6 Tips for Your Beautiful Capsule Wardrobe

Through ten years of minimalism, I learned to relax, get creative, and find my style; Tan France helped.

Published in “Change Your Mind, Change Your Life” | Photo Credit: Unsplash, Angela Bailey 

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Creating a beautiful, simple wardrobe took me a long time. When I embraced minimalism ten years ago, I owned so many clothes that “letting go” felt simple. But sculpting an everyday “look” that I didn’t need to think about, seemed more challenging.

After getting rid of “obvious” items, I wanted to create my ideal capsule wardrobe. I wanted the most perfect, high-quality, versatile, and optimal clothes. I’ve learned to relax a bit. Working with what you already have feels important. Start by finding your favorites, the clothing that elevates your energy.

Instead of seeking perfection, I’ve learned to appreciate what I own, get more creative with my style approach, and remember the best things in life aren’t things.

In college, I wanted a different dress for every day of the year (and once owned over 50 dresses). Now, I have two dresses and four skirts that I love. That baseline number has stayed about the same for years now; decluttering is an ongoing journey.

For a capsule wardrobe, it’s about loving the items you own and having clothes that support your lifestyle. Also, you deserve to love what you’re wearing. Clothes can be comfortable, functional, and beautiful.

Though shaping your capsule wardrobe requires some thoughtfulness, it’s easier (and cheaper) than you’d imagine. Plus, it’s definitely worth the initial effort.

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1. Consider your lifestyle needs.

Where do you spend most of your time? What types of activities do you do regularly?

I live in a walkable city and walk or bike to most places. I like being active and dressing up for in-person work. So I have two main looks: athletic and day clothes. I wear yoga pants or skirts 95% of the time — I ditched the tight jeans years ago.

Considering your lifestyle needs helps you choose your essentials.

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2. Start with essentials.

Sort of like a meal plan, you can figure out how many outfits you need between laundry cycles. It helps to do this physically away from your closet so you can focus without feeling emotionally attached.

Once I created my list, it made letting go of non-essentials easier. Here are a few ways to determine if something is non-essential:

• You haven’t worn it in the last six months.
• You don’t enjoy wearing it.
• You only own it because someone gave it to you.
• You’re keeping an “aspirational” item.
• You’re keeping it out of guilt because it was expensive.

It helps to remember that you can’t mess up this process. As long as you have clothes to wear every day, you’re good.

Next, you can pick a few favorites. I keep a few items that aren’t practical, because I think they’re beautiful: one strappy boho top, a fancy black onesie, and a decorative athletic jumpsuit. I recently purchased a flowy black dress that makes me feel like a queen. It’s not the most practice; I do wear it regularly though, mostly when I perform my music.

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3. Know who you are; find your style.

During quarantine, I worked through Tan France’s style Masterclass — he’s a fashion designer from Queer Eye. France says there are only two rules in fashion:

1. Know who you are (and who you’re not).
2. Know your proportions.

Admittedly, knowing who you are is challenging for most people. But here are a few questions France suggests for finding your style:

• Who do you want to be more like and why? What types of clothes do they wear?
• How do you want to feel every day? Be seen in the world?
• What has been your absolute favorite outfit and why? Can you recreate it?
• What colors, patterns, textures, or styles do you want to wear more of? Less of?
• What things would you never wear?

Once you’ve reflected on your style, you can also create a mood board and determine the main pieces you want. For example, I love A-line skirts with flower patterns, so I wear those most days. I enjoy feeling relaxed and dressy.

This questionnaire can help you make decisions when trimming your wardrobe. After decluttering, you can tend to your wardrobe like a garden: add in one piece at a time and make sure it matches your vibe.

I also encourage you to experiment with how different clothes make you feel. Try things you don’t think will work. No one needs you to hide or play small. You get to wear clothes that help you feel amazing and expansive.

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4. Prioritize versatile items.

France recommends having a few “basics” in your wardrobe, things like white tennis shoes, a neutral sweater, a jean jacket, an overcoat, a button-down, etc.

You can also prioritize having a few high-quality items and neutral colors. I also focus on pieces that work for many different outfits. For example, the cut of different tops works consistently well with high-waisted skirts and pants.

My black cardigan and tan sweater work for dressy or athletic outfits. I own one pair of black tights that I wear with all of my skirts and dresses. That kind of thing.

Make sure any new items work with what you already own. If you need to buy more pieces to make a new item work, it’s probably not worth it.

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5. Tailor your clothes.

You don’t have to be rich or gifted with a sewing machine to own clothes that look amazing. One of the best recommendations I got from France’s class is to tailor your clothes.

Rather than shopping at pricey stores, you can just as easily pick up pieces at the supermarket or a thrift store. The difference between an item looking very nice versus cheap is mostly about how well it fits you.

My sewing skills started with basics like replacing a button, sewing a hole, or following a simple cross-stitch pattern. I also don’t own a sewing machine; I just use a needle and thread. But I’ve used YouTube videos and experimented:

• Shorten a skirt: I cut off some length and then re-hemmed it.
• Adjust a skirt waist: I clasped the material and sewed a simple square.
• Cinching the bust of a dress: I mostly guessed on this one, but it worked.

I’ve received several compliments on all of these pieces (over several years), and they were all purchased inexpensively at thrift stores.

Whether you have a professional tailor you trust or want to experiment with DIY, tailoring your clothes is one of the best ways to create a beautiful wardrobe.

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6. Notice your proportions.

France’s second fashion rule is: “Know your proportions.” This means paying attention to how different styles work with your body type. Work with your current body shape rather than adjusting yourself for clothes. Prioritize what works for you instead of following trends.

For me, I have slightly broad shoulders and a curvy backside. So, I wear A-line skirts that compliment my lower body and racerback tops that show more shoulders.

Just wear what feels good on your body. Plus, if you’re looking for more inspiration or tips, you can always Google search ideas for your shape.

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