Unlock Your Capsule Wardrobe with Versatility: A Guide

Have a closet full of things you like but never wear? Struggling to pull outfits together before work, occasions, or trips? Buying more isn’t the solution. But understanding the importance of versatility may just unlock a major wardrobe breakthrough, and the doors to a more refined personal style.

The concept of a capsule wardrobe is nothing new, and you’ve surely heard the term many times—perhaps even giving it a try for a season or two. But old habits die hard, and there is some general confusion around exactly what having a “capsule wardrobe” really means.

The meaning of minimalism and a “capsule wardrobe”

I once wrote an article defining minimalism not as having less, but focusing on the most simple and pure form something, eliminating baggage to focus on the things which are the most important.

Working in fashion for over a decade, I have also spent a good deal of time considering and practicing concepts surrounding capsule wardrobes.

In this article, I will pull from that state of mind specifically as versatility applies to fashion, and explain why versatility may just be the key to unlocking a new approach to your buying habits—leading you to a more fulfilling, functional capsule wardrobe.

What makes a piece of clothing “versatile”

A dictionary definition of versatile:

“Able to change easily from one activity to another or able to be used for many different purposes.”

– Cambridge Dictionary

By definition, a versatile article of clothing must easily transition through multiple activities and uses.

That doesn’t mean you need to be able to tackle a triathlon and a cocktail party with the same outfit, but it does mean each item you buy should have more than a single use to maximize versatility. The more uses a piece of clothing has, the more opportunity you’ll have to wear it.

It’s important to note that versatile means something different to everyone, since lifestyles and individuals activities greatly vary.

Here are some tips to mindfully shop versatility first

• Can you pair it with at least 7 other items in your wardrobe? Good coordination with your favorite high rotation pieces multiplies feel-good outfit options to the max.
• Is the piece multi-seasonal and anti-fast fashion, or just a trend? Shopping for essentials maximizes versatility with season after season of new combinations.
• Is it functional to wear to your daily and weekly activities? People default to wearing what works. Consider your daily activities to select pieces that make life easier, not more difficult.

Imagine if you purchased items this way every time. Instead of a closet full of nothing to wear, you’d have endless combinations that are designed to suit your very lifestyle.

Need a wardrobe reset? Here are some of the most versatile essentials to start your capsule wardrobe:

• White button down
• 2-3 tees (fitted, boxy, something special)
• Mid-rise boot leg jeans (this fit works with the most combinations)
• Black leggings
• 1-2 lightweight jackets
• 1 special loved knit
• Modern cut blazer
• Maxi skirt (fitted or full)

With these key items alone, you can easily make 30-40 combinations or if the items pair together well. Starting to get why versatility is key?

How to make dozens of outfits out of a handful of versatile pieces

Let’s use leggings as an example. Leggings and a coordinating top may be your go to. But if your leggings are a versatile fit and design, black leggings and a button down can also be casual Friday style—add a blazer and you can pull it off in a Monday. Pair the same leggings with your favorite oversized tee and a jacket, you’ve got a totally different vibe ready to hit the farmers market. Ditch the jacket and layer a tee with your favorite knit, you’ve got date night by the fire.

Rotate top combinations with your leggings week by week, and now you’ve achieved a high rotation wear without repeating outfits. The key here is selecting the right pair of leggings that suits a wide range of activities and coordinates with a wide variety of pieces in your wardrobe.

Repeat a rotation process with your favorite denim, maxi skirts (you get the point)

The styling potential is endless when you buy something versatile that pairs well with your existing wardrobe, and suits your lifestyle activities.

By shopping versatility, you’re prioritizing items with high rotation potential in your wardrobe—reducing waste and maximizing the wear of the pieces you love. Want some more tips to shop mindfully for maximum wear potential?

Here are some more tips that will increase your high wardrobe rotation potential

• Is it good quality? Buying fast fashion may give you a quick buzz, but nothing feels good about wearing a pilled tank on repeat, and cheaply made items won’t last for the wear.
• Does the care and maintenance align with your lifestyle? Even a well loved piece may not be versatile if you’re afraid to wear it.
• Does it resonate with your core, or just your mood? Occasion wear aside, understanding yourself is critical when selecting heavy rotation pieces. What you’re in the mood for is likely to change after you have coffee.

High rotation items not only make the most out of your fashion investment, they also lead to a more refined personal style. Learn the art of thoughtful selection and unlock your wardrobe potential by using this guide to select the most versatile pieces that will be the building blocks that lead to your capsule wardrobe.

In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post was made in collaboration with adidas. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!