Fashion designer Donna Karan created the first capsule wardrobe in 1985 with her “7 Easy Pieces” collection. This was a capsule of clothing items for the working woman to simplify getting dressed each day. I’ve been creating capsule wardrobes at Wardrobe Oxygen since 2005. I believe in the power of capsule wardrobes for achieving big…
In the 2025 Starting Style from Scratch series, I shared a collection of items that I believe can create a strong foundation for the closet of a woman in midlife. Today I want to share some outfit inspiration; looks that could be created from this capsule wardrobe to wear for everyday situations. I love making…
After my recent spring capsule wardrobe, I had some folks reach out asking if I would consider putting together a spring work-friendly capsule wardrobe. One of my DMs on Instagram mentioned they purchased the Old Navy blazer and matching trousers so I decided to make a spring to summer workwear capsule wardrobe based on those…
I often am asked how I get the inspiration for my capsule wardrobes. I think how I figure out these capsule wardrobes may also help you create simpler wardrobes for yourself and benefit you when packing for a trip. Below I share how I create capsule wardrobes (while sharing some of the most popular ones…
I’ve been wearing the LOFT Custom Stretch Trousers for several years. They’re machine washable, a classic professional cut, match some blazers, and the 14 petite is the perfect length for me with low heels. However, I craved a change of silhouette and on a whim tried the Banana Republic Ryan pants (also in 14 petite)….
This morning I went to put on my black sweater from my real-life capsule wardrobe and as I slipped my hand into the sleeve my finger caught on a thread. Next thing I knew, the whole side seam of the sweater unraveled and I had a gaping hole armpit to hem. When I wrote about…
Hi Alison, I love your capsule collection posts but I find myself struggling with the idea in my own closet. I work in a fairly conservative office and though I don’t have to wear suits every day, I feel like I have 2 wardrobes – work and weekend. Do you have any advice for those…
Forty Days – Forty Items: A Lent Closet Purge This photo has been making the rounds on Facebook and I find it positively terrifying. To see hundreds and hundreds of people share this, like this, comment on this, think it’s a great idea for themselves and their roommates and partners… it’s a clear sign that…
In my dressy fashion emergency kit post, Lisa mentioned in the comments that the post needed an image of a capsule wardrobe. It’s funny, I write about capsule wardrobes all the time, but didn’t even think of this emergency kit being a capsule wardrobe! I decided to elaborate a bit in a separate post as…