If starting from scratch, I recommend pulling out every wardrobe item that: fits, suits your style and preferences (including colors), is comfortable and of acceptable quality to you, and, most importantly, that you really love to wear. Then, try to analyze and write down the features you love about them. That will be the basis of your personal style: what you really love to wear. Then, on another day, critically go through the other items that you don’t love wearing and, again, analyze why: fit, style, comfort or quality. If you can, start moving those pieces out and find alternatives that you do love, including filling any gaps. Then, choose much more carefully in the future. I made a list of Don’t Buy items and details, it helped me a lot. These lists are very personal and individual, mine includes: tunic tops, 3/4-sleeves, short-sleeved, warm sweaters and above all, anything containing plastics (synthetic-fiber fabrics, even in blends, or fake-leather). My Do Buy list is specific enough now to rule out not only certain items, but many brands altogether, it really simplifies my life, getting dressed and shopping. There is plenty to love out there, be choosy.
Second this! But I also, when analyzing the items I don’t love, write down the reason WHY it’s in my closet in the first place. Perhaps it’s a color I love but don’t have another item in, or it’s my only turtle neck so I’ve kept it around. Then I narrow down which one of these that I actually want in my closet but should find a better version of that I actually like on me, or if it’s part of my “fantasy self" that I’ve kept around unrealistically.
When are you going to start your own channel @kimberley?? I see you on all the people we both watch :) maybe I should be asking myself the same thing haha. 😂
I recently made a year-round capsule wardrobe. You inspired me to create 12 mini capsules, one for each month. The plan is to spread out my statement pieces. As I was tracking them, it turned out I was only wearing a statement piece about once or twice a year anyway. I finally don't feel overwhelmed with options. Fingers crossed it works. If you or anyone has suggestions, please let me know. I want to add jewelry too very soon. Now I'm working on a similar concept with meal planning...
After reading your statement, I feel I’m in a similar place. Over the last two years I’ve minimized everything in my home, minimized clothing, and food. I have much more time to exercise and paint🙂. How wonderful and freeing this journey has been.
This is so interesting. In 2019, I gave myself a challenge to only by secondhand for a full year. Throughout 2019 I only bought 5 newly produced items. So, it can be done! Love your content.
Due to a lot of weight loss (I'm down from a US 16 to a 10) I have had to start my wardrobe from scratch this year. I've tried to be intentional about purchasing secondhand when available but I was in such desperate need of clothing that it wasn't always possible. I have discovered some amazing sustainable retailers though. Your videos have helped me so much as I've worked to discover my personal style. So far, I've stuck mostly to neutrals as I've been color typed three times and each consultant typed me differently. I've gotten spring, summer, and autumn as well as both warm and cool leaning neutral. I've also been typed as both clear and soft muted. It's very confusing. They've all been virtual so I'm sure screen calibration plays a part. Even so, I'm feeling to much more confident! I absolutely love your content and never miss a video.
If the colour consultants aren't agreeing sounds like you need to DIY. From my experience I think a lot of the advice out there is misleading. What colours or shades of colours make you feel good and get you compliments? Look in the mirror in good light and at photos and see what makes you look healthy/energetic. I think its important to get a feel for your best neutrals white/cream black/brown/grey/navy without looking at friends or family for inspiration. Start with a small palette and build up.
Thanks Signe, for another great video. I have way too many clothes ;many impulse purchases that never get worn. Going forward, I would really like to downsize the number of clothes and sticking to a particular color set so that , in theory, every thing should be able to work together. I appreciate your comment that you need to analyze your life style to know where to concentrate your clothes. I have purchased so many items that don’t fit with my very casual lifestyle. Since starting to follow your advice, I’ve started a daily “wardrobe “ on repeat. Its so much easier using a tried and true formula than trying always to create something new! I would enjoy having you go through your wardrobe piece by piece. I have also liked watching some of the other You tubers you have recommended. I’m not sure who said it but I like the quote Spend more, but buy less! Longevity in clothes should be a goal for us to get out of the fast fashion rut!🤩
Great info. I totally agree with connecting your personality with your style. Also, we go through life changes that reflect in our style. As a newly retired person, I've revamped my wardrobe to work for my new lifestyle. I would also recommend Daria Andrescou. She has a unique take on wardrobe planning.
Capsule wardrobe is a huge money saver for me. I did make a list at the end of last year and listed 3 things that were missing from my capsule that would give me more options. I have purchased 2 of these so far. Thanks Signe for the very informative vlog. 😘
Great video! I first thought it was one of the countless “build a capsule from scratch” which always give you the same list of clothes to own - but it’s different, so thought through and educative. Thank you. I’m off to go through my wardrobe 😊
Thanks so much for your video, you inspires us to be less consumer people and recreate new looks inspired by pinterest app. Declutering your wardrobe is important to tale in consideration. All the best!
