A business capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential and versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various professional outfits.
This type of wardrobe is perfect for professionals who want to look polished and put-together without spending too much time or money on their work attire. It’s also great for people who value sustainability AND style!
Creating a badass business capsule wardrobe may seem overwhelming at first, but it is actually a simple and efficient way to organize your work outfits.
It’s an easy way to reduce consumption by buying fewer clothes! Plus, it takes you less time to pick out your work clothes.
These items are classic staples – things that you reach for time and time again, and have the ability to mix and match with each other.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the six easy steps of creating a business capsule wardrobe.
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6 Simple Steps to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for Work
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
Before diving into creating a business capsule wardrobe, take some time to assess your work environment and personal style. This will help you determine what type of clothing pieces you need to include in your wardrobe.
- Consider the dress code of your workplace – is it formal, business casual, or more relaxed? Do you need a certain type of outfit for business meetings versus everyday office wear? Does your office have a office dress code policy? This will give you a better idea of what type of clothing items are appropriate for your business capsule wardrobe.
- Go through your closet and take note of the pieces you already have! Wearing the clothing we already own is one of the most sustainable things we can do when building a capsule wardrobe.
Step 2: Choose a Color Scheme
One of the keys to a successful business capsule wardrobe is choosing a cohesive color scheme. This means selecting colors that can easily be mixed and matched to create various outfit combinations.
Aim for neutral colors such as black, navy, grey, and white as your base colors. These colors are classic and versatile and can be paired with almost any other color.
If you prefer colorful clothing, don’t worry! You can also add a few pops of color to your wardrobe through accessories or statement pieces, but make sure they still coordinate with your overall color scheme.
Step 3: Invest in Quality Basics
The foundation of any business capsule wardrobe is quality basic pieces. These include items such as tailored pants, a crisp white button-down shirt, a blazer, and a pencil skirt.
If you’ve evaluated your closet and feel like you need to purchase a few items for your classic work capsule wardrobe, be sure to invest in high-quality fabrics and well-made pieces that will last you for years to come.
Look for classic silhouettes that won’t go out of style and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. These key pieces should be able to be styled in a variety of ways. Consider looking on Pinterest if you need inspiration for different sustainable work outfit ideas.
A few examples of essential basics in a work wardrobe may include a white shirt, black dress, leather jacket, black pants, pencil skirts, or other classic pieces that can be layered and styled in a variety of ways.
If you decide to purchase new pieces be sure to focus on high quality clothing that will last for years to come. Look for sustainable materials such as organic cotton, linen, TENCEL, or recycled fabrics.
For creating a men’s capsule business wardrobe consider checking out brands like Taylor Stitch, Ministry of Supply, or Fair Indigo.
For women creating a sustainable business capsule wardrobe consider ABLE, Eileen Fisher, Tradlands, Amour Vert, and Taylor Jay. These brands all have timeless pieces for creating a chic look while valuing ethics and sustainability.
On top of shopping eco-friendly brands, consider checking thrift stores for eco-conscious pieces to add to your workwear capsule wardrobe.
Step 4: Mix and Match
The key to maximizing your business capsule wardrobe is mixing and matching different pieces to create multiple outfits. This means choosing items that can be worn in various combinations.
For example, you can pair a blazer with a dress or skirt for a more formal look, or with jeans for a more casual outfit. You can also layer different pieces such as a blouse under a dress or a sweater over a button-down shirt.
Step 5: Add Personal Touches
Don’t be afraid to add some personal touches to your business capsule wardrobe. This could be in the form of a statement accessory, a fun patterned blouse, or a bold lip color.
Accessorizing can be a great way to create different looks while using the same clothes you’ve been wearing! This not only adds personality to your outfits but also helps you feel more confident and comfortable in your own style.
Step 6: Maintain and Update
Once you have your business capsule wardrobe, it’s important to properly maintain it and update it as needed.
This means regularly cleaning and caring for your clothing, as well as periodically reassessing your wardrobe to see if any new pieces are needed or if some items can be retired.
By following these steps, you can create a badass business capsule wardrobe that is versatile, stylish, and perfect for your professional needs.
Things to remember:
- There is no magic number or any specific combination of pieces that is necessary to create a functioning capsule wardrobe. But remember that less is more!
- Put your capsule to the test and let it adapt to you and your lifestyle.
- Natural clothing is always a great choice. Consider looking for organic cotton, hemp, or linen if you want more natural fibers.
- We’re not aiming for perfection, we’re just trying to do and be better!
Remember to choose quality pieces that can withstand regular wear and tear, mix and match different items, prioritize comfort, add personal touches, and regularly maintain and update your wardrobe for maximum effectiveness.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to streamline your business attire. So, take some time to assess your current wardrobe and start building your own sustainable business wardrobe today! Happy styling!