Blog · Kleuranalyse Online

A capsule wardrobe in your colors: how to put it together

Fewer clothes, more outfits. Here is how to put together a capsule wardrobe in your colors, with six questions to ask first, an example per category and tips to keep it up.

Which colors make you glow?

Fewer clothes, more outfits. That is the idea behind a capsule wardrobe: a small, clear collection of garments that can all be combined with each other. No more full closet with doubtful pieces, but a set in which every piece has its place.

The secret of a capsule that really works? Color. Below you can read what a capsule wardrobe is, which questions to ask yourself beforehand and how to put one together in your colors.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a deliberately chosen set of garments, often a few dozen pieces per season, that combine well with each other. Instead of constantly buying something new, you wear the same pieces in ever-changing combinations.

The advantage: you do not have to think long in the morning, you shop more consciously and your closet stays clear. A capsule does not have to be strict or minimalist. What matters is that everything you own actually gets worn.

Why color is the key

The fewer pieces you have, the more important it is that they go together. Trousers that only work with one top are a wasted spot in a capsule. By choosing all your clothes from one color palette, almost everything combines with everything.

What is more, the colors then also suit you. That way you not only have a closet that works, but also outfits in which you look fresh. Do not know which colors those are yet? Read what colors suit you.

6 questions to ask yourself beforehand

1. Which colors really suit me?

A capsule in colors that make you look washed out will never become a favorite. So start with your palette. With a color fan you can be sure you choose shades that suit you.

2. What do I wear most now, and why?

Take a critical look at your favorites. What do they have in common in color, fit or fabric? Those pieces often form the best base for your capsule.

3. Does my closet suit my life right now?

We sometimes buy clothes for a life we do not really lead: smart work clothes while you work from home, or party dresses while you rarely go out. Make sure most of your capsule suits your daily life.

4. Which fits feel good?

A capsule consists of pieces you wear often. So choose fits in which you feel comfortable and that flatter your figure, even if they are not in fashion.

5. What am I still missing?

Make a wishlist of the pieces you really need to complete your capsule. That way you shop in a targeted way instead of impulsively.

6. What do I want to invest in?

Because you wear your capsule pieces often, it pays to choose good quality. Especially with basics such as a coat, trousers or blazer, you quickly earn that back.

How to put your capsule wardrobe together

Start with a color plan. Choose two base colors, two or three main colors and one accent color from your palette. Then fill in per category. An example of a capsule for one season:

Trousers and skirts: three or four pieces in your base colors
Tops and T-shirts: six to eight pieces in your main colors and your lightest neutral
Sweaters and cardigans: two or three pieces
Dresses: one or two
Blazer and coat: one or two pieces in a base color
Shoes and bag: a few pieces in neutral colors
Accessories: scarves and jewelry in your accent color

This is not a fixed rule. Adapt it to your own life, climate and taste. What matters is that every piece can be combined with several other pieces.

Example: a capsule wardrobe for a summer type

Summer type capsule

Calm, cool and soft, with one fresh accent color.

Base navy and dove grey · main colors grey-blue, lavender and dusty rose · accent raspberry · More about the summer type →

With navy trousers, a dove grey skirt, tops in grey-blue, lavender and dusty rose, a navy blazer and a raspberry scarf, you can create dozens of combinations. For your own season, choose the colors from your palette. Also read how to build a wardrobe.

Tip

Start with what you already have. Put all your clothes in your palette together and see what is missing. Often you already have a large part of your capsule at home.

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is buying too much new too quickly. A capsule works best when it grows slowly. A second pitfall is choosing colors that feel “safe” instead of colors that suit you: then you have a clear closet, but no outfits in which you come alive. And finally, many people forget their accessories. With a scarf, jewelry or bag in your accent color, you turn the same base into a different look again and again.

Keeping up your capsule wardrobe

Try it for one season. That way you notice what you really miss and what you do not need.
Take photos of your favorite combinations. Handy on mornings when you lack inspiration.
Swap per season. Store last season’s clothes and take them out again later. That feels almost like new.
Only buy from your wishlist. That keeps your capsule clear.

Want to know for sure which colors belong in your capsule? With a color analysis you get your complete palette and a Style Guide with styling advice, and with a color fan you shop in a targeted way.

Looking for inspiration? On our Pinterest page we collect outfits and color combinations for each seasonal type.