How to Make it Through the Semester With a Capsule Wardrobe

It’s that time of year again: the time we pack up our stuff, add courses to our curriculum, con our friends into helping us move, and set off to college or university. Whether you’re travelling far from home or simply into the city, deciding what clothes to wear will take a lot of time and planning. Chances are, your closet space is about to shrink, which means that it’s time to be selective with what you pack. Planning a capsule wardrobe might be your best bet. A capsule wardrobe is a strategically chosen set of tops and bottoms that can be worn interchangeably to maximize the number of outfits you can wear. Capsule wardrobes should be no greater than 30–40 pieces, including shoes, coats, hats, and jewelry. If you’re about to start your new school year with a pint-sized closet, here are some tips for building a capsule wardrobe.

Think Basic

Many capsule wardrobe specialists will tell you to pick a basic colour first. Usually, this colour is black, navy, charcoal, or brown. While white seems like a perfect basic colour, it might not be suitable for a fall wardrobe. Instead, choose white as a coordinating colour (think tees). Black is a popular choice because it goes with everything. If you want to include a pair of black leggings, nothing is more basic than Essential Leggings from Basic. Basic makes luxury, high-end cotton clothing to complete any wardrobe.

What is Essential?

Take a look at your closet. Considering a capsule wardrobe contains 30 to 40 items, pick out articles of clothing, jewelry, and outerwear that you simply cannot live without. These are your essentials. All capsule wardrobes are different because they represent each person’s unique style. Now, how many more items can you add? What’s left? If you have chosen only one top but have six bottoms, you now have room to be creative.

Neutrals Are Our Friends

Coordinating colours are so great to work with because they’re adaptable and flattering. A simple Basic white tee has the power to dress up a pair of jeans and dress down a blazer. A Basic black cami can be paired with any style of skirt or a pair of jogging pants. For colours to complement your basic shade, white, grey, maroon, brown, and navy are great choices that give you plenty of variety.

Give Your Wardrobe a Hint of Colour

Now that you’ve chosen your basics and coordinates, it’s time to fill your wardrobe with splashes of colour, patterns, and florals. If your basic is black, any colour you choose will go well. Stripes and polka-dots tend to be more timeless than certain shades and florals. If you choose wild colours or prints, try matching them with three or four other items of clothing to see if they can form several outfits. This is your chance to inject your unique personality into your wardrobe without adding an entire suitcase full of items.

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