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The capsule wardrobe for work — a limited number of essential pieces that can be combined to create many outfits — has been growing in popularity, which makes sense when you look at the parallel trends of “slow fashion” and Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (aff). A focus on quality pieces + an emphasis on decluttering/organization = a capsule wardrobe.
But how do you create a capsule wardrobe for work, and how do you pare down what's currently in your closet? Reader C wonders…
I am a huge fan of Corporette, and wanted to submit a suggestion for a future post. Since a huge feature of the site is work appropriate clothing, I would be interested in discussing what women professionals' wardrobes actually contain.
After spending several years in New York, I have learned to really cull my wardrobe (which is also better for my budget)! I was inspired by a writer named Jennifer Scott (I have no affiliation with her) who has published a book called Lessons from Madame Chic. In the book, as well as on her blog, she discusses the concept of having a capsule wardrobe of items that are high quality and that you repeat throughout the season.
The concept is flexible — for instance, an attorney will have more clothing than she will, as a homemaker — but the idea is to invest in better, fewer clothes that last. I am putting this into action myself, but am curious to see if others do the same, and how (and whether this is of interest to my fellow Corporette readers).
We've talked about how to shop your closet, “fashion math,” how often you can repeat your work outfits, and where to start when you need style inspiration, but we haven't specifically talked about capsule wardrobes. I'm still learning about them myself, so I'm curious to hear what people think.
I think the idea of a capsule wardrobe has been around for years — certainly for travel. But Madame Chic (which apparently is the #1 book in fashion and style right now on Amazon!), the trend towards decluttering, Instagram challenges… more and more people are viewing capsule wardrobes as a great way to dress every day. Buy less stuff, buy good stuff, and wear it all the time.
A number of bloggers post capsule wardrobes (see our “further reading” links below); even the author of Madame Chic has YouTube videos showcasing her own capsule wardrobes.
{related: The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women}
(Some people take this even further, like Obama, and wear only one outfit, period, to cut down on decision fatigue.)
So how do you do it for work? Here's my $.02 on how to create a capsule wardrobe for work:
- If you already have something you love, start with that. If it would make you really sad to never wear your bright orange Louis Vuitton Epi bag (or something), then start with that in the mix. If there's an obi belt you love — or a pair of purple pumps — make sure that everything you choose in your capsule will work with that piece.
- Pick a base neutral. Black, navy, gray, or beige — what color is your favorite suit? What color are most of your accessories? If your favorite bags and shoes are brown, you may want to reconsider black. Pick ONE base neutral. Wardrobe items to consider buying here:
- A matching suit with separates — blazer, sheath dress, pencil skirt, trousers.
- A pair of pumps
- A bag
- A belt
- Pick a second neutral. White, cream, caramel, gray, navy, beige — by picking one piece to focus on (instead of randomly buying neutrals willy nilly) you'll have a more cohesive look. If you're in such a business casual office that jeans are acceptable, I might consider your favorite denim (or denim in general) to be a second neutral. Items to consider getting here:
- An on-trend pair of work-appropriate pants (whether it's ankle pants, flowy pants, or high-waisted flared trousers is up to you)
- a sheath dress
- a blazer to wear as a separate — with texture
- a crisp blouse
- a flowy blouse
- Pick two or three colors to focus on for accents. I realized recently I prefer to wear contrasting colors, rather than complementary colors — so for me I think I'm going to try to focus future purchases on cobalt blue, red, and purple. I like red and purple together. I like cobalt and red together. Cobalt and purple is a bit too complementary for me — but it's still a cohesive look. (If this is way too much color for you, pick a third or fourth neutral, or softer colors — light blue or mint green, for example.) If you're really limiting things you don't need a ton of pieces in these colors. I'd suggest a few things:
- A pair of shoes for a pop of color
- A statement necklace
- A pencil skirt or flared skirt
- A blazer or cardigan
- A blouse with a print in one of your colors
- a scarf with a print in one of your colors
- A bag in one of your accent colors — if your neutral bag is a tote, get this one as a satchel, shoulder bag, or clutch.
