5 Mistakes To Avoid When Setting Up A Capsule Wardrobe

Capsule wardrobes are a great and sustainable way to plan your style, but can often cause more harm than good, if they are not executed well.
fashion · 3 min
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A capsule wardrobe is a closet that is comprised of 40 or fewer items. This closet reducing trend helps save time in planning outfits, reduces impulsive shopping, keeps you super organized, and is even good for the environment. 

However, limiting yourself to 40 items of clothing, while trying to remain stylish, is tricky. Your outfits can get boring and repetitive, making you want to quit. This can be prevented by avoiding a few simple mistakes and misconceptions about Capsule Wardrobes. 

Here are some tips to help you create a stylish and sustainable capsule wardrobe :

1) Don't go monochrome! 

A lot of people assume that a capsule wardrobe works best with single color pallets. This is very limiting and gets boring quickly. 

Instead, select a few base colors like tan, black, or grey. Then, pair them with a diverse range of accent colors. All of these colors should work well together. A great way to ensure this is by going for colors that are of a similar tone or saturation. For example, if your clothing items are all earthy tones, you could easily wear earthy pink, green, yellow, or blue with your base, offering you more colors but fewer color clashes. 

Therefore, when planning your capsule wardrobe, pay attention to color tones instead of just the color you like. 

2) Don't throw everything out 

If you're trying to switch to a more sustainable lifestyle, throwing everything out and generating a lot of textile waste, can never be a great start. 

Instead, separate your clothes into different seasons and pick the clothes you wear most often. Build a seasonal capsule wardrobe around these elements, and neatly store everything else away, ready for another season. 

Any items that are never used, and don't fit your capsules can definitely be donated. Just make sure that you are not going out of your way to purchase new items for your capsule wardrobe, and throwing away older clothes. 

3) Don't rearrange your life 

Your life is going to become more sustainable, not boring. Make sure you account for social events, parties and festivals when planning a capsule wardrobe, you should not have to go shopping whenever you are invited to go out. 

A great way to execute this is by keeping some glamorous outfits ready to go, that can be dressed down for casual wear. For example, shiny dresses are great for parties, but can easily be dressed down with t-shirts or jackets for regular wear. 

4) Don't be basic 

People assume that a diverse capsule wardrobe depends solely on solid-colored basics or simple elements that can be reused. While these factors are important, they need not be limitations. By experimenting with patterns and different silhouettes, you can add a lot more color and depth to your closet. 

Patterns are a great way to find your base and accent colors, a hack we discussed earlier. Similarly, you can use layering to switch up the structure and shape of your outfit. 

Additionally, invest in unique and even quirky statement pieces for days when you just want to stand out and add some oomph to your wardrobe. 

5) Don't settle for single look elements

 If you only have 40 items, make sure each item can be used in multiple ways. For example, get dresses that you can wear like skirts,  button-downs that can be worn as jackets and so on. 

You can use your elements in different ways by layering them, tucking them in, or accessorizing them differently. 

Less can be more if you are creative with it. Focus on what you wear and experiment with all the different ways it can be worn, instead of trying to buy a lot of clothes for different reasons. 

Lastly, do not beat yourself up and give up, if you slip and decide to buy something different, that does not fit the capsule. You are still making a conscious decision to spend less and be more sustainable, and that is worth something! 

So go ahead, work on planning out your wardrobe and making your life easier, cheaper and better for the world. 

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Opinions and Perspectives

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Brianna-Price commented Brianna-Price 3 years ago

Really enjoying the process

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NourishYourSoul commented NourishYourSoul 3 years ago

Such a practical solution

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CelesteM commented CelesteM 3 years ago

Making conscious choices feels good

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HolisticHeart commented HolisticHeart 3 years ago

This method really works

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LimitlessGrowth commented LimitlessGrowth 3 years ago

Love the minimalist approach

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NovaM commented NovaM 3 years ago

Really changed my relationship with clothes

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Gratitude_Mindset commented Gratitude_Mindset 3 years ago

The sustainability aspect is so important

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AlondraH commented AlondraH 3 years ago

