Written & Graphic By Kadence Schaecher

When moving to college, there are many things students struggle to leave behind: our homes, families, and friends—especially our pets. For those of us interested in fashion, we also experience a similar feeling of dread when it comes to leaving some of our clothes behind. Like most spaces in dorms, the wardrobes are… tiny. It’s impossible to fit an entire Pinterest board’s worth of clothing in them. Despite this, it’s so difficult for some to leave their personally curated wardrobes that they turn to drastic measures, like vacuum sealing all of their clothes to put into boxes under their bed. While that level of dedication to styling is admirable, not everyone has the time or space to do such a thing. For those of us who fall into this second category, there is an easier way.

Here is the secret to not having to vacuum seal your entire wardrobe when moving into a dorm: Capsule wardrobes. Capsule wardrobes are perfect for frequent travelers, minimalists, environmentalists looking to consume less, and especially small spaces. Basically, everything your average college student is looking for.

A capsule wardrobe is a limited selection of clothing that is tailored to your own style and maximizes the number of outfits you can create. It helps you save space, keeps you from buying too many clothes, and reduces the time it takes to get ready in the morning because you don’t have to spend an hour picking out an outfit. 

Building your own capsule is surprisingly simple. You may have all the items you need already in your closet, or you may have to pick out a few new staples. Either way, the satisfying final product will be worth the effort.

With that said, here is a step-by-step guide to creating your own capsule wardrobe.

1. Pick out your core items

Core items will be the backbone of your wardrobe. These will be the items that you wear often and for multiple occasions, are in good condition, and can be styled in many different variations throughout the season. Core items include pieces like a simple jacket for the fall, a tennis skirt for the summer, a plain button-up, or a good pair of jeans

2. Create at least 10 outfits with only the items you have picked out

Try not to use the same items in every outfit. If there are any pieces you find yourself not wanting or are unable to include in your outfits, take them out of your core items pile.

3. Select any final items and decide what to do with the rest

If you have any extra pieces in your closet that you can’t imagine living without, go ahead and add them to your capsule! As for the rest, you have a few options. If you want to go “full send” on the minimalist lifestyle, you can donate anything left over. If not, save the rest of your items, but put them somewhere you won’t see them. Dorm students can even leave these clothes at their off-campus homes. If you don’t miss any of the items not included in your capsule after a month or so, this is a good sign that you have picked a great selection of clothes for your style and do not need the rest cluttering your space.

Now you can enjoy your new personally curated wardrobe! You are ready to spend more time on your grades and social life rather than planning an outfit or fighting with a vacuum sealer.