If you caught my What is a Capsule wardrobe post, then you know that this streamlined wardrobe alternative has been around since the 70s.
Yes, capsule wardrobes aren’t new. And if your surging interest tells me anything, they’re not going anywhere.
Here’s my honest take on the pros and cons of a capsule wardrobe and what to expect when you decide to downsize your closet.
Pros of a Capsule Wardrobe
I’ve embraced the capsule and know a thing or two about building them. Here’s what I love about my downsized closet.
1. Simplified Outfit Creation
One of the biggest advantages of a capsule wardrobe is how much easier it is to get dressed each day.
With a curated selection of clothes that all work well together, building an outfit is seamless. Gone are the days of standing in front of a bursting closet, feeling overwhelmed by options.
Now, I can quickly pull together a stylish look without the stress.
2. Defined Personal Style
I can’t be the only one who finds the nonstop deluge of aesthetics dizzying.
It seems there’s no end to the stream of trends from dainty coquette to studious dark academia to the much-adored quiet luxury look.
A capsule wardrobe helps you hone in on your personal style.
How?
By forcing you to step back and learn what suits you, your lifestyle, and your tastes. The result is a capsule that you actually want to wear.
My capsule is filled with items that suit my petite frame perfectly and is made for me, not for someone I scrolled by on social media.
3. More Creativity
Interestingly, having fewer clothes has sparked more creativity in my outfits. With a smaller selection, I’ve discovered new ways to mix and match items, layer pieces, and use accessories to change up a fit.
One way to keep the outfit play productive is with the 3 style word method developed by Tik-Tok’s favorite stylist Allison Bornstein.
To keep it simple, you pick 3 words to describe your personal style: one practical, one aspirational, one emotional.
When building my outfits I make sure they suit my style words. Simple.
4. Less Clutter
There’s something so satisfying about opening my closet and seeing everything in its place, with plenty of room to breathe.
To be honest, I thought I’d miss more pieces after doing a deep declutter. But I kept only what I needed and don’t regret downsizing one bit.
This tidiness extends beyond just the physical space – it also feels like a mental declutter, freeing up headspace for more pressing matters.
Looking to downsize? This guide to minimizing your close in 7 days will help.
5. Travel-Friendly Packing
Packing for trips has never been my favorite activity. But I can confidently say it’s much smoother with a capsule wardrobe.
Now, I can quickly assemble a travel-friendly collection of clothes that work for various occasions.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, my capsule pieces go to work for me so I look chic without overpacking.
6. Long-term Savings
While building a capsule wardrobe requires an initial investment (depending on your starting point), it can save money in the long run.
By focusing on quality over quantity, I’ve reduced my shopping frequency. I used to think:
Upcoming event? I should get a new dress.
Date night Friday? I have nothing I love. let me go shopping.
But a capsule constrains that urge. I now focus on wearing the versatile pieces I already own.
Impulse buys are sooo down.
And it will shock no one to hear that the cost per wear for each item in my capsule is much lower, and my wallet is happier for it.
There’s more where that came from. Browse my full list of capsule wardrobe benefits here.
Cons of a Capsule Wardrobe
Now, I promised you the pros and cons of a capsule wardrobe. So let’s move into the disadvantages.
1. Takes Planning to Get It Right
Creating a capsule wardrobe isn’t as simple as tossing out clothes and keeping a few favorites.
It takes thoughtful planning to ensure you have the right mix of pieces that can be easily paired together. Yes, capsule checklists (like this one based on your ideal closet size) are helpful.
Ultimately, you’ll need to consider your lifestyle, color palette, and personal style preferences which requires some trial and error. So don’t expect a closet transformation overnight.
Peruse my guide to building a non-cookie cutter capsule.
2. It’s Not a “Set and Forget”
While a capsule wardrobe aims to simplify, it requires more than a one-time setup.
Regularly assessing your capsule keeps it functional and aligned with your needs. Since I have fewer items, I find myself taking inventory of my closet more than I did in my pre-capsule days.
Seasonal changes, lifestyle shifts, and even personal style evolution mean you’ll need to revisit and tweak your wardrobe periodically.
I had a reader reach out to me for wardrobe advice after significant weight loss and an impending career change. Naturally, her wardrobe needed to undergo a noticeable shift too.
So as dreamy as a capsule is in theory, remember that life is unpredictable and your closet should flow with those changes.
Learn how to edit and maintain a capsule wardrobe here.
3. More Clothing Maintenance
With fewer clothes in your wardrobe, each piece carries more weight. If an item gets damaged or worn out, it can impact the versatility and functionality of your entire wardrobe.
This means you’ll need to be diligent about maintaining your clothes and invest more in quality pieces to ensure they last. In case you’re wondering, these are the investment pieces that are so worth it.
4. Potential for Repetition
Even with creative mixing and matching, a capsule wardrobe naturally leads to outfit repetition.
And while we’re collectively waking up to the sustainability and shame-free nature of outfit repeating, the repetition is still a hurdle for some.
If you thrive on variety and enjoy experimenting with new trends, a capsule wardrobe might feel restrictive. Aside from making a mindset shift to appreciate the benefits of a smaller, more cohesive collection of clothes, there’s more you can do to spice up your closet.
A Sustainable Solution
Clothing rentals are a personal favorite of mine as they allow me to try out new pieces without committing. I rent, I wear, I send the pieces back so someone else can do the same. You can read my full clothing rental review here if you’re considering dipping your toe into the rental
There you have it – my personal pros and cons of a capsule wardrobe.
Lucky for you, I put these learnings into my guide to building a stunning capsule closet.
Capsule Wardrobe FAQs
We’vecovered the advantages and disadvantages of a capsule wardrobe. Now, I’ll address questions from the capsule curious.
Absolutely! A capsule wardrobe is designed to make your life easier. By focusing on a curated selection of versatile pieces, you simplify your daily dressing routine and reduce decision fatigue.
Of course, practicality can vary depending on your lifestyle and personal taste. If you have a job that requires a specific dress code or if you enjoy staying on top of the latest fashion trends, you’ll need to tweak your capsule.
But overall, the streamlined approach of a capsule wardrobe can save you time, money, and mental energy, making it a very practical choice for many.
The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is that it’s flexible and adaptable. Some prefer a twice-a-year capsule refresh (once every six months) while others like a more frequent assessment at the change of each season (one every 3 months).
Generally, it’s a good idea to revisit and update your capsule wardrobe every season. This doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything, but rather make adjustments to accommodate changing weather, upcoming events, or shifts in your personal style.
Create Your Dream Closet
What if every day was a good outfit day? I created The Elegance Edit to help women level up their wardrobes with intention.
Unlock these capsule wardrobe resources, browse the blog, or reach out to me with your capsule questions. Best of luck!
