A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of your favourite and essential clothes that survive the test of time, trends and wear - tops, bottoms, outerwear, and shoes. The idea of a capsule wardrobe is to have a versatile, mix-and-match wardrobe where each piece can be worn in different combinations to create various outfits.
“Sewing a Capsule is a great way to make your wardrobe more sustainable. Choose fabrics that go well together, make sure you have a mix of patterns and plains to mix-and-match.
Invest in quality fibres that will withstand the test of time and being washed regularly. Sewing a capsule collection is a rewarding project – planning and sewing the perfect bespoke looks, garment by garment.”
Charlie Moorby, Editor of Simply Sewing
What are the benefits of having a capsule wardrobe 2024?
1. Save time
There are many benefits of owning a capsule wardrobe – the first being it will save you an awful lot of time! Once you have narrowed your wardrobe down to a small collection, deciding what to wear every day becomes a lot less time-consuming, leaving you with more time to do what you enjoy – or catch up on sleep!
2. Improve confidence
You will look good – and therefore as a direct result of that – feel good in your daily outfits, without having to painstakingly go through tons of trying on clothes to find what fits well and what goes and doesn’t go together!
3. Save money
Even a capsule wardrobe with six items could double the number of outfits you can wear and so you don’t have to shop for new items or looks. Every day you will be presented with a few easy options.
4. Save the planet
Help the planet by not splurging out on fast fashion items, but instead own a wardrobe of high-quality items that will last you for years or even decades.
5. Help charity
Once you have had a clear out of your wardrobe you can donate the clothes you don’t wear to a good cause. Or if you have time and the inclination you could try to sell designer items online Depop or Vinted, Vestiaire Collective, Reluxe, COS resell, My Circular Wardrobe, ASOS Marketplace, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, Zara pre-owned, Thrift, Reliked, Rethread.
Marie Claire have a good article on the best places to sell your clothes online.
6. Get organised
You’ll have more space in your wardrobe so that means it will be more organised, less cramped and your clothes can be hung up nicely without getting creased and you will have the space for you to slide the hangers across and actually see what the item is you want to wear!
Ideas for your summer capsule wardrobe
The good news is that if you want to sew your own Capsule Wardrobe then Simply Sewing is here for you!
We have launched our Capsule Wardobe 2024 in issue 120 and are releasing new patterns every issue over the summer months. Subscribe to Simply Sewing for your must-have items for your capsule wardrobe!
Missed the first two patterns? Buy single issues or look out for the pdf patterns dropping in Simply Sewing's Etsy store.
Simply Sewing Capsule Wardrobe 2024
Get the latest drops by following us on Instagram or Facebook at @simplysewingmag
1. SSM120 The Brittany Tee
launching our Capsule Wardrobe series is the easy-to-sew t-shirt with grown-on sleeves.
2. SSM121 The Milan Dress
This strappy sundress will keep you cool on hot days!
3. SSM122 The Havana Skirt
Two different lengths mini and knee-length wrap skirt with ties.
4. SSM123 The Capri Shorts
Sew these fab shorts that can also be made into trousers.
5. The Rhodes Swimsuit
Swimsuit with 2 back options and optional shelf bra.
5. SSM124 The Sicily Bag – beach bag/ handy tote
Sew this perfect bag for the beach!
15 Top tips for your capsule wardrobe
1. Select versatile, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.
2. Start by assessing your personal style and lifestyle to determine the key pieces you will need in your wardrobe.
3. Choose colours that go with each other.
4. Invest in high-quality basics like a white blouse, a blazer, a pair of jeans and a little black dress. These pieces will form the foundation of your wardrobe.
5. Choose items that can be dressed up or down – eg. A floral blouse can be worn with jeans for a casual look or paired with a skirt for a more formal look.
6. Stick to minimalistic approach and avoid trendy pieces that may quickly go out of fashion. Focus on classic, timeless pieces that will stand the test of time.
7. Don’t forget to add accessories like scarves, belts and jewellery!
8. Declutter your current wardrobe before starting to build your capsule collection. Identify pieces that no longer wear or that no longer fit your style and donate or sell them.
9. Consider your lifestyle and the things you like to do. Include garments that suit your life.
10. Make sure the fit is good. Well-fitted pieces will make you feel and look your best.
11. Aim for a balance of tops, bottoms, layering pieces and outerwear in your capsule wardrobe to ensure you have options for different weather conditions and occasions.
12. Take your time to build your Capsule Wardrobe. It’s ok to start small and add pieces gradually as you assess your needs and preferences.
13. Prioritise comfort and functionality when choosing pieces for your Capsule Wardrobe. You want to feel good in what you wear and be able to move around easily.
14. Don’t forget to tailor your capsule wardrobe to your personal preferences and lifestyle. While there are general guidelines to follow, ultimately your wardrobe should reflect your individual style and needs.
15. Enjoy your clothes and take care of them so they will last you a long time!
Where to buy Simply Sewing magazine
You can get your copy of the latest issue in our online store or download our app to get a digital issue.
If you prefer to shop in person or get your magazine in the post, find your nearest stockist where you can buy in-store, or explore our latest subscription offers.
How to build a capsule wardrobe 2024
A Capsule Wardrobe is a great way of organising your clothes so you can get as many different combinations and outfits as possible. This will mean you don’t need to keep adding to your wardrobe and hopefully it will save you a lot of time and effort to select outfits with ease.
Sewing for wet weather
Considering we can’t always depend on having gorgeous sunshine in UK, you may want to include a waterproof raincoat in your Capsule Wardrobe 2024. Here are some great sewing tips for sewing with waterproof fabrics.
