An Almost Capsule Wardrobe

For the past few years I’ve done a version of the capsule wardrobe.

A capsule wardrobe consists of anywhere between 25-35 pieces. Typically excluding workout gear.

That doesn’t quite work for me. For one the weather fluctuates in Charlotte and I’m not ever sure if it’s going to be sweater weather in October or 80 degrees. I needed a little more flexibility in my wardrobe when it came to the number of pieces simply because I needed more layers and footwear available. I very well still be able to wear a nice pair of sandals in November after all, no need to exclude them. However I do like the general principles of the capsule wardrobe which are these.

• Quality Materials
• Classic Pieces
• Clothes that work together

In the past I’ve taken photos of myself everyday just to keep track and see what was actually working. I found that I could make multiple different looks work with the same pieces.

That is mostly what I follow. So before you say that a capsule wardrobe isn’t for you, try doing a variation of it! This keeps me from purchasing random one off or trendy clothing that won’t last more than one season.

My classic pieces for fall:

• 3 pairs of well fitted jeans
• 1 pair of pants
• Oversized flannel
• 2-3 Hoodies
• 3-4 Sweatshirts
• Lightweight Sweater
• Heavyweight Sweater
• 3 button up tops
• 4 long sleeve tops
• 5 tees
• Jumpsuit
• Overalls
• 2-3 Dresses

That’s 28ish pieces of clothing.

I don’t count shoes because I never know what I’ll be in the mood for footwear wise, and I don’t include leggings/joggers because it’s rare that I wear those out of the house. Generally I try to do the majority of my wardrobe shopping in one go so I can ensure everything works together. This year about half of what’s in my fall capsule was in last year’s fall capsule, since it’s classic and good quality it still works!