The Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

Need Some Capsule Wardrobe Ideas?

So you are looking for a capsule wardrobe checklist? You have come to the right place. In this post, I give you all the tools you need to build your capsule wardrobe. I take you through what to consider before you start, ideas for your capsule, and then how to avoid impulse buys in the future. Each stage is essential to getting it right.

Below I have some ideas on what to include in your capsule. Whether you include them or not will be based on a series of factors;
Taste

Seasons
Environment
Lifestyle
Comfort
Size
Colouring
Budget

Before You Start The Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

Before you go on, as I briefly mentioned above, you have lots to consider before you embark on building a capsule wardrobe that will work effectively. 

Seasons: Do you live in a seasonal environment? If so, do you plan to create a wardrobe for all four seasons, two or one that covers them all? Most commonly, people choose autumn/winter and spring/summer with some items that transition through both. 

Environment: When you plan to create this capsule, do you need to stay cool/warm? Does it rain or snow a lot? Do you need protection from the cold or heat?

Taste: Make a note of your taste preferences in style, colour, and fabric. Do you have a style you love? Do you love the French style capsule collections? If you are not sure, use Pinterest or Instagram for style inspiration. 

Lifestyle: What do you do every week? Do you spend the majority of your time at work? If so, are you provided with a uniform, or do you have a dress code? Do you spend time with the kids? Do you go to a weekly yoga, art or fitness class? Do you like tending the garden or DIY? 

Comfort: What fabrics do you find comfortable, and what materials do you find uncomfortable? Can you wear heels or shoes with a point? Do you have wide feet?

Body Shape: Do you know your body shape? Many women who come to me get it wrong. Do you know what can enhance your body shape?

Size: Do you know what size you are? I know this might sound like a crazy question, but you would be surprised by the number of people who get this wrong. If you are a woman, have you had a recent bra fitting? For a man, have you ever been measured for a suit? Many women are wearing the wrong bra size, and many men are wearing the wrong sized suits. 

Colouring: What colours suit you? Have you ever had a colour analysis to determine your colours, or do you have an instinct and know what suits you? If you have a good idea, I suggest selecting seven or eight colours to build your capsule. Try to choose colours that are already common in your wardrobe. 

Budget: Do you have a budget set for your wardrobe? It is common for people to take around a year to build a capsule wardrobe. Always choose quality over quantity, whatever your budget. 

a collection of clothes suggested for a capsule wardrobe

Suggestions For Your Capsule Wardrobe

Below are some suggestions as to what to include in your capsule wardrobe. After answering the questions above, you may well find that some of these suggestions may not fit YOUR capsule. Everybody’s capsule will be different, and it has to be about you and what you love – nobody else. If you need more suits for work, or your environment predicts that you need warmer clothes, then adapt the suggestions below accordingly. The list is based on a simple capsule wardrobe to cover a seasonal climate. I have not included underwear, swimwear or heavy outer clothing. 

Four T-shirts: two or three simple block colours and one or two striped.

Two Long-sleeved T-shirts: One plain and one striped with a round neck

Two V-Neck Jumpers: Try two different block colours. A V-neck will suit more people and sit better over a shirt or round neck T-shirt.

A suit with a skirt and trousers to match: By buying a suit with both a straight skirt and a pair of straight-leg trousers that match it, you can wear the suit in two different ways, or any one of the garments on their own with something else. Choose a standard block colour like navy, charcoal or black. 

A leather/ pleather jacket: Choose a jacket in black or chocolate brown. Whichever you choose, make sure your accessories, for example, belts and bags, are the same shade. A bomber or biker style is more timeless than some of the other fashion fad styles available.

Two dresses: These could be in either a block colour or a print. If you choose a print, select a colour that will work well in your palette. An excellent way to accessorise a garment with a print is to use the colours in the print (not the background) to mix and match and accessorise. The classic tea dress style can be dressed up or down and suits all body shapes.

A Trench coat: Some of you may decide that a trench coat is not for you, but if you love that Parisien style in simple block colours, it serves very well to finish off an outfit and keep the chill out in autumn or spring. Choose a classic stone, black or navy.

A classic white shirt: You can not beat a classic white shirt with a standard collar. Dress it up or down for work with a suit or jeans for a more casual look. 

A tracksuit: Perfect for workouts, a morning run, or lounging around the house on a Sunday afternoon. Choose a block colour. 

A straight pair of jeans: A classic pair of straight leg, medium-waisted jeans in mid to dark indigo work better for everyone. If you can bear it, let those skinny jeans go. 

A neck Scarf: Choose a bright colour that will highlight the rest of your wardrobe. A neck scarf can really finish off an outfit. 

Matching jewellery: If you are warm skin toned, choose gold, and cool skin toned select silver. Look for a simple set that includes a necklace, bracelet and earrings that match. You can either wear them all together or as separate pieces in their own right. 

Trainers: A simple pair of plain white or block colour trainers. Veja is great for those that are environmentally conscious. 

A tote bag: Sometimes you just need to take everything with you. Whether it is because you have kids or you are planning a day out, a tote bag will be your friend. Choose a colour that compliments the rest of your wardrobe in black, charcoal, brown or navy. 

Court Shoes: A simple pair of court shoes in a heel you find comfortable will be great to dress up any outfit for work or pleasure. 