I’ve just rewatched this video because I feel I’m ready to deep dive into what it takes for me to build a (capsule) wardrobe that I ABSOLUTELY love. I made (and still tend to make) a lot of wrong purchases and went too fast. My problem is a lack of good basics in good neutral colors and I see that I need to take time to really think about my go to formulas! What do I love wearing and what do I usually pair together? Not asking myself those questions has led to a wardrobe with lots of nice items by themselves, but they are hard to layer/pair together. And I still have too many colors going on. Your best colors are the same as mine, so your choice of colors is very inspiring ❤ It’s about really finding out MY perfect versions of the capsule basics and limiting the amount of colors. Keep the vids coming, they’re so insightful! Love from Holland 🙋♀️
No more that’s 5 pieces per year…I can’t wait until I get to that point. It’s taken me a full year to figure out my wardrobe and during that time I kept some items (mostly dressier) until I really felt like my lifestyle is as casual as I thought. 😂 I’ve made some solid choices on brands & styles and this years wish list is pretty short. One well made pair of leather loafers, one black cashmere cardigan…there’s the budget lol. I did lose some weight so I’ve also got to add a pair of slim black pants. Thank you for all of the nice tips ❤😊
I started my Autumn Capsule Wardrobe but being a clear spring it can be challenging finding basics in the right shades so I chose cream, cream with breton stripes, tomato red, dove grey, navy blue. I keep my bottoms black or dark denim. Blazers I chose red, beige and navy blue. Unfortunately camel, stone and black don't suit me even though I like those colours so I normally use a bright coloured scarf, gold jewelly so I can wear a black blazer, camel trench coat in Autumn and a Camel Coat in Winter.
My current problem is that I have too many clothes that I love! After having a minimal wardrobe, I have accumulated more and more clothes that I have mostly thrifted and that I love equally! I have multiple denim jackets, multiple leather jackets. Basically multilples of all my favourite things. But I wouldn’t like to let go of anything or even store away anything 🙁
If that works for you then that’s totally fine! A minimal wardrobe isn’t for everyone and I strongly believe you should do what you thrive most from! ❤️ I’ve been there too with certain items in my wardrobe, E.g. striped tops - I’d have multiple different kinds because there was just something that sucked me in every time. Sometimes it’s about finding the one or couple ones that are just right (instead of maybe settling), but I think becoming aware of that behaviour (and why) is also an important first step, at least if it’s something you’d like to change 😊🙏🏻
So do I! Mostly it’s from two things: weight loss over the last five or so years and a brief period when I lost my head during the 2.5 years I was homebound (high risk) during the pandemic, when I bought a lot of H&M junk out of boredom and loneliness. Most of the fast-fashion junk is gone now, I just couldn’t stand actually wearing those cheap synthetic fibers, but I still have a too-big wardrobe of quality clothes that I love. They are just huge now, but it’s hard to let them go. I’m gradually replacing them as I can with items three (letter) sizes smaller (XL to S/M), but that’s eating up a lot of money. I just need to be more ruthless in letting go of the now-huge items. The only things that can be altered and sized down that much are some simpler skirts, but after three rounds already, they’re not looking great.🙂
Loved this and would also love to see more of your own personal wardrobe. Was wondering if you do much work with/ have any resources for navigating your style and wardrobe for pregnancy and post partum. Going through second pregnancy and even though it's not my highest priority, would like to enjoy my style more this time round. I'm aware now is probably not the best time to create a capsule wardrobe or do a complete overhaul but would love to hear what you think about still enjoying your clothes during this time 😊
Hearing you share about the 5 new pieces/year recommendation in your podcast and again in this video has really piqued my interest. Now I’m wanting to see how closely I can adhere to that in coming years! But as someone who loves ordering second hand off Poshmark, and then following the tracking as my purchases are shipped across the U.S. to me (and the resources that takes), I’m considering what would be reasonable restraint there as well. Maybe somewhere around 5 new or 7 shipped second hand, or a mix thereof? 🤔 An interesting challenge to me! Thanks for the food for thought, Signe!
My capsule wardrobe consists my new purchased items (with some older items). My inspiration is usually my new bags shoes and jewelry. They dictate what style clothing items I want to buy and wear.