- A few neutral jewelry pieces to complement your other pieces. If you like grays, you may want to go with a lot of silver pieces; if you're doing beige, go with gold. I always like white jewelry also — pearls, white druzy, white moonstone, etc. Think a long metal necklace, a short pendant necklace, a short round metal necklace, a statement necklace with big stones, perhaps in white or clear (for maximum versatility), and probably a pair or two of huggie earrings. (We've talked about how to built a jewelry collection for work before, of course.)
Hunting for great jewelry for the office? As of 2024, we're long been fans of affordable brands like Mejuri and Jenny Bird, as well as mid-tier brands like Monica Vinader, David Yurman (especially this line), Dana Rebecca, and Stephen Dweck. For our $.02: spend money on things like a good watch (or watch strap), gold or diamond earrings, a pearl necklace, and more. Some of the earrings we've featured recently:
And some of the necklaces:
So: here's how my capsule collection might look, if I were putting it together today. This is 22 pieces — with Project 33 that leaves plenty of room. A few notes while putting this together:
- You can swap out one or two colors as you change the seasons. If this feels better suited for fall, imagine all of the red pieces exchanged for white pieces — it feels much more Pucci-esque for summer.
- Alas, there is some sacrifice — there was a great green blouse I liked, and a fabulous navy scarf I passed up because I was limiting myself to the colors in my capsule. While they may have gone with a few items in the collection, they wouldn't have gone with all of them — so out they go.
- While prints can be limiting in that people remember them more, note that some of the prints here were very lucky finds — the purple, red and blue scarf will look amazing with just about everything but the blue pencil skirt — which will look amazing with just about everything but the scarf.
- Note the big role that the basics play here — particularly how versatile the suit will be. Wear the blazer with all of the skirts — wear the pants and skirt with all of the tops. This is where most of your money should go, particularly as they move with you from season to season.
- Note that if this feels boring to you, texture can play a bigger role. Don't forget the monochromatic outfits, either — the red blouse with the red skirt; the gray cardigan with the gray pants and flats… lots of fun to be had.
Here are some of our favorites as far as individual pieces you might use to create a similar capsule wardrobe for work — see our Wardrobe Essentials for Work for more!
Some of our favorite mid-range suits for women (which sometimes have such frequent sales that they come down to the same range as our “budget” suits) include Ann Taylor, J.Crew, Talbots, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, and Antonio Melani. (Talbots and J.Crew usually have plus sizes, and the others offer petites.)
Hunting for comfortable work heels? We've got a whole guide just for that, but some of our favorites include Marc Fisher LTD, Sam Edelman, M.M.LaFleur, and Cole Haan. On the pricier side, check out Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman, and Sarah Flint. For comfort-first styles, look to Vionic, Sofft, and Naturalizer.
2024 Update: Here are our latest favorite purple heels for the office!
Some of the best dresses for work as of 2024 include options from J.Crew, BOSS, T. Tahari, and Lands' End. For really affordable options, check out Quince and Amazon sellers Miusol or MUXXN. We've also rounded up the best plus-size dresses for work!
Some fun jackets-as-separates to try:
Some of our favorite work skirts of 2024 include classic pencil skirts like those from J.Crew,* Ann Taylor, Black Halo, Calvin Klein, Theory, and this Amazon seller) — but see the full post for all of the trendy styles also! (Also: readers love these slip shorts for comfort with bare legs!)
Further reading:
- Guide to Creating Wardrobe Capsules [Inside Out Fashion]
- Project 333: The Rules [Project 333] (see also this Business Insider article about the 33-item closet)
- A Business Casual Capsule for Spring [YouLookFab]
- Capsule Wardrobe 101 [Un-Fancy]
- How to Create Capsule Wardrobes [Wardrobe Oxygen]
- One Suitcase: Capsule Wardrobes for Work [Outfit Posts]
- 10 Piece Spring Business Travel Wardrobe [Road Warriorette]
- The capsule wardrobe: Fashion changes, these endure [The Independent]
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Wildkitten
What app do people like for creating a capsule ward drobe? Unclutterer is recommending Closet+ today and I’m intrigued.
