If you stand in front of your wardrobe wondering why you have nothing to wear, this article will teach you how to build the perfect capsule wardrobe for a stay at home mom. Saving money, increasing your confidence and looking fantastic!
Optimise your wardrobe and increase your energy by eliminating decision fatigue, stress and anxiety.
It’s easy to slip into a routine habit of comfortable clothes or even pyjamas most days as a stay at home mom. But comfortable clothes can also be stylish and make you feel terrific.
No matter what, don’t dress for anyone else but you. You will feel so much better about yourself if you wear something that makes you feel good.
As a note, there’s nothing wrong with wearing activewear, yoga pants, or jeans and a T-Shirt every day. Your wardrobe is all about you and should compliment your style and lifestyle.
Although we have made some suggestions below for a capsule wardrobe for a stay at home mom, what a boring world we would live in if everyone stuck to the staples of a black shirt, white shirt, jeans and white trainers. Saying that, staples go with everything, so they are convenient items to have in your wardrobe.
Try introducing a lovely print or a flowing silhouette paired with something you already own if you want to shake things up. Trying lots of different things when shopping can help you get out of your comfort zone while finding what genuinely works for you. Trying different styles is especially helpful if your body shape has changed since becoming a mom.
When building your capsule wardrobe for a stay at home mom, if you can afford to, invest in staple pieces that will last. A flattering pair of jeans, a beautiful cut t-shirt or a dress that you can dress up or feel good in any time are fantastic items to invest in.
Capsule Wardrobe For a Stay at Home Mom
Why consider a capsule wardrobe?
Getting dressed becomes a breeze when you have preplanned outfits that suit you and make you feel great!
A capsule wardrobe for a stay at home mom can help you feel less tired and overwhelmed as you will have fewer clothes, more outfits, and know in advance what you will wear.
Knowing your style and colour palette will streamline shopping, positively impact the environment, and save money. You will also have more space in your wardrobe, which brings joy.
Although there will be an upfront investment of time (not necessarily money), you will love everything you wear after the process. Getting ready will be simple, easy and fun.
So, get ready to look amazing!
What is a Capsule Wardrobe for Stay at Home Mom?
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of mix and match items that can be interchanged to create many outfits. Usually, a capsule wardrobe consists of a few timeless and essential things combined with seasonal pieces.
Creating a capsule wardrobe can feel intimidating initially, but a small amount of effort and planning goes a long way. After the initial upfront investment of time, your wardrobe will be easy to navigate.
You don’t need to lose your individuality to create a capsule wardrobe. And you will still be choosing every item. What patterns and styles you want and how many things you would like to have in your closet are up to you.
Note: Getting into day clothes every morning has excellent benefits for your mental health. I recommend getting dressed every morning, even if you work from home, you’re a stay-at-home mom, or live in lounge or activewear.
I have found that my productivity increases, I feel more positive and make better food choices if I dress for the day.
So let’s get started. Below I have outlined four simple steps to create a capsule wardrobe.
Step 1. Declutter
If you are going to get serious about a wardrobe, you love that makes you feel amazing. The first step is to declutter.
Go through your current wardrobe and sort your clothes into four piles:
Keep
You love the item, and you wear it all the time.
Maybe
You don’t wear it, but you are unsure if you can part with it right now.
Sell
Items that are still in good condition but you never wear can be sold.
Donate
Items that are not sellable can be donated to charity.
If you don’t feel comfortable getting rid of things, pack them away in a box for a little while. If you don’t open the box after a few months, take it to the op shop.
It’s a good idea to put your maybe clothes in this box, if you get them out in the next few months, keep them. If you don’t, donate them with the rest of the box.
If you have items in your wardrobe that are out of season, put them away until the season comes around again. Pack them in a box or a suitcase, giving you more space in your wardrobe.
I live in a warm climate, so I keep a box of winter clothing on top of my wardrobe most of the year. If you have four seasons, you may need to create a collection for each season.
When going through your wardrobe, remember that clothes should make you feel beautiful, look slimmer (or fuller), raise your self-esteem, and brighten your mood and self-confidence.
