What is a Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe?
Before we dive into the outfit ideas, let's define what a minimalist capsule wardrobe is. A minimalist capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential items (usually fewer than 40 pieces, for minimalists, we can do it with fewer than 10) that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is to have a closet filled with high-quality, timeless pieces that will last for years. With a minimalist capsule wardrobe, you can simplify your life, reduce decision fatigue, and give yourself more space, time, energy, and joy to pursue your passions. When utilized and loved, a minimalist capsule wardrobe makes getting dressed an easy and stress-free process.How to Mix and Match Your Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe
The key to mixing and matching your minimalist capsule wardrobe is to invest in high-quality pieces that can be dressed up or down. When creating your capsule wardrobe, it's important to choose a streamlined color scheme, timeless silhouettes, and pieces with versatility. This way, you can create a multitude of outfits with just a few key pieces. Now, let’s walk through some outfit ideas.Outfit 1: Classic and Comfortable
For a classic and comfortable look, pair a lightweight pant with a silk tank top. These will keep you cool on their own, look effortlessly polished, and will easily be used again in other outfits. A tank top with a silky fabric is especially important because it will look polished without being fussy. If you can find a tank top with adjustable straps, you’ll also be able to create even more outfits and customize the fit. This outfit is perfect for lounging around the house or running errands.
Outfit 2: Business Casual
For a business casual look, pair your lightweight pants with a fitted t-shirt. Make sure to tuck in your shirt for a polished look. A pant that has a tie-waist is a great option for added versatility with a professional feel.These two timeless silhouettes are perfect for a minimalist capsule wardrobe because they look professional, but can easily be mixed and matched with other pieces to create new looks. Try dressing this combo up with a pair of heels and blazer for business dinners, or keep it casual with sneakers and wear it for after work walks in the park.Outfit 3: Weekend Brunch
For a chic weekend brunch outfit, you can take your silky tank top, and pair it with a midi wrap skirt. Introducing a versatile skirt to your minimalist capsule wardrobe will give you both professional and extra-curricular outfit options. Something with a more conservative length is chic and still work appropriate. Your silky tank top is going to look effortlessly sophisticated and still breezy for an easy, enviable weekend look. Just add some sandals and you’re reservation ready.
Outfit 4: Date Night
No minimalist wardrobe is complete without a day to night dress. It’s the perfect throw on & go option for instant style without fuss. For a stylish date night outfit, grab a dress that hits just above the knee, and we recommend an a-line silhouette for a timeless classic you’ll wear to work just as easily as to a fancy date night.Outfit 5: Travel Ready
For a travel outfit that’s comfortable and stylish, pair your lightweight pants with a versatile wrap top. A wrap top is perfect for a minimalist capsule wardrobe because it let’s you customize your fit and it can work on its own or as a light layer over tank tops and sleeveless dresses. If you’re feeling like you have room in your carry-on (and your minimalist capsule wardrobe), add a classic denim jacket for a chic layering piece.
Outfit 6: Work From Home Friday
For a look that’s professional on Zoom, yet comfortable on your couch, pair your wrap top with your lightweight pants. A crisp wrap top will look professional and keep you feeling confident on all your work calls, while lightweight pants are stretchy and easy to move in, and still look more put together than leggings if you run out for a mid-morning coffee or get a knock on the door from the mailman.Outfit 7: Cozy Chic
Layering the perfect way to capture a cozy feeling without sacrificing style. Take your lightweight pants and tank top, and layer your wrap top over it. If you keep the wrap top open, it acts as a breezy top layer, and creates a completely new silhouette. This extra layer gives you a cozy feeling, but by tucking in the tank top, you keep a put together style on display.Outfit 8: Outdoor Summer Fun
For a fun summer outfit, pair your midi wrap skirt with your fitted t-shirt. Tucking in the fitted tee will add polish, and the sleeves will provide some extra coverage from the sun on long days outside.
Expert Tip: A t-shirt is also the perfect place in a minimalist capsule wardrobe to add a pop of color. Feel free to embrace the season and add a color outside of your neutral palette that you’ll love to wear. It will help keep your minimalist capsule wardrobe feeling fresh without caving to trends or loosing versatility.
Outfit 9: Beach Day
For a chic beach outfit, you can go back to the ease of your one-and-done dress. The catch? Make sure you have a dress that buttons fully, so you can wear it open as a chic cover up on the sand, and button it up for grabbing lunch or ice cream at a stylish waterfront restaurant. Just make sure you’re wearing your SPF!Outfit 10: Big Meetings
For a more formal office look you can feel confident and chic in, pair your midi wrap skirt with your wrap top. The length of the skirt and the draping elegance of the top will give you a feminine, yet professional look that’s formal enough for board meetings and still adjustable to ensure comfort all day.
Look at that! With our minimalist capsule wardrobe, we made 10 outfits using only 6 pieces of clothing. A little creativity goes a long way in making the most out of a capsule wardrobe, but the benefits are worth the investment.
Sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect individual pieces for a capsule wardrobe so Aday offers premade capsule wardrobes, like the Carry-On Capsule, which features 5 pieces that, all together, weigh less than 1 pound in a carry-on and were designed to solve problems in a woman’s travel wardrobe. Now you can clean out your closet and start your minimalist capsule wardrobe with confidence.