Closet Organization | Curating a Capsule Wall
I love having a “capsule wall” with the pieces I’m currently reaching for most—or want to give love to. It’s so helpful to see your wardrobe neatly laid out almost like a little storefront. You can section out outfits in stacks but I find the dividers also help my brain do that, allowing me to grab something from each section and go. This method was especially helpful for mornings when I was still going into an office. There’s something about seeing less that makes you feel like you have more. Less noise, less overwhelming. It absolutely simplifies the process of getting dressed.
I first started what I refer to as my “capsule wall” when Holly of Breathing Room Organization helped me sort through and organize my closet, creating breathing room. More on that process here. It’s certainly not a perfect “capsule” though you’ll see that, since then, I’ve continued to tweak and simplify my wardrobe. Having this dedicated space has made that process much easier and I’ve continued to benefit from this little “capsule wall” of mine.
Having a curated section of your closet is a great way to see the pieces you’re actually wearing—or you’d like to give love to and wear more.
Note: you don’t necessarily need to have the perfect shelving section of your closet to do this. I know it’s not completely realistic and we’ve actually moved from this home to somewhere I no longer have a walk-in closet. I’ve since created a DIY wall shelf (made from simple floating wood plank shelves) on one small wall of our primary bedroom and it’s been just as effective. You can also start with keeping a small hanging section of your closet dedicated to the staples you reach for most—or even a drawer. I recommend trying your best to actively keep it neatly folded. It needs to be functional, of course, but the visual ease or aesthetic (at least for me) is a huge part of the process and what lends to the ease and convenience.
If you’re simplifying, try curating your favorites at the start of the season—or middle or really anytime!—and go from there. For instance, for summer, pull a favorite dress or two, a pair or two of bottoms and a few tops to mix and match. Pay attention to what you actually wear, want to wear, what you feel comfortable in, or even what may feel lacking. This is a great way to edit your closet.
I’ve personally cut way back on buying new items for my wardrobe (certainly being more mindful at least) but this is where I would place any new additions to my wardrobe. If I am purchasing something new, it’s more than likely because I know there’s a lack in my wardrobe—and it immediately goes to this curated section.
I’ve been asked before how I decide what to keep vs buy vs purge (and I talk a bit about it in this post) and the key for me is focusing on how I want to feel overall. This might sound silly but I ask myself:
“Does this make me feel chic?”
“Do I feel effortless in this?”
I’ve found this incredibly helpful both for editing and any new potential purchases. My words being chic and effortless. Maybe your “words” are different but it’s a quick and easy way to “check yourself.”
The acrylic shelf dividers are from The Container Store and I share a few of my favorite/most-worn capsule styles below, as well as the “Capsule Style” page on my site. xx