Those capsule, or basic/minimal wardrobe lists never work for me. I don’t wear denim, black leather moto jackets, a lot of t-shirts or sneakers, or even many trousers, I prefer skirts and dresses, even in autumn and winter, which are mild here in California, I just add tall boots and tights when needed. I spent 50 years trying to find jeans or any pants/trousers that fit me even reasonably well, then finally gave up, I just don’t have the necessary hip and thigh curves to fill them out, so soft, drapey skirts are dresses are much better on me. I don’t wear much black, either, it looks terrible on me. I prefer premium, natural fibers and classic styles. I might look a little bourgeoise in my turtlenecks or silk shirts, skirts and tweed blazers, but that’s ok, I’m old enough (63) to wear what I really love and feel comfy in. I’m definitely on the smart, not casual side, but that suits my retired, leisurely lifestyle well, I don’t even cook, clean, garden or have a pet right now. Wearing what one really loves to wear instills ease and confidence. Comfort, versatility, timeless, classic styles and high-quality fabrics and materials are my wardrobe priorities. So is my Summer color palette, it ensures that the colors I choose will both flatter me and work with the others in my wardrobe.
Do you have places to go every day or do you wear nice clothes just to stay home? I have nice clothes but in retirement, I find I don't bother to dress up if I'm not going anywhere.
Jeans are overrated anyway, in my opinion. I've been wearing nothing but skirts, dresses, and loose linen pants all summer. I put on some jeans last week and it was so uncomfortable. I can't believe it's the go-to pant for most people. My crotch gotta breathe lol
Im always amazed by how many shoes ppl have. I have one riding boots, one barn boots, one work/everyday sneakers, one winter sneaker, one nice pair, one sandal, one slipper pair. 😂 7 total. But im quiting equitation and want to switch those two pairs at one point…
i am on a point where the season is changing and i am wanting to declutter some items i have some years and had their best time. I also bought in the place some basic items and i need some help to combine those items in my daily life. I have some items that i want to wear together. But it is a lot of practicing. I was used to a different style then now.
What about adding new pieces to capsule wardrobe… is an essential part of creating capsules but most videos in RU-vid skipping it. Everyone talks about getting rid of not needed items and decluttering, but I have opposite issue - my wardrobe decreased so much (due to lifestyle changes, remote work, body changes etc.) that I don’t have enough items to build workable capsule at the first place. I believe a lot of people struggle with same issue. Would be interesting to hear on this channel about creating a capsule wardrobe from that point of view (skipping decluttering part for those who has nothing to declutter already 😁). How to actually find your “love” pieces and to make it work with small size capsule without getting bored.
Another great video, I have started to shop my wardrobe more now than just buying new items and also sold a lot of unworn things on Vinted so also made a bit of cash!, I love your black ankle boots can I ask where they are from?
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🧥 Capsule wardrobes are a sustainable way to maximize the use of your clothing. 02:07 👗 Building a capsule wardrobe should start with your existing wardrobe and style, emphasizing creativity. 07:04 🤔 Analyzing your style identity is crucial for creating a capsule wardrobe that truly reflects you. 11:11 🧺 When decluttering, categorize clothes into "yes" (in season), "be repaired," "maybe," "no" (outgrown), and "worn out" piles. 16:16 🌍 Practicing slow fashion principles, including limiting new clothing purchases, can benefit both your style and the planet. Made with HARPA AI
hey , i just moved into a much smaller house and i wanna put all my clothes in just a simple white clothing rack . Please give us the link for the rack u have used . I am trying to put 30 pieces in the rack and thats it . thank you. Love ur videos xoxo
So many youtubers show exactly the same capsule wardrobes. Same pieces, same brands, same combinations. How can you talk about style identity, when everything we see is the same? I don't get it, really. It's not about you personally, it's a general remark.
This has been a great video, thank you, new subscriber. Please could you model some of your outfits and show us how you mix & match or recreate some Fall looks. I love the foundations/elevated basics looks from the Fall 2023 fashion shows, e.g. Gucci jeans, button down shirt & trench coat, modern classics that are still the best imo. Personally, I don't store away "out-of-season" clothes, I also don't buy storage boxes, e.g. for the top of my wardrobe, or I'll just buy more clothes to fill them. However I do buy multiples when I find something that I am sure I will wear for years to come, if the price is reasonable or if it's a real find that I'd been looking for forever. I used to feel a bit guilty about it, now I don't, because I'm petite, slim but with wide hips, and I also have wide feet so if I find the perfect pair of jeans or a pair of shoes that are smart while hiding my big feet, I buy more than one and I've never regretted it. I look after my clothes and they last forever. If I need to get rid of one item, I leave it on my front gate to make somebody's day and sometimes I find great things for free too, from plants to books, etc.
