Ever stand in front of a full closet and think, "I have nothing to wear"? Yup, us too. That’s why we love a capsule wardrobe. It simplifies your closet, takes the guesswork out of getting dressed, and helps you define a personal style that feels easy, timeless, and actually YOU.
If you're in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, building a capsule wardrobe isn’t about following trends or rules – because you already know yourself and what you like, so let’s put that confidence to use! Create a collection of pieces that make you feel good with things that fit your lifestyle, body, and day-to-day routines. You’ll be doing MORE with LESS, and look amazing while you do it!
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a small, thoughtful collection of clothes that mix and match to create endless outfits. It usually includes your basics, a few standout pieces, and a cohesive and consistent colour palette, so you don’t have to think too hard about what goes with what. Because everything just matches one another so easily!
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can apply the same concept to other aspects, like a work capsule wardrobe or even a travel capsule wardrobe. Yup, even a travel one! Our founder, Donna, travelled to Thailand for a month with a carry-on using these capsule wardrobe tips!
And here’s the thing: it’s not about owning as little as possible. It’s about only owning what you actually wear and love. When every piece in your closet goes well together, you end up with more outfit options, not fewer. Having everything match makes it incredibly easy to put together an outfit quickly and without much decision-making required. Yes please!
Step one: Clear out your closet
Before you start building your capsule wardrobe, you need to get honest about what’s already in your closet. That means pulling things out, trying stuff on, and making a few tough calls. Sell, or donate the things you no longer need to make space for what you’re actually going to wear.
A few questions to ask yourself to make decluttering easier:
- When did I last reach for this?
- Does it work with the colour palette I’m building?
- Does it fit me as I am right now, not how I used to be or hope to be?
- Is the fabric soft, breathable, and easy to wear, or is it scratchy and stiff?
- Does anything about it pinch, pull, or dig in?
- Can I picture where I’d wear this in my current life?
- Do I own something almost identical, and if so, which one do I actually wear?
And if something’s almost right? Consider taking it to a tailor. A small tweak can turn a “meh” into a “wow.”
Once you’re done decluttering and ready to invest in quality pieces, don’t forget to choose things that are flattering to your body type and style. Certain things like necklines, silhouettes, and fabric types are important things to consider before investing in a whole new closet. Remember, this stuff has to last!
Step two: Pick a colour palette you love
Here’s where things start to come together. Choosing a colour palette makes everything easier: shopping, styling, and even laundry. It doesn’t have to be boring, either! The goal is to make sure most of your pieces work together without overthinking it.
Start with 2-3 neutral tones (black, navy, grey, beige). Then add in 1-2 accent colours you love, something that lights you up and makes you feel like you. And if you love prints, go for it! Just stick to one or two that work with the rest of your pieces, so they don’t end up stuck at the back of your closet with nothing to wear them with.
You also have to keep your skin tone in mind. Green may look amazing on you, but not every shade of green will. This is where your skin tone can really make or break an outfit. Try to find something that accentuates your complexion and screams YOU!
Step three: Start with a solid foundation
Think of your capsule wardrobe like building a house. You need a strong foundation before you start decorating.
Your foundation pieces might include:
- Great fitting bottoms (dress pants, jeans and skirts)
- A few buttery soft tees + tanks
- A few dressy tops or button-ups
- Comfy layering pieces (soft cardigans, comfy blazers and jackets)
- A dress you can wear everywhere
How many pieces do you actually need in your capsule wardrobe?
There’s no magic number, but most capsule wardrobes consist of 25-40 pieces. Not sure where to start? Try the 5-4-3-2-1 rule:
- 5 tops
- 4 bottoms
- 3 accessories
- 2 pairs of shoes
- 1 dress
You can always build from there, depending on your lifestyle and the seasons where you live.
Step four: Add some personality
A capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean cookie-cutter. Add in little details that feel uniquely you. It could be a bold colour, a statement necklace, a fun print, or a great pair of earrings. Maybe it’s a blazer in your power colour. Maybe it’s a drapey tunic that turns heads. Or a scarf that pulls your whole look together. Personality pieces keep your wardrobe from feeling too basic!
Build your capsule wardrobe by category
Now that your closet is ready with all the things you truly love, slowly start adding high-quality clothing that will become part of your staple wardrobe (that’s where Miik will come in 😉).
Tops
Left: Shandra tank | Reed pant
Middle: Sutton tee
Right: Mahala top | Cassie capri
Choose versatile, easy-to-layer pieces in neutral or coordinating colours. Think tees, tanks, blouses, or comfy long sleeves. You don’t need 20 different tops, just a handful you truly love wearing.
Bottoms
Left: Shandra tank | Reed pant
Middle: Lucia shirt | Shima skirt
Right: Yasmina blouse | Christal pant
The best bottoms are the ones that make you feel instantly put together. This could be a pair of dress pants, a flattering skirt, and jeans that fit like they were made for you. A mix of neutral tones will give you endless pairing options, but a statement piece in colours or prints you adore can be a fun twist.
Dresses
Left: Jaaron dress
Middle: Margot dress
Right: Isabeau dress
The easiest outfit in your closet! Every capsule wardrobe needs a little black dress! It’s classic, flattering, and can go anywhere. Look for something in a drapey knit like bamboo or modal that skims without clinging. Choose a style that’s easy to dress up with heels and jewelry, or keep it casual with flats and a denim jacket.
Layers
Left: Shandra tank | Larissa cardigan | Valencia capri
Middle: Shandra tank | Emily blazer | Reed pant
Right: Kavita open-back jumpsuit | Lilah cardigan
Layers are your capsule wardrobe’s secret weapon; they instantly take a simple outfit up a notch. A soft cardigan adds an easy, laid-back vibe, while a tailored blazer instantly sharpens your look, and a lightweight jacket gives just the right amount of polish without feeling too formal. Choose pieces that work just as well with jeans as they do over a dress, so you can go from laid-back to put-together without overthinking it.
Shoes
Left: Spritz sandal
Middle: Toujours boot
Right: At-leisure slip-on
Shoes can make or break an outfit, so pick pieces that are both stylish and comfortable. Good sneakers are a must for everyday errands or casual outings, while comfy flats or loafers keep things polished without effort. Boots add style and can dress up almost anything, and sandals are perfect for warmer days. Once you nail down your shoe capsule, your wardrobe will feel instantly more put-together.
Accessories
Left: Pearl necklace
Middle: Mini tote bag
Right: Knot stud earrings
Accessories are the finishing touch that makes your style feel even more unique to YOU. A few favourite pieces of jewelry, a scarf or two for texture, and a couple of versatile bags are all you need. Switch up your bag, throw on a statement necklace, or add a scarf, and suddenly the same outfit feels fresh. Accessories are the easiest way to elevate your look without buying more clothes.
And that’s your capsule wardrobe done, tailored to YOU!
Building a capsule wardrobe isn’t about limiting yourself; it’s about making your life easier and your style effortless. When everything in your closet works together, getting dressed becomes simple, quick, and fun. Start small, keep what you love, and let go of the rest. Invest in quality staples, mix in pieces that show your personality, and don’t forget the little details.
With much love,
Your Miik team 🤍
