Struggling to come up with a different outfit – that you’ll be comfortable in – each morning? Feeling like you have nothing to wear in your closet? Don’t worry; You’re not alone!

Deciding on an outfit may be challenging. However, there is a simple solution to this dilemma: start a capsule wardrobe! By putting together a capsule wardrobe you’ll be better equipped to present yourself to the world with carefully selected and well-curated outfits. It’s all about purchasing items you actually love, that are interchangeable and complement each other.

Here’s how to build your very own capsule wardrobe: 

A Quick Audit
The first step is to assess what you already have in your closet. Take some time to look through every fashion item that you own and be honest about which items you actually wear regularly and which you hardly ever look at. Then it’s time to assess your lifestyle: Are you a student on the go? Do you have a 9–5 job? Do you go to the gym regularly? The clothes you need and should keep will depend on your day-to-day activities. Once you’ve completed this exercise, you can decide on which items to keep in your wardrobe and which need to go.  

Do Some Planning
Once you understand your  personal style better, you can start planning your capsule wardrobe. Depending on your climate, lifestyle and when you do laundry, you can now decide what items you would like to experiment with and which items will inspire you. Think about the style of clothes you want to incorporate. These should flatter your body type. You should also plan your colour scheme. It’s great to have lots of neutrals on hand because they’re easy to mix and match. However, decide on a few accent colours as well that will suit your skin tone.

Declutter, Then Shop
Once you understand your fashion preferences, it’s time to declutter. Anything you do not love, doesn’t fit properly, or doesn’t complement your body type and skin tone should be taken out of your wardrobe. A good idea is to give these pieces away to family and friends, or sell or donate them to a charity store. Then, it’s time to shop! Invest in some good basics that can be dressed up or down. Also, consider investing in high-quality pieces that are sustainable and long lasting. A great idea is to add some patterns that are timeless to your wardrobe. Then, make sure you have shoes and accessories on hand. And just like that, your capsule wardrobe is complete! 

Tip: If you live in a four-season climate, remember to rotate and only keep items in your wardrobe that are in season. Keep the rest stored away until the seasons call for a change.

Words by Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Pexels