When Capsule Wardrobes DO Work

Using Capsules Wisely


I’ve written before about The Pitfalls of the Capsule Wardrobe Concept. Many, many stylists would disagree with me, but I feel that trying to design your entire wardrobe around a capsule will invariably lead to a breakdown of your wardrobe planning system. The goal of wardrobe planning is the design of a wardrobe that works over the long term. In other words, it can be easily updated, improves in quality, and ensures that everything in your closet is worn routinely. Capsule wardrobes are really cool in concept, but I don’t think they are your best bet when thinking of your wardrobe over time.

However, we all have certain activities that we are involved in, or have those special occasions, that require clothes that do not fit in with our primary wardrobe. These activities./occasions may not be a large part of how we spend our time, but occur frequently enough to warrant a wardrobe addendum. For these situations, creating a small specialty capsule can be just the right thing to do.

What follows are some possible capsules that you may find helpful to create. Note that not everyone will need every capsule. For example, those whose primary wardrobe is already casual will not need a weekend capsule. Also, the number of garments within each capsule will vary from person to person depending on the frequency of the activity. For instance, someone who is out on the town several times per week would want more options in their evening-wear capsule than someone who goes out rarely or not at all. See how it works?

Here are some capsules you may want to consider creating:

The LBD Capsule

If you attend a number of parties that require black tie or cocktail dress, you will want to invest in a killer LBD. Here is where you can really think investment piece. A well-chosen timelessly-styled LBD can last you years and be worn numerous times without ever going out of style. Make sure that it fits perfectly. Go for quality. Choose a smashing jacket, dressy cardigan, or a stunning wrap to add interest. Since your dress will be the lynchpin of this capsule, your interest pieces are the secondary elements that you can change out seasonally; or you can use accessories such as an eye-catching necklace, bracelet, or earrings to create several other looks. Look for two pairs of shoes: a super dressy heel for the most upscale events, and a more moderate heel or flat for less dressy occasions. The second shoe can even be borrowed from your primary wardrobe. The goal: Two to three different looks with one dress.

Weekend Capsule

Most people look at their weekends as being a more casual, relaxed time, especially if they work the usual M-F workweek. A perfect weekend/casual capsule can be built around 2 pairs of really excellent jeans…one hemmed for heels, the other hemmed for flats. Choose 2-3 different tops with a casual feel to them…they might be good quality T-shirts in great colors, or they might be nice twin sets. This could also be your opportunity to include a few of the trendier items that you’ve been hankering to add to your wardrobe. Then think of topping it all off with a good quality hoodie or even a blazer. Remember, though, that even your weekend capsule needs to reflect your overall style persona. Total pieces: 2 pairs of jeans (or substitute any 2 bottoms), 2-3 tops, and a sweater/jacket.

Out-on-the-Town Capsule

Dinner dates, clubbing, dancing, theatre: there are many evening events that we attend which may require something a little more evening-oriented. Evening wear usually is more sheer, has more shimmer, and will often have metallic fabrics or trims. If you aren’t out on the town at least once a week, you can most certainly satisfy your dressy occasions with your LBD capsule. Otherwise, this capsule can be an extension of either your weekend capsule or your primary wardrobe. Start with two snazzy tops that you can pair with the jeans from your weekend capsule, or with bottoms from your primary wardrobe. Add fun and you’re ready to go.

Workout Capsule

Many of us do not classify workout wear as part of our wardrobe. Knowing this, I must implore you: Do not use a workout capsule as a repository for ill-fitting, ancient wardrobe cast-offs. No, no, no! If you will be stepping foot outside your home (or even if you won’t be), invest in some workout wear that looks stylish and put-together. Working out is noble, but no one wants to see you in your baggy sweats and decrepit T-shirts. How many outfits you include in this capsule really depends on how often you need workout clothes and how often you launder them. If you work out daily or even multiple times per day, you might not be able to get away with a capsule wardrobe. Instead, count the number of workout outfits you would need per week, and keep exactly that many. If you happen to do laundry multiple times per week, then it is absolutely feasible to create a workout capsule around a stylish track suit or yoga pants and hoodie…or both. In both instances, capsule or no capsule…resist the temptation to let your closets get overrun with workout wear.


“Rags” Capsule

This capsule contains clothes for those activities that could permanently damage, through staining or tears, the clothes you are wearing. It might be painting, yard work, car repair, home repair….what have you. This capsule is the perfect home for your old holey jeans and stained T-shirts. You don’t need many clothes here…one pair of pants and two shirts should get you through most situations.


When creating capsules, remember that they should all be consistent with your overall image. If you’ve done your wardrobe planning homework, you will have invested a good deal of time in figuring out your personal style persona. Also, don’t let capsules become an excuse to satisfy all the different personalities in your wardrobe. Capsules are created for specific wardrobe functions. If you begin to head down the road of having your “biker chick” capsule, your “bohemian funky” capsule, and your “sexy librarian” capsule among others, you will soon have defeated the purpose of a very small closet.

And finally, let me point out that not all the clothes in each capsule need to be unique to that capsule. You can borrow from your primary wardrobe or share garments between capsules. What you are focusing on is creating or identifying small sub-sets of clothing that work for specific activities or situations.

Have fun creating!


Jennifer Skinner


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