How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe?
20 Dec 2023
In our age, when technology changes at the speed of light and new words and trends appear in our lives even more frequently, it is important to be educated in all areas of life. Fashion is no exception. Many people may think that there are no undercurrents here. But everything is complex.
The phrase "basic closet" is familiar to many and much more on the ear than "capsule wardrobe", but it is far from the same thing. Today we will talk about the differences between these concepts, why a capsule closet can make your life easier, and how to make it up.
Most of us dream of having a working closet in which everything we wear and know what to combine with, in which there is always something to wear for any occasion, and at the same time there is a choice of several diverse sets. One way to build a "dream closet" is to take a capsule approach. Some people enjoy spending a few hours shopping, while others have no idea how to properly combine clothes. But salvation exists. Do not waste time on a thorough selection of clothes and yet always look flawless. It is possible. We tell you what a capsule closet is and how to make it up.
A capsule wardrobe will help you save time and money. With skillfully selected things, stylish combinations, and many different images. This article will tell you how to create an eternally memorable capsule closet so that the question 'what to wear' no longer arises.
The phrase "basic closet" is familiar to many and much more on the ear than "capsule wardrobe", but it is far from the same thing. Today we will talk about the differences between these concepts, why a capsule closet can make your life easier, and how to make it up.
Most of us dream of having a working closet in which everything we wear and know what to combine with, in which there is always something to wear for any occasion, and at the same time there is a choice of several diverse sets. One way to build a "dream closet" is to take a capsule approach. Some people enjoy spending a few hours shopping, while others have no idea how to properly combine clothes. But salvation exists. Do not waste time on a thorough selection of clothes and yet always look flawless. It is possible. We tell you what a capsule closet is and how to make it up.
A capsule wardrobe will help you save time and money. With skillfully selected things, stylish combinations, and many different images. This article will tell you how to create an eternally memorable capsule closet so that the question 'what to wear' no longer arises.
What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?
The term "capsule wardrobe" is being used more and more often, but not every expert is in a hurry to explain what it is and how to use it.
Let's start with the concept of a capsule in clothes. A capsule is a set of things perfectly combined and designed for a certain sphere of human activity. Each capsule is a set of certain things - some outfits are designed for going to work, others - for social gatherings or evening outings, and others - help not to break your head over what to wear for a walk in the park. All items within a capsule are interchangeable. This means that on different days, for example, the bottom remains the same, but the top changes, and these items will look harmonious.
Let's start with the concept of a capsule in clothes. A capsule is a set of things perfectly combined and designed for a certain sphere of human activity. Each capsule is a set of certain things - some outfits are designed for going to work, others - for social gatherings or evening outings, and others - help not to break your head over what to wear for a walk in the park. All items within a capsule are interchangeable. This means that on different days, for example, the bottom remains the same, but the top changes, and these items will look harmonious.
The History of Capsule Wardrobes
In the seventies, Susie Fox, owner of a London boutique, decided to come up with a move so that the customers of her small store would create their entire closet with her. She prepared an entire collection and called it a capsule wardrobe. In her opinion, it should consist of such items of clothing that do not lose their relevance, are perfectly combined, and can be supplemented with various seasonal items. Her task was that all customers came to her and completely created a closet in her store, so there was no question of individuality. She just wanted to sell as many things as possible to each customer.
In 1985, the famous American designer Donna Karan at her new show presented a collection of 7 Easy Pieces, consisting of only seven items of closet. She brought to the catwalk models dressed only in bodysuits, black tights, and heeled shoes. The girls then began adding other pieces from the collection to these basic pieces, demonstrating the easy transformation of these seven pieces into completely different looks.
The collection was done in neutral shades and assumed a fitted silhouette. All the elements were perfectly combined and interchangeable. It was this show that went down in history, and many fashion houses took the course to create capsule collections. Donna Karan greatly facilitated morning gatherings for working women who did not have time to dress up.
Nowadays, expensive famous brands also release seasonal collections (early fall, early spring/holiday collections), clearly demonstrating the compatibility of combining clothes. Today, the term "capsule wardrobe" is widely used in the fashion world. Almost all world-famous glossy fashion and style magazines have columns devoted to creating a capsule closet.
In 1985, the famous American designer Donna Karan at her new show presented a collection of 7 Easy Pieces, consisting of only seven items of closet. She brought to the catwalk models dressed only in bodysuits, black tights, and heeled shoes. The girls then began adding other pieces from the collection to these basic pieces, demonstrating the easy transformation of these seven pieces into completely different looks.