Shopaholic
I love this in theory but I don’t know if I could actually implement it. I do need to get rid of some stuff though so maybe I’ll try this…
Alana
1) How do people do this when they really like color?
As much as I like neutrals and cool colors, sometimes I’m in the mood for yellow or orange. The best part of a part-time job I had in a clothing manufacturing company was going to the room filled with fabric in tons of colors.
2) Also, those of us who veer far from standard shapes and sizes do not have an easy time replacing garments.
Any counterarguments more detailed than responding, “Suck it up,” is appreciated.
Senior Attorney
I really like color, so I just keep a large wardrobe. Capsule wardrobes are all the rage right now but my feeling is there’s nothing inherently superior about having a small wardrobe. I have blazers, ankle pants, pencil skirts, and pumps in pretty much every color (my tops tend to be neutrals or prints), and that’s the way I like it.
As for the size and shape thing, I have nothing to offer there other than commiseration. And maybe think about duplicating when you find something that really works.
Anonymous
This is me. I wear mostly dresses and blazers or cardigans to work and have several of them in various colors and styles. I get dressed in the morning based on what type of mood I’m in and what I want to project that day. A capsule wardrobe would not work well for me at this point in my life.
This post applies to work clothes, but are people doing this for casual and weekend clothes as well? I would like to see that process.
HSAL
I pretty much agree with Senior Attorney on the trendiness factor. I like the idea of a smaller wardrobe, but I also like variety and not doing laundry that often.
Where I think capsules really have value is maternity wardrobes (or other likely-temporary weight gains or losses). Maximum outfits with minimum purchases. I’m 21 weeks and my mother has bought me a ton of maternity clothes (I know I’m very lucky) but they haven’t been very cohesive purchases, so I’m trying to fill in the gaps and make everything work for multiple outfits.
Clementine
As someone currently building a maternity capsule wardrobe, mine relies heavily on black plus lots of scarves and the funkiest jewelry I own.
KateMiddletown
+1 for the Laundry Issue. I feel like my drycleaning bill would add up quickly?
Shopping challenged
You are cleaning the same number of items, whether you do them in several small batches of fewer big loads. Unless you get volume discounts, there is no reason you’d pay more for cleaning a smaller wardrobe.
Lyssa
That’s sort of why I think that it would make more sense to just try to have very versatile pieces in general. For example, I have several pairs of gray pants or skirts, and several black jackets. I can wear any of those together, and with virtually any shirt of any color. From there, it’s not hard to pick a complementary accessory and shoes.
I can see, for example, getting rid of all brown and navy (so that all shoes work with all pants). But I’m not sold on the capsule concept in general.
anyanony
Lyssa, I never wear brown or true navy for that reason so much of my wardrobe is mix and match.
bridget
I think the point of a capsule wardrobe is to shop more deliberately and buy pieces that are workhorses, rather than having a bunch of outfits that aren’t flexible and are super-memorable. (Think a skirt and a shirt that really only work with each other.)
So modify the capsule wardrobe: start with a capsule, then build out from there. When you buy a piece, ask yourself what it works with in your wardrobe.
Bonnie
I really like color and texture and prints and would be unhappy with a capsule wardrobe. I do try to limit what I buy but like clothing and would be really bored with a limited wardrobe. I also wear a lot of printed dresses and those would not fit well into a capsule wardrobe.
cake batter
I actually wear a lot of prints in my smallish wardrobe. I have several black and white patterned dresses (or similar neutral color combinations) which can be worn with a number of solid blazers, cardigans, bright shoes, statement necklaces, etc. I enjoy some pattern mixing, so I occasionally combine, say, my b&w polka dot cardigan with my b&w striped bag.
I’ve been surprised at some of the folks saying that a limited wardrobe can’t work if you like color or pattern. It totally does, it just requires more planning to ensure your pieces all combine nicely into outfits instead of buying a bunch of one hit wonders.
