How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe Featuring Kal Rieman
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a wardrobe made up of a small selection of interchangeable pieces. The idea is for you to mix and match the pieces to create different outfits by mixing colors, tones, textures, or cuts. It is an innovative way to save time, money, and closet space, while also simplifying the process of putting outfits together every day.
There is a lot of chatter about capsule wardrobes. And the way many fashion bloggers present them, they sound like the magic cure to those that are struggling with a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. I am going to share a possibly unpopular opinion, yet, one that I stand behind after working with 1,000+ women in the past 17 years as a personal stylist…
Capsule wardrobes are not for everyone.
Why? Because capsule wardrobes are built around the idea of minimalism. Like 37 pieces total - clothes, shoes, accessories, outerwear - for an entire season, and that is it. And minimalism, while perhaps an aspiration for many, does not work for most people.
I mean, I’d like to be a vegan. I see the benefits; I admire the discipline. But my reality is no way! It’s too limiting for me personally. Basically, while a capsule wardrobe is a great idea, it takes a lot of discipline. It’s something that I am asked about frequently, but personally do not find to be realistic for myself, so don’t feel bad if it’s not for you either. And if that’s the case, just use the following post as outfit inspiration with these fabulous pieces from Kal Rieman!
How to Know if a Capsule Wardrobe is for you
There is no way to know for sure unless you try a capsule wardrobe, but it’s not practical to spend money building a capsule wardrobe if it’s not going to work. But you don’t have to! This is the litmus test I like to use with clients…Think about when you go on vacation… Do you get bored, or are you liberated by what you’ve packed? Meaning - when you wear what you pack for vacation, are you sick of everything by the end? Or did it simplify things, and you felt free and easy?
Because essentially, a vacation wardrobe is a capsule wardrobe.
If it works for you, GREAT! Go for it! And if it doesn’t, don’t worry.
There are also some general reasons that a capsule wardrobe may or may not work for you. If you’re debating on starting a capsule wardrobe, consider the following:
A Capsule Wardrobe Is Not Ideal If You:
Do laundry less than once a week
Get bored easily
Spend time with the same group of people
Fluctuate weight
Enjoy color
Like hero/statement pieces
A Capsule Wardrobe Is Ideal If You:
Get decision overwhelm
Feel different enough with the change of a shoe or scarf
Enjoy dressing on vacation (because a good vacation wardrobe is really a capsule)
Are okay wearing the same pieces over again
Understanding and knowing how to implement a capsule wardrobe is still an essential skill. Why?
Well, because really, at its essence, a capsule wardrobe contains the foundational building blocks for any great wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is made up of the workhorse pieces that can be worn again and again. Most of my clients have a capsule wardrobe, but it is just a part of their overall clothing mix. It’s an important part, the foundational part. And then more interesting, novelty, hero pieces are added to the capsule to make the outfits and overall wardrobe shine.
Use this Test to See
If you’re not a total minimalist but like the idea of a capsule and/or adding really targeted items to your wardrobe each season, I encourage you to see if you’re a cake or frosting person. That is my creation to help folks decide if they need to add more basic items or more novelty items to their wardrobe.
Kal Rieman has both workhorse basics AND interesting pieces that pop.
Important To Note For Capsule Wardrobes And/Or Foundational Pieces:
When planning a capsule or the foundational items of your wardrobe, quality matters a lot.
Because these pieces are on heavy rotation, they will be subject to wear and tear. My advice is to allocate 50 % of your wardrobe budget to your basics. And to buy the best quality you can afford. Trust me; it will make a difference.
I’ve partnered with Kal Rieman, and luckily, they have both basics and novelty in their collection. Together we will show you HOW a capsule wardrobe works.
Basically, this Kal Rieman capsule (perfect for a vacation or life) consists of the following:
6 tops (turtleneck + white blouse + cashmere v neck + funnel neck black + Funnel neck oatmeal + poncho oatmeal)
2 toppers (plaid jacket + fencing vest)
This ten-piece set has a bunch of mix-and-match options. Let me show you how it works.
I love that the pants in this capsule are neutral because great-fitting neutral bottoms can take you oh so far. And you can wear them over and over without anyone remembering. The shape and silhouette are important in order to feel current. And IMHO, the color should be neutral and versatile (like black, brown, navy) because that way it can be worn more often and remembered less.
My typical advice for clients is to have a 3:1 top to bottom ratio. Because the tops are more memorable, therefore the variety on top is important.
How To Take Them From Clothes To An Outfit
At the end of the day, clothes are just clothes until you wear them and make them your own. They are made your own with styling tweaks (a tuck or layer), accessories (a belt or necklace), and your confident attitude.
Outfits also generally consist of more than 3 items (top, bottom, shoes) to take them from clothes to an outfit. I recommend having 5 elements: top, bottom, shoes, and then add in accessories, a color, or a third piece. All of these additions help add interest (aka flavor) to your look.
Interesting side note: if you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or Instagram and said, “wait, I have that top and that bottom; why is it not looking put together on me?” Go through and take a look again - I bet in the photos you’ve been drawn to, the person is wearing sunglasses, carrying a bog, and maybe even holding a Starbucks cup!! They’ve added elements to make the clothes an outfit!
Now onto the Kal Rieman Combos:
Ponte Pants + Turtleneck + Button Up open
Cords + Black Funnel (tucked in) + Turtleneck
Cords + Oatmeal Funnel (tucked in) + Poncho
Cords + Button Up + Plaid Jacket + V-neck over shoulders
Cords + Black Funnel + Poncho
Cords + Turtleneck + Button Up open + Vest
There ya go - 20 outfits from 10 items - and I could definitely keep going.
I’m not even going to ask if you’re a fan of Kal Rieman because I know it’s going to be a yes!
But I will ask if you’re a fan of capsule wardrobes. Tell me why or why not in the comments, or discuss with us in the Facebook group All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go!
BTW, Kal Rieman doesn’t make shoes, so I added some to finish the outfit
I found all of these items to run true to size. I am 5’4” and 127lbs. I wore a small in everything. Hope that helps!