The collection was done in neutral shades and assumed a fitted silhouette. All the elements were perfectly combined and interchangeable. It was this show that went down in history, and many fashion houses took the course to create capsule collections. Donna Karan greatly facilitated morning gatherings for working women who did not have time to dress up.
Nowadays, expensive famous brands also release seasonal collections (early fall, early spring/holiday collections), clearly demonstrating the compatibility of combining clothes. Today, the term "capsule wardrobe" is widely used in the fashion world. Almost all world-famous glossy fashion and style magazines have columns devoted to creating a capsule closet.
Benefits of Having a Capsule Wardrobe
Often, a capsule wardrobe is also referred to as a smart or functional closet. After all, it has many advantages:
Few items but you get many looks. You can make up to 30-40 looks from just 6-12 items of clothing!
Saving money, time, and effort. Less things, more images, less expenses for shopping. Also, the idea of a proper capsule closet excludes spontaneous purchases, because to make things fit together, the list of clothes (shopping list) is made in advance.
You are always dressed stylishly and tastefully. There is no need to spend hours in front of the mirror and pick up a blouse to a skirt. Everything is already thought out, and the elements of the capsule harmonize with each other.
Saving space. This method is great for lovers of minimalism. After all, it is based not on the number, but on the variability of sets.
Few items but you get many looks. You can make up to 30-40 looks from just 6-12 items of clothing!
Saving money, time, and effort. Less things, more images, less expenses for shopping. Also, the idea of a proper capsule closet excludes spontaneous purchases, because to make things fit together, the list of clothes (shopping list) is made in advance.
You are always dressed stylishly and tastefully. There is no need to spend hours in front of the mirror and pick up a blouse to a skirt. Everything is already thought out, and the elements of the capsule harmonize with each other.
Saving space. This method is great for lovers of minimalism. After all, it is based not on the number, but on the variability of sets.
How Do I Start a Capsule Wardrobe?
Each of the points has its subtleties and nuances, so it is advised to study all the information that follows if you want to learn how to make a capsule wardrobe on your own.
Step 1: Spheres of life
First of all, it's important to determine which things, events, or activities take up most of your time. This determines which items in your closet should predominate. If you're a mom on maternity leave, you don't need a business capsule, and a businesswoman doesn't need to put together an extensive walking capsule.
Conveniently categorize life areas with a chart. Draw or create a circle in Word and divide it into sectors - each area of life has its sector. The size of the sector is determined by the amount of time spent on the sphere. If you are, say, a businesswoman, most of the circle will be taken up by work, and a mom on maternity leave will be dominated by family and home.
In the chart above, most of it is taken up by work and family and home, which means a girl with this pattern needs to make at least two capsules - one for going to the office and one for home and spending time with her family.
For the smallest sectors, capsules can be left out - some things from the office and home capsules can be used for traveling, and just get a couple of tracksuits for sports.
Step 2: Style and Character
Decide what style the capsule will be made up in. A casual and boho-style capsule wardrobe will be strikingly different, so it's important to figure out which outfits you prefer here.
Besides the specific style, try to determine the overall focus, and the character of the capsule. A capsule closet and the capsules that comprise it can be:
Classic. In this case, outfits have a simple cut, perfect fit, sophistication, and elegance; Sporty. Here the basis is based on sports style, and things are characterized by comfort and convenience;
Natural or ecological. The capsule wardrobe consists of natural fabrics;
Naive - light, with a hint of childish;
Romantic - light, feminine, refined, delicate;
Dramatic - empathetic, extravagant, bright.
Usually, women choose the character of their closet based on their inner feelings. Look at the examples below and visually determine which option is closer to you, and what you like more. As a rule, such a simple visual test reflects the type of personality - naive, a little infantile girl chooses an outfit with a hint of childhood, business sharks immediately look at the classics, and bright and creative ladies without hesitation will give preference to drama.
Step 3: Shape
Determining your figure type is the process of relating your parameters to the basic classification of figure types. This step allows you to highlight your weaknesses and strengths and decide which pieces, in which fabrics, and which styles are best for your capsule.
There are 5 main types of figures:
Hourglass - shoulders and hips are about the same width, narrow, well-defined waist;
Apple - the widest place is the stomach. Usually expressive breasts and skinny, short legs;
Pear - narrow shoulders, wide hips, the waist is almost not distinguished;
Rectangle - shoulders, hips, and waist have approximately equal measurements;
Inverted triangle - narrow hips, broad shoulders, waist is either absent or slightly prominent.
