3 Things You Should Know Before Starting a Capsule Wardrobe.

Have you ever wanted to create a capsule wardrobe or have been "inspired" by creators on YouTube? Like many things in life, don't just jump into this project and "figure" things out. Here are some 3 things you should know before starting a capsule wardrobe.

1. Find a specific goal or purpose for your capsule wardrobe. 

Ask yourself some questions like: What do I want to achieve with my wardrobe? OR Why do I want to start a wardrobe? Answering these questions and evaluating your response can increase the rate of success. Invest a hearty amount of time into finding what you truly want out of your wardrobe. For example, I needed to fit a semester's worth of necessities into two suitcases, one carry-on, and one check-in, so I needed to evaluate the need for each clothing in relation to my other items. Some people may never find a physical constraint but maybe they find themselves wanting to accomplish a financial goal. Maybe you want to reduce your wardrobe budget or invest in high-quality pieces that require intensive budgeting, then a capsule wardrobe can fit those needs. Someone else may want to present themselves more professionally or find clothes that suit their environment and lifestyle. 

2.  Your capsule wardrobe will change over time

A capsule wardrobe is supposed to be timeless in a stylistic sense but the individual pieces can be changed. It's mainly the rate of changing those specific pieces that become much slower. Instead of buying 3-7 pieces in 1 month, you may end up purchasing 1 item every 3-6 months. That's why understanding exactly what you want is essential, there can be a million dupes but if nothing is close to what you want then it's not going to "spark joy." Your lifestyle may be changing so you might need to donate or get rid of the jeans you wore in the past, but that doesn't warrant an entire change of wardrobe. Similar to slowly getting used to a new environment, you need to gradually transition into a style that fits your life. 

3. There is no set quota on a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is supposed to be small and consists of the fundamentals but it doesn't have to be so rigid. If your goal is 50 pieces and you surpass it by 10-15 pieces, then don't sweat it. Don't expect yourself to begin very small and start a little bigger, then reduce as you go. It is so much harder to start small and stay that way. Cut yourself some slack and don't focus too much on the numbers.

3.5: You can cheat. 

Even though most pieces should match each other, you can have 3-5 pieces that don't match but those should the exception. If you have important one-time events like attending a wedding, prom (for the younger viewers), a gala, or any black-tie event, then considering renting or borrowing clothes. There are ways to "cheat" and still look like a million bucks. 

At the end of the day, I think a capsule wardrobe can give us the time to reflect on our style and the way we present ourselves in society. As our life in quarantine has afforded us some unexpected time, I encourage all of us to think about our clothes and what we wear. Even if you don't intend to start a capsule wardrobe, think about what you want out of your clothes and become a more conscientious consumer.

Here are some resources and videos on how to start:

Be More With Less

Pinch of Yum

I hope you guys have liked my article and comment on your thoughts down below!