And if you haven’t worn the item in the last few months, there’s a chance you won’t wear it in the next few (unless it’s seasonal).
Step 2. Choose your colour palette
The right colour palette will make you look radiant and vibrant, ensuring your skin glows. I love knowing my colour palette because my colours give me a lift and make me look younger.
You can take a quiz here to find your colour palette.
Although you can take the quiz and work out what colour suits you, it’s also good to inject your personality and things you love into your wardrobe. Consider the colours and patterns you are drawn to and items you have purchased and worn historically.
Note: Neutral colours such as black, white, navy or cream are great for trousers, jackets and accessories and make it easy to mix and match.
Step 3. Build your Capsule Wardrobe
After you have gone through your current wardrobe, the remaining items will form the base of your capsule wardrobe. Hopefully, you will have some basics to start with such as a pair of jeans, black trousers, a jumper, a jacket, a few t-shirts etc.
Customising Your Capsule Wardrobe
Your capsule wardrobe is your wardrobe, so it’s really up to you how many items you have; however, each item should easily mix and match.
Each article should match with at least three other pieces. Think of your capsule wardrobe as a larger version of your travel wardrobe. When you pack to go on holiday, you pack versatile mix and match seasonal items that you can wear with several different pieces.
And you should regularly wear all your items.
Step 4. Planning Your Outfits
A capsule wardrobe is very intentional, so all the work is done at the start to make getting dressed a breeze in the future. It’s just like going on holiday. You have done all the work upfront to know exactly what you will wear in every scenario.
Think about the different clothes you need every week. You can make a list if it helps.
I have made some suggestions below to get you started.
Coffee dates
School run
Workout
Evenings out
Weekend
Home
Pool or Beach
Holidays
Once you know what you are planning for, you can ensure you have a great outfit that makes you feel confident for each activity.
Nobody can decide what you need in your wardrobe but try to maximise your pieces. For example, have a pair of trousers or jeans that can be rolled up for a different look, or a dress that can be plain in the day but dressed up in the evening.
Lay Your Outfits Out
Just like you would when planning to go on holiday, lay your clothes out on the bed into outfits, so you know what you will wear for each occasion. If you need creative inspiration, start a Pinterest board and pin looks you want to create from your wardrobe.
When using Pinterest, think about the styles that usually work for your body type and what you already have in your wardrobe to start with.
What the Experts Say
The authority on capsule wardrobes, Caroline Rector of un-fancy, has a five-step approach to building your capsule wardrobe.
You can use this as a guide:
1. Pare down your closet to 37 items – including tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets and shoes. Doesn’t include workout clothes, accessories, jewellery, bags, swimsuits, pyjamas/loungewear, or underwear.
2. Wear only those 37 items for three months.
3. Don’t go shopping during the season until…
4. During the last two weeks of the season, plan and shop for your next capsule.
5. The amount you buy for the next capsule is up to you, but less is more.
Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
These are my essentials for a stay-at-home mom’s wardrobe. These items will make you look stylish and are super comfortable, allowing you to move freely.
Jeggings
These super comfy jeggings look exactly like jeans, but they are softer and more comfortable with all the benefits of a standard pair of jeans.
They are flattering and have a wide stretchy waistband, so no muffin top.
Just as comfortable as your PJs but offers a tummy tuck and butt lift to ensure you look fabulous.
Joggers
These lightweight joggers are of excellent quality for the price.
They are easy to move in while being stylish enough for school pick up.
The pockets don’t stick out, so they are slimming and come in a range of gorgeous colours.
T-Shirts
When choosing t-shirts, try to go for something different as you will probably wear a t-shirt most days. You also want to go for one in your colour palette to give you a lift.
This t-shirt is easy to dress up or down, and it’s soft, flattering and comfortable. The sleeve is pretty and hides a multitude of sins, and it’s available in lots of beautiful colours and patterns.
T-Shirt Alternative
A light and comfortable blouse will make you feel more put together than a T-Shirt. This one can be worn with leggings as the length is generous enough to cover your bottom.
You can roll the sleeves up or keep them down, and it comes in a variety of gorgeous colours and prints.
