How The 10 Item Wardrobe Works & How to Build Yours (With Examples)
Picture your go-to outfits. Do they consist of the same pieces that you wear on repeat? If so, you’re not alone.
In fact, many women wear just 20% of their wardrobe on a regular basis. Now that we’ve wiped away a tear for the neglected 80%, let’s discuss solutions.
One idea: try out a ten-item wardrobe.
Wait. Am I seriously suggesting that you only ever wear ten clothing items? Not exactly. But I am referring to a total closet (and mindset) shift that offers simplicity and style.
Below, you’ll learn how to make the 10-item capsule work for you.
Table of Contents
Select Supporting Items to Complete Your Wardrobe
*Gasp*. There’s no need to call the minimalist fashion police. The 10-item capsule wardrobe refers to the core of your closet. However, there is room in this regimen for more items. Base layer clothing like tees and tank tops along with special occasion wear all fall into the surrounding wardrobe category. Think of them as the supporting cast for the main star pieces (aka your core ten items).
Deep Clean Your Closet
Or, at the very least, put a lot of it away while you try out a simpler wardrobe. There’s something so freeing about discarding all the clothing that no longer serves you. Whether you get rid of the items or pack them away temporarily, it’s important to get clothing that you’re not using out of sight. A clear closet (and easier outfit creation) is just around the corner.
Looking for investment pieces? Explore these quiet luxury brands for timeless closet essentials.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
When you drastically cut your wardrobe, it’s only natural to gravitate towards pieces that last. A ten-piece wardrobe force you to be selective. As a result, you’ll leave behind the clothing that is just okay. Goodbye, stretched-out cardigan. Hello, flattering blazer and jeans that fit like a glove.
Wear The Same Clothes Over and Over
You’re going to outfit repeat… and you’re going to like it! While studying abroad, Jennifer noticed that Madame Chic (aka her host mother) often wore the same high-quality pieces on repeat. The French 10-item wardrobe concept is alluring. After all, who doesn’t want to look effortlessly put together day in and day out? Take a page from Parisians and embrace wearing the same items often.
Is French fashion calling your name? Explore French capsule wardrobes for summer and winter here.
10-Item Wardrobe Examples
10 Piece Work Capsule Wardrobe
This simple work capsule offers versatility while keeping things classy at the office.
Oxford shirt x2: Classic White Shirt & Baby Blue Shirt
Trousers x2: Wide leg trousers & Black Fitted trousers
Supporting garments ideas: a trench coat, some fitted tank tops, and crisp cap sleeve shirts.
Minimalist Closet FAQs
Does a 10-item wardrobe work?
Yes, but it works best for people who are willing to repeat outfits and committed to keeping their closets small.
To make it work for you, focus on the end goal of minimizing clutter and prioritizing the best pieces in your closet rather than hyper fixating on the specific number of pieces. You may find that a ten-piece closet is not enough but a 15-piece one gives you the right amount of flexibility. This still embraces the principle of doing more with less clothing.
What is included in a 10-piece capsule wardrobe?
The wardrobe contains 10 core pieces and supporting pieces to round out the outfits. The core pieces will include tops, bottoms, and outerwear. For example, a ten-piece capsule could contain 3 shirts, 1 sweater, 2 pairs of jeans, 2 skirts, 1 blazer, and 1 cardigan. Shoes and accessories are not counted as part of the 10 items.