Planning starts with a checklist.

Well, at least it should! A capsule wardrobe is a planned wardrobe that begins with a checklist. I can tell you honestly that I am not one who loves to create a list and gets a thrill from checking things off of it. However, I wish I were! I understand how beneficial having a list is to keep you on task. My mother is probably one of the most organized people I know. I am not sure why I did not inherit some of her wonderful organizational qualities.

My creative brain tends to want to fight the notion of creating lists. The struggle is real! However, that is not an excuse. Creating a list and staying organized takes discipline. I still make myself create lists, even though it is very much out of my comfort zone. If I don’t, well, you have probably all heard of the “squirrel moments,” I would become so distracted that I would never get anything accomplished.

So back to the checklist (whew, that was almost a squirrel moment!). The first place to start in developing a capsule wardrobe is to create a checklist of the items you need to have in order to give you a variety of outfits that work for your lifestyle. Again, a capsule wardrobe is a way for you to have a limited number of basic pieces that can create several outfits. A capsule wardrobe increases your confidence. That’s right, it does! You are confident because you are intentionally and consistently put together each day. In additional to gaining confidence, there are five reasons or as I call them saves, as to why a capsule wardrobe is beneficial.

The 5 Saves:

1. Saves money. You save money because you are focused on quality versus quantity.
2. Saves time. Say good-bye to those days you stand around looking in your closet thinking you have nothing to wear and you agonize what goes with what.
3. Saves space. Your closet is not overflowing with too many clothes.
4. Saves brain power. Allows you to get dressed quicker because you aren’t distracted by too many items.
5. Saves the planet. Do you know how many clothes end up in our landfills? It’s a lot! Learn more in this article by EPA.gov.

Now that we know the benefits of a capsule wardrobe, let me share with you 20 key items you should have in your wardrobe. Please note these lists do not include outwear such as coats, accessories, footwear, or active wear.

20 Key Items for Women

Here are 20 key items every woman should have in her closet. These are the basics that allow you to mix and match.

1. Sleeveless dress – either sheath or A-line (depends on your body shape).
2. Wrap dress
3. Blazer
4. Long cardigan
5. Short cardigan
6. Long-sleeve blouse
7. Short-sleeve blouse
8. Sleeveless blouse
9. Long-sleeve button shirt
10. Tank top or sleeveless shell
11. Long-sleeve sweater
12. Short-sleeve sweater
13. Long-sleeve T-shirt – solid color
14. Long-sleeve T-shirt – striped or pattern
15. Short-sleeve T-shirt – solid color
16. Jeans – dark wash and regular or light wash
17. Trousers
18. Short Skirt – straight or A-line (depends on our body shape)
19. Long or Midi-Skirt
20. Shorts

20 Key Items for Men

Here are 20 key items every man should have in his closet. These are the basics that allow you to mix and match.

1. Suit – classic navy or gray
2. Blazer
3. Sports Coat
4. Vest
5. Cardigan
6. Long-sleeve collared dress shirt – white
7. Long-sleeve collared dress shirt – solid color such as blue
8. Long-sleeve collared dress shirt – striped or pattern
9. Long-sleeve collared casual shirt
10. Short-sleeve collared casual shirt
11. Short-sleeve casual shirt such as a polo
12. Long-sleeve crew neck sweater
13. Long-sleeve V-neck sweater
14. Long-sleeve T-shirt – solid color
15. Long-sleeve T-shirt – striped
16. Short-sleeve T-shirt
17. Trousers
18. Chinos
19. Jeans – dark wash and regular or light wash
20. Shorts

Having these items in your wardrobe gives you the variety you need to keep your look on point for every occasion with a minimal amount of clothing. You will look and feel confident wherever you are.