Capsule wardrobes are a subsection of minimalist wardrobes that limit how many items of clothing you buy each season. Most capsule wardrobes have 30 items or less.

Minimalist wardrobes are more flexible. There is no set number of items as long as you wear all of them – and they bring you joy. 

To build a sustainable closet, we have to ask where we live, who we are, what we do, and what our goals are. This helps us determine what we truly need and get rid of what we don’t have much use for.

It’s okay to keep some items just because they bring you joy even if you don’t use them often. As long as you’re enjoying your clothing more, you’re doing it right. 

Think about your favorite clothes, as well as the ones you spent the most money on. Chances are, you already have a personal style – you may just not know it yet.

What are your favorite colors and fabrics, and what you feel most confident wearing? These outfits should be the anchor of your closet.

Just because it fits your style, it doesn’t mean it fits your life. If you can’t afford dry cleaning, don’t buy an expensive suit. 

Remember, minimalism is about making your life easier and more enjoyable. Find outfits that match both your aesthetic and your routine. 

Having a color palette increases the mixability of your pieces. This means most of your clothes will match and you’ll save time putting outfits together.

Choose what makes you feel the most like yourself and stick to it. 

• Donating: to places like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, or friends.
• Selling: Many independently-owned thrift stores will give you money or store credit for well-preserved pieces.
• Swap parties: Gather clothes you no longer wear and invite your friends to do the same so you can get together and trade them.
• Upcycling: there are plenty of youtube videos about how to repurpose old t-shirts into bags, dresses, and even shoes. 

Choose long-term clothes carefully and invest in pieces that don’t go out of style, like a black cocktail dress for women or a tailored suit for men. You want these to showcase your best style as you either wear them very often (e. G. Work clothes, coats) or only on special occasions (e. G. Wedding outfits).

On the other hand, seasonal items (e. G. Winter hats or swimsuits) and trendy pieces (e. G. Loud prints or neons) are short term investments that should be cycled out. Commit to having a set number of trendy pieces (5 or less), and trade them out every season.