How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe Step 5 and Final Thoughts

You came back!!! No matter where you are in this process: you’re waiting patiently for the finale, you’re smack dab in the middle, or you still haven’t started, I’m just happy you came back! The thing about any organizing project I do or have done for anyone else, you’re never actually done. I know that sounds crazy, but you still have to maintain the system. There are going to be little things you fix here and there to make the system work for you. The goal should always be, never allowing that space to get back to the point that it was before you started.

My final fall/ winter capsule ready to go.

Step 5 Maintaining Your Capsule Wardrobe and Final Thoughts

Many think when you mention capsule wardrobe or even minimalism, it means you can never buy anything again and it’s simply not true. Yes it’s an idea of living with less and being intentional about what you bring into your life, but it doesn’t mean you’re depriving yourself of the ability to go shopping or you can’t buy another pair of shoes or piece of clothing. I mentioned earlier, I can already tell I need to make an adjustment with my own capsule by replacing my white shirt and/or buying a pair of black pants that aren’t leggings. Or the fact that I noticed aside from black heels and a pair of flats, I don’t have any black boots. But do I really need black boots? Instead of rushing out to purchase a pair, I’m going to see if I can still get by with my outfits without actually needing a pair of black boots. If at the end of the fall/winter capsule period I decide it’s something I would really like, I may purchase them then or make a note when it’s time to get the fall/winter capsule back out.

You may also find that you want to add new pieces to freshen up your capsule and keep up with the trends. Also fine, just ask yourself if this new purchase will coordinate with items already living in your capsule? Is there anything it can replace that maybe needs to be retired? Which also leads me to the concept quality over quantity when purchasing your clothing and shoes. Notice I didn’t say expensive over inexpensive. Just because something is expensive, doesn’t mean that it’s the best fit for your lifestyle. But do keep in mind that whatever it is you’re buying, needs to be able to withstand lots more wash and wear since your closet is smaller.

Want to make sure that you’re utilizing your entire capsule? Turn your hangers the wrong way when you first set up your capsule. As you wear items and you hang them in your closet the correct way, you’ll have a visual of the items that you haven’t worn. Anything still hanging at the end of the season the wrong way, may need to be let go since even with a reduced closet it wasn’t worn. Same way with those maybe clothes you held onto and didn’t use, it’s probably more clear that those clothes are more a “no” than a maybe.

A quick view of what you’ve worn and what you haven’t in your capsule.

Something else you may notice, you may stay more on top of your laundry. Think about it, if you have an endless supply of clothing, you are more likely to put off doing your laundry. Then by the time you do laundry, it’s Mt. Clothesmore. Sure you may be doing it a little more frequently, but the loads should be smaller and easier to tackle. I know that I’ve already noticed this in the few days that I’ve been doing the capsule. (Will not be held responsible if your laundry is not drastically reduced, individual results may vary.)

For those with children this may be a great idea for them as well. Reducing the amount of clothing may reduce the amount of time spent trying to find an outfit for them to wear. I can remember this being a threat when I was a child getting ready in the mornings, love you mom mean it, but now it sounds like a dream. While I didn’t do a full fledge capsule for my kids at the beginning of the school year, I did make inventory of the items that were missing from their clothing, and only bought those items. Pay attention to the things they are wearing and not wearing. My kids do not like jeans, so guess what I don’t buy them… you guessed it- jeans. Why spend money on something that is just going to sit in their closet? Same goes for you. As your needs and lifestyle changes, you may need to adjust your capsule.

Lastly, this should be a fun challenge. Too much was overwhelming, that’s why you’re here, and too little may seem too restricting. There is a balance and you’ll definitely figure it out. As a guide I would recommend 30-40 items, but remember I’m not including shoes, workout clothes, or jewelry. Don’t forget to look for inspiration and Pinterest has some really amazing ideas to help you get out of your fashion rut. As an added bonus, I’m including a handy check list:  maintain your capsule wardrobe.

XOXO,

Brooke