Getting started with a capsule closet is not easy. There are so many methods and different types of capsule challenges (like Project 333, the 10x10 wardrobe challenge, the classic 37 pieces wardrobe) and probably also many misconceptions or clichés that you've got on your mind (such as: every capsule needs a breton striped top and a beige trench coat, because those are classic pieces!) that are scaring you off or holding you back.
It has taken me years of actively analyzing my own clothes and style and what I liked on other people, to finally come up with a closet that feels coherent, practical, full of items that I actually love and mainly very much like "me".
And you wanna know what the good part is? I don't put any limitations on how many pieces I include in my wardrobe! If I buy something new, I don't have to toss two items out, because I love every item in my closet and I don't want to part with any of it! I haven't adapted the typical "neutral" colour scheme, but simply stick to a colour palette that I chose because I love it (of course it involves a lot of pink). And I certainly don't abide to any rules about "classic, essential staples", but rather I have taken the time to figure out my own essentials!
Wanna find out how to get a wardrobe like that of your own?
Well, my advice is to start by making a teeny tiny wardrobe of no more that 20 pieces. I have recently done this exercise for my own. Only I already had the wardrobe that I felt so happy about and then I deduced 20 essential pieces from that wardrobe. But while doing that and dressing myself in nothing but these 20 essentials for 20 days, it just gave me a tremendous insight in my own style ànd it dawned on me that this would actually be a great starting point, to choose those pieces and then start creating a wardrobe suited to your individual needs from there.
So how to find your closet essentials? I say first and formost: work per season. Obviously the chuncky sweater that is your go-to in the fall, might not be that essential to your summer style, right?! Below you can find my personal fall essentials:
If you're absolutely lost and don't kow where to start, have look at your Pinterest account or the pictures you liked on Instagram: what kind of outfits have you been saving? If you've never looked for style inspo online, think about people who you've crossed in the street and admired. Which items to you need to recreate those looks? Try to find items as similar as possible in your own closet.
While selecting your pieces, try and make sure that you can mix and match 'em. Try to get a bit of everything in there. For example, I went for 3 jackets, 4 tops, 2 pairs of trousers, 3 sweaters, 1 dress, 1 skirt, 4 pairs of shoes, my favourite bag and my beret (which is to me an accessory that gives every look a little extra, but for you that might just as well be a colourful scarf or a wide brimmed hat).
Now put these items on a clothing rack together and tuck away the rest of your clothes out of sight. Start creating as many different looks with YOUR essential pieces as you can possibly come up with. I managed to come up with 20 since I wanted to challenge myself for 20 days, but you can simply do this exercise in a couple of hours and play dress-up in front of your bedroom mirror. Try and recreate the looks that inspire you or simply follow your gut and put on what feels right. Take pictures of all the combinations you make.
Now re-asses:
1. Are there items that you constantly felt that you missed, like say, a comfortable flat shoe that is still elegant? Or a cardigan that matches your favourite dress? Now is the time to keep an eye out for these missing essentials! Hit your favourite thrift shops or check out some sustainable brands if you want to make an investment.
2. What items did you absolutely love to wear, but could use more of to make this capsule work for the entire season? Probably some more blouses, T-shirts and sweaters, right? See if you can find items from your own closet that match the colour palette of the 20 essentials you selected, since these are obviously your favourite colours to wear. If not, these migt also items for you to consider purchasing (or swapping or making)
3. If you like trying out new trends (like me :)), feel free to add 1 or 2 "trendier" items to your wardrobe. Just don't lose yourself in all to much trendy items, as this will mess with the coherent feel and the identity of your closet. Rather have fun trying to make trends your own, and let them blend in with your own style! I do prefer to thrift trend sensitive items instead of buying new, as chances are I'll grow tired of them quite soon. Thrifting then just feels less wasteful, plus it's cheaper!
4. Wear and repeat! If you are just starting out with the whole defining your own style thing, you might need to repeat this process a few times before you feel completely satisfied with your closet. You might also wanna check out this post about discovering your winning wardrobe teams, or some of my previous posts on capsule wardrobes that also contain some tips & tricks.
Good luck!
