In the past few years, the minimalist philosophy has permeated almost every facet of life. And fashion has not been left behind.
Hence the rise of the capsule wardrobe: a pared down closet with a set number of items that can be worn throughout the year, which you mix and match to create different looks.
More and more people are embracing this trend with a preference for doing more with less, and for good reason. A smaller closet simplifies your life since you have fewer pieces to work with and care for.
Apart from the minimalism aspect, capsule wardrobes are gaining traction because they lean towards sustainability. Buying less clothing means throwing away fewer items over time.
At Aday, sustainability is the driving force behind our collections. All of our fabrics are long-lasting and have the least impact on the planet possible.
“ … Sustainability is the baseline of all of our decisions and we believe fundamentally in creating items that are innovative, long lasting and durable …. ” - Meg and Nina, Aday founders
If you’re wondering whether a trimmed closet will work for your lifestyle, we’re addressing some of your concerns, including:
- The benefits of switching to a capsule wardrobe
- Capsule wardrobe ideas for different seasons
- How to pair different items from your capsule wardrobe
- Where to purchase stylish and durable capsule wardrobe pieces
This type of wardrobe is incredibly versatile, and the flexibility of putting together different outfits with the pieces you already have is hard to beat.
Here’s how you can elevate your style without buying a truckload of clothes that take up all the space in your closets.
A Quick Overview of Capsule Wardrobes
Capsule wardrobes consist of a small collection of versatile clothing items (usually 30 to 40) that you match in various combinations to create different outfits.
Most of the wardrobe consists of classic pieces in neutral tones, allowing the wearer to easily repeat outfits.
Fans of this style gravitate towards it for several reasons:
- Reduced decision fatigue: Fewer pieces mean less decisions to make about what to wear.
- Enhanced creativity: Having a limited number of items encourages one to be creative in mixing and matching.
- Minimizes clutter: Capsule wardrobes reduce clutter and help keep your living space organized.
Saves money: High-quality, versatile pieces last longer than cheap items that also go out of style quickly.
Types of Capsule Wardrobes
The beauty of capsule wardrobes is that there’s something for every occasion and lifestyle. At Aday, we’ve curated several capsule wardrobes to help you on your journey to a minimalist closet.
Depending on your needs, you can opt for one or more of the following categories we’ve curated:
- Co-Work Capsule: A six-piece capsule designed for every workspace
- Everyday Capsule: One week worth of outfits
- Stretch Classics Capsule: Pieces crafted from Aday’s Italian fabric, Tailored Stretch
- Carry-On Capsule: Perfect for traveling light
The table below contains and describes four essential tips for creating a capsule wardrobe.
|
Tip |
How To |
Example |
|
Remove all items from your closet and evaluate what to keep, donate, or sell |
Follow the rule of thumb: if you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it |
|
|
Define your style |
Determine your personal style and what you feel most comfortable in |
Look for inspiration from fashion blogs, Pinterest, or Instagram. Consider your lifestyle and what you need for work, leisure, and events |
|
Create a list |
Make a list of the items you need to complete your capsule wardrobe based on your style and lifestyle |
Focus on quality, versatility, and your personal style and preference |
|
Shop for the items on your list with intention and purpose |
Focus on versatile, timeless, and high-quality pieces. Consider colors, patterns, and textures that work well together Avoid fast fashion and impulse buying |
If you’re unsure where to start in building your capsule wardrobe, we’ve created a simple two-minute style quiz to help you determine your dominant style and understand how to develop a capsule wardrobe that brings out your personality.
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Here are three quick tips for creating a capsule wardrobe.
Caption: three tips for a capsule wardrobe Sound exciting? Let’s look at how you can stay fabulous all year round with a minimized closet.
1 - Spring Capsule Wardrobe
After huddling up in heavy coats all winter, there’s nothing more freeing than switching to lighter clothes.
Stuck for ideas on what staples to include in your spring capsule? Consider these fun pieces:
- A two-piece jumpsuit
- Plain white tee
- Form-fitting leggings
- A pair of pants in a neutral color
Here are some ideas for creating elevated spring outfits perfect for a fancier brunch, date, or weekend day out.
Our Destination Jumpsuit is the epitome of spring wear: light enough for the increasing warmth while providing enough cover for the colder hours of the day.
Not only are the colors inviting, but you can also wear the top in two ways:
Caption: wearing the same jumpsuit in different ways
As a Wrap Top
As a Tie-Front Crop Top
Whether you’re having a casual day indoors or heading out to a formal occasion, this jumpsuit gives you that undeniably chic look.
“I have been looking for a jumpsuit that could be dressed up and down … this hits the mark …. ” Jessica
Perhaps tees are more your vibe. Consider going for the Made It T-Shirt.
