Streamline Your Style with an Outfit-Based Capsule
For many of us, the beginning of the year brings the urge to simplify, and get back to basics. And that includes taking stock of our wardrobes. If you struggle to put outfits together some (or most) days, you might find a capsule wardrobe helps streamline the process and minimizes decision fatigue. But if you aren’t sure how to get started, today I’m sharing a different approach to building a capsule wardrobe that will also help you create outfits.
During the month of January, I like to give myself what I call a style “palette cleanse.” That means basing my outfits on simple (but not generic) basics, neutrals, and leaning into those pieces that just always feel right. It helps me to reconnect with my Style Sweet Spot, and identify what’s still working, and what I’ve (perhaps) moved on from.
I’ll be sharing outfits from this wardrobe capsule exercise over the next few weeks, so you may see some of the same pieces styled in multiple ways.
Still working…stripes & leopard print
That fleece peacoat was one of my MVP’s from 2024, and is still in heavy rotation. (Our winter has been a mostly mild one so far.) The striped sweater was originally purchased in 2023, and still a favorite. It’s held up quite well. I purchased the bag last year in Paris, and is not only good-looking, but has turned out to be a practical and functional style.
I’m often asked about my gold chain necklace. It’s a sample/one-of-a-kind from my friend jeweler Tarra Rosenbaum. She literally sold me this one off her neck. 😉 But she tells me she still has one sample left in silver, so contact her if you’re interested.
Moving on from…
Light wash or very faded blue jeans. If I add any new pairs this year, I’m going to stick to medium-to-dark washes. (But ecru jeans are still on the menu.)
I’ve always loved my hoop earrings, but I’ve (sadly) accepted that it’s time to retire them. Years of wearing heavier styles and (often) leaving them in to sleep have added to age-related earlobe droop. And I’m finding most earrings too heavy to to be comfortable now (clip-ons too).
I’ve switched to lighter post earrings that cover more of the lobe (and take them out at night), and have been thinking about trying ear cuffs as well. Here are a couple that caught my eye:
How to build a capsule wardrobe: the outfit-based approach
If you’ve struggled to put together a capsule wardrobe, you might want to try this outfit-based approach. After all, a capsule is just a foundation or starting point, comprised of the pieces we wear most often. Here’s how it works: (you’ll just need either a rolling rack, or a clear rack in your closet)
- Day 1: put together an outfit with some of your favorite pieces, or those you wear most often (and like).
- At the end of the day, those pieces go on the rolling rack.
- Day 2: start with one of the pieces from the rack, and build another outfit with what’s in your closet. Add those to the rack at the end of the day.
- Day 3, select a different piece from the rack, and add from your closet to create another outfit.
- Keep going until you have 12-15 pieces on the rack. Then mix and match to create more outfits. (Take photos for future reference if you like.)
- If an item doesn’t work in multiple combinations, pull it from the rack and choose something else that does.
- There’s your wardrobe capsule! Use it as a starting point for outfits, or even for a travel wardrobe.
And no, you don’t have to limit yourself to that capsule; it’s just a tool to make getting dressed and feeling put-together easier.
Let me know if you try this capsule wardrobe method and find it helpful. Are there any styles you’re moving on from this year?
And if you’re ready for a New Year style refresh, the best place to start is with a personal color analysis! I offer in-person color, shopping, and style services here in the Los Angeles area. Check out my Style Services page for details and to book.
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Thank you for simplifying how to create a capsule wardrobe. I’ve been meaning to do this, so thank you for making it easier for me.
Helpful information to gather a capsule wardrobe from my closet.
I have the same issue with earrings these days. Even posts can be a problem because most of the posts on the earrings are not in the middle of the earring. Sooo, extra droop there also. Thanks for the cuff idea. Looking into it.
Your closet idea was great.
I’ve always loved your choice in shoes but they look very narrow and not a roomy toe box? I tried some others you had that were crochet (can’t remember name) and they were so narrow in the toe box I had to send back to Nordstroms.
Hi Janie — Try Vivaia’s Urban mesh sneakers. They’re the only sneakers I’ve found that have a wide toe box and stay on my feet. With my casual lifestyle, I wear them almost every day.
Hi, Jay. I need a wide toe box (bunions, sigh) and a narrow heel. Did you get the unisex urban or the woman’s? And mesh or wool? I have HOKA Bondi 8’s which are mesh, but the mesh doesn’t really stretch. So my little toe on the right foot gets rubbed or used to; now it has pushed through the mesh! I love the fit of the rest of the shoe, and keep using them for casual wear, but I would love to find a shoe that has a wide stretchy toe box. Some of the reviewers noted that they thought the wool stretched more than the mesh. Any input you care to share will be greatly appreciated. Marie
This is really helpful, Susan. It’s the clearest method I’ve ever seen to build a capsule wardrobe. I had my colors/style done at Red Leopard in 2019 and continue to reap the benefits. My husband has commented several times about all my clothes working together. I think the capsule exercise will help me find even more outfits and identify any gaps. On another note – color is key, but I’ve finally settled into sticking with my style profile when I want to purchase something that will become a workhorse. I hope you’re getting lots of customers – this system works!
Like the idea of creating an everyday capsule. I mostly stay home and don’t tend to dress in the manner you normally display but like the ideas for the occasions I go out for lunch, dinner or a day with friends.
I do have a question. Are skinny jeans out of style now?
From everything I’ve read, skinny jeans are coming back strong.
