How to Build The Ultimate Stay at Home Mum Capsule Wardrobe
If you are wondering if capsule wardrobes can be created for a specific lifestyle, the answer is yes! This post is all about creating a ‘stay at home mum’ capsule wardrobe.
If you’re a Mum and love fashion but most of the time you’re so busy you can’t even find an outfit in the morning, I know how you feel! There is a misconception that stay at home mums have an easy life, but that isn’t true. Motherhood is tough, so the last thing we need is extra stress getting dressed in the mornings.
Honestly, I used to look in my wardrobe and it was so unorganised I would feel like crying. That sounds a bit dramatic, but when you have about 15 minutes to get dressed whilst the kids are distracted it can be very stressful. Especially when you’re one of those people who have lots of clothes but ‘nothing’ to wear.
When I started building my capsule wardrobe (& it is nowhere near completed yet) the mornings became easier and I can now be ready within my 15-minute window. Building a capsule wardrobe isn’t easy and it generally does take time, but there are things you can do to make it accessible and fun. Building your perfect capsule wardrobe involves selecting garments that are not only comfortable and functional but also make you feel confident.
Consider including items that can transition from home activities to errands, playdates, or casual outings without needing an outfit change. The aim is to have a selection of clothes that you can rely on to compose several outfits, perfect for us multitasking mums.
How to Build The Ultimate Stay at Home Mum Capsule Wardrobe
You may also enjoy reading WHAT IS A CAPSULE WARDROBE? THE ULTIMATE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
What is a stay at home mum capsule wardrobe?
A stay at home mum capsule wardrobe is a selection of clothes that represents a minimalist approach to fashion. Each piece of clothing is selected for its versatility and compatibility with several different outfits. The key here is quality over quantity, a capsule collection of thoughtfully curated items that provides you with many outfit options making it easier to get dressed in the morning.
Why consider a capsule wardrobe as a stay at home mum?
There are a lot of benefits to building your own capsule wardrobe, some of these include:
Saving Time
Less time is spent deciding what to wear each day which is super important if you have a small time window to get dressed.
Decluttering your space
A capsule wardrobe encourages you to declutter your closet. Tidy House, tidy mind (I’ve heard).
Environmental value
By purchasing fewer but higher quality items, you contribute to sustainable fashion.
Cost-Efficiency
Investing in timeless pieces that last longer saves money in the long run.
Personal Expression
With a clear wardrobe, you can define your style more easily.
A step-by-step guide to building your stay-at-home capsule wardrobe
1. Be honest with yourself
This is important, whether it’s with how much time you have to get ready or what type of clothing you will wear. You have to be honest with yourself. Think about the outfits you are choosing to keep and buy and think about whether you will wear them time and time again. If the answer is no, reconsider. Saying that, if there is a piece that you absolutely love and know you don’t want to part with it, don’t! This is your wardrobe and it should represent who you are.
Has your body changed?
Having a baby changes a lot, including your body size. You may have found your body shape has changed which is totally normal. Many women (including myself) find that when they have a baby they put on weight, their ribs expand and their hips widen. This is all perfectly normal. For me, my waist never went back to what it was before. That’s ok! Just be aware of this when choosing to keep items or investing in new outfits for your new body type.
2. Evaluate your lifestyle as a stay-at-home mum
Considering the demands of your daily routine as a stay-at-home mum, comfort and practicality are key. Think about the types of activities you do and choose clothing that supports them. As a stay-at-home mum, your weekly activities will most likely include lots of activities with your child, cleaning, cooking and maybe some sort of yoga or exercise too.
Your week will most likely be jam-packed so it is important to pick clothes that will complement this lifestyle. The majority of my wardrobe includes activewear so I feel comfortable playing outside, climbing up and down the soft play areas and generally being warm and comfy on the school run.
Is there any point in having a wardrobe full of high heels if most of the time you wear trainers? However just because you’re a stay-at-home mum doesn’t mean you can’t also go on date nights and dress up. If you go out regularly or dress up occasionally, be sure to factor this into your capsule wardrobe.
3. Define your style
What makes you feel good?
When choosing the pieces for your stay-at-home mum capsule wardrobe consider what makes you feel good. Is it something that covers you up? Is it something comfortable? Do you enjoy taking your child out for lunch and like getting dressed up? There’s no point in buying or keeping clothes that don’t make you feel your best! You will most likely never wear them anyway so don’t waste your hard-earned cash.
I prefer comfier clothes I can sit on the floor and do my day-to-day jobs but whatever it is you like to do with your child, consider this when picking out your wardrobe.
4. Think about your environment
Thinking about your environment is probably one of the most important things you should consider. If you live in a hot country your clothes will significantly differ from the clothes I would be wearing for example. I live in the UK and it is only very warm and sunny for a couple of weeks every year. It is currently snowing as I am writing this post!
It is also a good idea to plan for different seasons, like adding summer capsule wardrobe items and winter capsule wardrobe items, to accommodate varying weather conditions.
How much time do you have?
How much time do you have to get ready? As I mentioned earlier, I have around 15 minutes, 30 on a good day (depending on the mood of my children), which isn’t a lot.
Choose clothes that complement your timeline. Whichever one you relate to, just remember to be honest with yourself about the time you have and choose your clothes appropriately.
5. Colour analysis for your stay-at-home-mum capsule wardrobe
Colour is a key tool that many personal stylists use to help their clients look and feel their best. It is all about what colours you suit naturally and what makes you feel great! If you are unsure about colours, consider your skin tone and experiment with a colour scheme that suits you. Stick to a neutral colour palette for the core items for easy mix-and-match options. Or, consider various colours that complement your skin tone.
Do you love wearing neutral colours or do different patterns and colours make you feel your best?
