By Kelsey Casselbury
Take a good look at your closet—is it stuffed to the brim? Full of items that you haven’t worn in months (or even years?) Does it contain clothing that you’re not sure even fits anymore? Join the club, as this describes probably the majority of people—or, at least, the majority of women—and their wardrobes.
Enter the capsule wardrobe. In its simplest terms, it’s going back to basics. More specifically, it’s a mini wardrobe made of approximately 37 versatile items of clothing that you love to wear. Of course, the precise number is up to you, but the general recommendation goes like this: 15 tops, nine bottoms, two dresses, two jackets/cardigans and nine pairs of shoes. Adjust that as you’d like, for instance, if you’d rather have seven pairs of shoes and four dresses. If you love to shop and are wary because you don’t know what a capsule wardrobe means for your habit, don’t fret—your closet’s collection is seasonal. It’s made up of items that you already own (and love), as well as new, high-quality pieces that you add to the collection once a season.
Why do this? A couple of reasons: First, it pares down your closet, and who couldn’t use that? Second, it helps you truly find your style because you’re only wearing items that you truly adore. A final tip on creating a capsule wardrobe: Determine a color palette for the season. For the fall, you might think navy blue, cream and red—some trending colors in our area—while a winter capsule wardrobe might focus on black, olive green and gray.
1. Long and Lean-Fit Stretch Linen-Cotton Blazer in Popsicle Red, Banana Republic
br$178, bananarepublic.com
2. Textured Halter Sweater in
brNeutral, White House Black Market
br$79, whitehouseblackmarket.com
3. Pleated Tie-Waist
brShorts, Ann Taylor
br$59, anntaylor.com
4. Paperbag Waist Trousers
brin Ivory, Vince Camuto
br$129, vincecamuto.com
5. Twist-Back Ponte Sheath Dress
brin Popsicle Red, Banana Republic
br$118, bananarepublic.com
6. Devon Legging-Fit Luxe Sculpt
brDark Wash Jean, Banana Republic
br$120, bananarepublic.com
7. Two by Vince Camuto
brPlaid Ruffled Top, Vince Camuto
br$89, vincecamuto.com
8. Pila Kitten-Heels Sandals
brin Cherry Tomato, Talbots
br$139
