How to create a capsule wardrobe
Whilst the name admittedly sounds a little complex, a capsule wardrobe is actually a simple and easy solution when it comes to dressing your kids. Not only will you save time in the morning as you’ll be able to open their drawers and see exactly what they’ve got, but you’ll also be able to get rid of all the overwhelming clutter. On top of that everything gets worn, reducing the waste in their wardrobe (yay!!).
Fewer items that are easy to mix and match
In an everyday capsule wardrobe you only need around 15-20 items (though you may choose to have another capsule for nursery/ school clothes). I know that doesn’t sound like much, but that’s the point! By carefully choosing items with similar colours and patterns, you’ll have a wardrobe that’s super easy to mix’n’match, giving your little one plenty of outfit choices whilst saving you time and money. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, you’ll also avoid the laundry basket monster pile up as they’ll have less clothes to wash at the end of the week!
Step 1 - Sorting
Start off by dumping all their clothes onto the floor. Now take one last look at the heap stacked before you and say your last goodbye! I promise it’ll feel amazing.
When you have everything laid out before you, start sorting into the following piles:
Clothes that they love and wear everyday
Clothes they wear for messy play (these can go into a separate nursery capsule)
Clothes that don’t get loved but can be saved for other children
Whilst you’re sorting remember to be ruthless. Like Simon Cowell level harsh. The items you’re left with need to be the ones that, to quote Marie Kondo, spark the most joy!
Step 2 - Selecting
Now take your first pile (the clothes your little one absolutely loves) and start to take note of any reoccurring colour palettes or patterns. This will make it easier to pick items for their capsule wardrobe which can be mix’n’matched. As you can see on the right, for Rosa’s capsule wardrobe we’ve combined similar tones of colours for the dresses, leggings and t-shirts which makes planning outfits really quick!
From this exercise you’ll also be able to easily identify any gaps in their wardrobe.
For their everyday wardrobe, you should end up with:
4-5 pairs of bottoms (leggings/ trousers/ jeans/joggers).
3-4 sweaters/ jumpers/ or cardigans.
5-6 t-shirts / blouses / shirts .
6 dresses / dungarees. For boys / girls who don’t wear dresses you could add more trousers and tops
And if they are at nursery we recommend creating a separate capsule for messy/ nursery clothes too. That way it’s easier still to dress them in the most appropriate clothes while making sure your faves don’t get destroyed by the nursery painting table!
Step 3 - Disposing of unwanted clothes
Here at thelittleloop we’re all about leaving saving the planet our little ones will inherit. With that in mind, here are some options for disposing of the clothes that don’t make it into your capsule wardrobe:
Save out of season items in a zip-lock bag for next season.
Save loved but outgrown items for younger siblings, or children of friends where possible.
Sell or donate unloved items in good condition.
Repair, and stain remove or dye, clothes which are unloved due to damage - our videos coming soon will help.
Upcycle end-of-life clothes e.g cut the legs of torn jeans to make shorts or repurpose into cleaning cloths.
Recycle as a last resort.
Step 4 - Voilà, your capsule wardrobe is ready
Now you’re going to want to put away their new capsule wardrobe and relish in the time and money you’ll save!
Step 4 - Swap out your capsule wardrobe
As much as we sometimes want them to stay little, kids grow! As they get bigger you’ll have to swap items in and out of their capsule wardrobe.
When replacing items use a similar palette of colours so clothes can be easily mix'n'matched with their existing collection. Only buy things you LOVE.
Renting makes this process far easier as you automatically swap clothes for new ones when they're out of season, too small or unloved.
With Rosa’s everyday capsule, 60% of her items were rented! They rest were donated or given to her as presents.
And that’s it! 4 easy steps to make dressing your children quicker and easier.
If you’re giving the capsule wardrobe a try, send us your pictures! Either at hello@thelittleloop.com or tag us on Instagram @thelittleloopclothing.