How Many Items Should Be in Your Capsule Wardrobe?
When it comes to building a capsule wardrobe, one question always arises: how many pieces should you really have? The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is its simplicity and the ability to curate a collection of clothing that fits your personal style while being practical. But how do you decide on the perfect number of items?
I love a good rule to follow. When I first started experimenting with capsule wardrobes, I followed the prescribed guidelines strictly. I decided to pick exactly 33 items for my summer capsule wardrobe, and I placed them proudly at the front of my closet. I mixed and matched, and it worked—until I began to wonder: why 33 pieces? Who decided that number was the magic number?
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
The term “capsule wardrobe” was first coined in the 1970s by boutique owner Susie Faux in London. Her idea was to create a small, curated collection of classic clothing items that would remain stylish throughout the years, with a few seasonal pieces added in. The goal was to have a wardrobe full of high-quality items that fit perfectly and could be easily mixed and matched. Interestingly, Faux didn’t set a specific number of items. She offered a concept, not a rigid formula.
Despite the variety of “rules” out there, the reality is that a capsule wardrobe is flexible and meant to suit your individual needs. The number of pieces you include in your wardrobe depends entirely on you and your lifestyle. It’s not about following a strict count; it’s about finding what works best for you.
How Many Items Do You Really Need?
Capsule wardrobes are designed to be limited, but how limited? The idea of having fewer clothes can initially feel restrictive, but once you experience it, you realize how liberating it is to only keep your favorite pieces. The key is to curate your wardrobe with intention—only keep items you genuinely love and wear.
There’s no magic number, but I believe a perfectly sized capsule wardrobe should strike a balance: it should be small enough to simplify your life, but large enough to still allow for creative freedom and self-expression. This means your perfect number of pieces might differ from someone else’s, and that’s perfectly fine. Here’s how you can find the number that works for you.
What Counts as Part of Your Capsule Wardrobe?
When deciding what items to include, remember that not everything in your closet counts. Underwear, socks, bags, accessories, special occasion wear, and exercise clothes typically don’t count toward your capsule wardrobe—unless you wear those leggings outside the gym, in which case they’re fair game. Your wardrobe should focus on items like jackets, pants, skirts, dresses, shirts, shoes, and other essential clothing pieces.
If you feel strongly about including accessories or shoes in your capsule count, that’s completely up to you. Some people prefer to keep their jewelry collection minimal, while others may want to include just one or two handbags they truly love. It’s all about making decisions that feel right for you.
Should You Follow a Formula?
Some experts recommend a strict formula for each category: five shirts, four pairs of pants, and so on. This can be useful when starting out, and I use a formula for my travel capsule wardrobe. However, you don’t have to stick to a rigid formula. Instead, focus on your lifestyle and personal preferences. For example, if you wear jeans every day, you may not need many skirts or dresses. If you live in a colder climate, consider adding more outerwear to your wardrobe.
The magic number really depends on your unique needs. If you’re looking for a starting point, aim for around 30-40 pieces for a seasonal capsule wardrobe. The goal isn’t to hit a specific number but to create a wardrobe that feels complete and functional for your lifestyle.
How to Find Your Ideal Number
While some people love the strictness of a wardrobe with fewer than 25 pieces, others find this too limiting. For some, a more extensive collection of 40-50 items works better. It’s important to experiment and see what feels right for you. You might even want to try limiting yourself to 10-20 pieces for a week to see how it feels. This can be an excellent way to test out the concept without feeling overwhelmed.
After narrowing your wardrobe down, take stock of what’s missing. Do you need more color? More variety in your tops? Or are there certain pieces you didn’t reach for that you thought you would? Use this information to fine-tune your wardrobe.
Less Than 50 Pieces?
Once you have more than 50 items in your wardrobe, you might find that you’re not getting the full benefits of a capsule wardrobe. The idea behind a capsule is to minimize options so you can make quick, easy decisions about what to wear. If you have too many items, you might still feel overwhelmed. If you’re finding your wardrobe becoming too large, it may be time to downsize.
Flexibility is Key
The most important thing to remember is that a capsule wardrobe should be flexible. It’s okay to experiment and make adjustments along the way. As your style evolves, so too should your wardrobe. If you’ve started with a strict number, but it’s not working for you, feel free to add a few more pieces. The goal is to feel happy with your wardrobe, not bound by a set of rules.
The Bottom Line
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the number of pieces in your capsule wardrobe. The number you choose should reflect your personal style, needs, and lifestyle. The key is to curate a collection that is both functional and expressive of who you are. Start with a manageable number, experiment with your clothes, and adjust until you find that sweet spot. A well-curated wardrobe should be a joy to wear, not a restriction. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and make the capsule wardrobe your own.