I put my first capsule wardrobe together five years ago. I was tired of never being satisfied with what was in my closet and the constant shopping. At the time I didn’t understand how to create a cohesive wardrobe. Instead I bought separates that I liked without much thought or planning at all. Because of this I didn’t have many pieces that complimented each other, nor did I cultivate a personal style.
My wardrobe used to be packed with eclectic pieces and rarely essentials that would complete my style.
My first capsule wardrobe was small and manageable. It wasn’t perfect, yet none ever are. Later I let the clinical side of curating my wardrobe get the best of me. I became obsessed with making sure I had every item necessary to make it work. That was when the wardrobe checklist came into play. I was still figuring out my personal style at that time. Wardrobe checklists aren’t bad if you know how to make it work for you. It was too analytical for me though.
I strived for the black, white, and grey list of essentials, plus the perfect white blouse and blazer, and wondered why I was bored out of mind.
I understand now that the key to having a truly functional and enjoyable capsule wardrobe is to really understand what makes you tick in terms of style. You really don’t need every neutral essential in your closet to make it work. Cultivating my best capsule wardrobe began once I tossed the checklist, and instead considered my own style along with wardrobe versatility. The 10 Item Wardrobe just made it an even easier process.
In order for me to go from despising 300 items in my wardrobe to loving a 10 Item Wardrobe, I had to analyze what I had, and be willing to let go of everything that I didn’t love no matter how much it cost.
I hadn’t to ask myself questions like…
What do I wear every day, and do I even like what I’m wearing?
What colors looked best with my complexion and eye color?
What drives my clothing purchases?
Does my personal style work with my lifestyle?
How do I want to look everyday?
Do I have quality clothing that I truly enjoy and will last more than a season?
Investing in quality pieces isn’t always about how much you spend, but the amount of time spent in finding that gem even if it is thrifted.
My biggest mistakes with my 300+ wardrobe was thoughtless sale purchases in synthetic materials. Now I choose natural fabrics as much as possible such as linen, cotton, hemp, and wool. Emotional shopping and focusing too much on trends kept my wardrobe in a schizophrenic state.
Every year the trends and “in” season colors change, yet what looks good on you usually doesn’t.
Stepping away from trends, and creatively searching for my own style has worked for me. It has also allowed me the freedom to dress how I love versus how I am influenced. Thrifting has truly helped to enhance my style development. It’s the perfect way to try new styling ideas without breaking the bank or supporting unethical clothing brands.
I know that beginning a capsule wardrobe can feel daunting at first. I never thought I would have such a small seasonal wardrobe. With time it becomes much easier, and you will figure out exactly what works for you and why. I love having a 10 Item Wardrobe because it keeps life and laundry day simple. Plus getting dressed is easy and I enjoy my wardrobe.
The 10 Item Wardrobe is presentable peace of mind. You can see my current and previous capsule wardrobes here.
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
Tshego says
I used to HATE having to get dressed to leave the house before I designed my capsule wardrobe. It took about a year and a half before I fully understood the concept and really got comfy with my personal style. Before I’d have loads of clothes and still find that I had nothing to wear. Your articles have helped me get to a happy, & exciting place with my style and wardrobe and for that I’m forever grateful! I’m even able to go shopping with friends and not buy random things because I know I have a good closet at home 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tshego,
I’m so happy to hear this! Having a capsule wardrobe has changed my world too. Thanks so much for sharing this. I hope you are having an amazing day!
Kirs says
I just found your blog and I lovr it! I’m a newish mom too, transitioning from having an all-thrift wardrobe, and seeking a simpler wardrobe. Thanks for sharing your ideas and methods. You take beautiful pictures!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kirs,
Welcome and thank you for the compliments! Simpler is always better in my opinion since life can be so complicated as it is. Congrats on your little one too!
Jaclyn says
Hi Dawn,
You are an inspiration! I adore the Madame Chic message and I am glad to see that you found it. I enjoy learning about woman related things on Jennifer’s site at The Daily Connoisseur.
You have been an such inspiration in my skin care routine. As a result of your articles on oleic and linoleic acid, I have used pumpkin seed oil as a cleansing oil for the past 2 years. My hope was that oil cleansing would balance my acneic skin and repair past damage. The results have been tremendous. I routinely get complimented on my skin health and appearance, and after 6 months of nighttime oil cleansing it was like I had a new skin type. My skin has less cystic acne, barely any breakouts, and I feel good about what I am putting on my face. I am really excited to try your new serums and I hope that it will help me with my lingering redness from old acne breakouts.
My question for you is, do you still prefer pumpkin seed oil for oil cleansing? Or do you use a different cleansing oil like evening primrose oil or rosehip seed oil?
I’m interested in trying another cleansing oil because I found pumpkin seed oil brought many whiteheads to the surface and I would like to try to clear out those whiteheads with a different oil so I can have smooth clear skin. I use about 4 oz of oil per year to cleanse.
Do you have a preference for oil cleansing oils? For example, would you use evening primrose oil for the oil cleansing process? I find the price of rosehip seed oil prohibitive for oil cleansing.
Thank you for sharing your ideas and for speaking out about non damaging and effective skin care. When I’m browsing in Sephora I tell everyone about your oil cleansing method and I refer them to Minimalist Beauty for information on proper oils to use for the oil cleansing method. I really appreciate how you are sharing your self and your values on your site.
Sincerely, Jaclyn
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jaclyn,
Thank you for your beautiful message! It is always so great to know that this blog has been inspiring or helpful to someone.
As for cleansing oils I have a few favorites. I am still working on a cleanser for my organic skin care line and my favorite oils will be a part of that. Pumpkin seed oil will always be a favorite. I hope to share more on the cleanser soon. I’m just juggling a lot with the elixir, the little one, and everything else. Best wishes with everything you are doing.
Janine says
Thank you. I recall being inspired by one of your older posts to start creating my own my capsule wardrobe. One day, I decided to discard everything in my closet that made me feel frumpy. And that was it. It’s a process creating this new wardrobe, yet now all that I wear, I actually like. So, thank you 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Janine,
This is so amazing to hear! Thank you for sharing this. It can seem crazy at first to downsize your wardrobe so much but it really is freeing to only have what you love. Wishing you an beautiful week!
Lisa says
Thanks so much for this! I definitely have reduced my wardrobe tremendously. Much Love from Washington, DC!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your comment. It’s great you have downsized your wardrobe tremendously. It is so freeing! Much love to you too!