My Quest to Building a “Semi-Capsule” Closet

My fashion impracticality has always been a notable personality trait. In the past, when given the chance to opt for a sensible basic or an eye-catching and “of the moment” piece, I would time and time again choose the latter.

Blame it on the fact that I’m a Leo sun, or that I grew up in the time of girly pop stars, Steve Madden ads, and Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. Whoever is to blame (it couldn’t be me) guided me to adulthood where I found myself with a big girl credit card and a desire to own every outlandish piece I could find. A match made in American Express heaven. 

This worked for me for a while throughout my younger twenties, but every year I noticed that the pieces that were once “to DIE for” were now slowly dying in the back of my closet. After one or two wears, the novelty had soon worn off, the Instagram photos were taken (though please let’s normalize repeating outfits on Instagram), and I felt their purpose had been served.

Those pieces were to garner attention, not to live on in my wardrobe for years to come. They’d eventually be put to rest at my local Goodwill after being worn by me just a few times, hardly making them worth the money I had spent on them. 

While I noticed how quickly I got tired of the trendier items I purchased, I simultaneously noticed just how often I was okay with wearing my favorite black t-shirt. In fact, I NEVER got tired of it. I could wear it with anything and I always knew it would be comfortable, work for me, and most importantly, make me feel good. 

It soon became clear that these classic, never overdone items should be the large majority of my wardrobe. I knew I could never commit to becoming fully neutral or understated, but I started to change the way I saw staple pieces. A well constructed white button down became way more interesting when I realized all the ways I could style it and that I would love each wear because it was different from the last. My go-to date outfit became a white button down, a cute black bra peeking from the top paired with mom jeans and black heels or boots. It was so simple, but with the addition of a different bag or a scarf I suddenly felt like it was an entirely new feel. I could easily re-wear the shirt the next day (no judgement) over biker shorts with sneakers and run to get coffee.

We get it, staples are forever. It’s not a novel idea, truly. But I feel like so much of the content I see about building a “capsule closet” is about minimalism and avoiding stress by taking the choices out of getting dressed in the morning. That is the opposite of what I want! I want ALL the choices! I also want to know that what I’m buying will last me a long time and not contribute to the overwhelming environmental issue we’ve created by over-consuming trends and under-appreciating true quality. Below are some tips I’ve picked up on my quest to build a “Semi-Capsule Closet”.

Clean Out Your Closet

Marie Kondo your life before you start to build a new wardrobe. Seriously, it helps! You’ll know what you already have to work with and you can pay close attention to what you’re getting rid of so you can avoid those same mistakes in the future. Yes, the heels were cool. Did you wear them at least 30 times? Did you love how you felt in them? If not, think about them the next time you go shoe shopping.

Thrift Trends Where You Can

2000s hibiscus prints and oversized graphic tees are not only found at Urban Outfitters, oddly enough. I’ve found my best trendy pieces by shopping at good consignment shops and Depop. I also have found my most unique pieces there! When mixed with good staples, these are pieces that will serve me through the season and I can easily recycle when I’m no longer in love with them without the guilt that I paid a ridiculous price tag for them.

You Don’t Have to Avoid Prints

When I was first learning about capsule closets, I felt like if I bought into the idea I would lose my sense of unique personal style. This does NOT have to be the case. Instead, I try to focus on prints that are evergreen (think houndstooth, gingham, plaid, polka dots) and in colors I wear often and can easily pair with at least three things I already own.

Staples Should Be Investment Pieces

I’m guilty of scoffing at the price of a good t-shirt, but when I really think about wearability, spending money on a t-shirt or basic trouser will go much further than spending hundreds of dollars on a one time dress for an event. I am actively trying to find the best quality “everyday” clothing because those pieces are what I will use to build a beautiful wardrobe. Remember, you can’t wear the checkered pants if you don’t have a beautiful top to pair it with.

Get a Good Tailor

When you assess your existing items, take stock of the items you WOULD wear more if they fit you properly. Those items don’t necessarily need to go, they might just need a little love from your tailor.

Don’t Sacrifice Comfort

You might think you can push through the pain for a good outfit, and you might one or two times, but the truth is, you won’t reach for something that isn’t easy to wear. Think about that the next time you want to buy killer metallic boots that, quite literally, will kill you.

Essentially, go with your gut. Be thoughtful about your purchases and ultimately, if you can’t live without that one impractical thing, buy it. I don’t believe in limiting yourself always, but I do believe if you are 85% practical, the rest of your purchases will mean so much more to you than a closet full of pieces that quickly come and go. Fashion should bring you joy, and I believe part of that joy can come from knowing you have masterfully built a closet you can be proud of and hopefully, never say “I have nothing to wear” ever again. 

Cadyn Scott

Cadyn is a marketing creative in Charleston, SC who has primarily worked in social media strategy and brand building in the music and fashion industry respectively. She is a Leo, Enneagram 7, and ENFP who clearly has a personality assessment addiction. When she’s not working or self-analyzing, you can find her drinking wine with friends, trying new restaurants, or doing crossword puzzles with her cat, Alfie.