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Capsule wardrobes are all the rage right now. Pop on Pinterest and you can get all sorts of ideas for the perfect capsule wardrobe. In fact, I have been creating a Pinterest board just for capsule wardrobes for over a year now. Head here and check it out!
A capsule wardrobe is a compact wardrobe made up of staple pieces with coordinating colors. It is typically 30 pieces or less and each piece can be worn in a different way creating endless outfit opportunities.
I starting experimenting with a capsule wardrobe for myself over a year ago. I have really fallen in love with the concept.
The funny thing is I have always created some sort of capsule wardrobe for my kids since they were babies. I never called it a capsule wardrobe, but this was the most cost affective way for my husband and I to cloth our people.
I think clothing kids with a simple capsule wardrobe is an easy way to save tons of money each year!
I just recently created a simple winter capsule for both my boys (11 and 7). I thought it would be fun show you exactly the process I use create this wardrobe. I have done it for so many years it is like second nature to me now!
WRITE DOWN HOW MANY PIECES OF CLOTHING THEY NEED
Think through your schedule, the season (or climate you live in), and your kid's personality.
Do they go to school every day or just a few days a week?
Do they need uniforms?
Do you dress up for church or other events regularly?
Do your kids like to dress up?
Do they like pants with buttons or just elastic waistbands?
What pieces of clothing are they most comfortable in?
Make a note of those things.
For example, my 7-year-old hates any pants with buttons. So I will find jeans with elastic waistbands and soft joggers. He is hot all the time so I will purchase more short sleeve t-shirts and a few long sleeve t-shirts. He likes loose fitting t-shirts and hoodies. We don't dress up for church. We go to a very casual "come as you are" church so my boys often wear jeans and a collared shirt to church with tennis shoes. We don't dress up at all other than that so I don't purchase other dressier items. Instead, I will buy one collared shirt that can be worn alone or under a nice neutral sweatshirt.
Here is another breakdown of what I will buy. Keep in mind, we live in the Midwest (translation: cold + snow).
3 short sleeve and 2 long sleeve t-shirts. My boys prefer the dry-fit shirts over cotton. I do love the new Cat and Jack line at Target. This short sleeve shirt layers well or can be worn alone with jeans or joggers. This long sleeve tee is so soft and warm! We love them and my boys don't typically LOVE long sleeve tees.
2 sweatshirts or hoodies. We have this graphic sweatshirt. Love it!
1 pair of jeans. This pair of jeans is the BEST thing I've bought at Target in YEARS. Not joking. These jeans are like sweatpants on the top but jeans on the bottom. They are not cut slim, so if you have boys who like to camp out in the 95% in height and weight like I do, these jeans are for you!!! Check it out here.
3 sweatpants or joggers. I love joggers. This pair is fleece lined for really cold days.
1 collared shirt. I like this one for a neutral option, but we have this red one. The boys wear them alone or under this graphic sweatshirt.
2 shoes. We typically buy our boys one pair of converse tennis shoes. They also have one pair of tennis shoes for school and play.
GO THROUGH CLOSETS. FIND HAND-ME-DOWNS
This is the hard part (Or should I say the most labor intensive part). Go through closets, drawers, under beds and anywhere clothes like to hang out.
Sort and purge.
Decide what clothes to keep, what clothes to donate , and what can be sold on thred-UP or garage sales. This is also a good time to pass clothes are in good shape to younger siblings.
Go back to your list and see what items you already have that fit on this list. Cross it off! See what items are left and decide where you are going to purchase new items to round out your capsule.
PURCHASE NEEDS
I believe in saving money, but I also have time constraints. I am not a huge thrift store shopper. It has never really been my thing. I prefer to do most of my shopping on-line.
Take your list and search sites like thred-UP first. Then, use EBATES to purchase your other needs through Target, Old Navy, Gymboree, or other places you purchase clothes. EBATES gives you cash back on online purchases. They also search for coupon codes when you purchase. A HUGE time saver. Find out more here!
If you want to purchase an ethical wardrobe for your kids, check out Wildly Co. Their clothes are cute and ethically manufactured.
SHOES, JACKETS AND ALL THE OTHER FUN STUFF
Because we live in a 4 season climate, we need lots of extra clothes and shoes to get through the year. I often buy gender neutral things in this category ( with the exception of swim suits!) so I can pass items through each child. It saves me so much time and money!
Each kid has the following "extra" clothing items for a 4 season climate:
Heavy Coat
A puffy vest
Raincoat (or jacket with a hood)
Fleece jacket
Snow boots
Snow pants
One hat, one pair of snow gloves, and lots of cheap $1 gloves that mix and match!
One swimsuit
Here is a better look below at what I picked out with links to shop! Remember, to go through closets BEFORE you shop. Only purchase what you need! I added a dressier shoe in this mix. I did not include a tennis shoe for everyday wear.
There are SO many ways to save on kids clothes, but this option works for us. What are YOUR best tips for saving money on kids clothes? We'd love to know!
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