Best decision for my wardrobe

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Paisley_Luxe commented Paisley_Luxe 3 years ago

Never going back to a full closet

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BalancedBites commented BalancedBites 3 years ago

Makes getting dressed effortless

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Classy-Threads commented Classy-Threads 3 years ago

Really enjoying the creative challenge

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Glam_Society commented Glam_Society 3 years ago

This has simplified my life so much

1
SelfLove_Club_07 commented SelfLove_Club_07 3 years ago

The versatility focus is key

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LenaJ commented LenaJ 3 years ago

Appreciating quality over quantity

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HealthyHabitsDaily commented HealthyHabitsDaily 3 years ago

My style feels more refined now

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Scarlett_F commented Scarlett_F 3 years ago

Such a practical approach to fashion

5
VibrantVitality commented VibrantVitality 3 years ago

The mixing and matching possibilities are endless

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MelanieButler commented MelanieButler 3 years ago

Really helping me be more sustainable

2
Mindful_Munchies_2024 commented Mindful_Munchies_2024 3 years ago

Finding joy in simplicity

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Calm_And_Centered_88 commented Calm_And_Centered_88 3 years ago

Love how organized my closet looks now

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RosalieXO commented RosalieXO 3 years ago

This has completely changed my shopping habits

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PureBlissVibes commented PureBlissVibes 3 years ago

The creativity aspect is really enjoyable

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Luxe_Hustle commented Luxe_Hustle 3 years ago

Never knew I could do so much with so little

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Peaceful_Warrior_999 commented Peaceful_Warrior_999 3 years ago

My wardrobe feels more intentional now

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Trend_Flair commented Trend_Flair 3 years ago

The versatility tips are really practical

3
Functional_Fitness_17 commented Functional_Fitness_17 3 years ago

Actually wearing everything I own now

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Piper_Shine commented Piper_Shine 3 years ago

This makes getting dressed so much simpler

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HighVibe_Tribe_07 commented HighVibe_Tribe_07 3 years ago

The color coordination advice is game-changing

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EveX commented EveX 3 years ago

Finding new ways to style old pieces is actually fun

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Autumn_Skies commented Autumn_Skies 3 years ago

Love how everything in my wardrobe now goes together

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Athena99 commented Athena99 3 years ago

This has helped me break free from fast fashion

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VivienneH commented VivienneH 3 years ago

The advice about statement pieces is spot on

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HealthyInsideOut commented HealthyInsideOut 3 years ago

Never thought fewer clothes could mean more outfit options

4
Ariana-Hunter commented Ariana-Hunter 3 years ago

It's changed how I think about fashion completely

3
Mode_Luxe commented Mode_Luxe 3 years ago

Really appreciate the practical tips about mixing colors

0
HolisticGlow commented HolisticGlow 3 years ago

The sustainable aspect makes me feel better about my choices

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Mindful_Movement_360 commented Mindful_Movement_360 3 years ago

Finding it easier to develop a signature style now

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MindfulMinimalist commented MindfulMinimalist 3 years ago

Having fewer choices has actually reduced my stress levels

1
OrganizedAndHappy commented OrganizedAndHappy 3 years ago

This approach has made me appreciate quality over quantity

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HollandM commented HollandM 3 years ago

Love the idea of storing seasonal items instead of getting rid of them

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Angelina_Hines commented Angelina_Hines 3 years ago

The article could have mentioned more about maintaining clothes

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Style-Obsessed commented Style-Obsessed 3 years ago

Never realized how many unnecessary clothes I had before

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Emily-Gray commented Emily-Gray 3 years ago

This has made packing for vacations so much easier

2
DailyStretch commented DailyStretch 3 years ago

I actually enjoy shopping more now because I'm more intentional

2
SelfCareQueen commented SelfCareQueen 3 years ago

The layering suggestions are really practical

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Moira99 commented Moira99 3 years ago

Anyone else notice they're doing laundry more frequently?

