What is a capsule wardrobe? Best definitions from industry leaders (BONUS: how to guides)
What is a capsule wardrobe?
There is no one capsule wardrobe meaning. Just like there are no set capsule wardrobe rules. Like anything in life, I find it’s best to research what worked for others, delve deeper with someone that you resonate with, and then tweak it to fit you and your lifestyle.
What I used to think a Capsule Wardrobe was
Capsule wardrobes always sounded sophisticated, mysterious and somewhat Parisian to me.
I was pretty sure that crisp, white shirts and cashmere turtleneck sweaters were involved somehow.
They were definitely a thing for other people though, not for normal ol’ me.
As a proud shopaholic, I NEVER thought I’d have one, let alone teach other people about them.
I was also far too creative to be bound by a boring, mix-y-match-y mindset.
What a capsule wardrobe did for me
What I didn’t realize was that I was actually the perfect candidate for a capsule wardrobe. The more stuff I accumulated, the less “proud” I was of my shopping habit. That combined with my natural tendency for mess lead to chaos and overwhelm.
In just two hours, a capsule wardrobe took my closet from bedlam to zen. I can’t help wonder how much easier life would have been if I had just understood what a capsule wardrobe was, sooner.
Don’t make the same mistake I did
I’ve gathered a roundup of capsule wardrobe definitions from the best thought leaders in this space, so you don’t have to live in mess and overwhelm any longer.
Next Steps
Read through these different capsule wardrobe meanings & definitions to help you form a better idea of how you want to define your capsule wardrobe, and what it will look like.
Bonus! Links marked with an asterisk (*) include step by step guides on building a capsule wardrobe – so you can learn more about any methods that resonate with you.
25 Capsule Wardrobe Definitions
“A collection of clothing that is composed of interchangeable items only, to maximise the number of outfits that can be created. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. This is usually achieved by buying what are considered to be "key" or "staple" items in coordinating colours.”
“A collection of a few essential items of clothing that do not go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces”
…That time a fashion legend called my capsule wardrobe “sad”
Although capsule wardrobes have been around since the 1940s, Susie Faux is widely recognized as the originator of the modern day capsule wardrobe concept from her purposely interchangeable collections at her London based boutique, “Wardrobe” in the 1970s.
As a huge fangirl of capsule wardrobes, I was so delighted when she took the time to reply to me - she was just as sassy as I would expect any legend in the fashion industry to be!
My take on capsule wardrobes is to make your life easier and dress however you want, which is a far cry from the fashion statement she made with her curated collections for busy, successful women.
We spoke about how frustrating it is for her to see her concept molded and redefined over the years, but that at the end of the day, she was happy that capsule wardrobes were still helping people nearly five decades later.
I was incredibly grateful to be able to thank her personally for how much her capsule wardrobe vision has changed my life.
In true British style, we finished up with a mandatory chat about the weather (thank goodness she never knew I was wearing a pink onesie for our entire email exchange! …then she would have been really mad)
“A stylish and practical wardrobe designed with working women in mind”
Donna Karan released her “7 easy pieces” collection in 1985. The models originally appeared just in bodysuits and black tights. They then added items of clothing such as wrap-skirts, trousers, and dresses, to demonstrate how the 7 pieces could create several different looks.
“A capsule collection is essentially a condensed version of a designer’s vision, often limited edition, which transcends seasons and trends by being functional — read commercial. They often focus on construction and delivering key looks, without the styling and theatrics of a show.”
“A practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favorite clothes, remixing them regularly, and shopping less often and more intentionally.”
“A small collection of 33 items including clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes that encourage you to wear your favorite things every day (not the trendiest things, the most stylish things, or the perfect things … your favorite things).”
“A small collection of clothes that can be put together in different ways and includes everything you would normally need to wear”
“A collection of clothes and accessories that includes only items considered essential”
“A capsule wardrobe is a small and clutter-free wardrobe. It is a small collection of clothes you LOVE, that look and feel great on and that can mix and match to make many outfit combinations. Most capsule wardrobes are seasonal, meaning you rotate some or all of the items seasonally (about 3 months each). You can also have a year-round capsule wardrobe, where you have a set number of items in your closet that you wear throughout the four seasons of the year.”
“A curated selection of quality clothing, shoes and accessories which I love and that reflect my personal style, and can be worn interchangeably to create a range of outfits, minimising wardrobe clutter and the daily anxiety of picking something to wear.”
“A mini closet where you love and wear everything”
“A collection of 30-40 practical and versatile pieces of clothing put together to create an entire wardrobe for a season”
“The ideal wardrobe shouldn’t be a collection of items that you don’t like or that don’t suit you just because they work for someone else. And worrying about limiting yourself to some prescribed magic number of items that can be in your wardrobe is not helpful. Instead, your wardrobe should contain sufficient pieces for you to go about your lifestyle, but not more than necessary.”
“Reach for your favourite items first and then add one or two pieces you’d like to wear more or aren’t sure about.”
“Simplifying my mental space is the #1 reason why I love having a capsule wardrobe. I have clothes that I love. I almost always want to wear ANY of them no matter the day or the occasion. They fit me well and I feel comfortable. And I don’t have to think about how to put together outfits. AT. ALL.”
“It is a set number of clothes that can mix and match with one another to create many outfits”
“We believe a capsule wardrobe is one made-up of key items and go-to pieces that can be worn on repeat to make your life easier”
“A capsule wardrobe is a concise, curated selection of timeless clothing. It can vary from person to person based on our differing lifestyles, but the best pieces are the kind that can be worn at work, during cocktail hour, and dressed down on the weekend. Streamlining your wardrobe streamlines your life. With a capsule wardrobe, you never feel as though you have 'nothing to wear.' It’s assuring to know you only own pieces that can be paired easily and always look chic. It’s also great for the environment, as well as your wallet, to buy better and wear longer.”
“Putting together a capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to suddenly wear only one color, toss out all of your shoes, shun all prints, and go spend hundreds of dollars on a bunch of items you’d never pick out otherwise, all in the name of a concept that is equal parts alluring and frightening.
Creating a capsule wardrobe really means shopping your closet before the stores, refining your individual style so that you shine through in every piece and every outfit, thoughtfully choosing pieces you really love, and simplifying your life.”
“A capsule wardrobe is a limited, curated collection of clothing, shoes and accessories that can help you live simply while reducing decision fatigue.”
“A capsule wardrobe is a collection of selected essential items that are timeless and don’t go out of fashion.(You already have a capsule wardrobe in your closet). A capsule wardrobe has the items that you LOVE to wear everyday.”
“A capsule wardrobe is free from clutter, it represents your lifestyle, saves you money, and can help simplify your life. There are really no rules when it comes to building a capsule wardrobe.”
“A capsule wardrobe is a small, tightly edited collection of clothes that gives you the most bang for your buck.”
“Having fewer clothes that are well-made, versatile and fit you well.”
Here’s my capsule wardrobe meaning:
What is a capsule wardrobe?
“With a capsule wardrobe, you wear everything you own and love everything you wear.
It is an eco-conscious and intentional approach where your wardrobe is mostly made up of a set number* of versatile, mix and match pieces that fit you and your lifestyle.
*we are all gloriously different so this number is set by you”
- Ema Hidlebaugh, Minimize My Mess
Here’s my step by step mmm capsule wardrobe guide – it’s logical, customizable, and encourages you to shop your closet so it’s economical and eco-friendly too
My fillable capsule wardrobe list makes the process even easier - just fill in the blanks!
Conclusion
The best capsule wardrobe is whichever one that makes your life easier, and makes you feel absolutely, flippin’ gorgeous – you got this!
