I get asked how I pack a capsule wardrobe and you know if I get asked a question it gets turned into a blog post! So here it is how to buy & pack a capsule wardrobe!
I have written about you how to pack for cruises with a capsule wardrobe, but it all starts with how you shop. Here I am going to break down the process for you.
Shopping for clothes you either enjoy or hate! Sometimes I enjoy it, but sometimes I hate it, especially when I cannot find exactly what I am looking for.
These days you do not have to traipse around the shops, you can do it from the comfort of your own home online and shop your favourite stores like Nordstrom’s, Sak’s, Marks an Spencer’s, Next, ASOS, just name a few. Just shop from the brands that you know the sizing.
If you use the following tips when shopping, your home wardrobe will become a capsule wardrobe as you are sticking to certain colours instead of having a mismatch of colours.
This is how I shop, and my life has become a lot easier to dress daily when I am at home and when I am travelling.
Tip 1 How to Buy & Pack a Capsule Wardrobe
The big question, how? It is very simple; first pick base colours for trousers, skirts and shorts. Pick 3 or 4 base colours.
Black, Navy, White, Beige, Brown, Blue Jeans, etc
For example, pick:
- Black, beige and white or
- Navy, blue jeans and brown
Tip 2 How to Buy & Pack a Capsule Wardrobe
Second pick colours for tops, blouses, vests, dresses, etc. This can be any colour of the rainbow but only pick 3 or 4 colours.
- Navy, Blue, Red, Coral, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green, Purple, Lilac, White, Black, Brown, etc
For example, pick:
- Navy, coral, white and black or
- Red, purple, black and pink
Tip 3 How to Buy & Pack a Capsule Wardrobe
Thirdly all tops and bottoms should be able to work together, for causal looks and the same for evening looks. This way lots of different outfits can be made.
Stick to block colours, not patterns. It is a lot easier to mix and match block colours than many patterns. Use accessories to change outfits up.
Tip 4 How to Buy & Pack a Capsule Wardrobe
Forth, when picking shoes and handbags again they need to match your outfits, not just one. Pick colours shoes and handbags that match your outfits.
Neutral colours like beige, black, navy, tan is good. Clothes, bags and shoes should be able to mix and match for casual looks and evening looks.
Tip 5 How to Buy & Pack a Capsule Wardrobe
Fifth, once you have your colour theme, play with your clothes and make outfits. Then you are ready to pack.
How to Pack a Capsule Wardrobe
Now you have your outfits, you will realise how little clothes you really need for a week or two away. When you pack think about what you will be doing, what the weather will be like, how many nights you need to dress up.
For example, if you are packing for a week away to warm climate (just double up for two weeks if you do not want to wash when on vacation) on average this should be sufficient, but you could even get away with less:
- 7 casual tops
- 2 causal bottoms
- 5 evening tops
- 2 evening bottoms
- 2 casual pairs of shoes
- 1 evening pair of shoes
- Casual handbag
- Evening handbag
Or
- 5 casual tops
- 2 causal bottoms
- 1 casual dress
- 3 evening tops
- 1 evening bottoms
- 2 evening dresses
- 2 pairs of casual shoes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Casual handbag
- Evening handbag
Bring underwear that goes with all your outfits and the same for accessories. All jewellery and scarves should go with most outfits to compliment and dress them up.
Add other items you may need like swimsuits, gym kits, hiking gear, warmer items of clothing if going to a cold climate, etc. When adding these items think how many bikinis you really need and will you really use your gym kit!
You may also enjoy reading:
THE ART OF PACKING FOR A CRUISE: HOW TO PACK A CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR A HOT CLIMATE
TOP 23 PACKING TIPS FOR A COLDER CRUISE
I hope you enjoyed reading ‘5 Tips How to Buy & Pack a Capsule Wardrobe’. Do you have any more tips? If so please share them in the comments box below.
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Happy Travels!