Baconpancakes
I’m trying a thing where I do seasonal capsule wardrobes (and it’s more like 50ish items, not including accessories). So this summer I’m focusing on white, navy, and khaki, with pops of coral and yellow. Last summer it was cobalt, light blue, khaki, and a heavier rotation of yellow. Putting away my maroon and purple and most of my black makes it feel new when I pull it out in the appropriate season, and I’m not likely to want to wear those colors in summer anyway. Another thing I’m doing is creating individual “theme” capsules for my non-work clothes – I have “Mountain Getaway,” “Beach Weekend,” and “Brunch” for summer so far. They’re reasonable in that I will definitely wear those clothes for related activities, but I still get to not worry about whether things go together.
KS
I read a commentary on the Kondo trend recently (I don’t remember where) in which the author talked about the joy her stuff brought her. Even as I try to simplify my belongings, I agree. I think if you prefer having a variety (i.e. color0, the happiness a bigger closet will bring you can make it worthwhile, even if it may take more time to manage or plan what you wear. And it looks like other commenters below are in the same boat.
Plus, I don’t layer that much (or at least generally end up in a short-sleeve shirt), and I don’t want to do more [but smaller] loads of laundry.
So I’ll keep clothes that I like to wear and aren’t so special they need to be carefully matched up. And when I shop I’ll try to fill gaps in the wardrobe, or at least make sure the new item isn’t repetitive or too unique.
Anon
I love color as well and I have kind of a half capsule wardrobe. So I mostly have a few really great quality black pencil skirts and then I have a bunch of different colored blouses that give color. It makes it really easy in the morning to put stuff on because everything matches.
Shopping challenged
Your second point sounds to me like an argument in favor of a small wardrobe with a limited number of pieces, all of which you love, and which all fit you well.
Walnut
I like this idea in theory, but how do you go about keeping everything drycleaned/laundered and overall fresh? I’m pretty close to a capsule wardrobe already, but my saving grace is that most things can be machine washed. I’m pretty much hosed when something needs to go to the cleaners or a hem comes out.
Alana
*are* appreciated
Sydney Bristow
I feel like I accidentally have a capsule wardrobe. I pretty much have about a week and a half worth of work clothes, the vast majority of which can be mixed and matched.
I always feel like I want to buy more clothes but my weight seems to fluctuate so much that it is easier to just buy the mix and match basics when I change sizes.
Wildkitten
Same.
anyanony
+1 But replying so I can get comments and helpful hints.
Rogue Banker
Same here. Black, grey, teal/purple/coral, silver jewelry. All the tops go with all the bottoms, all the shoes go with all the things, everything except like two dresses is machine washable. Actually, thinking about it, pretty much the only thing I own that doesn’t fit in those categories is a beige tote – even my day-to-day handbag is a dark grey.
The funny thing is, this was completely by accident – I just gravitated to the colors that I feel look best on me, and black is the least high-maintenance/most clutzy-spill-proof neutral. :P
Marie
As much as I support this idea of have a nice quality selection of basics in your wardrobe and while I think it’s great for women who are starting their careers or for women who don’t care much about fashion (i.e. would prefer a “uniform” approach to dressing), it’s not for me. I love clothes, I look forward to the changing seasons and being able to pick up pieces that refresh my wardrobe and project a polished stylish professional. First impressions matter and since I meet many new people each day, I want each day to project my personality. I would hate starting each day with a drab outfit.
Anonymous
It doesn’t have to be drab, though. My entire wardrobe is pretty much a capsule, I am a very fashion-conscious person and it works for me. My outfits are pretty fabulous, if I may say so myself.
Claire Underwood
What do you mean by “drab”, exactly?
Anonymous
Not sure what Marie means by drab but I meant “lacking interest; dull”. I don’t have a lot of clothes but the ones I have are fashionable, modern, well-fitting and are certainly not “lacking interest; dull”. The way I think about it, there is JC Penney simple and, say, Roland Mouret simple. You don’t have to do JC Penney simple.
houda
+1000
WorkingMom123
Yup, this is me. I don’t get the attraction, unless you are starting out in a career. I think there are certainly must have items in a woman’s work wardrobe that she should have and they should be workhorses, but I also would be bored to tears to wear the same things constantly.
