How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

model wearing closet basics
Fashion is a wonderful way to express yourself. Your personal wardrobe is one of the first things people might notice about you on the street, in a restaurant, or at the park. Some people like to make a bold statement through their clothing, while others want to be more subtle. No matter how you like to dress, the capsule wardrobe is a great way to balance your personality with closet basics you can always throw on in a pinch.

You might want to think about how to build a capsule wardrobe if your goal is to always have reliable, but chic clothing items in your closet you can depend on. The key to doing this is taking a step back, reflecting on yourself, and investing in quality pieces that you’ll want to wear day after day, season after season.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll find yourself with a wardrobe of effortless and timeless essentials that can be worn anywhere. Read through to find out how to build a capsule wardrobe while still expressing your unique fashion sense and style.

Think About What You Like to Wear

The first step when building a capsule wardrobe is reflecting on what you enjoy wearing most. Maybe you favor sweaters and knits? Or comfy t-shirts? Some people like to wear dresses no matter what the temperature is.

When you’re wondering how to build a capsule wardrobe, you shouldn’t focus on anything too aspirational – be realistic and account for what you wear day in and day out. Then, you can start thinking about how to incorporate interesting details and how to make your wardrobe unique.


Focus on Comfort

model wearing a sweater from her capsule wardrobe
Our closet basics should always feel comfortable on the skin – this is the easiest way to ensure you’ll want to keep wearing the clothing you own. When we consider how to build a capsule wardrobe, we like to start with the most important contributor to comfort – good fabrics. Fabrics that are blended with modal will be soft and durable. Anything blended with spandex will have that stretch that makes movement easy and effortless.

When you wear comfortable clothes made with high-quality fabrics, you don’t only feel good – you look good as well. Soft and pillowy fabric has a fantastic drape, so it’s supremely flattering.


Invest in Layers


Some people live in places where the sun shines all year long – some people live with colder seasons. To make your wardrobe last throughout the changing weather, we suggest you think about how to layer and get the most out of your new clothing. This is how you build a capsule wardrobe that lasts.

Of course, you’ll want to find jackets and coats that will work for your climate. Then, you can look for tops and bottoms made with light fabric that’s easily layered. If the day warms up, you can take off a layer. If it starts to get chilly, throw on a sweater.

Go Neutral

model wearing a neutral tank
For your clothing to truly be made up of essential closet basics, you’ll need to gravitate toward neutral hues that can be paired with anything. If you like bright colors, that’s completely fine – just try to limit your bolder items to just a few, and purchase the rest of your clothing to revolve around them.

We think focusing on white, black, camel, and navy are some of the best colors to wear when you consider how to build a capsule wardrobe, but this is up to your preference. If you know you’ll always love wearing bright pink, then feel free to add tons of pink to your closet.


Ignore Trends

Trends come and go, but we want a wardrobe that will last years. We never want to experience that awful dread that comes when you have a closet filled with clothes but nothing to wear. When you’re committed to learning how to build a capsule wardrobe, you sometimes need to tell yourself to ignore the current trends and instead focus on your own sense of style.

We all have certain aesthetics, structures, and cuts we love in clothing – take the time to learn about your preferences and divest yourself from the never-ending cycle of trends and current styles. Find the closet basics you love and never wonder what to wear again.

Reflect on Your Lifestyle

model wearing a basic navy top
Style preferences, layers, and developing your personal fashion sense all go a long way in learning how to build a capsule wardrobe, but there’s one more thing you should focus on. You should also factor your lifestyle into the equation and purchase clothing that supports your daily life.

Some of us like to stay active and be outside for long hours – others like to be cozy while indoors. Whatever you like to do from day to day, make sure that your closet basics reflect that and will help you look put together no matter what you get up to. If you want comfortable clothing that can take you from a morning hike and then out to brunch, then look for athletic-inspired apparel that always looks polished.

Shop Chic and Timeless Apparel with TART

Learning how to build a capsule wardrobe might take some time, but it’s easy to do when you browse TART Collections. We feature designs that embody the laid-back and chic California lifestyle. Our fabrics are supremely soft and feel wonderful against the skin, which makes wearing our apparel a no-brainer.

Wear our styles anytime – whether you’re getting ready for date night or heading to the farmer’s market on the weekend. You’ll look good – and feel even better – no matter what. We’re your destination for women’s everyday essentials.

Learn more about us, shop TART Collections, and receive free US shipping over $150.

Latest Blog posts

GET THE LATEST FASHION TIPS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!