Before rushing to buy new clothes, take a moment to appreciate what’s already in your wardrobe. Many of us own beautiful pieces that just need a fresh perspective. Building on what you already have is the most sustainable and practical way to start your capsule wardrobe journey.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Wardrobe

Begin by taking everything out of your wardrobe and categorising your clothing into three groups:

1. Wardrobe Staples – Pieces you wear often and love, such as your favourite linen blouse or perfectly fitting Tokyo trousers.

2. Occasional Pieces – Items you wear seasonally or for special occasions but still enjoy.

3. Rarely Worn Items – Pieces that no longer fit, are uncomfortable, or don’t align with your personal style.

For the third category, consider donating or selling pieces that don’t serve you anymore. This clears space for a wardrobe that truly reflects your style.

Step 2: Identify Your Go-To Pieces

Look at the wardrobe staples you wear repeatedly—these tell you a lot about your style preferences. Ask yourself:

• What fabrics do I gravitate toward?

• Which colours make me feel confident?

• What silhouettes do I find most flattering?

This self-awareness helps you curate future purchases that seamlessly fit into your existing wardrobe.

Step 3: Create Outfit Combinations

Experiment with different ways to style your current pieces. Try pairing tops and bottoms in new ways or layering items creatively. This will help you see the versatility in your wardrobe before adding anything new.

Step 4: Identify Gaps in Your Wardrobe

After styling your favorite pieces, you may notice gaps—perhaps you need a neutral layering piece, a quality pair of trousers, or a timeless jacket to tie everything together. Make a mindful list of what’s missing to guide future purchases.

Step 5: Plan Thoughtful Additions

Now that you’ve assessed your wardrobe, it’s time to plan future additions. Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Choose high-quality, natural fabrics like linen and organic cotton.

• Stick to a cohesive color palette that works with your existing pieces.

• Prioritise versatile silhouettes that can be dressed up or down.

• Opt for sustainably and ethically made garments.

By thoughtfully adding new pieces that complement what you already own, you’ll build a capsule wardrobe that is timeless, functional, and effortlessly stylish.

Next in The Capsule Wardrobe Series: Staring with Neutral Basics – Discover how to select the perfect staple pieces to get more wear out of your favourite garments already in your wardrobe.

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With love & intention,
The Eva Cassis Team