Building a 30-piece capsule wardrobe
Step-by-step method to put together a small wardrobe that covers every situation, with a concrete list.
A capsule wardrobe is a small set of pieces that all combine with each other. The goal is not deprivation but consistency.
Step 1: pick a palette
Three neutral colors (for example navy, beige, white) and one or two accent colors. Every piece must fit within this palette. This is what guarantees that everything goes with everything.
Step 2: the base list
- 6 tops: 3 t-shirts, 2 shirts, 1 light sweater
- 4 bottoms: 2 dark jeans or pants, 1 light pair of pants, 1 pair of shorts or a skirt
- 3 outer layers: 1 light jacket, 1 coat, 1 blazer or overshirt
- 3 pairs of shoes: sneakers, dress shoes, boots
- 2 warm sweaters
- 1 dress or suit depending on your needs
- Accessories: belt, bag, scarf
That is about twenty pieces. The remaining ten are your personal choices.
Step 3: test the combinations
In Wardrobio, create a "Capsule" collection and add the pieces. Then build ten outfits with the outfit builder and look at the score. If a piece does not appear in any outfit scored 70 or higher, it probably does not deserve its place.
Step 4: fill the gaps
The gap analysis tells you which piece would unlock the most combinations. Buy that one first, not the prettiest one in the window.