2
Serena-Hansen commented Serena-Hansen 3 years ago

Really helped me define my personal style

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Annie_Golden commented Annie_Golden 3 years ago

Amazing how much money I've saved since starting this

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Mind-Body_Soul_101 commented Mind-Body_Soul_101 3 years ago

The tip about earthy tones working together is really helpful

2
Naomi_Fantasy commented Naomi_Fantasy 3 years ago

Finding it challenging to incorporate trends into a capsule wardrobe

2
RadiateHappiness commented RadiateHappiness 4 years ago

Started this for environmental reasons but staying for the convenience

0
Adele_Skies commented Adele_Skies 4 years ago

My morning routine is so much faster now

2
AmeliaW commented AmeliaW 4 years ago

I've learned so much about color coordination through this process

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Mia-Jones commented Mia-Jones 4 years ago

The article could have mentioned more about shoes and bags

2
Jade-Gallagher commented Jade-Gallagher 4 years ago

This has helped me break my shopping addiction

7
Trend_Craze commented Trend_Craze 4 years ago

Never thought about using shiny dresses for casual wear. Might try that

6
Yoga-And_Chill_101 commented Yoga-And_Chill_101 4 years ago

Finding it easier to pack for trips now that everything coordinates

1
Keira_Lantern commented Keira_Lantern 4 years ago

Anyone else struggling with seasonal transitions?

0
Style-Journal commented Style-Journal 4 years ago

The key is definitely choosing items that can be styled multiple ways

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SarinaH commented SarinaH 4 years ago

I thought I'd feel restricted but actually feel more free

1
Jade_Dreamer commented Jade_Dreamer 4 years ago

This has really helped me develop my personal style

2
Nora commented Nora 4 years ago

Still working on the confidence to mix patterns but getting there slowly

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Emerson-Reyes commented Emerson-Reyes 4 years ago

I'm surprised how creative I've become with mixing and matching

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LeilaniXO commented LeilaniXO 4 years ago

The sustainable aspect really appeals to me. Fast fashion is such a problem

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SelfLove_Workout_10 commented SelfLove_Workout_10 4 years ago

I miss having more variety sometimes but the benefits definitely outweigh that

5
Jasmine_Love commented Jasmine_Love 4 years ago

My closet looks so much neater now. It's actually enjoyable to look at

0
DelilahL commented DelilahL 4 years ago

Love how this approach forces you to really think about each purchase

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Trend_Designer commented Trend_Designer 4 years ago

Finding it hard to resist sales though. Any tips for staying committed?

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SoulAligned commented SoulAligned 4 years ago

I've saved so much money since starting this. No more impulse buys

1
EsmeR commented EsmeR 4 years ago

The part about not rearranging your life is so important. A capsule should work for you, not the other way around

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WellnessVibes commented WellnessVibes 4 years ago

Anyone else notice they're taking better care of their clothes now that they have fewer?

3
SimoneL commented SimoneL 4 years ago

It's actually quite liberating having fewer choices in the morning

3
HarmonyM commented HarmonyM 4 years ago

I struggle with keeping party clothes in my capsule. They take up space but rarely get worn

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Closet_Couture commented Closet_Couture 4 years ago

The tip about similar tones has really helped me build a cohesive wardrobe

4
Declutter_And-Thrive commented Declutter_And-Thrive 4 years ago

My wardrobe feels so much more organized now. I can actually see everything I own

5
BreatheAndBalance commented BreatheAndBalance 4 years ago

I'm finding accessories are key to making outfits look different

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Jillian-Hunt commented Jillian-Hunt 4 years ago

The article could have mentioned something about fabric quality. It's crucial when you're wearing items more frequently

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Balanced-Being_365 commented Balanced-Being_365 4 years ago

Would love some specific examples of versatile pieces that others have found successful

1
GutHealth-Guru commented GutHealth-Guru 4 years ago

Six months in and I actually feel more stylish with fewer clothes. Quality over quantity really works

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Elaine-Newton commented Elaine-Newton 4 years ago

The environmental impact really motivated me to try this. Fast fashion is such a huge problem

2
Giana-Peterson commented Giana-Peterson 4 years ago

I started by just counting my most worn items and was shocked to find I only regularly wear about 30 pieces anyway

1
Brielle_Stardust commented Brielle_Stardust 4 years ago

Not sure about the dress as skirt idea. Wouldn't it look bulky?

