I decided this spring to try a mini-capsule wardrobe. Then I went looking for some advice on how to get started. AND. I. ALMOST. DROWNED. IN. INFORMATION. This post attempts to cull down the vast ocean of options and focus instead on two well-loved capsule options that fall into the “larger side of mini” or “smaller side of regular” capsule wardrobes. Check them out, and then tell me in the comments which one you like more (and why).
Option #1: Wardrobe Sudoku
The idea here is that you start with 16 pieces and then every row becomes an outfit (4), every column becomes an outfit (4), and both diagonals become an outfit (2). In all, you can make 10 outfits from this one grid:
Now, assume that you are buying (or already own) the shoes, and that two of the “extras” are going to be jewelry — and you only need to sew up 10 pieces of clothing for a handmade sudoku capsule. Pretty neat!
Editor Note: You can also use this for smaller mini capsules too! If you do a 3×3 grid of nine pieces (this version includes no accessories), you can instantly have 9 different outfit combinations. The yellow, red and blue lines give you some easy outfit combinations to start- but the remixing potential is endless. Especially if you include multiuse clothing pieces.
Option #2: The 4×4 Wardrobe
Unlike the sudoku method above, the 4 x 4 wardrobe method begins with a color palette and goes from there.
A Four by Four Wardrobe is a 16-piece group of clothes chosen four pieces at a time, developed by The Vivienne Files. While there are several variations, the one I like the best (and see most frequently) runs as follows:
- Core of Four: four pieces (two tops and two bottoms) in the same neutral color,
- Another Core of Four: four pieces (two tops and two bottoms)
- Mileage Four: four tops in anything that goes with your first 8 garments
- Expansion Four: four items to fill in any gaps (dresses, etc.)
Here’s a template you can use (from The Vivienne Files) — and speaking of which, her website has TONS of great resources on capsule wardrobes, including inspiration 4×4 wardrobes in a variety of colors and seasons.
The idea here is less structured than the sudoku version — there aren’t a specific number of pre-selected outfits you’re going for — theoretically, you’re going to get even more options because 1) there are more clothing pieces (16 vs 10) and 2) the focus on 8 core neutral pieces means more things are going to mix-and-match.
So which capsule framework is right for you?
I’ve thought about both and found that they work best for different purposes, for different times in my life.
The 4×4 wardrobe seems to work best for me:
- As the foundation of my daily wardrobe — I chafe a bit at the sudoku model (it seems so strict!) and I like the additional flexibility that the 4×4 model provides.
- To embrace my love of bold fabric — the “mileage 4” offers a way to incorporate those dramatic prints that don’t necessarily match everything else.
- When I’m trying to build up a cohesive color palette — I am greatly drawn to the idea of 1-2 main neutral colors and then pops of complementary colors.
On the other hand, the sudoku capsule seems like the best option when:
- I’m tight on time — because the sudoku approach has fewer pieces, it takes less time to sew.
- I’m focused on a specific wardrobe purpose — like a “workout capsule” or a “business casual” capsule.
- I’m traveling — for 1-2 week trips, the strict approach provides an excellent way to ensure you have a different outfit for every day of the trip.
How I decided…
First I spent some time (a LOT of time, actually) looking for inspiration. Here are some of my favorite resources:
- Pinterest — just search “capsule wardrobe” (and then dive deeper with things like “plus-size capsule wardrobe” and “winter capsule wardrobe” and “capsule wardrobe pink” and… well, you get the idea)
- The Capsule Wardrobe Sew Along Facebook group — very fun, very helpful group of ladies
- The Wardrobe Architect series by Colette — an amazing multi-step (with print-out guides) process for identifying your personal style and choosing a color palette
- The Curated Closet — a book (but also check out the blog, which has TONS of free advice that I found mind-blowing to my process) to help you discover your personal style and “build a dream wardrobe”
Well armed, I then brought out a notebook and started sketching. I knew that I was going to try for a capsule wardrobe between 10 and 16 pieces, and my goal was to sew 10 new pieces, supplementing 6 (handmade or RTW) pieces from my existing wardrobe. I’m an AWFUL sketcher, but I was really pleased with how my first draft turned out. (Lesson here: you might surprise yourself with a new talent!)
Then, I looked at a color palette. While my current wardrobe is all about bold, saturated colors, I am conceptually drawn to creams, grays, and pinks. So I thought I would try to incorporate them into this capsule in a thoughtful way. Here’s the set of fabrics I pulled from my stash:
The next step was to put patterns with fabric in a way that would develop into a cohesive capsule. Here, I surprised myself by leaning back towards the sudoku method. I cut swatches of fabric and pinned them to the pattern description. Then I moved them around (using the template at the top of this blog as a guide) until I felt like I had a winning combination. Here’s where I ended up:
You can see that I ditched the original plan for dresses and went 100% separates here. I was also able to use 9 patterns from my stash — there is only one new pattern (a knit blazer) that I’ll need to purchase. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out, although I won’t be surprised if there are a few final tweaks as it comes together.
