The capsule wardrobe may have started as a fashion trend. Still, it’s maintained popularity as discerning shoppers think more about their environmental footprint and simplify their routines while maintaining a stylish look.

Fortunately, a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to mean 10 beige and black pieces worn interchangeably. Michelle Barrett, stylist and founder of Capsule Closet Stylist, says putting together a capsule wardrobe is, first and foremost, about joy.

What You Need to Know about a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of clothing that can be mixed and matched to make many different looks out of a limited number of pieces. Many sources say a capsule wardrobe is about 30-50 pieces. That may sound like a lot, but a2024 survey shows that the average wardrobe includes 100-200 pieces. That capsule number would consist of things like pants, tops, dresses, coats, sweaters, etc. Undergarments like socks, underwear, clothes, or uniforms for special activities, like gardening or a martial arts class, would not count towards that number.

Michelle Barrett

There are several reasons to try out a capsule wardrobe, including feeling lost in your style and hoping to approach shopping more strategically. 

“Ultimately, if you have a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear, if you constantly make shopping mistakes and then feel guilty for the money you waste, if you feel overwhelmed with how to put outfits together and struggle to know what suits you anymore, you are better off with a smaller more curated capsule wardrobe,” says Barrett.

The Benefits of a Streamlined Closet

Fewer options can increase sartorial creativity because you’ll experiment with pairings you might otherwise not have. Additionally, fewer options and go-to pairings can make it easier to get ready in the morning rather than standing overwhelmed in front of a packed closet. 

“It saves you time choosing outfits, money because you become a lot more intentional about every purchase, and space because your wardrobe is no longer cluttered,” says Barrett. “In addition, if you make more intentional purchases, you reduce shopping mistakes [that end up in a] landfill. It is a win, win, win!”

How to Select Pieces for a Capsule Wardrobe

So where do you start? It’s essential first to figure out your lifestyle and what kinds of pieces you want and need. For example, if you work an office job where you’re sitting often, comfortable but professional pieces should be at the core of your wardrobe. Think about the pieces you currently wear over and over again. What do you love about them?

“Start with rediscovering what you love. Use a Pinterest board for inspiration,” says Barrett. “Declutter what you no longer need or wear.” 

Decluttering is key. You don’t need those t-shirts from your college track team. If you’re visually oriented, it can also be helpful to consider things in terms of color, pattern, or shape. Whatever you’re drawn to most or find yourself wearing most frequently should likely be the base of your capsule wardrobe.

“Get your colors done and choose a palette of under eight colors to start your capsule,” recommends Barrett. “A curated color palette enables you to mix and match clothes easily.” 

Mix It Up

Limited pieces don’t have to mean a boring wardrobe. Although neutrals are easier to match together, you can still include color and pattern in the wardrobe. Accessories will also become your best friend. A bold necklace, colorful bag, or interesting scarf can make an outfit look completely new.

“They can be anything you want them to be. I usually suggest around 4 canvas (neutral) colors and 4 paint (brighter) colors. However, they can be any combination depending on personal taste,” says Barrett.