Closet Raid: How to Create A Month’s Worth of Outfits {Using Just 10 Items}

{Michael Kors Trench Dress, J. Crew Ruffled Blouse, Forever 21 Sweater w/ Detachable Collar, Old Navy Argyle Cardigan, Rugby Cabled Sweater, Dolce & Gabbana Blouse, Forever 21 Ankle Zip Jeans, H&M Pleated Skirt, Zara A-Line Skirt, LOFT Pleated Skirt}

As you may have guessed, I have A LOT of clothes.  And to be honest, it can sometimes get overwhelming staring into a closet full of stuff when I’m trying to find something to wear.  Over the past few months, I’ve been on a mission to pare down my wardrobe by either selling or donating the things I don’t love.  I decided to take things a step further by clearing out my closet completely (don’t worry, it was just for the weekend) and seeing what I could do with only 10 items.  It took me about 45 minutes or so to narrow down my selection, but once I did it was pretty easy to come up with different combinations (I had at least another week’s worth of outfits that didn’t make the cut!).

The final verdict: It was almost therapeutic only having to consider a few items at a time.  Looking at a near-empty closet was also strangely appealing.  While I won’t be tossing out the rest of my duds any time soon,  I have been adopting a more minimalistic approach to  shopping (although shoes will always remain a vice).  And I will definitely put my 10-item wardrobe to good use when packing for my next vacation!

Detailed outfit shots and step-by-step instructions for creating your own 10-item capsule wardrobe after the jump!

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR 10-ITEM CAPSULE WARDROBE:

1. Start off with your favorite pair of jeans.  Mine are a pair of dark skinnies with ankle zips that I purchased from Forever 21 a few years ago and have served me very well.
2. Choose a color theme.  You’ll notice that I pretty much stuck to neutrals and threw in a few bright colors (pink, purple and yellow) that all work well together.
3. Pick 3 additional bottoms (at least 2 should be in a neutral color like black, grey or beige).  I’m partial to skirts over pants (although my much-loved pair of black skinny cords almost made the cut), but choose whatever’s most comfortable for you.
4. Pick out a fabulous dress that can be worn different ways.  I went with a trench dress that turned out to be extremely versatile, but a button-front shirt dress could work well or perhaps even a lightweight knit dress that can be worn with a sweater and/or blouse on top.
5. Choose whatever combo of cardigans and blazers (1 of each, or 2 of one) that floats your boat.  I bent my own rule a little bit here by only choosing 1 cardigan (and no blazer), but that’s because my trench dress also served dual-purpose as a topper.
6. For your 3 tops (or 4, if you’re a rule-breaker like me) choose items that can easily pair with all of your bottoms.  It’s your call, but I highly recommend a white button-up blouse (or even a chambray if you prefer a more casual look).