How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe in 5 Easy Steps

Do you want to simplify your style, save money and space, and reduce decision fatigue? If so, you might want to try creating a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that consists of a few essential and timeless items that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits for different occasions.

A capsule wardrobe can help you declutter your closet, discover your personal style, and enjoy getting dressed every day. It can also make your life easier, happier, and more sustainable.

In this blog post, I’ll show you how to create a capsule wardrobe in 5 easy steps.

Ready to create your own capsule wardrobe? Let’s go!

Step 1: Select a base color.

A base color is a dark neutral color that forms the foundation of your capsule wardrobe. It can be used for your bottoms, outerwear, shoes, and accessories. A base color helps you create a cohesive look and makes it easier to coordinate your outfits. I use black and denim as my base colors.

For example, I have these items in my base colors:

  • Black Jeans

  • Denim- Light and Dark

  • Black Dresses- Various cuts & styles

  • Demin Jacket

  • Black Vest & Jackets

  • Black Shoes- sneakers, boots & sandals

  • Denim Dress & Shirt

  • Black Purse

Step 2: Select your neutral-color coordinating essentials.

The next step is to select your neutral-color coordinating essentials. These are the items that complement your base color and can be worn with anything. They are usually tops, sweaters, dresses, jackets, and shoes in neutral colors such as white, beige, gray, or brown.

These items add variety and interest to your capsule wardrobe without being too loud or distracting. They also help you create different looks for different seasons and occasions.

For example, I have some of these pieces as my neutral-color coordinating essentials:

  • White & Beige Sweatshirts

  • T-shirts in gray, beige & rust

  • Gray & Beige Sweaters

  • Gray Dress

  • Olive Green Jacket

  • White sneakers & beige boots





Step 3: Choose your accent color.

The third step is to choose your accent color. This is an optional step, but it can add some fun and personality to your capsule wardrobe. An accent color is a bright or bold color that pops against your base color and neutral-color coordinating essentials. It can be used for tops, sweaters, dresses, jackets, shoes, and accessories.

An accent color can help you express your mood, style, and creativity. It can also help you spice up your outfits and make them more memorable.

You can choose any accent color that you like and that suits you. My favorite accent colors are olive green, rust, teal & pink.

For example, I have some of these pieces in an accent color:

  • Rust sweater

  • Olive Top

  • Blue & green dresses

  • Earrings in my accent colors

Step 4: Add a few patterned items and layers

The fourth step is to add a few patterned items and layers to your capsule wardrobe. These are the items that add some texture and dimension to your outfits. They can be tops, sweaters, dresses, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, or socks in patterns such as stripes, checks, florals, polka dots, animal prints, or geometric shapes.

These items can help you create more visual interest and contrast in your outfits. They can also help you adapt to different weather conditions and occasions.

You can choose any patterned items and layers that you like and that match with your base color, neutral-color coordinating essentials, and accent color.

For example, you can choose some of these items as your patterned items and layers:

  • Striped or checked shirt

  • Striped or checked tee

  • Floral or polka dot dress

  • Animal print or geometric jacket

  • Striped or checked scarf.

Step 5: Choose your shoes and accessories.

The final step is to choose your shoes and accessories for your capsule wardrobe. These are the items that complete your outfits and add some flair and function to them. They can be shoes, bags, belts, hats & jewelry.


Have fun creating your capsule wardrobe. The goal is to have everything in your closet fit well and be an option to wear. The pieces will function together and complement each other making it so much easier to get dressed in the morning, pack for vacation, and just live your best life!

If you currently have a capsule wardrobe, let me know below! Here is another post I wrote on the actual items I have in my closet.

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