Capsule Wardrobe Building Around a Go-To Sweater
I asked myself how many items from my existing wardrobe pair with my go-to OC sweater. The answer is... a lot.
February 03, 2022
By Tosin Sanusi
Seasonal Capsules And Repeat Styles
Introducing a four-part blog series about wardrobe essentials worth splurging on, sustainable garments, and functional wardrobe capsules.
It's time for me to break out my seasonal wardrobe capsule and my essential layers.
Follow me as I enjoy my favorite activities and figure out how to enjoy a small but mighty capsule wardrobe.
- My 1-Week Challenge Experience
- My Autumn Capsule Wardrobe
- Capsules Don’t Have To Be Boring
- New Season, New Capsule
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For years, I thought about starting a capsule wardrobe or at least tried to be more minimal with my shopping habits.
For me, a successful capsule wardrobe includes clothing for every single occasion, providing variety and long-term functionality.
That’s a lot to ask! I knew I needed to learn a lot to assemble sustainable, versatile clothes that didn't get boring to wear.
I needed to figure out how to pick and choose only clothes that I loved because they felt good to wear.
What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a curated variety of clothing that's built around quality rather than quantity.
Each piece is bought both because it serves a meaningful purpose in the wearer’s closet and because the wearer genuinely enjoys the piece.
Based on the examples I saw online, I didn’t think I could create a capsule wardrobe that would work for my preferences and lifestyle.
Usually, my style is quite eclectic as my fashion tastes seem to change every day.
On Monday, I might want to wear something a little bold - bright colors, eye-catching patterns, funky textures.
On Tuesday, I might want to wear something understated - neutral shades and natural silhouettes.
I assumed that it would be too difficult for me to create a wardrobe that provided everything I need from the clothes I own - that is, without buying a new outfit every time I left the house.
Keep Your Capsule Wardrobe Fresh
I love the benefits that come with owning a capsule wardrobe, namely sustainability, space, and savings.
However, I didn't want to find myself in a spot where I was limited by the clothes I own.
I couldn’t see myself sticking with a wardrobe if it became boring or impractical.
Using the following strategies, I think I’ve found a way to own fewer things without limiting myself.
- Look For Inspiration
- Buy Versatile Pieces
- Try New Fabrics And Textures
- Invest In Quality Statement Pieces
Capsule Wardrobe Inspiration To Look For
Versatile clothing gives you a lot of room to experiment, but a lack of inspiration can keep you stuck in a wardrobe rut.
When you look for inspiration in others, you'll see that you likely already own everything you need to add some character to your outfits.
Take a look at your social media feed or even a friend of yours who wears styles you like.
Better yet, take a walk, enjoy the fresh air, and do some people-watching.
You never know what will spark your creativity when you’re out and about (oot and aboot where I’m from... cough, cough, Canada).
If you’re not sure a capsule wardrobe is for you because you’re afraid of getting bored, think again!
Capsule wardrobes are not one size fits all and creating a successful one depends on you and your preferences.
As long as you love everything in your closet and you feel that it all aligns with your personal style, you’re doing something right.
If you think you might benefit from a capsule wardrobe, start building one today, and remember to have fun with the process.
Capsule Wardrobes Are Made Of Versatile Pieces
Not only do versatile pieces enable you to get the most possible value out of your clothing but it also allows you more room for experimentation which can be lots of fun.
When you go shopping, of course, the aim should be to buy sustainable clothes you love - and see yourself loving for a long time.
However, try to also ask yourself how many items from your existing wardrobe you can pair with the piece you’re considering.
How many different ways can you wear it? Buying a piece that offers more than one option opens the door to expressing your creativity and enjoying some novelty.
This makes it easier for you to shake things up when you find yourself in a rut.
Invest in Quality Statement Pieces
Statement pieces refer to eye-catching items that stand out. They can be anything - shoes, jewelry, shirts, jackets, sweaters, and more.
Adding an accent piece to an otherwise plain outfit is enough to create interest and help you scratch your itch for something new.
Play With Different Fabrics And Textures
Like most of us, you probably have a couple of outfits that you tend to stick with for the most part.
Perhaps you're a sweater and jeans kind of person. Or maybe you love a skirt combo.
Any outfit you love and keep going back to, that with time comes to represent your style, is called a personal uniform.
There are many benefits to establishing one of your own, like convenience and comfort.
That being said, you may long for a bit of a change at times...
Trying new fabrics and textures is a subtle but powerful way to add a little pizazz to your beloved personal uniform.
When exploring new textures and fabrics, pay attention to the way each makes you feel. You want to purchase items that feel good to wear... comfortable, flattering, and versatile.
The last thing you want is another purchase you find yourself banishing to the back of your closet.
My Seasonal Go-To Pieces Of Clothes
In the summertime, I love bright colors, bold patterns, and flowy silhouettes.
Though my love for those sorts of pieces never goes away, as the weather cools, I find myself gravitating towards neutrals and sleeker cuts.
I find myself wearing a permutation of the following pieces almost every day.
My mom jeans, corduroy pants, charcoal and light grey OC sweaters, and a denim jacket sweater make up the vast majority of my fall and winter styles.
Since all the pieces are versatile, comfortable, and easily enhanced with accessories, I never find myself getting bored.
Tosin Sanusi is a cat mother, amateur chef, and writer. Tosin writes personal essays from her crazy life and shares all the lessons she's learned along the way.
