Thrift Shopping and the Capsule Wardrobe

I’ve been reading a lot about capsule wardrobes lately. Are you familiar with the term? Here are a few articles that I’ve been using as points of reference (start with this one and this one.)

Basically, the idea is to reduce the number of items in your closet to a small number (I’ve seen that number range between 24 and 37). Some capsules set it up by season as well.

I LOVE the idea of creating a capsule wardrobe. I especially like the idea of reducing the amount of clothing in my closet. Every couple of months I seem to make a pile that can be donated, but then I go through the same routine of ‘well, maybe I’ll wear this again’ and end up keeping far too many items.

I’ve written before about ways that I try to decide if I should keep something or not, but old habits die hard. Do I think I can make a capsule wardrobe and really only have less than 40 items in it? I think I can do it.

I’m setting a few parameters for myself. From what I’ve read about other capsule wardrobes, I don’t need to count pyjamas or bathing suits in my numbers, and I’m also going to set aside accessories and shoes. Those will be looked at separately. I’m also leaving out outerwear.

Here are a few ways I plan to do this:

1 – I have to get rid of items first (for donation). I start by asking these questions and I will sort everything into the following piles.

a) Doesn’t fit (they go right away, I need to stop telling myself they might fit again)

b) I haven’t worn it in the past 6 months to a year. Get rid of them.

c) Maybe. The maybe pile can stay, for now.

d) Love it. That pile stays.

2- Once I have those piles created, I then need to reassess the maybe pile. How many items are in my love it pile? Can I add a few from my ‘maybe’ pile?

3- I need to take stock of what type of items I need. Between casual clothes and work clothes, there’s a bit of overlap. By putting together outfits along the way, I will be able to see which pants or shirts are more frequently worn (and could stay).

I’ve made a list to help guide me. I’ve also assigned a number I think is reasonable to keep:

Jeans (4)

Dress pants (3)

Long sleeve shirts (4)

Short sleeve shirts (6)

Sweaters/Cardigans (5)

Tank Tops (5)

Dresses (3)

Total items if I follow this pattern: 30

Note: This list may change once I actually start going through everything.

4- I will do a little shopping still to update my wardrobe, or fill in areas. This is when thrift store shopping helps!

Each season, there will likely be a couple of pieces that I want to add into the closet. I don’t need many, but from time to time, as I’m sure you can relate to, we want to add something fresh, or replace something old. This is one reason why I love thrift shopping. I can check out Value Village for a great find that doesn’t cost me a fortune, and that can be incorporated into my closet. Maybe it’s an accessory, or top or a new dress. Either way, the goal is to keep new items at a minimum, remove something when I add to the closet, and look for pieces that can be worn with multiple outfits.

What do you think? Can I set up my ideal capsule wardrobe? I’m not sure I will sort it by season. My summer wardrobe is limited to begin with, and some items, like tank tops, I keep to wear year round and with layers.

Once I get the closet set up, I’ll share progress. At least I know that the items I don’t keep, I can easily donate to national and local non profits at Value Village.

Stay tuned! This won’t be easy, but I am determined!

Have you set up a capsule wardrobe? Or one that is limited? Would you consider it?

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Value Village. All opinions are my own. I really do need to try and get my clothes more organized and to a fewer number!