How to Create a Casual Wardrobe Capsule Outfit by Outfit

One of the biggest things in fashion right now is the wardrobe capsule. Everyone wants to know how to create the smallest and most cohesive closet of clothing they possibly can. Yet, creating a one of these capsules can be daunting. Most women don't know where to start. The truth is, creating a wardrobe capsule isn't that hard. The problem is that most women approach it backwards. In today's post I am going to show you how to create a casual wardrobe capsule outfit by outfit. This is a much smarter way to go about it.

But before I do.

Last week I wrote a post on how to wear denim-on-denim with style. On Friday, I took the day off to spend with my mom and just happened to wear this look.

Okay, back to casual capsule wardrobe talk.

When building a professional or casual wardrobe capsule I want you to try taking this approach: To start, begin with one complete outfit. From there, take one piece from that original outfit and create a new one. Next, take one of the pieces from the second outfit you created and use that piece to create a third outfit. See the pattern? Basically, by doing this you are creating a grouping of outfits that has a cohesive thread running through it, which turns it into a capsule. Taking this approach is much simpler versus saying you want a capsule of 10 pieces, grabbing ten items from your wardrobe and struggling to create a bunch of different looks. Doing that is actually backwards thinking. The other benefit of building a capsule wardrobe outfit by outfit is that you can build the capsule to whatever size you want. At any point you can stop building when you feel you have created enough outfits. Additionally, as you introduce new purchases into your wardrobe they will be much easier to assimilate into your existing capsule of looks. All you have to do is feed it in and build from there using what you already own.

Take a look at the casual wardrobe capsule I created below using this outfit by outfit approach.

How to Create a Casual Wardrobe Capsule Outfit by Outfit

Outfit #1
Here is the starting point outfit, consisting of a pair of white jeans from Michael Kors, a green Boden t-shirt, a navy J. Crew blazer, gold ballerina flats from Vince Camuto, a statement necklace from Max & Chloe and handbag from Hobo.
Outfit #2
To create this new outfit I took the green t-shirt from the last look. I styled the top with a denim skirt from LOFT, a Nic + Zoe cardigan in coral, a pair of tan sandals from Spendid, pendant necklace from Stella & Dot and the same bag as used previously from Hobo.
Outfit #3
In this outfit I took the coral Nic + Zoe cardigan from the last look and used it layer over this striped dress from Modcloth. The outfit is finished with a pair of navy wedge sandals from Style & co., a pair of coral earrings and the same bag, again.
Outfit #4
In this fourth look, the dress was pulled from the last outfit and I brought back the navy blazer from J. Crew to create a more tailored look. I used the same blue wedges, the same handbag, yet again, and, this time, used a long gold necklace and blue stud earrings, both from Kate Spade.
Outfit #5
Finally, this this last look, I took the navy blazer from the previous outfit and used it to create this ensemble. Here the blazer is styled with a pair of boyfriend jeans from the Gap, the same gold Vince Camuto flats, a pink top from French Connection, the long gold necklace as used previously, a printed scarf from Bloomingdales and that same Hobo handbag that has been used in every outfit.

Now I could go on from here, and if I were to I would probably take the pink top to build another outfit, maybe using the white jeans from the first outfit, and so on. By approaching a wardrobe capsule in this manner it's much less complicated and confusing, plus it forces you to work with what you already own and then really hone in one what you might be missing.

I can't recommend this approach enough when creating a cohesive grouping of outfits in your closet. As you prepare for the next season, start with one of your favorite outfits and build from there. I can't wait to hear how some of you make out trying this approach to getting more from your wardrobe.