Made from our signature high-stretch fabric, which drapes like silk for maximum comfort, this piece will have you stepping into spring in style.
Whether you’re a fan of neutral blacks and whites or you prefer other colors, like blue, green, or maroon, we’ve got you covered.
“I bought a black one of these … become such a staple in my wardrobe that I … bought a different color …. ” Sarah S.
Ballet flats, shorts, sunglasses, and a crossbody bag with this t-shirt make a fantastic spring look you can turn to again and again. If it’s chilly outside, swap the tee for a long-sleeve shirt for some extra warmth.
Our Made It T-Shirt pairs perfectly with the Layered Up Thermal Leggings for those spring days when the sun is playing hide-and-seek behind the clouds.
A pair of comfy sneakers or boots is a fantastic way to tie this outfit together as you welcome the warmer months.
2 - Summer Capsule Wardrobe
The simplest way to begin crafting your summer capsule wardrobe is to focus on a few foundation pieces. Think of the items you can wear on repeat and use them as a base for creating multiple looks.
Some wardrobe essentials that shouldn’t be missing from your summer capsule include:
- A pair of mid-thigh shorts
- A t-shirt that works as a layer or on its own
- A classic button-down shirt that goes with most bottoms in your closet
Let’s take a closer look at how these items can go together for classy summer outfits.
Nothing says “summer” quite like shorts and a tee. You can never go wrong with this classic combo to usher in the season that turns the world into a playground.
And with our Turn It Up Shorts paired with our It's A Classic T-Shirt, your fave sneakers, and a sunhat, the world is truly yours for the taking.
The simple elegance of these stretchy, durable and tailored shorts will turn them into your go-to bottoms for those long, sunny days.
“Simple, chic, and you can tell the material is super high quality …. ” Denise
“ … I love the feel of the material, it’s both warm and cool at once which is difficult to describe …. ” Ida A
Alternatively, swap the t-shirt for the button-down Something Borrowed Shirt. This piece is a hit for its universally flattering and relaxed silhouette that allows you to let your hair down and immerse yourself in the summer fun.
You know how it can be difficult to find a shirt that’s both stretchy and soft? Our Something Borrowed Shirt is specially crafted from Technical Silk fabric and feels extremely gentle against your skin, perfect for the warmer months.
“This is my second shirt in this design from Aday, I just love how flattering and comfortable it is …. ” Wendy Y.
What’s more, the nylon/elastane blend of this fabric ensures you stay comfy all day. The wicking and lightweight properties of nylon combined with the stretchiness of elastane provide a comfortable, form-fitting feel.
From brunching with the girls, to dancing away at a concert, or exploring new sights on that long-awaited road trip, these outfits will handle your summer activities like a breeze.
Here, see how the shirt can be styled.
Caption: lady styling a white shirt
“ … They're tailored and professional, so I feel like I can wear them no matter where I'm going …. ” Layla
For an all-inclusive but minimalist summer, this is the go-to package.
Caption: packing summer outfits
3 - Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Deciding on an outfit in the fall can be tricky—it’s not yet cold enough for heavy pieces, but you need something to keep the chill at bay.
That’s where our Like A Boss Pullover comes in.
This piece is lightweight yet warm with a buttery soft feel against your skin. It's also breathable and has fantastic sweat-wicking abilities to keep you comfortable all through the day.
“Lightweight and super classy. Absolutely love it!” Hollie
Looking at it, you’d never guess the pullover is made from Recycled Scuba. This innovative material is composed of post-consumer plastic bottles broken down into small fibers.
The fibers are then spun into yarn and woven into a fabric with the same characteristics as traditional neoprene, the material used in wetsuits.
Staying warm and stylish while protecting the environment is a flex you don’t hear about every day.
If you’re wondering about the comfort level of the pullover, we’ve applied a 100 percent plant-based finish to the fabric. This gives the fabric additional sweat-wicking and fast-drying properties, keeping you comfy even when you perspire.
“Fits beautifully and the fabric is remarkable.” Mary C.
Since we're talking capsule wardrobes, this pullover is versatile enough to be worn with:
No matter your preference of bottoms, this pullover is sure to earn you compliments all around.
“ … I have received compliments from strangers when wearing them—I have the moss and the oat.” Rebecca P.
The Like A Boss Pullover is also available in various colors including moss green, cocoa and latte brown, and mist blue so you can show autumn who’s boss.
4 - Winter Capsule Wardrobe
Sometimes all you need on a frigid winter day is a hug.
And the Shrug It Off Scarf feels like getting a warm bear hug from your favorite human.
Made from our thermoregulating cotton, cashmere, and wool CoolKnit blend, this shrug provides superior breathability and odor control, meaning you’ll not only stay warm but also feel fresh all day.
