If you have a wardrobe full of clothes but still struggle to put outfits together, building a seasonal capsule wardrobe—without buying anything new—might just be the solution. By curating from what you already own, you’ll quickly identify the key pieces in your wardrobe and gain a sharper sense of your personal style.
Before you begin, jot down a few essentials: consider where you live, what the weather is like, your daily routine, and, of course, your personal style. These elements will guide your capsule choices and make dressing easier day-to-day.
Personally, I find it helpful to keep only the pieces I wear most often within easy reach, while putting away out-of-season items and party wear. As a fashion stylist, I sometimes neglect this practice myself, and my wardrobe was overflowing! So, I decided to apply my own advice and create a capsule wardrobe from scratch—no new purchases, just a fresh perspective on what I already had.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of building my capsule wardrobe, sharing a bit about where I live, my daily routine, and my personal style along the way. I hope this inspires you to try creating your own capsule wardrobe and make getting dressed an effortless, enjoyable part of your day.
Where I live
I now live full-time in the Canary Islands, where autumn feels like an extended summer with occasional cooler days. The weather can change quickly, so it’s warm during the day but gets quite chilly in the evenings. I also travel to London frequently, where I lived for many years. I go there often for work and to visit family and friends, so my capsule wardrobe needs to adapt for both climates.
While this sounds ideal, it makes dressing tricky. Part of me wants to embrace all my autumn clothes, but I need to be practical—otherwise, I end up overheating.
Solution - To strike a balance, I’ve kept some of my favourite summer pieces in rotation, adding autumnal touches with colour and texture. I’ve moved the more summery items to a different wardrobe, keeping them accessible for beach days.
I am keeping heavier coats and jackets in a separate wardrobe and only keep light jackets and blazer in my main wardrobe.
Lifestyle
I typically work from home, and my day usually starts with taking the dog out, heading to the gym, then coming back to shower, get dressed, and dive into work. This means I change at least twice—switching from gym clothes to something comfortable for working at home. After work, I often go for a walk along the beach or meet up with friends for drinks. When I’m in London, I attend fashion events, so my wardrobe also needs to be ready for those occasions.
I also work as a stylist and costume assistant for movies and TV, so I need comfortable, easy-to-wash clothes for those busy days on set.
Solution - The capsule wardrobe I’m keeping in my main wardrobe is a mix of versatile pieces that work well for daytime and can transition to casual evenings out. I’ve moved sequins and dressier items to a separate space, so I’m not distracted by them when choosing what to wear.
Style
My style changes with my mood, but overall, I aim for a comfortable, and effortless vibe with a hint of boho. I enjoy a tailored, slightly masculine look, blending it with vintage and feminine touches to create balance in my outfits.
I also love experimenting with colours and textures, especially in autumn and winter, when layering gives you more room for creativity.
Solution - Naturally, my seasonal capsule wardrobe is filled with pieces that let me explore and even experiment with my style. Some of my go-tos include tailored trousers, oversized shirts (many of my favorites are from the men’s section), easygoing dresses, a few cute blouses, and plenty of T-shirts and cozy knitwear.
In summary, here are some tips that can be helpful no matter your circumstances:
- Keep only what you wear most often visible. This is key! Store away those pieces you love but don’t reach for as often—whether they’re too special, a bit uncomfortable, or just not everyday staples. Seeing less clutter will make it so much easier to put outfits together without feeling guilty about the pieces you’re not wearing. The simpler your options, the quicker and more enjoyable your styling process will be. And my friend, this is what a capsule wardrobe is all about! SIMPLIFYING THE ACT OF GETTING DRESSED.
- Consider sticking to a colour scheme. This doesn’t have to feel limiting! I personally love colour, so it’s not just about neutrals but about finding a balance between those neutrals and your favourite shades. Choosing a colour palette that complements your style will make it easier to create endless outfit combinations. Plus, as you get to know your style better, you’ll naturally understand which colours you want to incorporate into your wardrobe.
- Take care of your pieces. Wash them gently, iron or steam them, and keep them ready to wear. There’s nothing worse than wanting to wear something and discovering it’s stained or wrinkled! Give your future self a little help.
- Be intentional about the materials. Natural fibres are always best, more durable and generally more sustainable. Avoid acrylics if possible—not only for longevity but also for the benefit of your skin and the environment.
- When shopping, you’ll likely find yourself being more selective about what you add to your wardrobe. A seasonal capsule helps you see the gaps and understand where to invest—but that doesn’t mean buying the first option you find. Think of it this way: you’ve spent time and effort curating a quality capsule wardrobe, so only introduce pieces that are well-made and add real value. You deserve the best!