What great ideas here — and I especially like the idea of paring down and simplifying your wardrobe choices in the new year. While I’m here, thank you so much for all you do to cheer us up with your lovely posts and fashion sense. It’s always a highlight to read !
I like this approach to building a capsule wardrobe and will be trying it out; thank you for the inspiration! I have simplified my daily earring capsule with the Mejuri Easy Huggie Hoops, adding pearl or single bar charms to add a little punch when needed, and am loving the look and ease.
Susan, this method sounds quite fun at the very least and I have no doubt it will help me see pieces that just aren’t working for me and discover necessary pieces that I am lacking. Many thanks!
This might be the clearest set of directions I’ve read on how to assemble a capsule wardrobe. The idea is (sort of) intriguing to me but the execution stumped me. I have a rolling rack so I may indeed try this at some point, if even just for vacations. Thank you Susan!
What a great system! I will be using this idea especially for travel.
Have you heard of the Indyx app? It’s a system where you photograph each item in your closet and it allows you to create and save outfits. It’s labor intensive at first because you have to photograph each piece, but I have found it to be really valuable in keeping track of what I own and it’s fun to play with! It’s free (there are some services attached that are paid, but they don’t affect the main use of the app)
Thanks for the ear cuff idea. I can’t wear a lot of my earrings. I’ve also switched to posts.
I’m in the midst of packing for at trip and preparing the house for renos (you understand both those issues!) but I might give this method a try once we’re home and the house is back in order again.
What refreshing approach to building a capsule wardrobe. I have always found it overwhelming to decide which pieces should be included. Over the years I have built a fairly workable wardrobe sticking to a base color palette of red, black, tan and white which has served me well. I also have some brown, green, blue and purple which I have been able to work in occasionally. I will definitely try out the method outlined here. I do still have some gaps which I think this will help identify and also will help to cull any pieces that no longer work.
You always have the best capsule wardrobe ideas, Susan! Thank you. I will try this once summer (my one-and-done dress season) is over.
The ear cuffs look cool too. Xx
Hi Susan, I really enjoyed your post today and it is something that I’m excited to try.
Glad the leopard print is staying with us. It looks good with so many things and matches your brown tones beautifully.
As for our changing ear lobes, sigh, I found I needed some back support for many of my cherished, and somewhat heavy, real gold earrings.
Walmart (of all places) and probably Amazon? sell a back for earrings that is a normal stud back in the center, surrounded by a small, clear plastic disc. The disc provides a support behind the lobe for heavier earrings or those that are shaped so that they pull the lobe and the earring looks like it is at an odd angle. You can’t see the disc when wearing. Disc can be trimmed also for tiny ears. They come in a small plastic box of 20, I think, in gold and silver color for the stud back. Or you can still use the stud back that matches your earring with the disc. Quite inexpensive and do the job. They also sell a pack of the little clear plastic tube like things that slide on an open back, through-the-lobe wire earrings, to keep them from accidentally slipping out of your ear. These also provide support for this style in a thin/stretched lobe. I have some real gold, open wire earrings with a large, real pink pearl that are perfectly balanced, so technically don’t need these, but I find I am worried that they will catch in my hair or scarf and slip out unless I add these. Quite useful.
Thanks for the tip, Marie, will be searching for these immediately!
Amazon sells clear “pasties” for the back of the lobe and they’ve worked for me.
I tried those but they gave me an allergic reaction. 😉
Ah good to know, my ears are a bit sensitive as well.
Try using only the plastic disc with your earring’s back. The disk easily separates from the metal parts which likely caused your reaction.
Hi Marie, no, it wasn’t the metal. It was the adhesive that attached the “pastie” to the skin. I’ve never had an issue with metal allergies.
Susan, there’s no Reply option to your reply to me about the metals. There’s no adhesive on the Walmart ones, just a clear plastic disk on a tiny metal center with a metal stud earring back. Hope this helps!
Ah, we’re talking about different things then. When you said “pasties,” I thought of those adhesive strips that attach to the back of the ear.
Hi, Susan, someone else said “pasties”, LOL. I never heard of the stick on types. I sent an email with a screenshot from the walmart.com page. I couldn’t do a paste here. Regards, Marie
Always love your teachings which have enabled me to develop my style and wardrobe with fantastic results. The capsule concept is a fabulous exercise that I have started. I owned a rolling rack in the past but in my downsizing I really didnt have the room. Now Im using a second shower curtain rod placed halfway over the over the bathtub that holds my drying rack as my bathroom also has a separate shower stall. It was wasted unused space, now I couldn’t get by without it. I also like to air out sweaters by hanging them for 24 hours on the rod. I asked you about pants length last month. Your tip lead me to get my scissors out and my ‘fits look soooo much better. I hope the raw edge look lives on as long as I do. Thank you so much as always.
Definitely going to try this technique, Susan. Another one of your fresh and clever problem solving approaches. Thank you!
I do a lot of second hand shopping and find many pieces I love, but they don’t always work with what is already in my closet. Also, I find myself accumulating too many versions of the same type of clothing (e.g. denim button downs!) as i search for “the best one.” Time to stop buying hangers and start letting go….
I love ear cuffs! I mainly wear them when I go to the Renaissance Festival (that’s where most of them have come from) but I like wearing them to feel a little edgy, especially to things where everyone is dressed conservatively (like stuff my in-laws are at).
Genius!
Thanks!