Many stylists offer colour analysis as a service but for you, as a parent and stay-at-home mum, the colours of your clothes will most likely vary depending on the stage of parenting you are at. If you were interested in the concept of colour analysis, you could always consider this once your children are a little older.
6. Declutter your wardrobe
Go through your current wardrobe and remove excess clothes that you no longer wear or need. Keep in mind that your high-quality pieces tend to last longer. You may find this post about 12 EXPERT TIPS TO HELP YOU DECLUTTER YOUR WARDROBE helpful.
7. Quality over quantity
When it comes to clothing, quality is the optimal choice. Choosing timeless, great quality items will ensure you love your purchases and wear them for years to come. Buying an item of clothing you’ll wear forever will help you become more conscious about your purchases. The clothing will naturally fit and feel better and last for years. This is also a crucial step for the planet as extending clothing life has been identified as the single largest opportunity to reduce the carbon, water and waste footprints of clothing in the UK.
Don’t forget, buying lots of cheaper fast fashion items will increase your options but also the stress and overwhelm of getting ready in the mornings. This is something we are trying to reduce by having a stay-at-home mum capsule wardrobe.
Choose your essential items for the perfect capsule wardrobe
Creating a capsule wardrobe is about finding a balance between comfortable clothes and style. These pieces will serve as the foundation of your wardrobe, allowing you to mix and match with ease for any daily activity.
There is no exact number of clothes you should have in your capsule wardrobe although according to the experts people usually start with around 10-20 classic pieces of clothing plus 20-30 seasonal pieces.
Some examples of potential wardrobe essentials you could include are:
T-Shirts and Blouses
Every wardrobe needs a selection of t-shirts that pair well with various bottoms. Look for breathable cotton basics in neutral colours for maximum versatility.
- Basic Tee and White Shirt. Invest in quality basic tees and white shirts. These can be dressed up or down and serve as foundation pieces.
- Striped cotton long sleeved t-shirt
- Long-sleeve blouse
- Chambray shirt
- A denim jacket can be a versatile layering piece. It works well with different outfits and adds a casual touch.
THIS IS UNFOLDED: SUSTAINABLE BRAND REVIEW
Wearing my ‘Charlotte’ Blouse from This is Unfolded
Trousers and Leggings
Jeans and trousers offer practicality without compromising on style. High-waisted designs can be both flattering and comfortable. Leggings are essential for days at home, providing ease of movement and a relaxed fit.
- Pair of Jeans. Include a couple of pairs of jeans, such as skinny jeans and mom jeans, for casual and comfortable everyday wear.
- Black leggings
- Comfortable khaki pants
- Linen trousers
- White jeans
- Yoga Pants and activewear. Comfortable yoga pants and activewear provide ease of movement and breathability so are perfect for days at home or something comfortable to wear to the park or soft play centre.
Wearing some relaxed pieces from my capsule wardrobe
Comfortable and Stylish Footwear
Your footwear should prioritise comfort without sacrificing your style. A pair of stylish sneakers or comfortable flats can complement most outfits in your stay-at-home mum capsule wardrobe.
- White sneakers
- Low-heel ankle boots
- Supportive sandals like Birkenstocks
- Pair of Sneakers. A pair of sneakers for casual outings.
- Block heels. Have a pair of comfortable block heels for dressing up
Versatile Dresses and Skirts
Adding a few dresses and skirts can make dressing up a breeze, even on busier days. Opt for pieces that are easy to care for and don’t restrict your movement.
- Jersey wrap dress
- A-line midi skirt
- Maxi dress with pockets
- Stretchy pencil skirt
- A little black dress is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down for various occasions.
Select Timeless Accessories
Choose timeless accessories that can easily blend with multiple outfits. You could consider some foundational pieces such as:
- a classic watch
- simple hoop earrings
- delicate necklace
Scarves can also serve as a versatile layer, adding warmth and a dash of colour or pattern when required.
Here I am wearing some timeless jewellery pieces from Monica Vinader! Check out what I think about this sustainable jewellery brand below.
MONICA VINADER REVIEW: IS THE JEWELLERY WORTH THE MONEY?
Wearing Monica Vinader timeless jewellery dressed down and up
Maintain and Evolve Your Wardrobe
Seasonal Updates and Essentials
Select seasonal pieces that can easily transition from one season to the next.
For colder months, invest in comfy knitwear that layers well, while in warmer months, lightweight linens can be both practical and cool.
Store out-of-season garments properly to maintain quality, keeping your wardrobe organised and your clothes in pristine condition.
Shopping Strategies and Budgeting
Approach shopping with a strategic wardrobe plan in mind to avoid unnecessary purchases. Focus on buying quality pieces that will stand the test of time in both durability and style. Always shop with a budget to keep your spending in check, and opt for clothes that blend comfy and practical elements.
You could also look for sales or discounts on high-quality items. I also love exploring local thrift shops for affordable and unique finds that complement my capsule wardrobe.
I love making lists to distinguish between wants and needs. This helps me a lot.
Regularly declutter your wardrobe
Regularly remove items that no longer fit your lifestyle or have fallen out of favour. This not only creates space but also supports a sustainable approach to fashion.
Donate items that still have life in them, and if possible, sell pieces that have retained value. This cycle of renewal embodies responsible decluttering and can also contribute to your budget.
The good news is that you can now resell items you no longer wear online.
How to Build The Ultimate Stay at Home Mum Capsule Wardrobe
Other posts you may be interested in:
12 EXPERT TIPS TO HELP YOU DECLUTTER YOUR WARDROBE
WHAT IS A CAPSULE WARDROBE? THE ULTIMATE BEGINNER’S GUIDE