TBK
I couldn’t wear any of my old clothes after the twins were born (even jackets — stupid baby weight) so I had to buy a whole new work wardrobe all at once. It’s pretty minimal but it gets the job done. I’m in a business formal office, which makes it easier I think. Here’s what I have: gray suit (jacket, skirt, dress); navy suit (jacket, skirt, dress); very nice black suit (jacket, skirt); black dress (wish it was part of the black suit but alas); two jackets that go with the black dress; a jacket that goes with the navy skirt; another jacket and a brown skirt that goes with it; button front dress shirts in white, light pink, and blue; cream cowl neck top (sleeveless); navy cowl neck top (sleeveless); black heels; nude heels; two scarves; jewelry. Altogether it makes about 12 outfits, which means two full weeks plus items to switch out on days when I don’t feel like wearing the outfit assigned to that day (yes, I have them on a two-week rotation, which is written down and which I keep in my closet and refer to each morning). If I bought more clothes, I would add: tops in deep pink, purple, and yellow; short sleeve white button front shirt; tan/khaki suit (jacket, dress, skirt); navy blazer (the kind with brass buttons; brown heels.
Hollis
How did you decide on the jackets that are not part of a suit? I look around online and all I see are suit jackets, which make me feel like they would look funny with a different skirt or dress. Any particular features you were looking for that were different than a suit jacket?
TBK
Two are summer-weight tweed and they have threads in them that match the skirts I wear them with (one is a navy-black-white tweed, which I wear with a navy skirt, and the other is a beige-cream-brown tweed I wear with a dark brown skirt). The two I wear with my black dress are a color with black accents (one has black cording around the lapels and pockets, and the other has a black leather inset on the collar). Example links to follow.
TBK
For example, I might wear this with a navy or a black skirt
http://www.anntaylor.com/faux-leather-trim-tweed-jacket/358099?skuId=17611985&defaultColor=&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000017&priceSort=DESC
Or this with a black sheath dress
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=87056&vid=1&pid=403674002
TBK
Not sure my links went through. My examples were this with a black dress
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=87056&vid=1&pid=403674002
Or this with either a black or navy skirt
http://www.anntaylor.com/faux-leather-trim-tweed-jacket/358099?skuId=17611985&defaultColor=&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000017&priceSort=DESC
InfoGeek
Toni & Guy video with music is auto playing on this page. It’s the ad just above the comments.
Anonymous
Good timing of post. My niece is just starting out in the workforce and I suggested this approach.
Like others, I ended up making a capsule collection (for summer) naturally.
However, for winter my clothes are all over the place and so this fall planning on making it more cohesive.
Also agree that when I get dressed in the mornings it is a comination of what is on the calendar and how I feel; might get bored cycling through the same stuff.
CWZ
I guess I’m a prickly beast when it comes to stuff like this – but I’ve been hearing more about it and just don’t understand — Why does this need to be *a thing* for people? Capsule wardrobe? I mean aren’t we just talking about ‘not having a lot of clothes’. Does it make people feel better (or trendier) to call it a capsule wardrobe? Am I an old crank about new phenomena?
(also I’m definitely cranky over a tough morning. wah.)
anyanony
Capsules are at least 20 years old. I have a book on it from the early 1990s.
KateMiddletown
Perhaps older. I’m thinking about how my Felicity American Girl doll only had 2 or so dresses, but she had a stomacher to add a lil’ visual interest for fancy times. (Don’t know why historical fashion dolls are the first reference that pop into my head, but maybe others can empathize.)
S.
