How I Define a Capsule Wardrobe

One word: Loosely.

I started a capsule wardrobe 4 years ago to discover my style and reduce time getting ready. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential items of clothing that don't go out of style and can be worn seasonally. I get completely overwhelmed in the toothpaste aisle. Seriously we don't need a full aisle of toothpaste options, ya'll sellin' the same thing. So, it's no surprise I needed to reduce my options in other areas of my life.

Keep reading if you've ever felt shame or guilt about LOVING to shop, hitting the seasonal sales, & not owning any sustainable or conscious clothing. Even if you don't want to start a capsule, this post is for you too. You might find they're not exactly what you think...

How to easily start a capsule wardrobe | Emily Bode blog

54 items per season

You can find all over the internet different "rules" for a capsule. Some say 37 items, some 42.

I like 54 per season. I split my wardrobe into 2 seasons so I have about 110 items. This includes outerwear and shoes. It does not include jewelry, activewear, undergarments, or pajamas.

Living in Michigan I need to account for the 4 seasons of weather. Living by the lakeshore I need to account for weather patterns changing multiple times a day! This is why my capsule wardrobe is loose & I often refer to it as a seasonal wardrobe. I've since found a lot of staple items that transition well between 2-3 seasons. It allows me to keep my total count modest.

The main goal for me is to reduce EXCESS. I’m working to reduce excess in all categories. I simply don’t need 10 pairs of yoga pants. There are 7 days in a week and I wear them 2-3 times before washing. This would change if I were a yoga instructor because I'd probably live in yoga pants! Have a number that fits your lifestyle & don't hold tight to it if it makes you feel bad.

Bring one in, take one out policy

This is usually not difficult as I've paired down my wardrobe to the essentials. For example, if a white shirt is tired I replace it with a new one. Shoes are another story.

Free inspiration guide sheet for 10x10 challenge | Emily Bode blog — Free inspiration guide sheet for 10x10 challenge here | Emily Bode blog

Wardrobe inspiration each season

I note colors and trends inspiring me at the beginning of each season. Then, I take inventory of what I own by hanging my summer garments that have been boxed up during the cooler months. I noticed darker shades peppered through my summer wear this year. Since the shades are darker and fabrics a little heavy, I plan to uplift for the summer little by little.

I do a 10x10 challenge each season to help me curate outfits with ease. This challenge guides me to mix and match everything I unpacked in unique ways. It can also point out areas I may need to improve or change the fabric or color of my items.

Here's a starter sheet I use to take notes of my inspiration & top items in my closet if you need a starting point for your closet: my inspiration guide sheet.

Why I Capsule

I started a capsule wardrobe 4 years ago aided by the Unfancy worksheet guide by Caroline Joy. It started as a way to enhance my wardrobe for my career after college. My eye for quality started to improve after a few seasons. I noticed the poor quality of fast fashion on the racks; the wrinkles in the fabric caused by being shipped in a plastic bag from an unsafe factory overworking their employees; the loose threads on hems due to efficiency over expertise; I even noticed how the ink on the fabric for patterns and letters was blurry and haphazardly done.

A few trips to other parts of the world opened my eyes to all the WASTE on our planet. Waves of plastic rushed up the shore in Aruba where clear water and sand should be. I see it on the beaches of Lake Michigan as well. I started my capsule wardrobe to reduce my carbon footprint and be a more conscious consumer with the items and materials I bring into my home.

Not sustainable, not yet

While my goal is to be conscious and intentional with my wardrobe, I'm not a purist. My paycheck doesn't allow it yet. There are many brands changing the expectation of how garments are being made. I love these people and companies and give my money to these places when I can.

My favorite sustainable fashion brands:

Joon + Co
Elizabeth Suzann
Everlane
Aerie *not sustainable but promoting real women with untouched marketing campaigns
Bryr Clogs
Sseko sandals
Toms

These are my wishlist items. I've had my eye on Bryr clogs for a couple of years but can't decide which color I want. Someday, I will.

Other ways I try to be intentional:

Shopping at secondhand stores (Goodwill and Rock Paper Scissors are my favorite)
Trading items with friends and family
Do a different activity when I feel the urge for retail therapy (workout, read, etc.)

Surprisingly the urge goes away. If it doesn't, then I must really really want something & go from there.

Don't be hard on yourself

Roughly 54 items per season with intention behind each purchase I make. If I don't follow it one day or insist on retail therapy, I do it and don't feel bad about breaking the rules. There are so many things we can do to be better, stronger, healthier, kinder. However if the thought of a capsule wardrobe brings you stress, negative self-talk, or less joy, no diet, workout, or clothing challenge is worth it.

At this point, it probably seems like I don't even have a capsule wardrobe! It's true I make my own rules.

The biggest point I want to make about them is YOU DO YOU. If you want to join me in a fun wardrobe challenge because you're thinking of starting a capsule or really you're just bored & want to do something to mix up your daily grind, then let's do it!

If you're not a capsule person and you love fast fashion, that's great too! You're probably doing some other great thing for the world. Like reducing carbon emissions by riding your bike to work, donating to a great cause, or being a kickass sister or something.

I really don't feel like it needs to be either/or here & we can all just give ourselves a break. At the end of the day, it's all material things anyway.

What are your thoughts on a capsule wardrobe? If you have one, how do you go about it? What are sustainable fashion brands you love? I'd love to know more!