Capsule Wardrobe

I started implementing a capsule wardrobe after the pandemic began in 2020. I didn’t really see the need for multiple items to choose from when every place was closed and we weren’t going anywhere. I was pregnant and postpartum for nearly all of 2021, and I am not someone who particularly loves ‘dressing their bump’. All that to say I didn’t buy many clothes last year with my ever-changing body.

Now that it is 2022, the pandemic is seemingly slowing down, and I am no longer pregnant… I am very excited to put together my spring and summer capsule wardrobe as I plan to continue on with this method of how I approach fashion and my closet. I don’t exactly have tips and tricks on how to have a capsule wardrobe, but I do believe it is different for everyone. For me, I find that having the following items (specifically thinking of spring and summer seasons) works well for me:

• Quality pair of medium wash jeans
• Two pairs of shorts
• Two tank tops
• Two t-shirts
• Two dresses
• Two sweaters

I obviously have all of my workout clothes and hiking/camping clothing that I’ll be rotating into this as well on weekends. But I find that having these eleven clothing options works well for me. I do have some of these pieces already, but below are what I’ll be adding to my closet. I prioritize as best I can buying from companies that make their products sustainably and ethically. I definitely notice a difference when I don’t buy from places that are fast fashion. As the saying goes: you get what you pay for.

Pants & Shorts

If you haven’t heard of Agolde, and you regularly use the internet, I want to meet you. Because I feel like this brand is everywhere lately. I bought a pair of their shorts last fall, and plan on adding a pair of the Riley High Rise Straight Crop (I’ve been eyeing them for over six months). I’ve purchased my denim from Madewell since 2015, and I’m ready to upgrade to higher quality jeans.

The other pair of shorts I have are from Jungmaven and are their Venice Short. I purchased from the Margo Market almost two years ago and they are still better than ever.

Dresses

The Jenni Kayne Caftan Dress (left) I plan on wearing multiple times throughout the week; to the park, playdates, and when we’re just hanging out on our back patio. It can get really hot in Portland in the summer, and almost nowhere has air conditioning. This look is the the perfect dress to throw on while it’s in the 90s outside and I feel like I might actually melt.

I already have this Emerson Frye dress (right) and brought it with me to Hawaii. I actually had to throw it in the dryer before I wore it. It was so large (it’s one size fits all) and I felt like it was swallowing me whole. Now that I’ve dried it and it’s shrunk down a little bit, it fits perfectly. It’s also pictured on their website with a belt bag, which I love. I got several compliments while in HI, and also plan to wear this all summer long.

Tanks & Tees

I had seen snippets of AYR on IG for a while, but after receiving a catalog in the mail from the company (yes, via snail mail), I randomly stopped and flipped through it which I never do with magazines or catalogs. I decided to look into the company and quickly became a fan. I plan on stocking up on their tees and tanks. I mean…how strong are the cool-girl vibes in these photos?!

Sweaters

I have several sweaters from fall and winter that will be fine to use in the warmer months. But one sweatshirt I am eyeing is this one pictured above from, of course, AYR. Definitely envisioning myself wearing this on summer nights sipping rosé on our back patio under some twinkle lights. I love the sweats too, but Lord knows I have plenty of those already.

Of course I have other events and travels that are planned for the coming months where I might snag something special to wear (example: when we celebrate TEN years of marriage this spring!). But overall, this is what I plan on wearing as soon as there is a glimpse of spring in the air.

What about you? How do you set up your wardrobe and closet? Do you believe in a capsule wardrobe? If so, what are some of your favorite companies to support in setting up your ‘uniform’ for each season? I’d love to hear!