Capsule Wardrobe versus My Inner Gatherer

Mountains of Clothes on My Floor

My goal: to radically declutter and end up with a closet full of clothes I actually love – or maybe even a Capsule Wardrobe. Whether I’ll ever manage to reduce myself to that level, though, I seriously doubt.

The Unwanted Starting Shot Had Six Legs and Lived in My Doorframe

Our termite infestation forced me to empty out the entire closet. And I thought: if the wardrobe is already empty, I might as well put it back together sensibly. I scroll through Pinterest, read about Capsule Wardrobes, and dream of making quicker decisions in the morning. Up to now, choosing an outfit has felt more like being Bridget Jones – who in the end just wears the same black skirt to the office again.

The problem with Capsules, though, is that they often strike me as drab and boring. Maybe instead of going all in on minimalism, I should create a “Feel-Good Closet” with a little more color and variety?

The Shocking Truth

Once I’ve sorted everything into categories, the inventory begins. Just the sight of the stacks of dresses, pants, and tops is overwhelming. In fact, I own 25 summer dresses, more than 10 skirts, 20 pairs of pants, and almost 40 tops. No wonder it takes me ages every morning to put an outfit together. I’m suffering from option overload!

How did it come to this? Obviously, because I buy too much and declutter too little. But why do I constantly feel as though I have “nothing to wear” and need to buy something new? With this many clothes, that thought is objectively absurd.

My Archaic Roots

Here’s my theory: shopping is the modern version of our ancient urge to gather. Women used to collect berries and mushrooms – now we collect clothes. From my own experience, I can say that the rush of happiness when you spot a perfect porcini mushroom in the woods is strangely similar to the rush you get when you find a beautiful dress. The difference? You can’t eat dresses. So the pile in the closet just keeps growing.

When the Wardrobe Turns into Bootcamp

I quickly realize this project is way bigger than I thought. In my head, I had planned two half-days over the weekend. In reality, it’s been dragging on for over a week and there are still piles left. The real limit is my decision-making capacity. At some point, I just can’t decide anymore. So I work through one category per day – and even that’s pushing it.

I try on every single piece, take photos, and upload them to ChatGPT for an objective second opinion on their Capsule-worthiness. I attempt to weed out anything that doesn’t feel good – and surprisingly, that’s a lot. One dress is too short, another pinches under the arms, the next feels scratchy on the skin, and the fourth simply isn’t flattering.

The Mountain of Mistakes

Soon a new mountain forms – this time made up of discarded clothes. I feel especially guilty when the item is brand new and unworn – a classic shopping fail. This usually happens when I go out looking for something specific and don’t find it. Then I buy some compromise piece just so I don’t come home empty-handed. I don’t even want to think about how much money I’ve wasted this way.

My New Shopping Rules

From now on, I’ve set myself a few rules:

1. Only buy what feels absolutely right.

2. No more online orders – you never really know how it fits.

3. Shop only with a clear list.

4. No more dresses – especially not white ones with floral patterns.

5. Be cautious with black and blue pieces – I already have way too many.

A Little Loophole

I print out photos of my outfits and stick them inside my closet, so the morning decision is easier. But honestly? I cheated. I created a feel-good capsule in my main closet space, but I also kept a little “backup section” for special items that don’t fit the capsule rules at all.

Still, I’m proud of myself for trying on every single piece of clothing and decluttering so much. Even if what’s left isn’t the super-minimalist capsule, I’ve built a wardrobe that feels good to me. After all, I love variety and sometimes I just like it a little more colorful.

My Conclusion

Now I own significantly less, and I first need to see how that feels.

My husband comments on the entire process with the dry remark: “Looks like you won’t need to shop for the next few years!”

But what do men know about women and their relationship with clothes?

Here in Delhi, I can’t go mushroom hunting. And if I can’t go shopping either, all that’s left for me is puzzling.

Almost as satisfying as a basket full of porcini mushrooms.