How I Create Mini Capsule Wardrobes

Capsule wardrobes make life easier but can also be a little hard to commit to. Therefore, I’ve found myself creating mini capsule wardrobes. For trips, weeks/weekends, and occasions. Sharing how I do so..

Clear Game Day Belt Bag | Turtleneck Sweater, Plaid Midi Dress, Cognac Leather Booties, Lack of Color Wool Hat, Metallic Clear Belt Bag | Louella Reese

look 1: oversized turtleneck sweater | c/o plaid midi dress | ivory wool rancher hat | c/o cognac leather booties | c/o metallic belt bag 

look 2: oversized turtleneck sweater | demi-boot jeansc/o metallic belt bag | ivory wool rancher hat | vegan leather sneakers (more sizes)  

look 3: c/o plaid midi dress | ivory wool rancher hat | c/o cognac leather booties | c/o Neely & Chloesimilar style 

In all honesty, creating mini capsule wardrobes wasn’t something I did initially. At least not at first. Really I did not realize I was doing so until Morgan mentioned it after we went on a few trips together. As well as a few of y’all mentioning something about it on a few instagram posts. Turns out mini capsule wardrobes are kind of my thing when traveling. Which has turned into my creating them for weekend life and special occasions. 

Mini capsule wardrobes make life easier, packing lighter, and maximize the number of outfits you can create with the items you have! They’re honestly pretty darn great!

So let’s dive in on how I go about creating mini capsule wardrobes…

How to Create Mini Capsule Wardrobes | Casual Game Day Outfit Idea | Turtleneck Sweater, Demi-Boot Jeans, Veja Sneakers, Lack of Color Wool Hat | Louella Reese
Clear Game Day Belt Bag | Casual Game Day Outfit Idea | Turtleneck Sweater, Demi-Boot Jeans, Veja Sneakers, Lack of Color Wool Hat | Louella Reese
Clear Game Day Belt Bag | Casual Game Day Outfit Idea | Turtleneck Sweater, Demi-Boot Jeans | Louella Reese

One: Decide on a color palette

This is the very first thing I do when packing or planning out looks for an certain period of time. Pick a few main colors and choose pieces within those color families. Ideally, going with 2-4 colors works best! 

Examples: olive green, cream/white, blue, and brown. 
navy, cream/white, brown, lavender. 
black, white, and brown. 
brown, mustard, ivory, and blue.

Tips on Creating a Capsule Wardrobe | Clear Game Day Belt Bag | Turtleneck Sweater, Plaid Midi Dress, Cognac Leather Booties, Lack of Color Wool Hat, Metallic Clear Belt Bag | Louella Reese
Plaid Midi Dress, Yellow Midi Dress, Leather Cognac Booties | Casual Fall Outfit Idea, Fall Midi Dress | Louella Reese
Ultimate Fall Look | Turtleneck Sweater, Plaid Midi Dress, Lack of Color Wool Hat, Metallic Clear Belt Bag | Louella Reese

Two: Pick Key Pieces

Pick your key pieces that you will build your wardrobe around. With today’s  mini capsule wardrobe that includes the midi dress, the olive turtleneck sweater, and the jeans. These key pieces are the base of every outfit. 

Things to remember when picking out these key pieces..
opt for 1-2 of the pieces to be solid – this will help you mix and match better
pieces that can easily be layered will also offer up more outfit options 
the colors should coordinate, for every piece 

styles should be similar but also you want to have a mix. what I mean by that is, my three pieces are more on the casual side. even the dress is slightly casual thanks to the silhouette/pattern. however, it can be dressed up with accessories if need be.

How to Create Mini Capsule Wardrobes | Casual Game Day Outfit Idea | Plaid Midi Dress, Brown Leather Booties, Lack of Color Wool Hat | Louella Reese
Tips on Creating a Capsule Wardrobe | Plaid Midi Dress, Fall Midi Dress, Fall Dress, Green Top Handle Bag, Brown Leather Booties | Louella Reese
How to Create Mini Capsule Wardrobes | Casual Game Day Outfit Idea | Plaid Midi Dress, Brown Leather Booties, Lack of Color Wool Hat | Louella Reese

Three: Have Fun with your Accessories BUT think about Functionality as well

Accessories are 100% the place to really have fun when it comes to capsule wardrobes. However, they can take up a great deal of space if you’re creating a mini capsule wardrobe for travel so they also need to be functional. Meaning they need to have the ability to be worn with multiple looks. 

Examples: the hat with these looks is a really fun piece however I can wear it with all three looks. if I didn’t wear it with the midi due to wanting the look to be more dressed up I would have still worn it with two out of the three looks.

Same goes for the belt bag. That is a FUN piece!! Aka if you don’t have one you really do need one! They are so much fun to wear and to style. Plus they’re ideal when you’re on the go and want your hand free. But back to the capsule wardrobe, it was a fun piece to add but I was able to wear it with two out of the three looks and still create totally different looks! 

Are you into creating mini capsule wardrobes? Do you have any additional tips? Comment below and share!

PHOTOS BY SUNNI PHOTOGRAPHY

10 Comments

  1. Dana Mannarino wrote:

    I absolutely LOVE this post! So smart to think about for traveling. Can’t wait to try it out next time I go away!

    Dana | The Champagne Edit 

    Posted 12.17.19
  2. Rachel wrote:

    These tips are SO good! I haven’t given the capsule wardrobe thing a try yet, but I really need to in 2020, especially with limited closet space!

    Rachel
    http://www.hello-her.com

    Posted 12.17.19
    • Aw thank you Rachel! I really appreciate it 🙂 oh I absolutely recommend it! Capsule wardrobes make life so much easier and also keep you from spending a lot on trendy pieces.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 12.18.19
  3. Maureen wrote:

    I love the idea of a mini capsule because it takes the stress out of getting dressed especially when traveling or going away for a weekend. My family and I love similar colors so I normally base what clothes to bring depending on the colors of our key pieces. I love your midi dress. The colors are beautiful and it looks so unique!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    Posted 12.17.19
    • Exactly!! Oh that is so fun – I’m sure y’all look like a stylish bunch when you are out and about. Thank you lady!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 12.18.19
  4. Morgan wrote:

    You know I’m a HUGE FAN of your capsules!! Thanks for sharing your secrets behind it all 🙂

    -Morgan
    The HER Chronicles [] http://theherchronicles.com

    Posted 12.17.19
    • And you’re the one that made me realize I created them haha. Thank you 🙂 Of course – glad you found them to be helpful!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 12.18.19
  5. The green turtleneck you have on with the light wash jeans looks absolutely fantastic! You have some awesome ways to create a capsule closet in this post. I am going to stick to my own color palette for spring and see what I come up with!

    XO Amanda

    Posted 12.23.19
    • Thank you so much! I really appreciate that 🙂 Excited to see what you come up with!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 12.23.19

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