So — the planning took me about a six weeks, but I was in no rush and it was mostly a fun way to relax on the couch in the evenings while I binged on Midsomer Murders. It’s been about two months since then, and here’s what I’ve accomplished:
- 4 pieces are finished and hanging in my wardrobe
- 2 pieces are cut and ready to sew
- 4 pieces are not yet begun
Of course, I’ve also managed to test 4 new patterns for indie designers, sew up 8 pieces of clothing NOT on my capsule list, survive 3 weeks of a brutal cold, and travel for 3 weeks. It’s been a busy spring — but I’m planning to use the next couple of weeks to push through and complete my capsule. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be sharing my 10 sudoku outfits with you here in a couple of weeks.
Whew — that’s a lot of information, and I hope it’s been helpful. I’d love to know how you approach the process of developing a capsule wardrobe. Are there “can’t miss” resources that I didn’t mention above? Do you have thoughts/advice on my planned capsule? Any words of wisdom for those of us trying it for the first time? Leave your comments below — I can’t wait to read them!
I love this post! I’ve been interested in capsule wardrobes but, as you said, the amount of info out there is completely overwhelming. I’m very inspired and think I’ll do 2 capsules; a 3×3 for my nemesis, Summer and a 4×4 for the rest of the year. Can’t wait to read the rest of this series. Thanks so much.
I also prefer the 4×4 as I don’t do blazers & find it difficult to fill some of the boxes in the Sudoku. However, the basic gist of the Sudoku has been great for coming up with outfit ideas for the clothes I already have. When it comes to making clothes, especially making them to fill wardrobe gaps, I find the 4×4 the most helpful.
This post inspired me so much that I decided to leave a comment for first time! The idea of a capsule wardrobe is great but like you Jennifer I have always felt to overwhelmed but all sorts of systems….But the 4×4 makes a lot of sense and is doable! So after reading your post I have decided to try the 4×4 concept…but in a smaller version. Let’s call it 2×2: 2 tops and 2 bottoms, plus 2 more extension tops to start with. I just want to see whether it would work for me. So I went to a large on-line cloth shop that sells all sorts of brands and picked some clothes following the concept. You can see the picture of all clothes I selected in the link attached to this post. I am going to order them to try and see whether in principle I like the idea. I know that most things will not fit me (I have a big bust) but I hope to have an idea whether I like this approach. Then I can return everything that does not fit and make my own clothes to fit in the scheme. Thank you for your very inspiring post!
Thank you for a great article!
I can see that both methods would have merit and the Sudoku method may expand into the 4 x 4.
The Sudoku method seems very manageable for me. My fabric stash mirrors my clothes wardrobe – mostly thrifted pieces that do not necessarily work together. When planning what to sew, I become stricken with paralysis by analysis so the Sudoku method seems to offer reassuringly bite sized snippets of what to combine with what without becoming overwhelmed!
Now…I’m off to do some sketches!
I am rather delighted with both of the plans. I grew up sewing and putting together a wardrobe using pieces that did double duty came from my Mom. But it’s been a long time since I really looked at my wardrobe and I think these are great ways to figure it out on paper, not just in my head and as I buy fabric.
I think Soduku is the way to go for me and I found 5 more outfits by grouping the 4 boxes in each corner and the center 4 as well.
I was goung to akm for the 4 corner thing as well!
I read this article the other day and it has been percolating in my brain ever since! I have a very limited wardrobe which I love for the ease of getting dressed for any day or occasion. I bought most items to mix and match but I rarely change them up. After thinking about this, yesterday I wore a floral top with linen pants combination that I had never tried before and it looked great! So I first hope to do a Sudoku of what I already have and see where I need to add pieces to the mix. I LOVE how you lined up your sketches and fabric swatches to match your plan = it is a very visual way to see what you need to sew!!
Thank you so much for sharing. I have been considering how to pare down my wardrobe and what I really need and this gives me a structure. This is a thoughtful and well written. Planning is a useful thing!
This comes at a really good time for me!! We are leaving on a 14 day vacation to the midwest and I have been looking at tall the capsule wardrobes to try to figure out how to do them. THIS IS GENIUS!!! thanks so much! not sewing anything as I am trying to use what I already have in my closet. Awesome post, thanks for all you guys post. I find something useful in everyone.
The Sudoku does not work for me, the smaller version is better but still would be impossible. I wear wide width shoes which are hard to find and when found are still hard to fit. I would never find that many shoe options for the outfits.
The 4 by 4 would totally work for me. I normally buy my pants in neutrals and tops in pretty prints which makes things easy to match up. The problem with this is when I find a Jacket in a pretty print I have no top to wear with it. The 4 x 4 would solve that problem for me. Thanks for the ideas.
I have wide feet, and it’s possible to find cute shoes! Check out nordstroms, torrid, and DSW. I have better luck shopping online at those places.
