Updated on May 1st, 2026
Over the years, I have shifted my focus from fast fashion trends to secondhand pieces, which has led me to create a capsule wardrobe. In this post, I want to share my capsule wardrobe and tips on creating your own.
My Fashion Journey
Years ago, I would regularly shop at fast fashion stores like H&M. However, when I learned about how harmful fast fashion brands are for the environment and also how they exploit their workers, I stopped shopping at H&M and other fast fashion stores. Now, I have been intentional about the clothing I buy, and there are only a few pieces I buy new. Naturally, my decision to focus on sustainable and secondhand fashion led me to create a capsule wardrobe. My wardrobe consists of basic pieces mixed with some statement pieces that fit my personal style, instead of what is currently trending.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a smaller but versatile collection of clothes that can be worn throughout the year and often does not follow current fashion trends. Some people have specific item limits they follow when creating their capsule wardrobe, but I believe it is more important to focus on what suits you and your style.
My Capsule Wardrobe
Tops
Plain t-shirts. I have plain black, white, and grey t-shirts that I wear on their own, and I often wear the white shirt under my sleeveless dress. I also have a simpler white shirt with stripes.
Print t-shirts. I own some t-shirts with fun designs that I can wear throughout the year. I have a black In Space With Markiplier shirt, a black shirt with Calcifer from Howl’s Moving Castle, a grey shirt with a horse wearing a bow, a cream shirt with Kirby eating pastries, and a white shirt with mushrooms.
Long-sleeve shirts. In my wardrobe, there are black and white long-sleeve shirts that I can wear in the colder months. I also have an orange long-sleeve shirt with a pumpkin face that I wear all the time in the fall.
Button-ups. I bought secondhand black plaid and blue plaid button-up shirts that I wear throughout the year.
Tank tops. I own black and white tank tops that I wear under the button-ups or under a long-sleeve shirt or sweater to have an extra layer during the colder months.
Bottoms
Jeans. I currently have pairs of blue, dark blue, and black jeans that I wear throughout the year.
Shorts. During the warmer months, I often wear black and blue jean shorts, a pair of black linen shorts, and floral print shorts.
Skirts. I own a plain black skirt and a plaid skirt. I bought the plaid skirt online secondhand from Sellpy, but I did not like the length. Then I took the skirt to a tailor and had the length shortened.
Leggings. I have been gifted a pair of plain black leggings that I often wear under dresses when it is cold.
Dresses and Rompers
Maxi dresses. In my wardrobe, I have a black sleeveless maxi dress with pockets that I wear during the summer and often over the white short-sleeve shirt. I have also worn the dress during winter with a sweater and the leggings. My favorite maxi dress is a floral print one that I wear during the warmer months. I also have a black maxi dress with a silver speckled pattern that I regularly wear for special occasions.
Short dresses. I own a simple black dress that I can dress up or down, and I have nicer floral dresses that I have worn to weddings. I also bought a more casual floral print dress that I often wear during the summer.
Rompers. I have several rompers as they are great to wear during the warmer months, and they are an easy outfit to put together. I own a nicer black romper with beaded pearls that I have worn for dinners out. Also, I have a Stranger Things romper with pockets that has a bright floral print and a more casual black romper with a yellow floral pattern.
Outerwear
Winter coat. I have been gifted a winter coat from Lighthouse. The coat comes to my knees, and it is great to wear to stay warm during winter.
Puffer jacket. I bought a black puffer jacket that is shorter than the winter coat. I have been wanting one for years, as I wanted more variety in the jackets I can wear during winter.
Fleece. I also have a navy fleece that I was gifted from Lighthouse. It is my go-to jacket during the fall as it is warm and waterproof.
Raincoat. I own a black raincoat that is perfect for rainy days.
Sweaters. During the colder months, there are several sweaters I wear, including a plain black sweater, a black sweater with crystal beading, a black Nightmare Before Christmas sweater, and an embroidered Nancy Drew sweater based on The Secret of Shadow Ranch.
Cardigans. I bought a secondhand black and white cardigan with alpacas that is perfect for spring and fall when the weather is cooler but not cold enough for a jacket. I also have a cropped black cardigan that is lighter than the alpaca one and perfect for summer when the nights get cooler
Shawl. I own a black shawl that I wear indoors with dresses on colder days
Shoes
Everyday shoes. I personally love Sketchers, and I currently have a pair of plain black slip-ins.
Flats. I own a pair of plain black flats that I can wear for special events and holidays.
Rain boots. For rainy days, I wear a pair of rain boots as my everyday shoes are not waterproof.
Flip flops. I have a pair of teal flip flops that I occasionally wear during the summer.
Sandals. I recently bought a pair of black Sketchers sandals to wear during the warmer months.
Tips for Building a Capsule Wardrobe
If you want to create your own capsule wardrobe, you should first look at the pieces you already own. You can either make a list mentally or write down the clothing you have. This is also a good time to repurpose, donate, or recycle any pieces you no longer wear. If the clothing is still in good condition, you can donate (or sell) it, while clothing with holes and stains should be repurposed or recycled.
Once you have your list of clothing, you can take note of any gaps in your wardrobe. For example, if you have several pairs of blue jeans, and you have been wanting a pair of black or white jeans, now would be a good time to fill in that gap. I do recommend shopping secondhand first over buying new. You can browse thrift stores in your area or on online marketplaces. If you do buy new, you should try to focus on sustainable brands over fast fashion ones. Lastly, one of the most important things to remember is to focus on your style and what you would personally wear over what is trending.
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