Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

Live Simply with a Capsule Wardrobe

Have you ever thought about how many clothes you have in your closet? The chances are that you have more than you think! Now ask yourself how many of those clothes you actually wear on a normal basis. Again, it’s likely that only a fraction of your wardrobe sees any wearing time!

However, there are probably a few treasured pieces you like to wear all the time. Maybe they’re your favorites! The reality is, most of us tend to wear the same pieces over and over again. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need a lot of clothes to be fashionable. In fact, you might only need a few select pieces to complete your wardrobe. This approach is called a ” capsule wardrobe” and it’s actually pretty easy to achieve! Here are some of the benefits of having a capsule wardrobe:

Goodwill graphic with storage bins and text "Clean and Organize" written above

Clean and Organize with Goodwill

You’ll eliminate decision fatigue

Have you ever stood in front of your closet for what feels like eternity wondering what to wear for the day? Or, maybe you try on outfit after outfit, cluttering your floor and closet with clothes. With a capsule wardrobe, you’ll never have to go through this hassle again! Creating a capsule wardrobe means paring down your clothing choices to just 30 to 50 items of clothing for a specified period of time. The challenge is to mix and match those items into different outfits. Doing so will help you avoid that feeling of having ” nothing to wear.”

You’ll save time

Your time is valuable. Don’t waste it organizing your overflowing closet or wondering what you wear in the morning. With a capsule wardrobe, you’ll simplify and streamline your closet, so it consists of only the essentials. When you dress with less, you can save more time for the things you really love to do!

You could save money

Do you often find yourself buying clothing or accessories that you don’t really need? Do you frequently experience buyer’s remorse when you see unworn clothing just sitting in your closet? If so, consider building a capsule wardrobe! When you limit your clothing selection to just a few key pieces, you’ll avoid the temptation of buying additional, unnecessary items just to fill your closet. However, you don’t have to say goodbye to the fun of shopping forever. The best part of a capsule wardrobe is that you’re allowed to swap out clothing items as the seasons change.

Pink shirt with jean shorts and purple purse

Summer outfits from Goodwill

You’ll create a signature style

There’s no perfect way to create a capsule wardrobe. While the amount of items in your closet is limited to 30 to 50 pieces, you have total freedom regarding the selection of clothing that best compliments other items and generates the highest number of outfits. Although you may think you’ll be wearing the same outfit over and over again, you will find that combining different pieces is a fun challenge and helps you create a signature style. A helpful hint is to pick out basic, neutral colored tops and bottoms. Don’t forget to keep your favorite patterns and colors in the form of accessories and shoes to incorporate your own personality into your fashion. At the end of the day, your goal is to cultivate a simple closet that has room to breathe with pieces that fit great, feel great, and go great together.

Ready to get started?

Building a capsule wardrobe is easier than you may think! Start by cleaning out your closet. Remove every single piece of clothing and lay them on your bed or floor. Sort through the items one by one and set aside the select pieces you’ll include in your capsule wardrobe for the season you’re currently in. It may take a few rounds to narrow your options down to just 30 to 50 items of clothing for each season.

Mother and son sorting clothes in cardboard boxes to donate to Goodwill

Tidy up and donate to Goodwill!

Items that you no longer desire to wear, do not fit you comfortably, or are out of your current fashion should be eliminated from your closet ““ however, don’t throw them away! Instead, set anything that you don’t want to include in your capsule wardrobe in a separate pile to donate to Goodwill, where they will be put to good use. Ohio Valley Goodwill accepts donations of clothing, shoes, and accessories, which we resell in our retail stores. Funds generated from the sale of these gently-used goods goes on to support Goodwill’s life-changing programs and services for individuals with disabilities and our nation’s veterans. Even the smallest donations will help Ohio Valley Goodwill create jobs and opportunities for individuals in your community!

Are you ready to clean out your closet, simplify your life, and build a fabulous capsule wardrobe? Be sure to donate your excess clothing to Goodwill! We make it easy to donate clothes in Cincinnati and surrounding areas. Find your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill donation site and make a difference in your community today!