The Ultimate "How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe" Guide | merewards

13 June 2025 by Grace Kho

Ever wonder why you have so many clothes but yet feel like you have nothing to wear? This dilemma is often caused by fast fashion and how trends move in at an alarmingly fast pace. Many clothes in your wardrobe may be out of trend at this point, and looking at them no longer “sparks joy” as they once did.  

In this story, we are sharing the benefits of a capsule wardrobe and how we can easily build one that gives us more clothing options in our daily lives.

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What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

The idea of a capsule wardrobe is in its name itself. It is to minimise whatever you have into a small “capsule.” This includes finding clothes that are easy to match or accessorise differently to create as many different looks as possible.

There are many benefits to having a smaller closet filled with only the best. For one, it's more sustainable—you cut down on buying every fast-fashion trend. You also begin to focus on quality pieces that you can wear multiple times. Transitioning to a capsule wardrobe helps you save money too, as you no longer feel the need to constantly keep up with trends or buy new items.

Steps to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

1. Clearing

If you haven’t cleared out your wardrobe at least once a year, it’s time to start packing! You likely have pieces that no longer fit or are out of style—think skinny jeans, distressed denim, and bomber jackets. It’s time to let them go and make room for timeless pieces that pair easily with one another.

2. Timeless Clothing

To build a wardrobe that goes beyond trends while keeping you stylish, invest in timeless clothing—also known as “closet essentials.” These pieces are easy to mix and match, making outfit coordination effortless. Examples of timeless clothing include:

  • Button down shirts
  • A tailored blazer or vest
  • Straight cut jeans
  • Midi black dress
  • Neutral-colored T-shirts
  • Trousers
  • White sneakers
  • Cardigan

A key tip to creating a long-lasting wardrobe is to choose colours that are both neutral and bold. Mastering colour matching opens up endless outfit possibilities. To find the shades that suit you best, consider attending a colour analysis workshop—or simply ask AI for help by uploading a photo of yourself!

Another important aspect of building a capsule wardrobe is to shop sustainably. Focus on investing in high-quality pieces instead of fast fashion, which tend to wear out quickly. Remember, the goal of a capsule wardrobe is to minimise the number of clothes while maximising your style. Since you’ll be wearing these pieces often and on repeat, quality matters more than quantity.

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3. Fashion Apps

With technology comes convenience. If you’ve watched Clueless, you’ll remember the iconic scene where Cher picks her outfit using a digital wardrobe. That futuristic concept is now a reality, thanks to fashion apps!

These apps let you create a virtual wardrobe, allowing you to mix and match outfits without physically trying anything on. Simply take photos of each piece of clothing and accessory you own, then upload them to the app. It helps you keep track of your wardrobe and avoid buying duplicates of similar items.

Some of the top fashion apps include:

  • SimpleCloset: Closet Assistant
  • Indyx: Wardrobe & Outfit App
  • Pureple Outfit Planner
  • Stylebook

With the help of this wardrobe app, you do not need to worry about the mess you make trying to fit clothes together every day.

4. Accessorise

Lastly, accessories are key to elevating your outfits. Timeless fashion doesn’t mean boring fashion—how you style your look often comes down to the accessories you choose!

For example, a simple black belt can cinch the waist of a flare dress, creating a more polished silhouette. A statement necklace paired with matching earrings can add colour and elegance to your outfit, making you look both timeless and effortlessly chic. Focus on investing in timeless jewellery pieces that go beyond trends. While these may cost more than fast-fashion accessories that tarnish easily, they’re well worth the investment for long-term wear and style.

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Building a capsule wardrobe comes with many benefits, including encouraging you to get more creative with your outfits. One of the key mindset shifts is understanding that it’s perfectly okay to re-wear clothes, and it's also far more sustainable.

Ultimately, we hope you’ll successfully declutter your wardrobe and discover that having fewer, more versatile pieces actually makes it easier to find something to wear every day.

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