1
Style-Snob_55 commented Style-Snob_55 4 years ago

My partner thought I was crazy at first but now they're considering trying it too

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Daphne_Ford commented Daphne_Ford 4 years ago

Interesting point about choosing colors of similar saturation. Never thought about it that way

5
Liana-Wright commented Liana-Wright 4 years ago

I found layering really helps multiply my outfit options without adding more pieces

4
PaisleyMae commented PaisleyMae 4 years ago

What about workout clothes? Do they count in the 40 items?

5
Trend_Setter commented Trend_Setter 4 years ago

This has helped me realize how many clothes I actually own but never wear

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Nevaeh_K commented Nevaeh_K 4 years ago

I disagree about patterns. They're harder to mix and match than solid colors

7
Mode_Maven commented Mode_Maven 4 years ago

Really appreciate the practical approach here. Other articles make it seem impossible

4
ZenMasterMind commented ZenMasterMind 4 years ago

The suggestion about statement pieces is crucial. They really help break the monotony

1
Tatum_Sunset commented Tatum_Sunset 4 years ago

I tried this last month and already noticed I'm spending less on impulse purchases

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StyleIcon_55 commented StyleIcon_55 4 years ago

Love the encouragement at the end about not beating yourself up if you slip up. Makes it feel more doable

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YogaAndChill commented YogaAndChill 4 years ago

This works great for office wear but I'm finding it harder to manage for casual weekends

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Marley-Hudson commented Marley-Hudson 4 years ago

Not sure about wearing button-downs as jackets. Seems a bit forced to me

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HazelDream commented HazelDream 4 years ago

I started with a seasonal capsule and it's much more manageable. Just swap things out every few months

3
Sarah commented Sarah 4 years ago

Anyone else struggling with accessories? Are they counted in the 40 items?

3
Lillian_Glow commented Lillian_Glow 4 years ago

The advice about not going monochrome is spot on! My first attempt was all black and grey and I got so bored

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Holistic_Glow_360 commented Holistic_Glow_360 4 years ago

My biggest struggle is letting go of clothes I might need someday. This article helped me realize I can store them instead of donating everything

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AryaLynn commented AryaLynn 4 years ago

Been doing capsule wardrobes for years and the key is definitely versatility. Each piece needs to work with at least 3 others

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RoseWaters commented RoseWaters 4 years ago

The tip about pattern mixing is great but I'm still nervous about trying it. Any suggestions for a beginner?

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OliviaM commented OliviaM 4 years ago

What about seasonal changes? I live somewhere with extreme weather variations

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Body_And_Soul-Fit_777 commented Body_And_Soul-Fit_777 4 years ago

I actually found 40 items to be plenty. It's all about choosing versatile pieces that work together

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HappinessHacks commented HappinessHacks 4 years ago

Thanks for sharing! I never thought about keeping party clothes that could be dressed down. Game changer for my social life

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PenelopeXO commented PenelopeXO 4 years ago

The article misses a crucial point about shoes though. How many pairs should we include in the 40 items?

4
Style_Flair commented Style_Flair 4 years ago

I've been doing this for 6 months now and honestly it's changed my life. My favorite tip is using dresses as skirts - brilliant!

4
Luxe-Charm commented Luxe-Charm 4 years ago

The point about not throwing everything away really resonates with me. We're trying to be sustainable after all

3
AmberGleam commented AmberGleam 4 years ago

40 items seems way too restrictive. I can't imagine limiting myself that much

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Vogue_Lifestyle commented Vogue_Lifestyle 4 years ago

Finally got around to trying this and I'm amazed at how much time I save in the morning not having to figure out what to wear

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MiraX commented MiraX 4 years ago

I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe but always struggled with the color coordination part. The tip about focusing on similar tones rather than just picking random colors I like is super helpful!

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