How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe That Actually Feels Like You

You may have heard people talking about a capsule wardrobe on TikTok or Instagram and thought. What on earth is it? With fashion trends popping up every day, whether that be barrel jeans or polka dots, it’s hard to keep up with what’s trendy and what’s out of season. For many people, this can be exhausting, with them constantly feeling that they are chasing the next trend. Not only can it be exhausting and start to take a toll on your mental health, but it can also be expensive.

So, what is a capsule wardrobe? Well, with the rise of fashion consumption in the last few years, and online platforms such as TikTok combining entertainment and e-commerce into one seamless platform, it’s easy to see how many people fall for new trends and buy into the next biggest fashion trend for the month. However, the casual wardrobe acts as a counterculture for the mindless consumerism that is rampant online by providing a simple and timeless solution. A capsule wardrobe, in essence, aims to give someone a small but effective wardrobe that fits their style and will last for years to come. Not only does this create a versatile wardrobe that is true to the person’s sense of style, but it also helps the environment by reducing landfill and clothing waste.

Without further ado, if you want to create a capsule wardrobe that feels like you, read on and build your casual wardrobe.

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Define your core style

Identifying your own personal style is the first step to creating your own capsule wardrobe. This, however, is not a simple process for many. This can involve deconstructing and separating yourself from current trends and what you like, you may like, and instead discovering what you actually like, style-wise, silhouette-wise and colour-wise.

You could like to wear minimalistic, bohemian or edgy clothing, and you should lean into this if this is your style, even if it’s not popular. In addition to this, you should assess which colours you are drawn towards and which styles make you feel good. Even if baggy and bright colours are in style, if you do not enjoy this style or bright colours, then you should stick to what you know and stay away from these styles. The main thing to remember is to try things out, but also wear what feels right. 

Balance the essentials

Investing in high-quality basics and staples is a core part of building your capsule wardrobe. Not only will these pieces last for years to come, but they will also help you with everyday styling. This will make creating outfits every day easier, to avoid those I don’t know what to wear moments that can cause unnecessary stress in the mornings. 

This can include basic vests, tank tops and long sleeves for the top half, as well as neutral trousers and jeans for the bottoms. This means that you can mix and match clothing items and use them as neutrals when styling patterned or brighter clothing items. 

Add personal statement pieces

Now you have some basic pieces to act as a base for your outfits; it’s time to inject some personality with statement pieces. A statement piece doesn’t have to be a huge statement; it can be as bold or subtle as you like. This could be a bold tartan skirt or a small statement piece of earrings that makes the outfit feel like you and unique to your style. For others this could be a meaningful piece of jewellery like a family pendant that creates meaning and makes them feel connected to their family. Statement pieces can be anything you would like, as long as it feels like you and helps to bring you confidence, which you can take into the day. 

Edit and curate

A capsule wardrobe doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t mean that you should have the same wardrobe forever. Editing and revealing your wardrobe is an essential part of curating your capsule wardrobe. This means going back through your wardrobe regularly and assessing whether you like your current pieces, wear them and think they have longevity. If something does leave your wardrobe and needs to be replaced, this should be a considered purchase, taking into account fabric and garment quality to ensure that it lasts for years to come. Additions should be meaningful and infrequent to ensure that you are curating, not just blindly buying. This is how you achieve the perfect casual wardrobe that lasts and fits your style. 

Final thoughts

Whether you want to add a pair of statement titanium jewellery earrings or a basic tank top that you will wear for years to come to your collection, building a capsule wardrobe will not only give you a wardrobe that feels like your own but also save you time and money in the long run.