How to Build a Summer Capsule Wardrobe
As a society, we have a big problem with clothing waste. According to an article by Abigail Beall in the BBC , “around 85% of all textiles thrown away in the US...are either dumped into landfill or burned.” Beall notes that 92 million tons of textile waste are created each year in the article. Many people are looking for ways to combat this problem, and one of those ways is by purchasing fewer items of clothing and accessories.
One of the best ways to purchase fewer pieces of clothing is by streamlining your wardrobe. You can do this by creating a capsule wardrobe.
What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?
According to Madeline Galassi at The Everygirl, a capsule wardrobe is, in its simplest form, “a curated wardrobe made up of versatile pieces that you love to wear.” In the article, Galassi states that “a capsule wardrobe consists of a set of tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories that can be easily mixed and matched together to be dressed up, down, and anywhere in between.”
She also notes that when creating a capsule wardrobe, the key is to focus on classic staples and not to lean into trends that will only exist for one season. Instead, items in a capsule wardrobe should “stand the test of time and can be worn for years to come.” Here’s how to build a summer capsule wardrobe.
First Step: Decide on a Color Palette
When creating a capsule wardrobe, it’s important to decide on a color palette. For example, you’ll want your lightweight women’s cardigans, summer sandals, or breezy warm-weather dress to go with multiple items in your wardrobe. So, first things first, decide on a color palette for your summer wardrobe. You can go with neutrals like tan, cream, white, and blush, or go for something a little more eye-catching like different shades of blue. The choice is yours!
Just remember: colors like black, white, and cream tend to go with everything. Plus, they’re classically chic colors. Just picture an outfit comprised of a women’s white blouse, a pair of linen cream pants, and a pair of nude block heels. Does a more effortless and summery outfit exist? We don’t think so!
Second Step: Get a Few Pairs of Good Bottoms
Since you’ll be wearing the items in your capsule wardrobe more frequently, you’ll want to make sure you invest in flattering items that are not only staples but are items you’ll be excited to wear. Start with a good pair of women’s jeans which are a must for all capsule wardrobes. Get your jeans in classic blue in whatever rise you prefer. From there, you can expand your wardrobe to dress pants, a pair of linen pants, a go-to summer midi skirt and maybe even a pair of light-colored capris.
Third Step: Get Some Versatile Tops
You can never go wrong with a white blouse or T-shirt in the summer months, and your capsule wardrobe should reflect this. Start your summer capsule tee collection with a basic white shirt. From there, get yourself some tunic tops in your wardrobe color palette, along with a few high-quality tank tops that can easily be layered underneath a summer cardigan or worn on their own.
Fourth Step: Pick Out Some Dresses
Dresses are an easy item for a capsule wardrobe. You don’t need to pair them with a corresponding top or pair of pants, so they can just stand on their own. Get yourself a few varieties of summer dresses( fit and flare dresses , maxi dresses, etc.) to wear throughout the warm-weather months. Stick to your color scheme, though, so you can easily wear them with your summer sandals.
Fifth Step: Accessorize!
When it comes to accessories, remember that less is more when it comes to a capsule wardrobe. Get yourself some classic, day-to-day earrings and a few necklaces that can easily fit your vibe. All you need are some dressier options for date night and some casual options for a day of running errands.
It’s not hard to create a capsule wardrobe. And, in the end, not only are you helping the environment, but you’re helping your pocketbook, too. If you don’t impulse buy a new pair of shoes or that sparkly top, you’ll quickly see your bank account stay where you want it. Just remember: when creating a capsule wardrobe, pick out pieces of clothing you’ll be excited to wear and that can easily go with multiple items in your wardrobe.