Why Have a Capsule Wardrobe? Lessons from the Stylish Dutch.
The term “capsule wardrobe” gets a bad rap I think. People tend to associate it with boring. But it’s just not the case!
What a capsule wardrobe is: Core pieces that will help you put together a plethora of looks.
What a capsule wardrobe is not: The only clothes you have in your closet.
A capsule wardrobe is foundational and you build on it.
Capsule wardrobe items can vary a bit by style personality, lifestyle and work environment, among others, but they all have 4 things in common:
They are timeless in style
They are generally neutral in color
They can be worn in many different ways
They work with numerous things in your closet
Amsterdam women do capsule wardrobes better than anyone. Wardrobe pieces are chosen by necessity: walking on cobblestone streets, biking everywhere, unpredictable weather, no large closets. But they also use other strategies to stretch their capsule wardrobes as far as possible:
Take dressy pieces and wear them casually
Layer sweaters over summer items (like dresses)
Layering pieces for strong looks
So just why would YOU want a capsule wardrobe?
You won’t have as many outfit decisions to make. No more trying on 5 shirts and 2 blazers when you know the core items that work together.
It’ll take less time to get ready. And who doesn’t need the gift of time!
You’ll discover your signature style. When choosing capsule items, you think hard about styles and cuts you like to wear most and what looks best on you.
You’ll get more compliments! When you are confident in how you are presenting yourself, people notice!
You’ll have more money. Uh, cha-ching! When you know your style and invest in the right pieces, you won’t spend money on mistakes.
THE AMSTERDAM-INSPIRED CAPSULE WARDROBE
If you are drawn to the Euro-chic look and want core pieces you can use to get various looks, here’s the perfect capsule wardrobe for you! This example capsule consists of the following 14 pieces.
With just these items, you can mix and match for SO many different outfits. These are just a few. Add other items from your wardrobe to each outfit to mix it up and create even more options.
THE 4X4 WARDROBE PLANNER
One of my favorite tools for planning a capsule wardrobe is the 4x4 planner. It’s a group of 16 pieces all meant to work together for nearly infinite combinations.
4 pieces in neutral colors. (The first core 4)
4 pieces in neutral colors. (The second core 4)
4 items that go with your first 8 garments and where you can introduce color and/or patterns. (The mileage 4)
At least 2 tops plus other pieces like skirts and dresses (The expansion 4)
The 4x4 wardrobe provides a foundation you can build on. I also use it for seasonal wardrobe planning and packing for trips.
DOWNLOAD A 4X4 WARDROBE TEMPLATE IN CANVA AND START CREATING YOUR OWN CAPSULE WARDROBE:
WORK WITH ME
The 4x4 wardrobe is part of the wardrobe plan I create for my clients when I work with them. Want to learn more? Book a free, no-obligation consultation today!
