How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe in Australia — A Beginner's Guide
The capsule wardrobe is one of the key things that I have learned during my organising journey over the years. It will change your life, your wallet, your looks and your wardrobe all by doing this one thing.
Ready? Let’s get started!
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is having most of your clothes mix and match or having a “uniform” the same outfit you wear day in day out. If you look at guys like US YouTuber Matt D’Avelli he has his favourite pants and favourite shirt. For three years he has worn the same outfit every day, with no stress, no decisions and he feels comfortable.
For women this is trickier, for a while I tried to only wear a white shirt and black pants this became a bit boring and I didn’t like the ironing of the shirt. Organising is meant to enhance your life so I continued researching. The capsule wardrobe is using staples, often really simple and good quality ones and mixing and matching these time and time again. You will wear different outfits, feel slightly different but really the decisions are minimal because 90% of your wardrobe works together.
How to set up your capsule wardrobe — where to start
If I were starting a capsule wardrobe from scratch, this is the order I would invest in pieces — bottoms first, then tops, then shoes.
Bottoms — the foundation of your capsule wardrobe
I suggest you go for timeless colours, black pants, black skirts, one or two pairs of jeans and maybe white pants. (Some people like having beige or blue - up to you).
Pencil skirts are great I only have black ones they often replace my black pants in summer.
Short’s having well fitted simple coloured pants can make you look stylish instead of frumpy on weekends. All whilst still wearing comfortable clothes (I love shorts during summer).
What these items should have in common is they need to fit amazing, be of great quality.
If you think about a great set of black pants or your favourite jeans, you will wear them every week, possibly a couple of times every week. Make these pieces count and don’t settle for second best.
Tops — keep it simple and mix-and-match
What tops do you like, it turns out I like bright bold colours, a very little pattern which is great for mixing and matching.
Other things to consider:
Which tops is do you need?
More casual or formal?
Will you iron your clothes or can’t be bothered? (that is me)
These things need to be thought about before you purchase your clothes.
Shoes
Believe it or not, you can easily manage with very few shoes. At the time of writing I have 8 pairs of shoes this includes:
2 sets of winter booths (black and brown)
1 set of sport shoes
1 set of white sneakers
2 sets of casual flats black and beige
2 sets of heels black and beige
Do you see a pattern? Very few styles but a mix of colours, this allows me to mix and match away.
Update on my shoes: I now only own 6 pairs the white sneakers and the beige heels have given up. Sometimes I replace them straight away but it depends on your lifestyle and climate. Whether you create a capsule wardrobe Australia, USA or Europe your shoes need to fit your surroundings, buy well and not often.
Building a work capsule wardrobe in Australia
The Capsule Wardrobe Australia - clearly you need some other items
If you like clothes and you need a little more than skirts, pants, t-shirts and simple shoes I get it. Which self respective Australian doesn’t have active wear and ugg boots?
However when you purchase wardrobe items make sure you are very deliberate, what, why and how often will you wear it.
Dresses, jackets and the pieces that complete it
Dresses - Every woman needs a LBD (Little Black Dress) mine is really good quality (very expensive) but it has already lasted me 3 years.
A LBD - Little Black Dress - There is an argument to have a few key coloured dressed that fit you like a glove. The benefit of good dresses is that you can use them year-round. In winter add some layers on top or on the bottom, in summer keep it simple. I also have a key party dress which I can dress up with jewellery and heels. And recently I invested in a luxurious pantsuit, it will be a key item for parties or formal presentations.
Jackets - Having a few jackets in different colours can make jeans and a t-shirt look neat. It can change up your key colours in the office and is versatile if the weather changes.
Underwear - When you dive even deeper into the capsule wardrobe why not have, only the best and most comfortable undies? You don’t need 20 bras just a handful that fit and make you feel amazing. This makes your garments flow and literally, the underlying comfort will shine through whatever you wear on top.
Why cost per wear changes how you shop
The capsule wardrobe becomes more valuable as time goes on. The reason for this is that initially, you don’t worry about price (well you do but try not to). Instead, you focus on quality and the CPW (Cost Per Wear). If I buy cheap pants say $35 dollars and need to replace them every year it costs me more than if I buy $100 pants and still wear them three years on. Not only that because the garment is so comfortable but also because you will look great. You will wear it more and won’t buy extra items, saving money on two fronts.
Quality over quantity
Having only a hand full of key items means less, cost, clutter, less organising and an easier process to organise your closet. It has been one of the key things organising that has had an amazing ripple effect on many parts of my life. And clearly, it fits into our sequential model of decluttering, cleaning and organise to a tee.
The environmental case for a capsule wardrobe
Fast fashion creates a huge amount of waste. A capsule wardrobe directly fights that — you buy less, use more, and throw away almost nothing. Over time, as you invest in better quality, you can also choose more ethical and sustainable brands.
If you want your organising actions to make a difference going for a capsule wardrobe might be a key thing you can do.
Watch: capsule wardrobe in action
Get organised with a capsule wardrobe Australia -Work Outfits
How the capsule wardrobe Australia works in action - Casual Outfits
How to put the capsule wardrobe Australia together - On your computer screen
Like this topic?
You’ll love any of the books I have written on organising.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of versatile, high-quality clothes that all work together. Most items mix and match, so you can create many different outfits from very few pieces. The goal is less clutter, less decision fatigue, more confidence and comfort in what you wear.
How many items are in a capsule wardrobe?
Most capsule wardrobes have between 25 and 50 items, including shoes and accessories. There is no fixed number the point is to own only what you actually wear and love, not to hit a specific count.
How do I start a capsule wardrobe in Australia?
Start with your bottoms a few pairs of well-fitting black pants, jeans, and a skirt. Then add tops that work with all of them. Focus on quality over quantity, neutral or consistent colours, and pieces that suit your actual lifestyle, not who you wish you were.
Further inspiration
My first inspiration for a minimalist wardrobe came from Matt D’Avelle
The first capsule wardrobe ideas came from Cana Campbell. She has a more practical and feminine approach to owning very few items of clothing.
Of course, you can type in any search on google to find great seasonal capsule wardrobe ideas.
The link to organising, as you now know, the capsule wardrobe is potentially less well known but is an organisers dream come through.
Let me know how you go in your journey decluttering and organising your clothes.
