Modest capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing pieces that are versatile and modest. There are different reasons why people choose to dress modestly. There are people who like to cover up and show less skin, especially during the summer season. Modest capsule wardrobe also comes in handy for those who want to make the best impression at their formal workplace.
This is a guide on how to create a modest capsule wardrobe. I will share tips, checklists and outfit ideas for you! If you are a hijabi, I have written a post on timeless essentials items to own that can be a guide for your modest capsule wardrobe as well.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
Capsule wardrobe consists of curated staple clothing items that are versatile and can be styled with one another to create different outfits for different occasions. The main purpose is for you to buy less and wear more. It usually caters to your personal style and consists of your favourite pieces that you already own.
What is Considered Modest Clothing?
Modest clothing generally means showing less bare skin wearing less exposed clothes. Generally, modest clothing is clothes that cover chest/cleavage, butt, crotch, and upper thighs. Long sleeve tops are also popular among modest fashion.
Some people choose to wear modestly for various reasons from personal preferences to faith and religious factors. Whatever the reasons it may be, there are no rules for fashion and style. You can wear whatever makes you happy.
Tips for a Modest Capsule Wardrobe
You don’t need to throw away all your current clothes and buy everything new for capsule wardrobes. Start with the things you have already owned and keep what you need and wear the most.
You can be modest without looking frumpy. Modesty and style can go hand in hand if you learn the tricks! You can layer different pieces together to get a different look every single time or you can play with proportions.
Material
Opt for fabric that doesn’t stick to your body to achieve that modest look. Structured or flowy materials are best for modesty and it is also trendy. Choose cooling fabric like cotton and linen. This is especially good for those who live in warmer areas.
Proportions
Make sure you practice the rule of thirds. It is visually pleasing to the eye when you use 1/3 or 2/3 proportions. For instance, pair a fitted top with a maxi skirt or a baggy sweater with straight cut jeans.
Prioritize quality
Quality is important in a capsule wardrobe because you want your clothes to last for a long time. Choose quality while buying staple pieces for your modest capsule wardrobe.
How to create a Modest Capsule Wardrobe
Building a capsule wardrobe is not very difficult when you learn how to. Capsule wardrobes are all about quality over quantity. There are steps you can take in order to create a capsule wardrobe that caters to your needs.
Take a look at your current wardrobe
Identify your most worn pieces. What similarities do they have? Maybe the colors, patterns or the cutting. Those are your staple pieces and you should keep them in your capsule wardrobe. This also helps you figure out your own personal style.
Make sure you have the basics
There are basic items you should have in your capsule wardrobe like t-shirts, shirts and jeans. They are the base of most outfits you wear on a daily basis. A capsule wardrobe will not be complete without the essentials!
Determine your color palette
Some people like solid colors and some like patterns. You can see what colors you wear the most in your current wardrobe. You can use that as a guidance to make the color palette for your capsule wardrobe.
Modest Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
Staple pieces are important in a capsule wardrobe as it is the key for every outfit you wear. From a simple t-shirt to a tailored trouser, it is the base for building any look in various occasions. Here are modest wardrobe essentials you need in you capsule wardrobe:
Button down shirt
Button down shirts are one of the must-haves in a capsule wardrobe. You can dress it up or down for a casual day out or for business. It is also a great layering piece. You can wear it under a dress or as outerwear.
Crew neck t-shirts
Crew neck t-shirts are another versatile staple piece and it covers up your chest area. The sleeve length depends on your preference, if you prefer long sleeve t-shirts or short sleeve t-shirts, both are great and can be paired with other essential items in the capsule wardrobe.
Denim jacket
Denim is timeless and evergreen. No matter if it’s a top, bottom and jacket! You can pair it with anything for a casual day out. You can choose any colors from denim blue, white or black.
Blazers
Blazers are versatile and a must-have in every capsule wardrobe. You can dress it up or dress it down. You can wear it during the day or during the night. Just change your accessories, shoes and bag to have a completely different look for different occasions.
Wide leg trousers
Wide leg trousers never go wrong. You can wear it with a t-shirt or a button down shirt. It is effortlessly stylish and versatile. Wide leg cutting is perfect for those who prefer to wear oversized clothing.
Straight leg jeans
Jeans are a must-have in any wardrobe! It is one of the timeless pieces you can style anytime in any season. Jeans are easy to style and effortlessly versatile. Straight leg jeans are relevant every season. You can see people wearing them every year and it still looks good!
Maxi skirts
Skirts are great for a beach day out or first date outfits. There are different types of maxi skirts you can choose from satin skirts to pleated skirts. Choose one that is versatile and suits your personal style.
Maxi dress
This is another staple especially great for the summer season! There are different patterns and fabric you can choose for maxi dresses. If you are a fan of neutral and timeless colours, choose solid colours like navy blue or nude. If you are a fan of colors and patterns, pick the one that suits your personal style.
Shirt dress
Shirt dresses are one of the stylish modest clothing pieces that you should have in your modest capsule wardrobe. You can wear it as its own or pair it with a skirt or jeans! It can also be dressed up or dressed down, just style it with different accessories.
Black handbag
Black handbag is versatile and easy to style. Get a timeless design from your favorite brand! No matter if it is a shoulder bag, sling bag or a tote, get one that suits you.
Ballet flats
Ballet flats are timeless and relevant for every season. It is also very easy to style and comfortable to wear! You can opt for solid colors and neutrals like black or nude. Those colors can be styled with any outfit and are able to elevate the whole look.
Sneakers
Sneakers are a must-have in every persons’ wardrobe! It is the go-to shoes for your casual day out. Choose white or black sneakers as they are more versatile and can never go wrong with any outfit.
Modest Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
This is a guideline on how many pieces you should have for every item listed above in your modest capsule wardrobe. You are free to adjust accordingly based on your personal preference and lifestyle. There are no fixed number of pieces you should have in your capsule wardrobe, so don’t feel too burdened to get all of them!
Tops
3 Button down shirts
3 Crew neck tshirts
Bottoms
3 Wide leg trousers
3 Straight cut jeans
2 Maxi skirts
Dresses
2 Maxi dresses
2 Shirt dresses
Handbags
1 Shoulder bag
1 Tote Bag
Shoes
2 Ballet flats
2 Sneakers
Modest Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Ideas
There are many ways you can dress modestly. I made a visual guide for you on how to style and pair each of the essential items with one another to create multiple outfits. I hope it helps and inspires you to style them!
You can wear t-shirts or shirts as a layering piece when paired with a blazer or denim jacket. You can also wear them with dresses when the weather gets colder. The black handbag is suitable for any outfits and occasions.
You can also pair shirt dress with a pair of pants or long skirts. Sneakers are versatile and effortlessly stylish, you can wear it with any look and still look amazing! Try to mix and match the pieces and you will be surprised!
There are no rules in style. You wear whatever makes you happy in any way you like. Personal style is what makes you different than anybody else. That is the beauty of style.
How Many Clothes Should Be in a Capsule Wardrobe?
There are no set numbers on how many clothes you should have in a capsule wardrobe. Generally the range is between 25 pieces to 50 pieces, from tops, bottoms and accessories like bags, shoes and jewellery. However, it all depends on your lifestyle and needs. You can have less than 25 pieces or more than 50 pieces.
What Should a Capsule Wardrobe Include?
Capsule wardrobes usually include tops, bottoms, shoes, bags, and jewelleries. These are basic pieces that can be paired with one another to create a different look. Some people have different capsule wardrobes for different seasons. They may add outerwears or scarf for the colder season.
