Shop with Intention: How to build a capsule wardrobe

I know in the fashion world nowadays, what everyone seems to want to talk about are trends—what the trendiest pieces of the season are or what the upcoming trends will be. However, it is important to remember that as fast as trends come, they also leave just as quickly. 

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love trends too. They are fun, unique, new, and fashionable. But it is important to keep in mind that trends can often contribute to fast fashion and waste. 

A good way to not get carried away by trends when styling is by building a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is essentially a thoughtfully curated collection of clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. It typically consists of 30-40 essential items, including tops, bottoms, outerwear, and accessories. The goal is to simplify your closet and focus on quality over quantity, reducing fashion waste. 

A capsule wardrobe should still reflect your personal style and be easy to mix and match. It can be helpful to stick to a cohesive color palette—neutral tones like black, white, beige, and gray—but if you often partake in colorful clothing, don’t compromise that! Instead, focus on colors you think will mix well together. The point is that each piece should work with multiple outfits, so pick what you think you will wear the most. 

Some essentials of a capsule wardrobe include white and black tees, plain long sleeves and tank tops, button-ups, a variety of sweaters, and other outerwear. For bottoms, of course, include classic blue and black jeans, skirts (both long and short), and versatile shorts. These are just the basics, so feel free to add anything else you often reach for, such as leggings, sweatpants, or trousers. Again, this is still about personal style, so don’t feel the need to follow a classic capsule wardrobe guide. 

Next, instead of buying many cheap items, invest in high-quality pieces that will last. Look for clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, linen, and recycled fabrics. Items that you frequently wear are worth the investment! You will rarely ever need to repurchase them, and they will look better than cheaper-quality alternatives. 

Once you have your capsule wardrobe, it will be easier to indulge in trendier and more elevated pieces. Try to pick items that you think can still pair with multiple pieces in your wardrobe to avoid purchasing clothes that might only get worn once or twice. 

By building a capsule wardrobe, you’ll discover that dressing well doesn’t require an overflowing closet—it’s all about thoughtful choices. Every time you buy less or choose better, you take a step toward saving the planet.