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The Minimal-ish Mama

How to Make a Spring Capsule Wardrobe in 4 Steps

in Ethical Fashion, Style on 05/28/19

my spring capsule wardrobe

Ahhh you guys! I’ve wanted to make a capsule wardrobe video for SO LONG! I’m especially excited about my spring capsule wardrobe, because it contains some of my very favorite clothing items. Are you ready to feel refreshed and excited about getting dressed in the morning? Then read on!

Spring Collaboration!

This post and video are part of a Spring Collaboration organized by Marisa of Bumblebee Apothecary. Please visit the other participants for more spring DIY, decor, and recipes!

  • Marissa: Herbal Bath Salt Recipe
  • Amy: Easy Fleece Camp Poncho for Kids
  • Jenny: Safe Store-Bought Bug Spray
  • Brittany: Trash to Treasure: DIY Fairy Garden
  • Anja: 5 Ways to Use Elderflowers
  • Julie: Back Porch Makeover

Why Capsule Wardrobe?

You might remember several years ago when I first started on the ethical fashion journey. I wore 10 items for a month, purged my closet, and committed to buying sustainably and ethically going forward. I’ve tumbled off the wagon a few times since then, and that’s what first motivated me to first try a capsule wardrobe.

I haven’t stopped since!

Especially as my days get busier, I love the simplicity of a capsule wardrobe even more. I love not having to dig through a closet full of clothes to find something to wear! I can get dressed in seconds, because my limited options are mix and matchable.

The sustainable and human rights aspect matters to me as well. The fast-fashion industry is notorious for environmental problems, overflowing landfills, chemical issues, etc. And it’s one of the biggest culprits for human trafficking and unethical labor, with poor working conditions, slave labor, and child labor to produce mass quantities at lower and lower prices.

What to Include in Your Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Your capsule will vary depending on your activities and climate. If you work in a business professional environment, you will probably need more dresses or skirts and fewer casual outfits. Since I work from home, I can get by with a few dressy outfits for church and date nights, and casual outfits for working, playdates, and running errands.

Here’s how mine breaks down by category:

Tops:

  • Graphic tee from A Quiver Full
  • Striped tee from H&M
  • Gray solid tee from H&M
  • Navy tank top from Drift Design Co.
  • Rose tank top
  • Floral sleeveless top from Stitch Fix
  • Homebody Sweatshirt from Drift Design Co.
  • Longer sleeve striped shirt from Thread Up (Splendid)
  • Gingham button up from Thread Up (Banana Republic)
  • Coral blouse from Stitch Fix
  • Chambray button up from Old Navy
  • Black cardigan from Old Navy
  • Gray jacket from Stitch Fix

Bottoms:

  • Denim shorts, thrifted
  • Linen shorts, thrifted (J.Crew)
  • Dark wash skinny jeans, thrifted
  • Pink cropped pants from Old Navy
  • Denim overalls, thrifted (Hidden Jeans)

Shoes:

  • Gold glitter TOMs from ebay
  • Coral loafers , thrifted (Talbots)
  • Black loafers, thrifted (Sam Edelman)
  • Sandals, Roxy
  • (Also tennis shoes, Nike)

Dresses:

  • Chambray shirt dress, thrifted (J. Crew)
  • Printed t-shirt dress, Old Navy

Hats:

  • Straw fedora, similar
  • baseball cap, similar but in lots of colors

4 Steps to Create Your Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Watch the video to learn the four steps, and to see each of my items!

Have you ever tried a capsule wardrobe? If this post and video inspire you to try it, I’d love to see what items you include! Tag me on Instagram in your capsule wardrobe pictures!

Pin for later:

If you’re looking for some pieces to fill holes in your capsule wardrobe, but you don’t have time to shop, might I suggest giving Stitch Fix a try? I’ve found that when I’m very specific, like “I need a coat like this, or a blouse for work,” I get exactly what I need. And sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised. If you want to give it a try, click here to get your first styling fee waived.

If you do have some time to browse, try Thread Up! It’s like a giant consignment store. You can find excellent brands, like J. Crew, Gap, Anthropologie, and so many more, for a fraction of the cost of buying new!

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