The other night, I had a near-existential meltdown over my wardrobe. Simply put, I was coming to terms with how obnoxious and impractical most of my clothes were.

As a maximalist girly, I’m constantly inspired by the most over-the-top outfits known to mankind. I aspire to pack my closet with bejeweled mini-dresses, glitter-sheer bodysuits, and cotton candy-colored tennis skirts. I crave an endless supply of dangly rhinestone earrings, Carrie Bradshaw-esque flair skirts, and the most obnoxiously formed heels ever to grace the earth.

Usually, I’m so inspired by these dazzling fits, that I end up popping a pile of costume-like clothing in my cart and draining my bank account when I go to check-out.

But who cares!? I’ll look fabulous. And that’s all that matters…. Right?

Well, not exactly.

In my case, I get massive shockwaves of buyer’s remorse once I swing wide the door to my closet and see all these outlandish clothes that are of no practical use. Sure, if I was living in Barbie Dreamland, my wardrobe would make total sense. Perhaps if I was a student at Euphoria High, my fits would fit right in.

But the fact that most of my days are not spent at bedazzling Disco parties or attending Clueless cosplay events, makes the clothes inside my closet seen utterly inappropriate. And since I don’t feel comfortable heading over to Target or CVS while dressed like a backup dancer for Lady Gaga, I know that it’s about time I consider the Capsule Wardrobe life.

So, let’s discuss. Just what is a capsule wardrobe? How can I go about organizing one? And, most importantly, how do I know if a capsule wardrobe is right for me?

What is a Capsule Wardrobe, exactly?

Photo by Dan Gold (Unsplash)

Gather round my darlings, a capsule wardrobe is the perfect way to declutter your closet by keeping it exclusively for essentials. This means tossing out — or donating — all the clothes you don’t need/never wear anyways, for more practical pieces that you can mix and match.

In true minimalist fashion, your Capsule Wardrobes prioritizes quality over quantity. That means high-end, durable basics as opposed to trendy fast-fashion pieces that are sure to go out of style — not fit, arrive in the wrong color/style/size, and/or fall apart — in a matter of seconds.

How many pieces go in a Capsule Wardrobe typically?

Photo by Amanda Vick (Unsplash)

While there’s no definitive number of how many pieces belong in a capsule wardrobe, most people maintain about 20-40 pieces. This can vary significantly depending on preference, seasonal factors, budget, personal aesthetic, and closet space.

With Autumn mere minutes away, you can narrow it down to as few as 5 tops, 5 bottoms, 4 dresses, and 2pairs of shoes.

What are the benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe?

Photo by Karsten Winegeart (Unsplash)

Honestly, there are oodles of benefits to a capsule wardrobe! It declutters your life, saves a ton of money, fosters smarter spending habits, is good for the environment, and enhances your mental health.

That’s right. Although it’s not a replacement for therapy per se, studies show that embracing minimalism adds a sense of order to a typically chaotic life. (From my personal perspective, I’d feel a whole lot less panicky with a closet full of classy essentials, as opposed to the rainbow of sequins and sparkles I’ve got going on currently.)

Plus, a Capsule Wardrobe can help boost your confidence by making you feel put-together and mature.

Who is a Capsule Wardrobe best suited for?

Photo by Kira Aud Der Deid (Unsplash)

A capsule wardrobe is best suited for those who subscribe to a minimalist lifestyle. And even though I’ve previously identified myself as a dyed-in-the-wool, tried-and-true maximalist, lately I’ve been heavily flirting with minimalism to the point where I think I’m actually gonna switch sides.

Capsule wardrobes are also ideal for people with soft addictions like spending problems who are seeking to make a change. Just know you’re not alone — there’s always room for a change.

Why Capsule Wardrobes are more critical in 2024 than ever

Photo by Thought Catalog (Unsplash)

Today’s culture has such a vast array of “cores”, trends, and aesthetics in constant flux, you can be overwhelmed by choice. How to know which one is right for you? Perhaps right now you’re all about the cottagecore look, but next week, you’ll want to fully embrace the e-girl style.

But a floral patterned gown matched with a gothic tee with an Invader Zim print can make you feel rather confused. (I say this from personal experience, people. It’s disorienting to have so many different aesthetics clashing with each other!)

Although it’s fun to switch up “core” trends, can it be damaging? That depends on who you ask. While some people believe it’s harmless — even liberating — to go from gothic one day to clean girl aesthetic that very evening, others believe this excessive overload of “core trends” interferes greatly with our sense of identity.

If you’re in the line of thought that you’re losing your sense of self by overdoing it with aesthetic and “core” trend culture, capsule wardrobing can be a great way to regain your independent flair that is utterly timeless. It never goes out of style.

Who won’t benefit from this minimalist trend?

Photo by Beyzanur K. (Unsplash)

People who are truly comfy embracing excessive, capriciously chaotic clothes will likely not benefit from a capsule wardrobe. If you consider Fran Fine, Carrie Bradshaw, and Maddie Perez to be your style icons, there’s a good chance you’re gonna severely miss your wackily printed skirts and fuzzy berets.

Although you’re welcome to include funky outfits in your capsule wardrobe, the trend usually features monochromatic clothing, so you can mix and match them together for a fit that pops.

What if I’m not cool with ditching half my clothes?

Photo by Micheile Henderson (Unsplash)

So you’re fretting about saying goodbye to your beloved clothes, you’ll feel so much better once you take the plunge and declutter all your stuff.

To alleviate the freak, why not donate your clothes rather than dumping them in the recycling bin. Or, if you’re strapped for cash, websites like Poshmark can provide some extra money from selling clothes you won’t be wearing anytime in the near future.

If you’re still scared to get rid of your stuff, just remember this is a “no risk, no reward” scenario, where you gotta make a sacrifice to reap the rewards.

Where can I shop for sustainable brands?

Photo by Shanna Camilleri (Unsplash)

If you have sustainability in mind when it comes to your capsule wardrobe, you’re not alone. Many eco-friendly consumers are prioritizing ethical clothing brands to counter the disturbing rise in fast fashion.

The best sustainable brands are planet-friendly, cruelty-free, and of premium quality. If you want brands that are ethical, classy, and simply fabulous, you’re gonna want to check out Girlfriend Collective, Oliver Charles, Herd, Mfpen, Quince, Pact, and Fair Indigo — to name just a few.

It’s time to minimize your life with your very own capsule wardrobe.