I have been hearing about capsule wardrobes for some time now so I decided to give it a go. I counted how much clothes I own and found out that I wouldn’t even fill the recommended number of items for most of them. I just have about a dozen of dresses, couple jackets and a few shoes. All the dresses are with patterns and colours, not a single one of them is neutral, and I could go two weeks without repeating an outfit and not get bored with neutrals. So I guess I don’t really get the need for a capsule wardrobe…
EB0220
After having my 2nd baby last year, I’ve moved to 5 work outfits: gray dress on Monday, black shift dress on Tuesday, etc. I add tights and a blazer in winter and wear flats and bare legs in the summer. Dark wash jeans and black shirt on Friday. Done.
It’s very boring, but it is professional and requires zero decisions. When I stop nursing, I’m going to invest in some new/interesting/colorful pieces but stick with the same general concept.
Sweet Tea
I love color. My husband says my style is a crayon box exploded. but I am being considered for a position for the Attn General’s office in my state and I want what you have. simple and planned out. Maybe mix up jewelry and scarves for interest. I’m on a huge budget ( I make 22k a yr as Executive Admin assist) so even some of the budget choices are out of my league. I do fins a lot of barely wore Ann Taylor in my size at the thrift store, so that’s an option too.
Diane Lockhart
Although I have a large wardrobe and think it unlikely I could whittle down to a capsule one I still like the idea of it and sometimes create a sub-capsule wardrobe inside my larger closet. That makes it easy to figure out what to wear when I am in a hurry, don’t feel like making any decisions or when I travel. Although she does not do strictly professional wardrobes, Vivienne Files has a great blog on capsule wardrobes. She also shows you how to build a capsule around a particular color scheme or unique item like an Hermes scarf. I read her blog to get ideas for new combinations from my closet.
Mountain Girl
+1 to The Vivienne Files if you are looking for great capsule wardrobe ideas and how to build them.
Kate
That starlight skirt is beautiful, but it strikes me as too memorable for a capsule wardrobe. Also, I don’t think it would go with any of the shirts on the bottom.
Part of my problem is that I always feel the most “take on the world” in one memorable piece like a great skirt or dress, but then I don’t feel I can wear those things terribly frequently.
Capsule lover
Check out the vivienne files for tons of sample capsule wardrobes and other methods of wardrobing
RecoveringShopaholic
I got rid of 2/3 of my closet a month ago (actually had to check the calendar: can’t believe it’s been a month!) The majority of it was work clothes I had never worn/was never going to wear. The most surprising part is that I don’t miss any of the items I hemmed and hawed over getting rid of for days! In the end, I wound up with more than 33 items (I didn’t purge my accessories, which are minimal to begin with), but I have a very bare bones wardrobe now and I love it. I feel more pulled together because most of what I kept is of a similar style.
We moved recently, and I’m having a really hard time adjusting. I hate my job, and surprisingly, getting rid of a bunch of stuff was very freeing. I care even less about what people think of me, and I think it shows because I get more compliments now than when I had a wardrobe full of designer pieces. I started out skeptical of this project, and I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s really worked for me. I’ve started eating better and have a more positive/empowered outlook on life. Now if I can just get my workout mojo going I’ll be unstoppable! Thanks for letting me share.
L in DC
I would describe my work wardrobe as a capsule wardrobe. My neutrals are navy and black, although some of my blazers also have gray and white in the patterns. I use plum as my “color” (with a few red accents as well) and have minimal accessories. Everything goes with everything else and it takes all of 2 seconds to get dressed in the morning. I’ve been trying to take the same approach to my casual wardrobe but am having a much more difficult time for some reason.
houda
I have read Marie Kondo’s book, and have been following The Minimalists and other related Ted talks .
For the past few months, I did get rid of items. I started with a massive purge, then gradual cleaning up.
This left me with less clothes (still nowhere near a capsule wardrobe) and few gaps.
I am now working on filling these gaps and I have noticed that buying items because I need them makes a difference.
I also recently started keeping track of my favourite outfits and most worn items and realised that a pair of black ankle pants was a workhorse in my wardrobe so I invested in cobalt ankle pants, white city chino ankle pants from BR and distressed BF jeans also ankle length.
