Essential capsule wardrobe tips for beginners

Before I explain the process, here are a few tips to help you choose the pieces that will work best for you.

Keep a primarily neutral color palette.

Keeping most of your essential pieces neutral in color will make them much easier to mix and match. Neutral colors can include black, navy, gray, brown, camel, taupe, cream, white —or any shade in between. Look in your closet and notice which neutrals work best with your skin tone.

If you love a pop of color, incorporate 1 or 2 accent colors that you love and that work with your complexion. Not only will they pair nicely with your neutral-toned pieces, but they’ll add interest and personality to your capsule.

Pick timeless, functional, and versatile pieces.

When planning your capsule, you’ll also want to focus on how timeless, functional, and versatile each piece is. 

• Timeless clothing is classic and will never go out of style. Think pieces like a crisp white button-down shirt, a classic blazer, and straight-leg jeans.
• Functional clothing prioritizes comfort and practicality to fit your lifestyle. When choosing your pieces, consider factors like fabrics, shapes, lengths, overall style, and ease of care (think cleaning and maintenance).
• Versatile clothing pairs easily with other items. You can style them in different ways and wear them for various occasions.

Before selecting a piece for your capsule, ask yourself these questions:

• Is this item comfortable and practical, and does it suit my current lifestyle?
• Is this item easy to wear, clean, and maintain? 
• Will it pair easily with the other items? 
• Can it be styled in different ways and dressed both up and down?

Focus on the current season.

If you can’t wear it now, move it to another area until the seasons change and it’s time to switch over your wardrobe.

Don’t get hung up on a number.

When it comes to how big or small your capsule should be, there are no strict rules. While it may help to have a range or maximum number of pieces in mind, avoid getting stuck on one specific number. Give yourself the flexibility to choose however many pieces of each type you need to build a well-rounded capsule wardrobe you love. 

Grab my capsule wardrobe checklist here, or create your own to keep you on track as you pick your key pieces. It’s helpful to jot down specific garments and colors you know you want to include and items you need to purchase.

Think of this as a rough draft.

We’re not going for the perfectly curated capsule wardrobe. This is V1, a rough draft. Choose pieces you love and some you want to wear more often. As you hone your style and find your favorite pieces, your capsule will evolve and get better over time.