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Home » Starting From Scratch

Starting From Scratch

Starting A Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch

One of the things I am asked most often on The Vivienne Files is ‘How do I start a capsule wardrobe from scratch?’ Starting a capsule wardrobe from the very beginning is a terrifying thought. But it’s manageable, if you go step by step, and have a clear plan.

If you’re asking ‘what is a capsule wardrobe?’ be sure to visit the Start Here page for an overview.

I’ve created a variety of posts to walk you through the process of building a capsule wardrobe. I suggest you begin at the beginning, with my most detailed, 20-part series, How to build a capsule wardrobe from scratch:

  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch: Color Schemes
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 1: A Nice Pair of Pants
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 2: Shoes
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 3: A cardigan and tee
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 4: Jeans and a Shirt
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 5: Accessories round one
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 6: Accent Color Tops and a Scarf
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 7: A Base in the 2nd Neutral
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch: A Brief Pause to Check the Map
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch: Clarifying Our Preferences
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 8: Two Tops, and a Necklace
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 9: A Skirt, and Essential Accompaniments
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 10: A Casual Jacket, Top and Shoes
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 11: A Complete Outfit, for Balance and Accent
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 12: A Winter Coat, Boots and Scarf
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 13: More Accessories!
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 14: Leisure Wear
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 15: A Versatile Dress and an Accent Cardigan
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 16: Evaluating and Balancing our Neutrals
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 17: A Few Finishing Touches, for now…
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 18: One last review, considering Whatever’s Clean, and The Common Wardrobe
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch – The Wardrobes, Finished (for now..)

Ready to do it all over again? The following posts walk you through building a capsule wardrobe in a more condensed manner:

  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch – First Steps (navy, khaki, pink, light blue and white)
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch – Stage Two
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch – Stage Three
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch – Stage Four
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch – Finishing Up
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, First Steps (Beige, Olive, Teal, Orange and Ivory)
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 2
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 3 – Do I Have to Own a Dress?
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4 – I MUST Have a Winter Coat
  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 5

Capsule Wardrobe Building Articles

Once you’ve mastered the basics of creating a capsule wardrobe these posts will show you variations in color palettes, climate, and formality.

  • How to Build a Summer Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch in Navy and White
  • Starting From Scratch Summer Office Capsule Wardrobe in Navy and White
  • A Dressy Top: How to Dress Up a Starting from Scratch Capsule Wardrobe
  • Metallic Shoes and a Small Bag: How to Dress Up a Starting from Scratch Capsule Wardrobe
  • Jewelry: How to Dress up a Starting From Scratch Capsule Wardrobe
Mega Guide - How to build a capsule wardrobe from scratch step by step

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Comments

  1. Claudia Pego says

    November 13, 2016 at 8:52 am

    I think this will be just what I need!
    Looking forward to read every post, thanks!
    (Just a sugestion… it would be great if this page had an image so I could pin it on Pinterest)

  2. Michelle Lyndon-Dykes says

    March 21, 2017 at 8:49 am

    Hi
    This is a really interesting concept Janice. Since moving home I've had to really think about my clothes (much less storage in this house). I'm finding that every piece has to really earn its place in my wardrobe. This way of putting together a core wardrobe has my little grey cells buzzing with ideas!
    I'm also on a mission to find my own style and experiment with different looks in my 50's, which I share on my blog (www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk) It will be interesting to see if your ideas affect my purchase decisions moving forward.
    Many thanks
    Michelle

  3. 7 of 9 says

    September 5, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    Brilliant! Dear Janice this changed my life and continuing to do so!! And it gets better and better each time I go through this procedurec(this is my 8th time I guess).
    (I 2nd suggestion of putting images here – please add pictures of color chart to be easier to recognize articles.)

    Sania from Zagreb
    xoxo

  4. FLIP DIVING says

    September 22, 2017 at 2:43 am

    The information you share is very useful. It is closely related to my work and has helped me grow. Thank you!
    nodejs , flip diving , bottle flip

  5. Anna Howze says

    December 11, 2017 at 2:00 am

    You have posted a very detail document. I read all of your article and I really like it, I understand your point of view.
    photoshop alternative, cool math games run 3

  6. slither io says

    December 31, 2017 at 3:29 am

    Thanks for your post! I think there are many other people who are interested in them just like me! How long does it take to complete this article? I have read through other blogs, but they are cumbersome and confusing. I hope you continue to have such quality articles to share! Good luck!
    usps tracking

  7. Addison says

    February 22, 2018 at 4:43 am

    Hello World. I am Addison and I am from United States, My hobby is travelling around world.

  8. Madeleine Prendergast says

    April 12, 2018 at 8:30 pm

    Janet, greetings! I'd like to ID the clothes in my closet with Pantone colors. Do people in stores know about Pantone colors? I've only seen it used in the printing industry.
    Love,
    Marie-Madeleine

    • Janice Riggs says

      April 12, 2018 at 8:41 pm

      You might find someone in a really nice store like Eileen Fisher who has a clue about Pantone, but I've NEVER seen a store or clothing company actually USE the colors in any way. It would be so helpful, wouldn't it?
      hugs,
      Janice

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The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
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