The First Three Things to Decide When Creating a Capsule Wardrobe
create a small wardrobe of 33–40 items per season to decrease decision fatigue and increase space, time and energy
A capsule wardrobe is a seasonal wardrobe that typically spans for three months at a time- though it can span longer. Using them, creating them and benefiting from them is a movement within the minimalism community. It began to reach it’s popularity around 2014, although it’s roots stretch back to the 1970s.
Creating a capsule wardrobe seems like an easy enough process- you just choose a few pieces per season and mix them for three months, right? Well, that’s the basic tenant of the project.
However, there are different formulas. Each of them has different rules (which can be used as guidelines). The three most popular are:
- Project333: created by Courtney Carver in 2010 (her book is coming out next month). Project 333 encourages participants to only use 33 pieces per 3 months, including: clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewlery.
- Unfancy: created in 2014 by Caroline Rector. This method encourages creating a small wardrobe that you love completely. The original ideal was to create a wardrobe of about 37 pieces that would be worn, mixed and matched all season. Accessories do not count, although shoes do.
- Five Piece French Wardrobe: This is a 6 month capsule project, which idealizes building a closet of long lasting basics. It lends itself most easily to classic styles. The idea is that you choose neutral basics and make a list. Each season, the only things on the allowed to buy are replacements for the basics and five fresh and new “extra” pieces. Although the idea did not originate in France, it is inspired by French girl simplicity. Accessories do not count, unless they cost more than you would usually pay.
So… what are the three most important things to decide each season?
What formula are you going to use?
Each of the above approaches have their advantages. If I had to go back and create from scratch, I’d probably start with an Unfancy inspired wardrobe. To me, that seems like the easiest to get started with, due to the fact that you are not narrowing in too many categories yet. It also allows for a bigger count of items.
Project333 works well for the question of what does enough look like, for me? It is a capsule wardrobe born in minimalism. Of trying to limit your closet so you have much more time to spend outside the closet. It’s also easier to keep track of, if you’re anything like me and struggle to keep things in one place.
FPFW is said to be better for more established wardrobes. You need to know what your basics are. However, if you feel that your wardrobe is in good shape already and are looking to do less shopping, this is a good alternative to a full on shopping ban.
What are the pieces you can’t live without?
Listing these out at the beginning is a great way to make sure they are included. The rest of your wardrobe can then be planned around these pieces. Whether they are statement pieces or basics, make sure they are included early.
For me, the list usually holds: a black t-shirt, a pair of black palazzo pants, 1–2 band shirts or hoodies and a fun pair of pants that can be pulled for various occasions.
The pieces you select will also often give you an idea of what your style is. That sets the background for the ideal wardrobe by allowing for a clearer focus on what would be important to include this season.
Why Are You Doing This?
With any habit or lifestyle change that we attempt, the question of why is always important.
Reasons I’ve used in the past for why I capsule: to save money, to be more resourceful, to learn to mix and match outfits on the go, to narrow down my closet choices, to avoid having too many choices in the morning (and) to give myself more time in the morning for something more important.
Why do you want to do this? Knowing the answer will inform your choices and keep you going on the days where you feel uninspired or bored.
Conclusion
The place to start where you want to have a smaller closet or experiment with less is a capsule wardrobe. Before starting the journey, however, it’s important to know what method to use, the pieces you can’t live without and the why behind your choices. These three questions will guide you in creating your first capsule wardrobe. They will also help to inspire during the next one.