A handbag or clutch: Depending on how much you carry daily, will determine which type of bag suits you best. Choose a block colour that matches the court shoes and compliments the rest of your wardrobe. 

Avoiding Impulse Buys In The Future

Now that you have the start of your capsule, the last thing you want to do is to mess it up with impulse buys. Old habits die hard. If you are someone who wants to be more sustainable with a capsule wardrobe but has had problems in the past with impulse shopping, you need to be particularly careful.

It is challenging to avoid the temptation of a bargain at any time of the year, particularly when the sales are on. The best way to avoid an impulse buy is to repeat after me;

It is only a bargain if I use it. Otherwise, it is a waste of my hard-earned cash!

Take note of what you need and search for that only. Be very clear in the detailing. For example, instead of looking for a black pair of trousers for work, maybe you are looking for a black, woollen, lined, straight pair of trousers with a side fastening and pockets. Think about what suits your body shape, colouring, the rest of your wardrobe, the purpose, your budget and most of all, what looks and feels good on you. If it does not meet ALL of those requirements, leave it on the shelf.

 

A capsule wardrobe can work for anyone, whether you are a teenager, a working mom, over 40, or a stay at home mom.

out fit laid out and woman looking at clothes

What Next?

The information given in the post is the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. If you are embarking on anything new get professional advice if required.

If you enjoyed this post and wish to create a capsule wardrobe, I can help you create one quickly and easily. Get started immediately with one of my personal styling services or book in for a complimentary consultation

  • Personal Styling Gift Vouchers – Save up, ask for them for gifts or put towards any of my services. This is the ideal way to afford a personal stylist whatever your budget!
  • Capsule Closet Success Membership – Receive a copy of the Seasonal Capsule Essentials Ebook twice a year worth $19 and gain access to the Capsule Closet Success Course worth $200. Join our private community for support and advice and submit questions every week and have them answered live in our weekly live check-in sessions. 
  • Premium Personal Styling – A personalised colour analysis and body shape style guide, a live wardrobe edit, a personal shopping and a curated Lookbook
  • Personal Styling – 
  • A personalised Colour Analysis, a Body Shape Analysis And Style Guide, a Live Wardrobe Edit
  • A wardrobe Edit – A 20-minute zoom call to discuss your needs and to highlight any particular problems you want to address in the wardrobe edit. A private Pinterest board to pin styles and colours you love. A 60 minutes live video wardrobe edit
  • Colour Analysis And Body Shape Styling –
  • The Capsule Closet Stylist Colour Analysis looks at the natural colouring in your hair, eyes and skin tone and shows how you can complement your natural colouring in your clothes. The Body Shape Style Guide teaches you how to make the most of your best assets, hide what you do not like, find clothes that complement your shape, and choose the perfect fit.

Still Not Sure?

Book a discovery call with me where we can discuss colour, style, decluttering, body shapes and much, much more.  I can identify where you most need help and point you in the right direction. 

**Please Note This Post Contains Affiliate Links

Capsule Closet Stylist is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Program, Shopstyle and LTK, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission incomes by advertising and linking to Capsuleclosetstylist.com 

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Capsule Closet Success testimonials

'When you join the membership it isn't generic it is tailored to your needs. Michelle considers each individual person and provides advice and guidance based on their needs. I have learnt so much since I joined I feel like I could sit an exam on it now! Honestly, without a doubt if you feel like you are lost with what to wear, you don't know what suits your body shape or your shape has changed, you've lost confidence, you're starting a new job, or you want to minimise your wardrobe, Michelle's membership is without a doubt for you. You can not get better for the price, I have looked!'
Rachel
UK
I joined Michelle's facebook "capsule wardrobe challenge" in June 2020. I loved her approach of starting off with a concept of what colours and styles you were attracted to, followed by what your lifestyle required functionally. It helped me assess my existing wardrobe with a checklist in mind instead of feeling overwhelmed and indecisive. I found the video format and weekly check-ins easy to follow and explained each stage of building a capsule well. She has been quick to answer any queries I have and to offer her professional stylist's opinion with a gentle manner. I am most grateful for Michelle's overarching aim to help her clients "find their happy place". This membership is about being comfortable in your own skin, not about being super fashionable, and that is exactly what I needed. Thank you for helping me find my confidence again. 😊
Helen
Australia
There is no doubt in my mind that having a personal stylist online is worth the investment. In fact, at the end of the day I will spend considerably less while looking and feeling so much better. Why? Because I will never again mindlessly spend and spend and spend on clothes that just aren’t right for me and that don’t make me happy. I think we all dream of that wardrobe that makes us happy and confident, but it is so easy to just give up and just wear something. I know I did. And that is just plain crazy because I love clothes! I have always been attracted to styles that I lacked the confidence to try out. Now, with the help and guidance of Michelle, I can finally explore those styles with confidence knowing that whenever I run an item by Michelle, she will give me her honest feedback on whether or not it will fit with my colors and with how I want to look and feel. In short: Michelle’s advice really is priceless. I feel an A-lister in the garments I have purchased since becoming a member! Pssst: One secret, you don’t have to become a minimalist if you don’t want to. Michelle is not about legalistic minalism, she is all about you finding out what works for you and that – along with her very deep knowledge of style – is why I think her membership works for me when in the past nothing else has.
Sisse
Denmark
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