Tips for Building a Capsule Closet

Fast fashion is overwhelming our senses and clogging up the planet, even as freebie-clad influencers give us major FOMO from their new and fresh #ootds. Fortunately, fashionistas in the know are countering this by embracing the concept of a capsule closet. Wondering what it is? A capsule closet entails the selection of a limited number of items of clothing which can be switched up and styled effectively to create numerous different outfits. It helps us save time in deciding what to wear as well as money on buying new trendy clothes every season. It also ensures that all our clothes fit well and look good, and helps us do our bit towards being sustainable.

“A capsule closet allows you to create outfits easily,” says Mansi Monga Trehan, celebrity fashion stylist, singing the praises of the concept. “One can reuse and restyle a well-rounded wardrobe and adapt it to seasonal changes. It’s great because you can utilise your outfits to the maximum simply by recreating new looks from the same clothes!”

If you’re convinced about the merits of starting your own capsule closet, here’s everything you should keep in mind when building one yourself:

Keep it Neutral

Neutral hues must form the basis of your capsule closet, as they are easy to coordinate with any kind of outfit – casual or glam, comfortable or statement-worthy. Whites, blacks, greys and beiges are shades that can easily transition from cosy to chic and vice versa.

Don’t be Afraid of Colours or Patterns

Traditional wisdom will tell you that a capsule closet should be made entirely of basics in neutral colours. However, to really elevate your capsule closet and be prepared for any kind of occasion, play it smart and include a few colours and patterns. A statement scarf, accessories in pops of colour, or a vibrant dress or skirt, will take even the most boring outfits up a notch.

Shop your own closet before venturing out

Before you run out to invest in potential items to build your capsule closet, shop your own wardrobe first. Identify the pieces you wear the most, and then ask yourselves if they perform all the functions that complete an outfit. Then, buy those items that are missing from the list of essentials. Trehan shares, “Create a wardrobe with a combination of existing outfits in your closet. Some new pieces can be bought according to current trends.”

Have a Basic Checklist in Mind

Getting dressed is an easy and enjoyable process when you have a small selection of clothes that you love, know how to style well, and feel confident in. Trehan’s basic checklist includes a well-fitted pair of denim jeans, a classic white shirt, a trench coat, a crisp blazer and a black dress.

Don’t Feel Restricted to a Particular Number

There’s no need to feel restricted when it comes to building a capsule closet that lasts an entire season. Start with a comfortable number of clothing items and be open to eliminating or adding more as you go along. This process will help you truly gauge your sartorial preferences.

Be Serious About Your Selection Procedure

Before you begin selecting garments for your capsule closet, heed this advice shared by Trehan, “Ask yourselves these simple questions: Is this item comfortable and practical, and does it suit my current lifestyle? Is it easy to wear, clean and maintain? Will it pair easily with the other items in my capsule closet? Can it be styled in different ways and dressed both up and down?”

Armed with this knowledge, you are well-prepared to build the capsule closet of your dreams.

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This post was originally written for a digital lifestyle publication that failed to launch. Fortunately, the topic is an interesting one and I didn’t want my research to go to waste, so I’m giving it a home on my blog. Do you believe in the principle of a capsule closet? What are your best tips for being fashionable and sustainable at the same time? Let me know in the comments below.

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This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

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*This is not a sponsored post.

**Copyright in pictures and content belongs to nooranandchawla.com and cannot be republished or repurposed without express permission of the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.