How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe That Actually Works for Your Life

What's a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a small, intentional wardrobe built around pieces you love - and regularly reach for.

The idea stems from minimalism, but the goal isn't to own as little as possible. Instead, it's to put an end to those moments where you're staring at a mountain of laundry, yet still somehow have nothing to wear.

Modules: the building blocks of a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is made up of outfit groups, called modules. Each module works for a different part of your life, like work, weekends, the gym and special events. You might only need two or three modules, or you may need more depending on your lifestyle.

A basic module could include:

• Two bottoms

• Three tops

• One layering piece

• One pair of shoes

A weekend module might include jeans, joggers, a few tees, a light jacket and sneakers. A work module could include a blazer, a cardigan, 2 button-down shirts, a pencil skirt, tailored trousers and flats.

Building a capsule wardrobe

Try these tips to narrow your closet with purpose, while still maintaining your personal style.

Audit what you already own

If you plan to replace worn-out basics or invest in higher-quality staples, you might choose to add a few new pieces over time or use a personal loan or credit card to refresh your wardrobe all at once. Just don't buy anything new until you've taken a look at what you already have. You might already have several pieces to form the base of a capsule wardrobe.

Set aside the clothes you wear most often. Donate anything that doesn't fit well or feels uncomfortable. Trash, recycle or repair anything stained, ripped or worn out.

Look at your routine

Above all, a capsule wardrobe should be tailored to you. Here are some factors to consider:

• Your lifestyle: If you dress casually on most days, it makes sense for your capsule to include more jeans or joggers. If you go into an office several times a week, it's worth investing in more polished pieces.

• Your local climate: If you live in an area with harsh winters, you'll need to hold onto more layering pieces. You might also choose to invest in more outerwear to show off your style while staying warm.

• Your laundry habits: Holding onto dry-clean-only pieces when laundry already feels like a chore may not make sense. And if you don't want to do laundry more often, you may need a few extra staple pieces in rotation.

Decide what's worth adding

High-quality staples are the foundation of a capsule wardrobe. If you're missing any of the following items from your closet, consider investing in them:

• Jeans

• Trousers

• A simple dress

• Blouse or dress shirt

• Light knits

• Classic outerwear

• Comfortable shoes

• A tote

• Everyday jewelry

Keep your options easy to mix

A neutral color palette that focuses on gray, earth tones, navy or cream can make mixing and matching easier. Remember, you can add more personality through texture, layers and accessories.

Multi-purpose pieces also minimize clutter. For example, choosing a blazer you can wear to work and on weekends may be better than three trendy jackets that don't match many of your other items.

Enjoy your closet more while spending less

A well-planned capsule wardrobe won't need constant updates. As a result, you might find yourself shopping less often. But if past overspending has left you juggling credit card balances, now may be a good time to refresh your finances, too. A debt consolidation loan calculator can help you explore how combining eligible debts into one monthly payment could reduce any strain on your monthly budget.

As your needs change, it's okay to add new pieces. Replacing your most-worn basics first is one way to make a big, yet budget-friendly, impact.