Emma Chamberlain undertook a major wardrobe purge, parting ways with almost the entirety of her closet. Over the years, Chamberlain fell into the trap of overconsumption, piling her wardrobe with pieces that represented every phase, era and aesthetic she embraced. Nonetheless, Chamberlain has inspired style the past few years. Her closet became a timeline of her growth, her personal evolution on full display. She admitted that hundreds of the clothes sat untouched, either never worn, or only worn once; the clothes she often reached for were a fraction of the extensive ecollection she’s built.

There’s a collective urge to reset, refresh and rebuild with the New Year. We’re fast approaching the time of resolutions and promises. Beyond the new gym routines and productivity goals, there’s another area in desperate need of reinvention: your wardrobe. 

Set an intention for light, more intentional fashion. A cleanse and ritual allowing you to part ways and say your farewells to what no longer serves you. Get rid of the chaos that overclutters your closets, and curate a wardrobe that speaks to who you are and who you hope to become. 

Cleaning out our closets is a form of self-care, an opportunity for self reflection and to silence the noise of impulse buys and fleeting trends. A capsule closet simplifies decisions, saves money (in the long run), and brings clarity to your  self-presentation. 

A capsule wardrobe is an ode to effortless, timeless style. It’s a curated selection that mixes and matches seamlessly. It’s often misunderstood as a dull collection of basics, lacking any personality. In reality, a capsule wardrobe is a refined edit of clothing that continues to speak to your authentic self. The only difference? It's functional. You don’t need to strip your closet of color, texture and patterns. The key is to select pieces that suit your personal style where you’re not pushed into a never-ending trend-chase. 

Building a capsule wardrobe is an art form, it demands time, dedication, commitment, introspection and investment. In a way, it's a journey of self-discovery. What is your style? How do you present yourself to the world?

Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in shaping your wardrobe. Do you tend to learn toward business casual, professional, or perhaps a more active, comfort-driven style? Your wardrobe should echo your needs, whether it’s a blazer for work, or athleisure and relaxed pieces for downtime. 

Consider the color palette you gravitate towards. If you find yourself picking out neutrals like black, brown and whites, then you’re attracted to more understated, versatile colors. If you enjoy including a bright color, then include simple, vibrant pieces that can be paired with any bottoms. Are you drawn to simplicity or do patterns speak more to you? Some prefer their clothing to remain minimal, with their accessories making a statement, while others enjoy their clothes to be at the focal point. 

Do you prefer to stand out, or are you more comfortable blending in? An essential question often overlooked when considering personal style. 

Stand in front of your clothing racks and ask yourself “What have I never worn? What Haven't I touched in a long time? Did I even remember owning this? Does it fit? Is it hanging there for a goal waiting to be achieved? If the answer isn’t “I’ll definitely wear this next week,”it's time to let it go. Alexa queue Frozen's ‘Let it go’

A capsule wardrobe is based on intentionality. Focus on the color you naturally gravitate toward. Ask yourself if that blue top can pair with the green pants, and whether you’ll actually wear this combination? Can these pieces mix and match effortlessly? 

Think of a fitted blazer, classic jeans (the fit is up to you), footwear that goes with everything, tops and blouses and, of course, Chanel’s iconic little black dress. These pieces easily transition from day to night and weekend. A blazer and jeans combo is perfect for the office, while the blazer reutilized with the black dress works for a night out with friends. 

The core of a capsule wardrobe is quality over quantity; an investment into fewer, high quality fabrics that will last a lifetime. While it’s financially sensible, it's not always easy on the wallet up front. Cheaper options may be more financially responsible in the short run, but don't worry– dupes exist. 

Balance is key; follow the 80/20 rule where 80% of your self consists of foundational pieces, ones worn daily and work together easily. The 20% should include statement pieces, ones that follow trends, may be a more exaggerated expression of your authentic style or merely stand out from the rest of the closet. 

When it comes to removing pieces from your wardrobe, don’t discard them thoughtlessly. There are resources and others who will benefit greatly from the clothes.  

Donate, donate , donate! 

Before donating, ensure the clothes are cleaned and in wearable condition. For any items that are beyond repair, research centers, including animal shelters and art projects that can repurpose the fabric scraps.

A capsule closet isn’t meant to be static. Afterall, you’re not. Your closet should evolve as you do, adapting with you to the changing seasons, jobs, dreams and ambitions. A capsule wardrobe is foundational, yet a reflection of who are in the moment.