The main goal of capsule wardrobe for different types is to bring the figure closer to the hourglass, that is, to visually emphasize the waist and balance the shoulders with the hips. For this purpose, it is important for each type of figure to adhere to its recommendations:
Capsule for the apple figure type is aimed at visually lengthening the silhouette and balancing the top and bottom. The waist should not be emphasized - it will only increase the imbalance;
The capsule closet for the pear figure should emphasize the waist, draw attention to the neckline, and emphasize the beauty of natural forms;
Capsule for rectangular figure types amplifies the volume in the shoulders and hips, which allows you to visually form a waist;
The capsule wardrobe of the inverted triangle should take into account the lack of volume in the area of the hips.
As for hourglasses - there are no tasks to balance proportions, so you can wear almost anything that emphasizes the already attractive figure.
Step 4: Color scheme
Determining the color scheme is one of the main rules of compiling a closet capsule. If at the stage of preparation do not determine the palette, then you can not go to the store - you will buy a bunch of mismatched things.
Color palette is built either based on ready-made schemes, or at random, but be careful - experiments with color in the absence of taste can end disastrously for the capsule. The capsule is recommended to include:
1-2 base colors. Base colors of a capsule wardrobe include monochromes - white, black, and gray, as well as neutral colors - dark blue, brown, and pastel. The base color is universal, that is, it combines with any saturated color;
1-2 main colors. The main color is the one that prevails in the closet;
2-3 additional - accent colors that are used in accessories, prints, and shoes.
Base colors can be chosen according to your taste, but with the main and additional colors it is better to be more serious and use the color wheel - there are sites on the Internet that select combinations after determining the main color.
Now about what shades capsule wardrobe for color types spring, summer, winter, or autumn. The first thing that is important to understand is that colorotyping and determining successful shades is subjective. Few people around you will analyze whether a turquoise sweater suits you, and how it relates to the skin or hair of a girl - most people will simply determine whether they like the color, without relying on your appearance.
Our advice is to consider colorotypes, but don't focus all your attention on them. It's better to analyze your reflection in the mirror than to blindly follow successful and unsuccessful colors. Below we will leave the scheme on color types and average shades.
Step 5: Making a capsule
After the theoretical preparation, it's time to start making a capsule, but first - one more small step towards the perfect capsule wardrobe - make a list of things you don't like in terms of cut, style, or fit.
Example:
Pencil skirts;
Flared jackets;
Things with colors and embroidery;
Sequins;
Flared pants.
The list is necessary to make sure that only those things that you like and give you confidence and comfort get into your closet.
After taking into account all these, you may need a little more inspiration to create a capsule wardrobe. Many girls wonder how to compose a perfect closet on their own. Setting the right vector when choosing things will help mood board or "mood board". Find photos and pictures that inspire you. You can use visual apps like Pinterest. Save the moodboard to your smartphone gallery and take it with you on a shopping trip.
Shop thoughtfully and a little at a time. Take pictures of things you like and revisit the pictures a little later, mentally putting together sets. Organize a shopping schedule, for example, today you look for a top that matches all the items in your capsule, and tomorrow you look for shoes. Follow this rule when putting together your capsule wardrobe, and it will help you avoid impulse purchases that you may regret later.
Step 1: Spheres of life
First of all, it's important to determine which things, events, or activities take up most of your time. This determines which items in your closet should predominate. If you're a mom on maternity leave, you don't need a business capsule, and a businesswoman doesn't need to put together an extensive walking capsule.
Conveniently categorize life areas with a chart. Draw or create a circle in Word and divide it into sectors - each area of life has its sector. The size of the sector is determined by the amount of time spent on the sphere. If you are, say, a businesswoman, most of the circle will be taken up by work, and a mom on maternity leave will be dominated by family and home.
In the chart above, most of it is taken up by work and family and home, which means a girl with this pattern needs to make at least two capsules - one for going to the office and one for home and spending time with her family.
For the smallest sectors, capsules can be left out - some things from the office and home capsules can be used for traveling, and just get a couple of tracksuits for sports.
Step 2: Style and Character
Decide what style the capsule will be made up in. A casual and boho-style capsule wardrobe will be strikingly different, so it's important to figure out which outfits you prefer here.