Picture yourself cozying up on the couch with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, watching a TV series you fancy while bundled up in this piece.
Or dashing to the store for a quick errand then returning to the inviting warmth of your house.
" … I was convinced to try it and it's become my go-to in NYC now that it's colder outside …. ” Mary
Whatever the case, you can easily shrug off the cold and stay cozy with this stylish piece.
For days when you’d like to work out, you can comfortably make the shrug a part of your athleisure. CoolKnit fabric is designed to wick sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry during physical activity.
“Perfect thing to throw on after a workout or in those chilly early morning hours … ” Jennifer T.
But that’s not all. CoolKnit is lightweight and stretchy, which allows for maximum range of motion during exercise. No need to worry about this item ripping during your aerobics sessions.
The best thing of all is that the shrug seamlessly transitions into a scarf, allowing you to wear it in different ways for an additional layer of warmth.
For ultimate coziness, couple the shrug with our Cozy Cool Pants, and top off the look with a luxe Italian yarn Three-In-One Hat. The winter cold will have nothing on you.
Caption: lady wearing the Three-In-One Hat
5 - Capsule Wardrobe for Work
A carefully constructed outfit is worth a thousand words, and there’s no better way to make a statement at work than by wearing a blazer.
This wardrobe essential provides the ultimate outfit versatility with numerous silhouette options and materials to choose from, plus endless style inspiration from other fashion-forward women donning blazers.
Blazers work perfectly for everyday workwear, business meetings, and formal events. You can also pair blazers with a dress, skirt, pants or shorts, making them a versatile addition to your professional wardrobe.
This versatility allows you to create multiple outfits from a few foundation pieces and stay true to the principles of a capsule wardrobe.
Featuring a boxy cut and a relaxed fit, our Strategy Blazer effortlessly takes you from the boardroom to brunch while keeping you looking sharp.
The Easy Days Pants are the perfect accompaniment for this blazer. Combining superior comfort with style, this is a match made in heaven.
Harking back to the 60s and 70s when women joined the workforce in large numbers and sought clothing that was both stylish and practical, our blazers offer a professional appearance with their carefully tailored shape.
Dark, bright, whatever suits you, different colors of both the blazer and pants are available to create a killer ensemble that brings out your personality.
If cigarette pants are up your alley, the Turn It Up Pants promise to deliver comfort and a polished look. The elastic waistband allows for a snug fit while leaving room for movement.
Coupled with the Strategy Blazer, you get an outfit that lets everybody know you mean business. You also connect with the trailblazing women of the 70s who pioneered the way into a male-dominated workforce.
“Super comfortable and super cute! My new favorite work pants—great for the office or WFH!” Samantha E.
We have two other options of fantastic blazers to consider for your work capsule wardrobe:
Nothing beats a blazer when it comes to adding a sense of structure and definition to your outfit, which in turn boosts your confidence and makes a statement.
Whichever one of our blazers you add to your closet, you’ll end up with a piece that never goes out of style.
Curious about more show-stopping capsule wardrobe work outfits? Check out our extensive All Day Suiting collection. You’ll find pieces that provide comfort like you’ve never experienced before.
Expert Tip: Avoid using fabric softener on any piece from Aday. Fabric softeners coat the fabrics and diminish their wicking ability, making you less comfortable.
Now that we’ve seen how versatile a capsule wardrobe can be, let’s look at some differences between capsule wardrobes and regular wardrobes in the table below:
|
Feature |
Regular Wardrobe |
|
|
Size |
Contains 30 to 40 pieces |
No limit to the number of items |
|
Carefully curated and planned |
Almost anything goes |
|
|
Outfit choices |
Making outfit decisions is easy |
Can be overwhelming choosing an outfit |
|
Trendiness |
Seasonless looks |
Allows for trend-following |
|
Space usage |
Can easily become cluttered |
At Aday, all of our pieces are made from durable materials with good performance, meaning your clothes last a long time and bring you joy for years to come.
What’s more, they’re crease-resistant, breathable, fade-resistant, and anti-wrinkle so you can be sure you’ll always look fashionable, no matter the occasion.
Starting your capsule wardrobe is not as intimidating as it first appears. By using the pieces discussed above as staples, you can create a minimalist yet classy wardrobe that matches your lifestyle perfectly.
Capsule Wardrobes: The Ultimate Way to Upgrade Your Style
A capsule wardrobe is practical and stylish, while remaining true to minimalism and sustainability.
Thanks to this type of closet, you can upgrade your fashion sense effortlessly. A few specially curated pieces are all you need to be set for a long while.
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Ready to elevate your style with seasonless, versatile pieces? Transition to a capsule wardrobe today. A whole new world awaits.