Winter Capsule Wardrobe Rules

It’s one thing to have good taste; it’s another thing to have good style. This year, I want to grow my style. In other words, I want to dare to wear the pieces I love and truly build a closet I adore. Gone are the days of, “Nothing in my closet fits the way I want it to,” or “I don’t love this shirt, but I might wear it someday, so I should keep it.” 2024 Abigail is committed to building a wardrobe she actually wears and that complements her.

I’m getting my colors done in February, so I’ll share more of what I learn about color seasons and body types later this Winter. For now, let’s focus on January. Starting January 1st, I’m limiting myself to a carefully crafted capsule wardrobe. I’m doing this so that I learn to make the pieces in my closet work for me, not against me. If I can’t style an outfit with it, how tied to the piece am I? I will also force myself to think creatively and to create unique outfits with the same pieces. By the end of this challenge, the goal is to have a versatile, comfortable, and durable wardrobe that I can carry with me through many seasons to come. Here are my capsule wardrobe rules:

Rule 1: Limited to 31 Pieces Only

My capsule wardrobe will be limited to 31 pieces—one for each day of the month. I have chosen 13 tops, seven bottoms, three dresses, two jackets, and six pairs of shoes. Activewear and sleepwear are excluded. However, I do plan to downsize these collections this year, too.

Rule 2: Accessories Do Not Count

Accessories do not count toward the total piece count. Accessories may include purses/bags, jewelry, hats, scarves, socks, or belts. I’m giving myself permission to have fun with accessories and to use them to their fullest potential.

Rule 3: Color is In, Not Out

Most capsule wardrobes I have seen are…bland. They are limited to a handful of colors like tan, white, black, and blue, and they discourage patterns. Although these natural-toned pieces might be more versatile, they are not the best fit for “me.” I will wear my colors—whatever they are—and have fun making colorful outfits.

Rule 4: Style Every Piece at least Twice

If I can’t style a piece in more than one outfit, it’s probably not worth keeping. Over the 31-day challenge, I must style each piece in at least two different ways. This way, I can’t default to the same pieces or the same outfits throughout the challenge.

Rule 5: This is not a “minimalist” capsule wardrobe

My goal is not to purge everything in my closet. In fact, I actually hope to keep most of my closet this year—that’s why I’m challenging myself to use what I own before I purge my closet or start over. If I can’t make an item work in more ways than one, I may consider donating the item or passing it on to a friend, but I probably won’t go full “Marie Kondo” on my wardrobe. I also plan to go back to my full wardrobe on February 1st. My wardrobe will be limited only for a limited time.

Rule 6: Have Fun!

I’m doing this challenge because I want to have fun styling unique outfits, and that’s exactly what I will do. I hope to grow more confident in my personal style throughout the process, and I hope to challenge you to have fun expressing your unique taste through the clothes you style, too.

For day-to-day updates, follow along on Instagram or Tik Tik.