How To Create A Colorful Capsule Wardrobe That Isn't Just Beige And Black

The concept of capsule wardrobes has gained considerable traction in the last few years. The idea, at its core, is that you curate a wardrobe of a few, select pieces that mix and match well enough that you can create several different looks from a minimal collection of pieces. While the exact amount of pieces varies from person to person, based on their lifestyle and needs, the typical range is a wardrobe that includes anywhere from 30-50 pieces. You'll also need to curate a capsule wardrobe for each season, to accommodate weather needs. So it'll look different at different times of the year.

The key to a capsule wardrobe is the color palette. You choose a few tones that work harmoniously together so that all of your pieces can work double duty to give you a range of options without stuffing your closest. Typically, people curate a minimalist wardrobe using camel tones, whites, and blacks since these are the easiest colors to mix and match. However, for those of us who love a jolt of color, this isn't satisfying. Thankfully, there are ways to still adhere to a manageable, pared-down closet that is bright and colorful. Pick a color palate that suits you. If you love pinks, use a soft pink as your neutral base, and let other colors work around it. Perhaps denim or leopard print could be your neutral, and you select other vivid colors to work with this base. 

Hey, we're not knocking the classic trench coat, but in the spirit of curating a colorful capsule wardrobe, we can find something a little brighter than that. Plus, outerwear doesn't have to perfectly match the rest of your look. A lime green or hot pink trench coat is enough of a statement piece on its own that you can work it over pretty much anything. Plus, in the spirit of Bill Cunningham, famous street fashion photographer, we don't want to look boring, especially not in the winter. 

According to Harper's Bazaar, one of the essential wardrobe pieces of a capsule wardrobe is a good pair of pleated trousers. These can be a workplace staple, but they should also be comfortable enough to work when you need to run errands. Typically, when creating a minimalist wardrobe, we choose black or camel-colored trousers. However, in our quest for color, broaden the palette. A pair of red, wide-leg pleated pants is the perfect base for this kind of cultivated closet. You can go monochromatic with your outfit, or wear red as a vivid choice with other bold tones and prints. 

One of the secrets to wearing patterns with color combinations is to treat them as neutrals. We love the chic power of an oversized, houndstooth blazer as a replacement for a beige or black blazer. This piece works perfectly as a work staple, but it's also great as a layering piece for evening events and running around town. Blazers are huge right now, and even if you're going ultra minimal in your closet choices, a blazer is still essential. Keep in mind that a good pair of jeans are an essential part of any capsule wardrobe, and jeans would look incredible with a houndstooth blazer. 

Unsurprisingly, a few classic t-shirts are an essential part of any capsule wardrobe. While plain white and black shirts are the typical choice, go for a statement t-shirt instead as an unexpected way to bring some life and pizzazz into your look. We love a good retro shirt, and it also opens up the conversation around accessories to wear in a capsule wardrobe. Big, gold pieces are great to hang onto since even the minimalist in us wants some touches of gold. 

An essential piece to any capsule wardrobe is a good skirt. Knee-length or longer is a good cut for a skirt since mini skirts can be harder to work with for all occasions. Since we read leopard print as a neutral, take advantage of this print as a great choice for your skirt. You can wear your statement t-shirt tucked into your leopard print skirt, or work it with your bright sweater. Although a leopard print skirt is technically made up of neutral tones, the animal print is vibrant enough that it adds a pop of color on its own. 

A statement sweater is a crucial piece to any fall or winter capsule wardrobe. Whether the sweater is a turtleneck or a crewneck is up to you, but veering away from the beiges and whites is a great way to bring vibrancy to your look. A bold, pink ribbed turtleneck would work perfectly underneath a bright, lime green trench coat. If you opted for red, pleated trousers, pair the sweater with the pants since red and pink create a powerful combination. Your minimalist wardrobe can be a maximalist dream in terms of juicy tones. 

A capsule wardrobe isn't complete without one good dress that can serve many purposes. You want the dress to work well for formal occasions, but also be comfortable enough and versatile enough that you can wear it around town or slip it on for lunch. A midi-length, turtleneck dress is the perfect choice to check off all of these needs. Plus, the splashy yellow and brown tones are anything but boring. The dress works beautifully with boots, sneakers, or heels, depending on what you need. We're all about double-duty clothing with capsule wardrobes and this dress can handle anything.