Hadn’t I pared down my pants collection to 10 items, I would have never realised that ankle pants are so flattering on me.
I work in a business casual office and working on going more formal but I do not separate my work and weekend wardrobe.
Another Anon
I think the mindfulness of creating a capsule wardrobe could help with feeling like I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. If I knew that all of my work clothes fit well, were in good shape, and worked well together, getting dressed in the morning would be so easy. So I’m working toward that result from the opposite direction right now – if I don’t feel good about my outfit when I get home from work because my skirt is riding up / shirt is gaping / hem is falling, the offending item goes into a donate pile or repair pile but not back into my closet. It doesn’t matter whether we use the phrase capsule wardrobe or have X number of pieces in our closet, we all just want to be able to get out the door with a minimum of fuss while looking put together.
R
I don’t understand why this is now becoming a “thing”. I guess many people here haven’t had to buy clothes on a low budget. When you have a very small clothing budget, you HAVE to buy extremely versatile pieces that can be worn over and over.
Anon
You’re correct. Some of us have a lot of clothes in part due to hand me downs from friends and relatives, as well as clothes from second-hand stores. Also, shopping habits contribute to this. Some people have some weight fluctuations, but not major ones, so they are able to hold onto clothes for years.
KateMiddletown
How do people with capsule-only wardrobes handle special events? I feel like I have so many dresses that are “occasion-based”, ie, Christmas party, summer wedding. I love the idea of repeating w/ different accessories, but I don’t want to be photographed at every wedding this summer in the same outfit.
Side note @R: I have always bought clothes on a low budget and end up buying crap on sale. I have many colored shifts that I bought vs. the black/navy/neutral because they were on clearance. I have trouble with the philosophy that clothing is an investment, but I agree that it makes sense when you do the fashion math as Kat calls it.
Ruby
I have a closet full of clothes but am a capsule dresser. I wear the same few things over and over. I don’t mind keeping my other clothes. Sizes change, having to go get stuff *again* is expensive, and a huge time suck. Same with seasons, and business travel- not everything works in every setting so I like having a handful of options. I am trying to get better organized with not keeping the too-big or too-small stuff in the main closet.
The most annoying thing for me is items that need attention. I keep dry cleaning in its designated bag. But the iron and needs a fix pile sit forever.
To the person above who said they remembered reading the ‘stuff brings me joy’ post- link is here if you scroll down a bit (how to grab a link from the entry is beyond my powers), I commented on it on facebook so the picture/link are there. Agree, nothing wrong with liking having some stuff! https://www.facebook.com/OnTheWay.book
WorkingMom123
I have a lot of clothes. I get bored easily and I would hate to restrict myself.
If I were to think about must haves, all professional women need:
– Professional dresses. They are so easy to just throw on when you are not sure what to wear. Separates are a hassle.
– At least 3 pairs of black pants. More is better.
– At least 1 pair of gray pants.
– At least 1 pair of beige pants.
– At least 1 black pencil skirt.
– 2 dress and/or skirt suits.
– 2 pants suits.
– Dressy material shirts/blouses that match black, navy blue, gray and beige.
Shopping challenged
This post was in the year-end round up, so I’m adding a late question.
While I agree with above posters that “capsule” wardrobes are best for people like me, who find that looking pulled together is more of a responsibility than a pleasure, I still have a hard time picturing the way other people here say they dress. Do you really wear new outfits every single day, with no repeats? In other words, don’t you tend to fall back on known combos? To me, the big idea in a capsule is that everything goes together, so I end up with more combination than if this shirt goes with these bottoms and I can wear this jacket with a couple of things, but not most of my stuff. I can’t imagine trying to figure out what to wear every day. I sometimes don’t wear the first thing I grabbed, because the thing I always wear with it needs to be washed (I rarely buy dry clean only) but instead of breaking my head over something else to wear, I just grab a different outfit, one that I probably put together ages ago.
I think the opposite of capsule wardrobes is “Barbie” dressing, where every item is part of a set outfit, and nothing can be mixed with anything else. That would drive me nuts too.