Dress
This gorgeous dress is super cute, versatile enough to be dressed up or down and accessorised for summer or winter.
It’s available in many beautiful colours and patterns and doesn’t cling. And an added bonus – the material makes this dress incredibly comfortable.
Sweater
This lightweight sweater is a lovely fit, not chunky or bulky while keeping you warm.
It can be tucked in, left out, layered with a button-up underneath, or dressed up—Versatile, classic and comfortable.
Cardigan
Lovely soft lightweight cardigan, can be dressed up or dressed down and comes in a wide variety of colours.
It’s great with jeans, trousers, or a dress, making it perfect for almost every mom occasion.
Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is a staple for any wardrobe. You can dress this gorgeous jacket up or down, it’s lightweight and looks great with everything.
This jacket has some stretch so it can be worn with the sleeves rolled up and sweaters underneath. I love the colours, and because it’s tapered, it’s super-feminine and flattering.
Skirt
This skirt is a super versatile, fun elastic waist skirt that can be worn high or low with a spring or summer belt.
This skirt is made from lovely light material with flattering pleats in gorgeous colours. I love the pockets, the length and the material.
Gilet
Excellent quality for the price, this vest is a flattering tailored style and comes in many beautiful colours.
Lightweight and not too bulky to wear under a coat, this vest also provides warmth. Overall it’s light, flattering, warm and comfortable.
Oh, and I love that the pockets have zippers.
Sneakers
White shoes go with just about everything, and these are no different.
Cute, versatile shoes with a flattering fit – they are comfortable, easy-to-wear trainers that you can coordinate with dresses, shorts, and jeans.
These shoes have the added benefit of being biodegradable.
It’s okay to take your time with your wardrobe and let it evolve organically. You might start with a base and use it to strategise. Give yourself time to get used to thinking about items strategically, with longevity in mind.
Kids Capsule Wardrobe
Don’t forget to involve your children as you save the environment, money and time spent washing, folding and laundering.
It’s easier for children to keep their wardrobes clean and tidy when there is less to manage.
Children usually have their favourite items that they constantly wear, so building their capsule wardrobe is easy. Another benefit is that if everything goes and is interchangeable, you will lessen the risk of them coming out in tartan and polka dots (although that can be fun too!).
Folding
While creating the perfect spacious capsule wardrobe for stay at home moms, why not learn to fold everything into neat and pretty packages, the Marie Kondo way.
Using this folding technique will ensure you have plenty of room left in your drawers and on shelves, and you can easily see what you have, which will save you time when you are getting dressed.
If you have shirts with prints, fold with the image facing out, so the t-shirt is easily recognisable (especially relevant when using this method in children’s drawers).
This folding method is well worth the additional time (marginal). Try it once, and you won’t go back.
Related Articles
If you are unsure whether to commit to being a stay at home mom, visit our article on the pros and cons and reasons to be a stay at home mom here.
If you are already a stay at home mom and feel stuck, frustrated or disappointed, we have 45 essential ideas to ensure you feel fulfilled as a stay at home mom. These ideas on appreciation, curiosity, acceptance, kindness, forgiveness, learning and generosity will ensure you thrive every day.
If you are about to give birth again, our positive birth affirmations will take your mind from negative to positive, ensuring you feel powerful, capable and ready for labour.
I also recommend our list of stay at home mom apps, a list of apps that will help with sleep, meditation, affirmations, gratitude, positive quotes, health, wellness and more.
Moving to a capsule wardrobe can take time, but the benefit of having clothes you love and feel great in is a fantastic reward. Investing some thought and strategy into your wardrobe results in less impulse buying and a wardrobe that is a true reflection of you and your style.
Not having to think about how to put outfits together simplifies your life and gives you more freedom and time to enjoy your family.
What works for one person might not work for you, so be flexible in your approach. Simplifying and reducing your wardrobe will positively impact your mental space, reducing overwhelm and exhaustion.
I hope this article has taught you some simple concepts on how to build the perfect capsule wardrobe for a stay at home mom. Enjoy the extra time, money and confidence your new wardrobe brings.
