Think you need to spend a fortune on clothes, constantly stay up to date with brands/trends, shop till you drop, and have endless options in your closet to stay stylish? Think again. Enter the capsule wardrobe!
This concept popular these days and it is one of the top areas our clients ask us here at Prept. The capsule wardrobe concept has been around for some time, which makes sense, as it's all about finding timeless, classic pieces that can stand the test of time. So, let's talk about it! Keep reading for foundational info on the capsule wardrobe and how to get assistance building your own customized capsule wardrobe.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
At Prept, we define the capsule wardrobe as a "mini wardrobe" or limited number of individual pieces that can serve as your key basics, and the foundation upon which you can build a cohesive wardrobe that reflects your personal style.
A capsule wardrobe is made up of key pieces (i.e. the white tee) across categories (i.e. tops, bottoms, dresses). And these are not just any pieces, they should be pieces that:
are timeless, classic, stylish, “staple” pieces, not trendier items that will go out of style
are high-quality enabling them to be worn many times without needing to be replaced
you enjoy wearing, align to your personal style, and feel confident in
are in coordinating colors maximizing versatility and ability to mix and match with one another to create many outfits
can be worn across seasons
What is IN a capsule wardrobe
There are many perspectives on this from seasonal capsules and cross-season capsules to work wardrobe capsules. Everyone has a little different point of view and perspective on what these might look like.
We have curated a streamlined, cross-season capsule wardrobe that includes:
8 tops
7 bottoms
7 dresses (includes jumpsuits and sets)
8 outerwear items/layering pieces
+ shoes & accessories
Here is our lineup of categories and pieces within to consider when thinking about building a cross season capsule wardrobe.
Learn How to Build Your Own Capsule Wardrobe
Unlock the key to a wardrobe that's both stylish and stress-free with our exclusive Prept guide to building a capsule wardrobe for women! For just $25, gain access to all the style insights, curated by the pros on our personal styling team. Here's what you'll get:
👗 Curated Capsule Collections: You'll not only get our comprehensive cross-season capsule and checklist, but our spring/summer, workwear, and fall/winter as well to ensure your wardrobe is ready for any occasion, any time of year.
🔥 Outfit Formulas: Access foolproof outfit formulas to effortlessly style every piece in your capsule collection, ensuring you look fabulous with minimal effort. Say goodbye to last minute stress while getting dressed!
📝 Step-by-Step Building Process: Confused about where to start? Our guide breaks down the capsule wardrobe creation process into easy-to-follow steps, covering your current wardrobe, personal style, and more.
🛍️ Shoppable Recommendations: Discover our handpicked selection of brands and must-have pieces that are essential for a versatile capsule wardrobe.
Grab our guide to invest in YOU and feeling like the most confident and stylish version of yourself when you have key steps to transform and elevate your style.
Here is a sneak peek...
Here's a snapshot of the Prept '23 fall/winter guide.
Now it's worth mentioning that you don't not need everything on the capsule list, we know it is pretty exhaustive. You should absolutely only consider those that suit your personal style as your capsule wardrobe should be customized to you!
Most of us will have a wardrobe that consists of well beyond just the pieces in our capsule wardrobe which is fine. On the flip side, if you're totally into this concept and only want to leverage a capsule wardrobe, amazing.
You can have multiple options for a given piece, especially as you find pieces you love. For example, a sweater in multiple colors or a couple different styles/shades of blue denim.
Considering color
Let's talk color for a moment. Neutrals are key to maximize versatility and we recommend sticking to primarily neutrals for capsule items. If you love color, that is fine too, just consider coordinating colors.
You'll want to ideally pick out 2 base neutrals:
black
blue
green
cream
white
brown
beige
Then factor in your accent colors & patterns:
Consider colors that compliment your complexion
Consider 2-3 patterns you love, simple, versatile patterns are ideal (simple florals, stripes, etc.
Why we love the capsule wardrobe
It is good for your wallet and the environment, win, win. When you invest in quality basics, you'll have your pieces that you can go-to to make outfits again, and again. You'll save time and save money and wont need to constantly be shopping, shipping, returning. You'll spend less on fast fashion. You might even find you are gravitating to these classic pieces more and trends less!
Less "overwhelmed with a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear" and more "confident in what I have in my wardrobe and how to make outfits"! You'll have a more streamlined, simplified wardrobe and be able to save you time & energy figuring out what to wear. When you know the basics that you have to work with in your wardrobe, getting dressed becomes easier and less stressful!
You'll feel more confident understanding how to mix and match to make many outfits that you look and feel your best in.
You can get creative and have fun styling looks (post here on wearing vs. styling your clothes), doing more with less, it doesn't need to feel boring. Trust us, you'll feel more stylish. Here are 12 timeless looks based around capsule wardrobe basics.
You'll be able to better hone in on + showcase your personal style which is important. Your go-to pieces will start to define you...in a good way! You'll be able to identify which items are your statement/accent pieces, your signature looks, the colors you love, and more.
Also, while we say "mini wardrobe" as most will have a wardrobe that consists of pieces beyond just the pieces in their capsule wardrobe. if you are totally into this concept and only want to live off of a capsule wardrobe, in which case more power to you!
Ready to customize and curate your own capsule wardrobe with the assistance from personal style Pros? Get on the waitlist for our new app! This is for the ones that don't have the time/desire to DIY. You'll get the most tailored advice and recommendations in your own personalized lookbook that will will consider your unique style vibe, preferences, complexion, body type, budget, and more.
Ready to DIY? Get your copy of our capsule wardrobe guide, invest in yourself and your personal style, and unlock the secret to effortless chic!