactly is a capsule wardrobe?

Coined by British fashionista Susie Faux in the 1970s, a capsule wardrobe combines a few staple items (like pants, coats, and skirts) that will never go out of fashion. You’ll enhance these pieces with trendy, seasonal items.

By gathering a few coordinated, staple pieces, putting an outfit together becomes a breeze—saving you money, time, and reducing your laundry duties!

Photo by James Hollingworth on Unsplash

Curating your capsule: some general rules

Capsule wardrobes are highly personalised, but there are a few general rules to follow when creating your own: 

1. Consider your Kibbe body type. Take a test to determine your type and align your wardrobe choices with Kibbe’s suggestions.
2. Follow a consistent colour scheme. Choose two or three base colours that blend seamlessly with all styles—such as black, grey, or navy blue. When buying staple items like pants and skirts, stick to your base colours. Then, you can add a few accent colours, like red or bright blue, and choose accessories, dresses, or tops in these colours.
3. Stick to high-quality fabrics. One of the overarching rules of minimalism is to choose sustainable items that will last for many years. By investing in quality fabrics, you can trust your pieces will stay with you for decades to come.
4. Choose classic patterns and silhouettes. While it’s tempting to invest in the popular style of the season, remember—these items will quickly fall out of fashion. Instead, choose timeless silhouettes, like A-line dresses and slips.

Look put-together, all the time, everywhere

With your new curated capsule wardrobe, you’ll always look like you put effort into your outfit—even if it only took you a minute to get ready! Investing in sustainable solutions trickles down into every aspect of your day, making your life easier.