A capsule wardrobe allows you to create endless looks with just a few classic pieces, an ideal scenario for the stylish gal on the go! But where does one start when it comes to building such a wardrobe? Mood’s free Capsule Curator Planner and our list of basic fabrics will have you sorted in no time!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
Purchase Materials Used Below:
Purchase Materials Used Below:
How to Plan Your Capsule Wardrobe
- Discover & Define Your Personal Style
- Take a look at the pieces in your wardrobe that you reach for an wear the most.
- Find your style icons and pinpoint which aspects of their look caught your eye.
- Gather Inspiration
- Once you have a basic idea of the style you’d like your wardrobe to emulate, do some research on it! Gather as many of your favorite looks as you can and see which shapes, silhouettes, and colors begin to pop up more than others.
- Reduce Your Current Wardrobe
- Don’t worry – this doesn’t have to mean throw out your statement pieces! Simply, split your wardrobe in garments that fit into the capsule and those that don’t and keep the statement stuff separate for those rare times you’ll need them. (Although maybe donating a few things wouldn’t hurt!)
- Build Up Your Basics
- Once you have your vision, figure out which garments you still need and build on your basics: tees, tanks, solid blouses. Everyone needs a nice pair of trousers and jeans, for example.
- Download the free planner above to help you gather your inspiration, organize your swatches, and sketch your ideas!
- Free Pattern Suggestions:
- Free Pattern Suggestions:
Double Cotton Gauze
Double cotton gauze should be your capsule wardrobe’s best friend. Lightweight and breathable, this comfy fabric is perfect when you want some solid basics with a bit of texture. Because this fabric is made up of two gauze layers fused together, it creates a gorgeous grid texture and bouncy drape that’s unique to double gauze. Create blouses, dress, and jumpsuits with this textile!
- Free Pattern Suggestions:
Shirting
This may seem like a no-brainer, but shirting is a great textile to use in your wardrobe planning and it comes in a deceptively varied amount of grounds. Oxfords are perfect for your standard crisp button up, while pima cotton can be great for anything from shirts to blouses to dresses.
- Free Pattern Suggestions:
- Free Pattern Suggestions:
Lining
Despite hardly being seen, linings are an integral part of any garment! Be sure to pick the right weight and ground for your project. For assistance, check out this guide here!
- Free Pattern Suggestions:
Twill
Twill is one of those universal fabrics that can do it all. A soft, flexible tencel twill can make the most beautiful blouse or luxurious lining, while a cotton twill can take the form of denim or a similarly strong textile perfect for pants.
- Free Pattern Suggestions:
Linen
Another versatile fabric, linen can be fashioned into sleek trousers like the Nasrin Pants in the outfit at the top of this post, as well as dresses and blouses. In addition to being adaptable for garments, it’s drape can vary depending on the silhouette as well. Keep things simple with an a-line dress or dial it up to full volume and gather it into ruffles!
- Free Pattern Suggestions:
Knit Fleece & French Terry
I’m placing these two in the same category because, in a lot of ways, they’re incredibly similar. Both are super soft, thick, sweatshirt-like materials and are perfect for cardigans, activewear, and athleisure alike. Even if athleisure isn’t the main vibe of your capsule wardrobe, we all need a decent pullover to throw into the mix!
- Free Pattern Suggestions:
Will you be making a capsule wardrobe? Let me know what fabric and pattern combinations you’re thinking about in the comments below!
5 comments
I really enjoyed this site I plan to come back to purchase
I have been a stay at home Mama/wife all along, and my husband is about to retire. I had to change my diet due to some intense stomach/gut issues, so I have lost about 40 lbs in the last year. I have NOTHING for summer! I need to rebuild a wardrobe badly.
I have autumn coloring, and seldom find things that I can wear in most of the downloads similar to this. Everything is black, white and gray. You did not allow for seasonal coloring, and I like your mix of colors! I also like that the fabrics you selected come in some warm colors that I can wear. Thank you!
The only real problem is that especially with this fool pandemic, I don’t have many places to go and need mostly clothes for staying home. I live where it is warm and have no need for wool, which I allergic to, or things that I can’t throw in the washer/dryer.
Maybe sometime you could come up with a capsule for those of us that don’t want to wear sweats and jammies all day. We want to look good at home, too!!
Thank you for this one, though!
I am a pear so fitting pants is a problem.
Need a long crotch length that comes up to waist in back is a big fitting issue.
I have made many attempts to create a basic pants patter that solves this issue., & can be adapted for straight leg as well as a tapered leg & capris. Waist styles should be able to be used as pull ones as well as zippered.
My latest attempt is 75% there, but still a little short reaching waist in back, & front is still a little high in front. Sometimes u just want a nice well fitting trouser I stead of tights, leggings or jeggings.
Thank you for sharing this post. Keep sharing new fashion ideas with us.
Amazin Ideas love the way you share the ideas and fashion tips keep up the good work!