The Capsule Wardrobe

So, my roommate tells me that I have too many clothes. In comparison to some people, this may be true or false, but I decided to do something about it after I read a few blog posts about this thing called a Capsule Wardrobe.

Dictionary.com defines it as:

1. a collection of clothes and accessories that include only items considered essential

I first discovered this concept on a website called Un-Fancy, where you limit yourself to 37 clothing items for a given season. Now I realize that that sounds like a lot, but when you start to choose your clothing, it becomes pretty hard! I didn't have an official count, but I am pretty sure that I had about 100 items in my closet and drawers at school. How did I get that much clothing here? There are hardly that many days in the semester!

So I began the challenge of downsizing. And I say challenge only because of the amount I started with and the goal amount that I would narrow down to. Honestly though, it was pretty easy to do. The 37 items do not include accessories and sweats, so I just had to pick out pants, tops, and jackets... Oh, and shoes count. I have A LOT of shoes. But surprisingly I don't have that many pairs at school, so it was easy to narrow down to a lower number in that category. Anyway, the room was a bit of a mess last night as I put all of my clothes into piles.

 I decided to take this capsule wardrobe into my own hands. Right now I am making a wardrobe that is all about layering. I decided that I dress similarly enough in the fall and winter months that I could make a mixed wardrobe with relative ease.

In sum, I added a few extra items that will only be used once it gets cold, and have a few items that will be taken away as soon as the temperature drops below 50 degrees.

I am very eager to give this a try, and to narrow down all of my other clothes so that I can make money! I am still looking for a few clothing items, including a plain army green jacket and a red flannel shirt with long sleeves. Those will add a little bit of color to my very neutral wardrobe.

So are you ready to see what I've chosen?

Melanie's Capsule Wardrobe of 45 Items:
8 pairs of pants, 9 pairs of shoes, 2 dresses, 4 skirts, 5 jackets, 4 cardigans,  2 sweaters, 4 long sleeved shirts, 2 tank tops, 4 plain tees and 1 flannel.

The Shoes

 

The Pants

The Dresses

The Skirts

The Jackets (+ the one pictured with black dress)

The Cardigans

The Sweaters

         

Shirts

 

Now, I know that there are a lot of pieces, but I would like to clarify that some are seasonal, and will not be used during either the fall or winter season.

Specifics are: the white sweater, my sandals, my black boots and black flats, the cream jacket, the jean jacket, the sweater dress, and each of the skirts. The longer skirts will only be used for the fall, and then will be substituted for the other two that I can wear with tights and the black boots!

The thing that I like most about the capsule wardrobe are the rules. You have to wear these clothes throughout the entire season, and you cannot go shopping until just before the next season starts. I definitely need to be limited in that way.

Also, it will allow me to spend more time thinking about other things... like my math homework. I strongly suggest that you check out this page for more information and instructions on creating your own wardrobe. Now I didn't get into the details of a color palette, because honestly I don't have the money or time to completely remake my wardrobe. However, now I feel refreshed and as if I have a plan of attack for the next few months!

Striding for him,
Melanie