Start Your Capsule Wardrobe
Session 4

Identifying Gaps

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Getting to 6

Remember you are still on that shopping fast. This is just some setup for work we’ll be doing later. We recommend buying no more than 24 items in a year (most of us usually buy 68, so this is a big change). This means 6 items for each season.

There are really only three good reasons to purchase a new item:

  1. Filling a gap in your capsule

  2. Replacing a piece of damaged clothing in your capsule

  3. Achieving or refining a new style

So, figuring out which items to buy is pretty easy.

Here’s how to identify 6 items for your Shopping List

1 or 2 items from Pile 3

  • Look back in your Capsule Planner PDF at the notes you wrote down about PILE 3.

  • These were items in your closet that you loved, but no longer fit, were worn out, or weren’t comfortable anymore.

  • *Add 1 or 2 of those items to your shopping list. *

1 or 2 missing essential or Signature Items

  • Take a look at the Your Style section on the Cladwell website.

  • Are there any Signature Items you’re missing that would help you better achieve the style you want?

  • If so, add 1 or 2 to your shopping list

1 or 2 other items

  • Other than Replacements and Signature Items, can you think of any other items you need to complete your capsule?

  • If so, add one or two.

  • If not, no worries! Less is more!

A guide to buying (for later)

A capsule wardrobe is all about setting you up for successful behavior change, so here’s** a new way to think about buying clothes** when you need to:

1. Buy second-hand at places like ThredUp, Poshmark, a local consignment shop, or even try swapping with friends.

2. Rent your clothes. There are a lot of clothing rental startups and their ranks are constantly changing, so check out the Cladwell website for a list of rental options.

3. Find brands that last. Look at shops whose practices you can trust and whose clothes will last the test of time. Not all retailers are created equal, and some have much better track records on quality, sustainability, and fair labor practices than others.

To help you navigate the challenge of finding great brands, Ask Cladwell, your on-demand stylist.