How to Start a Capsule Wardrobe for Moms

For the longest time, I had been toying with the idea of trying a capsule wardrobe. I really loved the idea and then slowly realized that I was treating my full wardrobe like a capsule wardrobe, because I really only wore a small percentage of it, remixed in different ways to make different outfits.

It’s really been working for me, especially with transitioning from working to momming throughout the everyday, so I wanted to share some thoughts on how to start a capsule wardrobe for moms.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

Let’s back up. Are you familiar with the idea of a capsule wardrobe? It basically means you choose just a few pieces that you really love, which all work together well enough to mix and match. This usually means you stay within a certain color palette or general style. So with just a few items you can remix them over and over to feel like you have a really diverse wardrobe.

I look at a capsule wardrobe and generally try to identify a few different areas: tops, bottoms, layers (sweaters/jackets), shoes, and dresses or one-pieces. After realizing that I pretty much had the same pieces on rotation in each of these categories, I started looking at my wardrobe with a capsule mentality and it made getting dressed so much easier.

Why Should I Try a Capsule Wardrobe?

Honestly, the easy factor is huge for me! There are some days when I go into my closet and just hate the idea of having to figure out what to wear. Or days when I waste a bunch of time deciding what to put on. A capsule wardrobe eliminates a lot of that indecision and time wasted. It takes lots of the guesswork out of getting dressed. It also guarantees that you’ll be wearing something that you love and are comfortable in.

From a working mom’s perspective, I need to look put together enough to run to a casual meeting or to see people out and about, and also be comfortable enough to be running around with the kids. So my particular capsule wardrobe is full of pieces that suit both. Granted, if your work is office-based or has a higher expectation for attire, your capsule wardrobe will probably look a little different than mine. But that’s the beauty of it — you select the pieces that work for you and your own situation.

How Do I Start a Capsule Wardrobe?

Here’s a quick note. Lots of people, when starting a capsule wardrobe, recommend purchasing a small amount of higher-end pieces, suggesting that the higher end clothing will have a longer life. From my perspective, at this point in my life, I’m not investing in too many high end pieces. It’s just not currently on my radar. I play with my kids all day, we get messy, and I don’t see the sense in wearing anything that I have to dry clean or worry about spilling on. So.

I started with the place where most of my clothing comes from anyway: Old Navy. I started by going through my closet, noting which pieces I wore the most, and singling them out. Turns out I have quite a few workhorse pieces from Old Navy that I wear all. the. time.

You can start by doing the same. Go through each category (bottoms, tops, layers, etc.) and identify your favorites. I try to have about 4-5 pieces in each category identified, which all sort of mix and match together really well. Once you have your favorites chosen, if you notice any missing spots, fill those in with one or two new pieces. There’s no need to buy everything at once! A capsule wardrobe takes time to refine, so as you see things pop up in your favorite shops, snag them here or there to fill things out.

What’s In My Capsule Wardrobe?

I realized on our trip to Italy that I basically took my whole capsule wardrobe. It was so easy to travel with, too — it makes packing super simple. (All of the photos in this post are from our trip!) Some of the pieces are a few years old, but I found links to updated versions of almost all the items. See below for a peek at the pieces that are in my capsule wardrobe!

Chambray Shirt
Striped Tee
Overalls
Denim Jacket
Extra Long Cardigan
Linen Drawstring Pants (I also have these in black)
White Jeans
Step-Hem Jeans
Booties
Sneakers

Would You Ever Try a Capsule Wardrobe?

So what are your thoughts? Do you think you would ever try a capsule wardrobe? Do you think it would be easier or more difficult than your usual routine? I’d love to know how the idea strikes you, and if you have any favorite workhorse pieces already in your wardrobe that could be the start of a capsule! xoxo