Wow, I love the super-organised, thorough way in which you went about this! I really like the 4×4 idea for starting from scratch or mostly starting from scratch, but I think the sudoku idea would be fantastic for looking at your current clothes in a new way, or trying to decide what to take on holiday. I think you’re very wise to take your time on thinking it through.
Actually I think either of these would be a really good way to keep an eye on my kids’ wardrobes as well – I find it quite overwhelming trying to work out what they need.
I have seen the capsule wardrobe idea on several sewing sites recently but didn’t think it was for me for various reasons but now I think I will explore it more. The soduko method makes it clearer hiw it works!
I’m an overweight stay at home mum who has fallen into a rut of stretchy pants and loose fitting tunics. The highlights of my week are taxiing kids to school and activities so never feel a need to dress nice, but the stretchy pants/tunic combo as an entire wardrobe concept says to me that I’ve given up trying. They still have their place, but I need variety.
I’ve been thinking about getting back to my old style which had goth/punk aspects, so this is going to be the theme of my capsule!
I’ve just had some new shoes arrive today, and have an awesome pair of pants on layby (not something I’m easily able to replicate in my sewing room) so they will be my starting point. I’m getting excited!
I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe, and a more structured approach to sewing and planning my wardrobe. I have tons of UFOs at various stages, tons of fabrics and tons of patterns all waiting to be turned into something wearable. Just picking out the next project has become a little overwhelming.
I’m currently working my way through some of Suzy Furrer’s patternmaking and design classes on Craftsy, and I love the design exercises in her Creative Darts and Seam Lines class, where you look for inspiration in shapes, colors and textures, as well as your muses (people who inspire you), and then make a mood board before you start designing your wardrobe. I could totally see the sudoku method as another step in between to help with choosing what garments to actually draft and sew. I like that the sudoku method takes shoes and accessories into consideration, and I love the playful approach.
There’s one thing I don’t really like about either method, and that’s the under representation of dresses. I just prefer dresses over separates, be it skirts or pants. But I’m pretty sure I’ll find some dress sudoku inspiration in the vast seas of pinterest, right? 😉
Thank you for sharing these methods and your approach! This has really taken me one step further towards my goal of building a handmade wardrobe 🙂
I wish I had enough known about the sudoku method, maybe I wouldn’t have over packed for a recent trip I took! Very clearly presented, and I am impressed with your sewing output! Cannot wait to see it all in action, all the best!
SUDOKU? I can’t even figure out how those puzzles work. Now I have to put them in a wardrobe planner? The 4×4 sounds more like something that would work better for me. I often look for /or sew pieces that fit in with what I already have. Unfortunately, what I mostly have has disintegrated into black pants / black pants / and any top that I can fit into! I have done wardrobe planning in the past. Now, the dress codes isn’t nearly as strict or a dressy as it used to be. I can get away with pants and tops, and just have to dress for the indoor temperature. Heels are gone from the wardrobe.
Years ago, when I did major planning, I first started by separating my closet into colors. Then by pieces. Found out I bought the same blazers over and over again in the same color family, just with different outfits. Those were the days when you bought a full set, or full 3-piece suit and only one thing was different! What an eye opener. Splitting up a suit into pieces made both totally more wearable. If you hang sets together, you tend to wear them only as a set and the individual pieces get worn less often.
It’s a great place to start to separate and evaluate what you already have in the closet.
What I love most about this post is your honesty about how long it took you to get your ideas for the capsule sorted out. I find that too many people seem to think this is supposed to be a “done in 2 hours” kind of task. If you want to try to organise your life and your sewing better by using any capsule wardrobe method, you need to put some real thought into the whole process. Thanks for sharing how you get yours developed and good luck on getting it finished!
Would a Dress be considered as a bottom?
A dress is totally a bottom, most of the time When I have a dress in my planning I normally just get rid of the top and wear it with the layer.
I LOVE Midsomer Murders!
The sudoku method sounds interesting. I sew so slowly though, I just do what I’m inspired by next.
I have never thought about doing a Soduku method for planning a wardrobe. It’s a great way to think about it — even if my brain does break at the thought of solving a numerical version of that puzzle.
Years ago I did the wardrobe architect and learned a lot about myself. I still use that basic wardrobe plan (I did one from Spring/Summer and another for Fall/Winter). For the most part I’ve stuck with it. Every so often due to clothing wearing out or just getting plain sick of it, I’ll toss a new silhouette into the mix for fun.
Thank you! I had not understood the Sudoko terminology as it applies to a wardrobe before so this was illuminating!!
I would most likely choose the mini capsule. The larger version is great, and is eminently do-able, but my taste rounds toward simple and minimally accessorized so the mini would be perfect for me.
Love the idea – this makes sense and I can now envision tag-ons to expand even further. Thank you for helping us with the capsule puzzle!
What a wonderful bit of genius! I love both the 4×4 and the soduko.
It’s really inspired me to take a long look at my wardrobe.
Thank you for sharing.
Finally. Capsule organizing that makes sense to me and feels very doable. Option 1. Doesn’t seem overwhelming in the least. Thank you!!!