Building A Capsule Wardrobe: Your Ultimate Guide

Hi lovely! I was chatting with a friend over brunch the other day, and surprise surprise, we were talking about fashion again. After a little bit, the conversation went from the usual chit-chat around who’s wearing what, to something a bit more serious—fast fashion. The idea that we buy clothing that’s cheap and disposable which we may wear once or never at all, only to end up as landfill.

She seems really concerned and kinda guilty for being part of the problem and wanted a way to be more eco-friendly. Plus, she was sick and tired of clutter in her wardrobe with pieces she didn’t even like.

“Why don’t you look at building a capsule wardrobe?” I said. Then nothing….crickets. “Do you know what I’m talking about?” From the blank stare, I knew she had no idea what I was on about. So, to save her from further embarrassment, I told her all about capsule wardrobes, what they are and what it feels like to have one.

And being the sharing, caring gal I am, I’m going to share with you how to build a capsule wardrobe yourself! Let’s go!

Dreaming of a minimalist wardrobe that makes your morning routine a breeze? Imagine having fewer clothes but more outfit choices—yes, it's totally possible!

So, what exactly is a capsule wardrobe? It's about creating a multitude of looks from a select few pieces. Essentially, a capsule wardrobe lets you create heaps of different looks with a small selection of clothes.

Capsule wardrobes are making a huge comeback, thanks to their eco-friendly vibe and nod to sustainable fashion.

I absolutely love, love, love a capsule wardrobe! First off, kiss goodbye to decision fatigue. Fewer clothes mean less time stressing over what to wear. Plus, you’ll become a wardrobe wiz, mixing and matching like a pro. And here's the bonus—you can actually invest in nicer stuff since you're buying less. Imagine quality pieces that last season after season. And let’s not forget the time and angst you’ll save. More time for coffee and gal catch-ups, less time rummaging through a cluttered closet!

Are you the boho-chic belle, the sleek minimalist, or the timeless classic type? Take a good look at your current fashion favourites—these are telling clues to your style. It’s not just about eyeing those capsule wardrobe essentials in magazines; it's about identifying the pieces that make you feel fabulous. Your minimalist capsule wardrobe should be a perfect blend of practical and chic, effortlessly taking you from morning meetings to evening unwind sessions. Think of it as curating your very own capsule wardrobe checklist, tailored to your life and sprinkled with your unique brand of magic!

Ready to embark on your minimalist capsule wardrobe adventure? It's as simple as 1-2-3, and trust me, it's going to be fun and fabulous!

Say goodbye to those 'maybe one-day' items and make room for your true fashion favourites. Organise your keepers into clear categories—think capsule wardrobe bottoms, versatile tops, and essential dresses.

Now, the spotlight’s on selecting your capsule wardrobe basics—these are your go-to style heroes! Look for pieces that are both versatile and fabulous, ready to take you from a relaxed brunch to a sudden work call. Remember, we're after quality pieces that make you feel amazing, not just quantity.

Here’s where you get creative! Mix and match your selected pieces to create a variety of outfits. Document your favourite looks with photos or notes. This step not only saves time but also highlights any gaps in your wardrobe.

After assembling your capsule, it’s time to decide what to do with the remaining items. Avoid the temptation to throw them out. Opt to donate, sell, or participate in a garment recycling program.

These are your go-to pieces, the ones that you can mix ‘n match into so many new outfits.

The Sam Cotton Poplin Shirt in both black and white is classic simplicity at its best. This is a key piece that goes with everything you throw at it—jeans, skirts, shorts, you name it, it’ll work. Try the Ponte Pant in Black for starters—they go well together.

Swing Tees are next, and both long and short give you plenty of versatility. White or black colours are best.

Linen pants are also a great option to have in your capsule wardrobe.  The Camille Linen Wide Leg Pant in Navy is a classic, but you can go with the black or white depending on your personal style preference.

The Oversized Boyfriend Shirt in black, white or navy is a must-have item in any wardrobe and can be paired with a pair of jeans or a bold maxi skirt.

Last on our list is the ever-popular A-Line skirt. Try both the short and midi versions. The Adrift Denim Short A-Line Skirt In Black is a popular choice, as it is the midi version, but you can also go for white or navy and still get a lot of coverage from your skirt.

Embracing the change of seasons in your capsule wardrobe is like giving your style a mini-makeover, keeping it fresh and fun all year round! It's all about smart rotation—weaving in seasonal pieces while maintaining your core essentials.

As the seasons change, store the items you won’t wear in an airtight storage box until you can wear them again. By rotating your capsule wardrobe, you’re not constantly buying new pieces, but reimagining and recombining what you have to fit the season. This approach keeps your wardrobe sustainable, versatile, and exciting, perfectly tailored to every season's unique flavour.

And there you have it—you’re now equipped to rock a minimalist capsule wardrobe. This journey is more than just fashion; it’s about simplifying your life and embracing a stylish, more organised day-to-day experience. With less stressful decisions on what to wear every day, you can get on with other things life has to offer. Feel good about building a capsule wardrobe. Welcome to your new, effortlessly chic lifestyle!

Love, Adrift x

Eager to embark on your capsule wardrobe adventure? Begin crafting your personalised collection now. Let's create a community of chic, eco-conscious fashion enthusiasts for a stylish and sustainable future.