Has anyone else peeped “Tidying up with Marie Kondo” on Netflix and felt a real need to clean-out their closet? Maybe you have pieces in your wardrobe that you just needed when you saw them on the rack. But, here we are a few months later and those pieces are still sitting in your closet with the tags still attached. It happens to the best of us. If it’s really time to downsize your wardrobe, a capsule wardrobe is the way to go. As a personal stylist, I often get requests on helping build a capsule wardrobe. If you’ve heard the term before and have no idea what it is or where to start, don’t worry, I’m here to help.

The idea originated from London “Wardrobe Boutique” owner, Susie Faux, in the 1970s. She looked to fill closets with “timeless pieces” that could be easily mixed and matched and built upon. That’s all a capsule wardrobe really is: a closet full of essentials that easily work together through all seasons. It cuts back on needless spending and teaches how you work with what you have.

Capsule wardrobes aren’t usually a one and done type of thing, they can take a few months to get started and you might have to invest a little more for some quality pieces, but don’t let that discourage you! As long as you have some base pieces, you can easily add some complementing styles. With all the shopping over the years, you’ve probably already got a few key pieces in your closet to help you get a jumpstart.

Generally, a capsule wardrobe can range from 25-50 pieces, which for a minimalist wardrobe allows for a lot of leeway. I like to think of this as an “item budget” for your closet. This is a fantastic way to keep your fast fashion waste to a minimum.

The Essentials:

1. Denim: I always suggest having at least two pairs that can be your go-to’s. One light and one dark wash pair will be great for the cooler seasons. If a black pair is a must-have, I say go for it (but remember that leggings can also be an option). You could even throw in a white pair for summer as well. I would probably cap it at four pairs, though. Levi’s are a better bang for your buck when it comes to something with higher end quality, but Madewell and Everlane also offer great quality at a bit of a higher price-point.
2. Tees: There’s something about a plain, well-fitted tee that can really keep your look chic. These really are the perfect pieces to layer. Keep it neutral with some greys, blacks and whites. It’s probably smart to have short, ¾ and long sleeve pieces you can rotate through the seasons and unpredictable weather. Target is always an easy option where you can usually grab basics starting at $8, which is perfect if you’re on a budget. Madewell and Everlane also have higher price point basics.
3. Footwear: Personally, shopping for footwear is a vice for me. I’m guilty of having way too many pairs in my closet. I’m also guilty of only rotating a few pairs. Think about your weekly needs and what type of footwear most fits your lifestyle. You can try one or two pairs per season, whatever your item budget will allow. A go-to pair of sandals for summer, booties and calf-high boots for fall, flats or loafers for spring. Winter can get a little tricky because snow boots can get tiring but find a pair you love and when the streets aren’t too slick, you can always swap those fall styles into your rotation.
4. Layering pieces: This term is pretty broad, but it encompasses many styles and options. To me, this means structured or flowy cardigans, blazers, moto jackets, spring jackets, winter jackets, etc. As a general rule, especially living somewhere that has all four seasons, I try to have one staple jacket for every season. With the cooler seasons, you can always layer it up. The double jacket trend has been quite popular, so if you’re looking to be a little adventurous, try it out! There’s also nothing wrong with layering a cardigan and a trench jacket for spring for a little extra warmth and texture. This is also an excellent opportunity to add some color into the mix. Tip: Try layering a peacoat over a moto jacket, you’ll look killer, I promise.
5. Accessories: When I say accessories, a lot of people think jewelry, but there’s so much more you can play with! If you are a jewelry person, a couple of pairs of earrings will be sure to keep your look classy. Try a pair of hoops and a nice pair of studs. They don’t have to be glitzy by any means, but hey if that’s your thing, load up! You can generally find a multi-pack of smaller studs at most retailers, but again, keep that item budget in mind. Scarves are easy and fun for fall and winter. You can play with patterns if you want. If you’re not huge on patterns, find a few styles you like if you’re looking to maybe add a pop of color here or there. Handbags let you experiment with different shapes and colors as well. Think about sizes and occasions as well. I know that most clients who go out, ask for a clutch or small crossbody. For more every day bags, I see more requests for medium size totes or crossbody styles. Don’t be afraid to have a couple unique pieces along with your classic ones.

A capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be difficult, just remember to have fun. Grab your items and see if they spark joy like Marie Kondo suggests. If they don’t, take your (more gently) tried and true pieces to a thrift shop so they can have another life in the style arena. You might be surprised at how a smaller wardrobe can get your creative juices going when it comes to upping your style game.