Besides the specific style, try to determine the overall focus, and the character of the capsule. A capsule closet and the capsules that comprise it can be:
Classic. In this case, outfits have a simple cut, perfect fit, sophistication, and elegance; Sporty. Here the basis is based on sports style, and things are characterized by comfort and convenience;
Natural or ecological. The capsule wardrobe consists of natural fabrics;
Naive - light, with a hint of childish;
Romantic - light, feminine, refined, delicate;
Dramatic - empathetic, extravagant, bright.
Usually, women choose the character of their closet based on their inner feelings. Look at the examples below and visually determine which option is closer to you, and what you like more. As a rule, such a simple visual test reflects the type of personality - naive, a little infantile girl chooses an outfit with a hint of childhood, business sharks immediately look at the classics, and bright and creative ladies without hesitation will give preference to drama.
Step 3: Shape
Determining your figure type is the process of relating your parameters to the basic classification of figure types. This step allows you to highlight your weaknesses and strengths and decide which pieces, in which fabrics, and which styles are best for your capsule.
There are 5 main types of figures:
Hourglass - shoulders and hips are about the same width, narrow, well-defined waist;
Apple - the widest place is the stomach. Usually expressive breasts and skinny, short legs;
Pear - narrow shoulders, wide hips, the waist is almost not distinguished;
Rectangle - shoulders, hips, and waist have approximately equal measurements;
Inverted triangle - narrow hips, broad shoulders, waist is either absent or slightly prominent.
The main goal of capsule wardrobe for different types is to bring the figure closer to the hourglass, that is, to visually emphasize the waist and balance the shoulders with the hips. For this purpose, it is important for each type of figure to adhere to its recommendations:
Capsule for the apple figure type is aimed at visually lengthening the silhouette and balancing the top and bottom. The waist should not be emphasized - it will only increase the imbalance;
The capsule closet for the pear figure should emphasize the waist, draw attention to the neckline, and emphasize the beauty of natural forms;
Capsule for rectangular figure types amplifies the volume in the shoulders and hips, which allows you to visually form a waist;
The capsule wardrobe of the inverted triangle should take into account the lack of volume in the area of the hips.
As for hourglasses - there are no tasks to balance proportions, so you can wear almost anything that emphasizes the already attractive figure.
Step 4: Color scheme
Determining the color scheme is one of the main rules of compiling a closet capsule. If at the stage of preparation do not determine the palette, then you can not go to the store - you will buy a bunch of mismatched things.
Color palette is built either based on ready-made schemes, or at random, but be careful - experiments with color in the absence of taste can end disastrously for the capsule. The capsule is recommended to include:
1-2 base colors. Base colors of a capsule wardrobe include monochromes - white, black, and gray, as well as neutral colors - dark blue, brown, and pastel. The base color is universal, that is, it combines with any saturated color;
1-2 main colors. The main color is the one that prevails in the closet;
2-3 additional - accent colors that are used in accessories, prints, and shoes.
Base colors can be chosen according to your taste, but with the main and additional colors it is better to be more serious and use the color wheel - there are sites on the Internet that select combinations after determining the main color.
Now about what shades capsule wardrobe for color types spring, summer, winter, or autumn. The first thing that is important to understand is that colorotyping and determining successful shades is subjective. Few people around you will analyze whether a turquoise sweater suits you, and how it relates to the skin or hair of a girl - most people will simply determine whether they like the color, without relying on your appearance.
Our advice is to consider colorotypes, but don't focus all your attention on them. It's better to analyze your reflection in the mirror than to blindly follow successful and unsuccessful colors. Below we will leave the scheme on color types and average shades.
Step 5: Making a capsule
After the theoretical preparation, it's time to start making a capsule, but first - one more small step towards the perfect capsule wardrobe - make a list of things you don't like in terms of cut, style, or fit.
Example:
Pencil skirts;
Flared jackets;
Things with colors and embroidery;
Sequins;
Flared pants.
The list is necessary to make sure that only those things that you like and give you confidence and comfort get into your closet.
After taking into account all these, you may need a little more inspiration to create a capsule wardrobe. Many girls wonder how to compose a perfect closet on their own. Setting the right vector when choosing things will help mood board or "mood board". Find photos and pictures that inspire you. You can use visual apps like Pinterest. Save the moodboard to your smartphone gallery and take it with you on a shopping trip.
Shop thoughtfully and a little at a time. Take pictures of things you like and revisit the pictures a little later, mentally putting together sets. Organize a shopping schedule, for example, today you look for a top that matches all the items in your capsule, and tomorrow you look for shoes. Follow this rule when putting together your capsule wardrobe, and it will help you avoid impulse purchases that you may regret later.
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