Dressing Decision Fatigue - is that a thing? Cue - Capsule Wardrobe

Are you struggling in the morning as you stare at into the open closet?  Creating a capsule wardrobe is a great way to streamline your clothing collection, save time and money, and reduce decision fatigue when getting dressed. It also involves defining your clothing style in a way that allows you to build a versatile and functional wardrobe with a limited number of items. A capsule wardrobe typically consists of a limited number of versatile, high-quality clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits.

Identify Your Core Aesthetic: (see previous article about defining your style)

• Determine the core aesthetic that represents your style.
• This could be classic, minimalistic, bohemian, preppy, edgy, or any other style that resonates with you.
• Having a clear aesthetic in mind will help you curate a cohesive wardrobe.

Choose Your Core Colors + A Few Accent Colors:

• Select a limited color palette for your capsule wardrobe.
• Neutral colors like black, white, gray, and beige are often the foundation, and you can add a few accent colors. This makes it easier to mix and match items.

NEUTRAL COLORS

ACCENT COLORS

Lifestyle Needs:

• Consider your daily activities and the dress code for your job or personal life.
• Ensure your capsule wardrobe includes items suitable for various occasions, from casual to formal.
• Find a store with clothes that fit your body type.

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The LOFT

Define Your Style and Needs:

• Start by thinking about your personal style and the types of outfits you feel most comfortable and confident in.
• Consider your lifestyle, including your work dress code, hobbies, and any special occasions you may need to dress for.
• Take into account your climate and the seasons you experience in your location.

The LOFT

Set a Specific Number:

• Decide on the number of items you want in your capsule wardrobe.
• The number can vary based on your preferences, but a common range is 30-40 items, excluding accessories and activewear.

Declutter Your Existing Wardrobe:

• Begin by emptying your closet and going through each item of clothing.
• Be honest with yourself and consider whether each piece fits your style, is in good condition, and is still relevant to your life.

Create three piles: keep, donate/sell, and discard.

• The keep pile should consist of items that fit your style, are in good condition, and can be part of your capsule wardrobe.

Select Versatile Clothing Items:

• Focus on versatile, timeless pieces that can be styled in various ways. Examples include a well-fitting blazer, a pair of dark jeans, a white button-up shirt, and a little black dress.
• Ensure that the clothing items you choose are of good quality, as they will be worn frequently.

Consider Different Categories:

• Divide your capsule wardrobe into categories like tops, bottoms, outerwear, and dresses. Allocate a specific number of items for each category, but be flexible based on your needs.

The LOFT

Add Seasonal Items:

• If you live in an area with distinct seasons, you may need to rotate items in and out of your capsule wardrobe to accommodate different weather conditions.

The LOFT

Pay Attention to Accessories:

• Accessories can transform an outfit.
• Include a few key accessories like scarves, belts, and statement jewelry pieces to change up your looks.

The Loft Leather Tote Bag

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The Loft Ribbed Cashmere Wrap

Organize and Maintain:

• Keep your capsule wardrobe organized so you can easily see what you have and create outfits effortlessly.
• Store out-of-season items separately or in a different area of your closet to reduce clutter.
• Periodically review and update your capsule wardrobe, making adjustments as needed.

Set a Limit:

• Determine the number of items you want in your capsule wardrobe.
• Common numbers are around 30-40 pieces, but you can adjust this to suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Shop Mindfully:

• When shopping for new clothing, think about how the item will fit into your existing capsule wardrobe.
• Ensure it complements your style and works well with other pieces you already have.
• Invest in high-quality clothing that will last longer.
• While capsule wardrobes typically consist of fewer items, those items should be well-made and durable.

Creating a capsule wardrobe is a gradual process that may take some time and experimentation. The goal is to have a curated collection of clothing that reflects your personal style, minimizes decision-making stress, and reduces clutter. By following these steps and maintaining your capsule wardrobe, you can simplify your life and make getting dressed a breeze.