Last year I felt this need to start a capsule wardrobe for myself. I sat down and asked myself: what are my staple pieces, what do I love to wear and what’s just sitting in my closet and not getting worn?? I realized 90% of my closet was just sitting there and I didn’t really like most of the things I’ve purchased.
I was spending way too much money on “trend” pieces and not enough on everyday basics. That was my first problem. I was doing it all wrong. I was spending a ton of money on pieces that I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing or that would go out of style way too quick.
Now, I have a lot less clothes but a lot more options. I purchased high quality basics (links below) that I’ve been able to wear every single season, cut out purchasing trendy items, and really found my sense of style.
I pretty much live in denim, a tucked in shirt and a cardigan in the spring, transition into maxi dresses and sandals in the summer and wear leggings with over-sized sweaters in the fall and winter. This is my comfort zone. This is what I like to wear, so why should I change it?
I used to get tired of wearing the same thing over and over again but now I love it. I’ve also learned how to “trick myself” so my clothes feels brand new when I wear it. I’m serious… I stash my clothes that’s not in season in drawers and bins so I don’t look at it for months at a time. When it is time to switch out my wardrobe, I’m reminded how much I actually love my wardrobe and that is how you shop your closet and stop spending money on clothes!
If I told you I don’t spend money on clothes anymore, that would be a total lie. I bought a cardigan and chunky sweater just today at Nordstrom ON SALE because I know I’ll live in them. BUT I don’t impulse buy and make sure that what I’m buying will go with other items in my closet.
If you don’t have a closet full of basics that you can layer, stack jewelry, hats and accessories with, you need to start here.
Build up the basics
- 5-10 tees and tanks (I always go with neutral, they go with everything)
- Light denim and dark denim
- 2 pairs of leggings
- 2-3 maxi or swing dresses
- 2-3 cardigans and jackets
- Chunky/thick sweaters
- Black and brown boots
- Black and brown sandals
- Black and brown belts
- Pair of denim shorts
- Denim jacket
All of these items allow you easy mix and match pieces. Once you have that, you can be selective and build on some trend pieces that you know that you will actually wear. Remember, you’ll want to purchase high-quality (but reasonably priced) basics so they carry you through the seasons, and shop for sales/deals when it comes to trend pieces.
Trend pieces
- Denim skirt
- Overalls
- Graphic tees
- jumpsuits and rompers
- Florals and prints
