Kids are expensive. The clothes, the toys, the child care, the activities…and you are expected to feed them, too?!?! Kidding. But in all seriousness, parents spend a ton of money, about $13,000 a year. Yikes! Looking for ways to trim that number? You aren’t alone. I truly think that’s one of the reasons why capsule wardrobes are so popular (and maybe that popular Konmari Method book has something to do with it, too). Capsule wardrobes are great for kids not only because they grow so fast and tend to ruin clothes easily (my kids can’t be the only ones), but also because it makes the battle of what to wear each day much easier…you might do more laundry but it is oh so worth it!
What is a Capsule Wardrobe
A Capsule Wardrobe is a group of clothes that never go out of style. They are mostly classic pieces with a few accessories and graphic tees, funky socks, etc. to add some personality to your basic wardrobe. This mini wardrobe usually has between 30-40 pieces that you absolutely love (or in a child’s case, a combo of things that both the parents and child love). All pieces are easy to mix and match so finding something to wear is easy and efficient.
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What are best stores for creating a Kids’ Capsule Wardrobe?
The key for Capsule Wardrobes is to get high quality clothing that holds up well to multiple washings and wears. Janie and Jack, Gymboree, and Gap Kids tend to sell clothes that wear well and can take a beating (at least in my active little boys’ experiences). For fun and flashy additions, you can’t go wrong with the adorable Cat and Jack line, just about anything from my local favorite Half Pint Shop, and something to show your love for your favorite sports’ team. Lastly, Primary is a favorite for solid color, no frills clothes that look amazing wash after wash and are extremely soft to the touch.
How to Create a Kids’ Capsule Wardrobe
Step one—Completely clear out the closet
Step two—Divide clothes into categories (Love it, Maybe, Nope, Seasonal)
Step three—Add whatever necessities are absent from your pile
Step four—Donate or sell whatever you don’t want to keep
Step five—Relax!
Kids’ Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
As a boy mom, my list is most definitely geared towards little boys. But many of the same basic pieces can be integral parts of a girl’s capsule wardrobe as well.
2 sweaters (one zip up, one pull over style)
2 pairs of pants (corduroy, khacki, etc.)
Total Amount of Pieces FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR, including seasonal items: 56
This Capsule Wardrobe Checklist might not work for everyone, and that’s okay. I hope it serves as a guide for you to declutter and include some simplicity in your life…and at the very least, help avoid those “What am I going to wear today?” tantrums that tend to happen on those mornings when you are running late for school.
Want to shop for yourself? Here are my favorite pieces that transition from the pick up line to moms’ night out!
Happy Shopping!
Amanda
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I’ve never heard of a capsule wardrobe, but my kids live in graphic tees & jeans/shorts, so I guess we were already doing that 🙂 Awesome idea.
Hope this post inspires you to declutter and only keep what you really love. Think about the money you will save!
Thanks for the tips Amanda!
You got it, girl! xo
I love capsule wardrobe I have one of my own an essentials one and one for each season which is perfect. Lovely ideas for setting one up for kids
I’m excited to create a capsule wardrobe for myself!
Janie and Jack is one of my favorite places to shop for capsule wardrobes. They have the cutest clothing that is classic and always in style.
I have never heard of this kind of wardrobe! It is really good idea. I go through my son’s closet at least once a quarter because he grows out of stuff so quickly. The stuff you have on here is absolutely adorable.
I hope this post inspires you to focus on the basics and spend less on seasonal clothes!
I love capsule wardrobes for travel and Summer Camp but never thought of it as year round attire. When you think about it, it really is practical for kid’s clothing as well.
And it is a great way to live a simpler life!
This sounds cool! Haven’t heard of a capsule wardrobe. My son wears a uniform to school so his wardrobe is smaller. He only needs clothes for the weekends and summer stuff. I think having a uniform for school saves us so much money!
Capsule wardrobes are all the rage…hope this post inspires you to try one out for yourself!
OMG I love these looks! I miss the days when I could dress my son any way I wanted. Now it’s all about jeans, converse and “nerd” shirts.
I love his style. Our capsule wardrobes have a few things they love and a few things I love. Win-win!
I have to admit I am awful at trying to put together capsule wardrobes, however these sound like some really good tips on how to do it for your child.
Hope the checklist provides you with some tips!
I have heard of a capsule wardrobe for grown ups, but never kids. I think that’s a pretty great idea! Never out of style, and never run out of anything to wear.
And never fight about what to wear because they only keep what they love!
My daughter is really into capsule for her boys. Will have to send this to her, right up her interest.
It’s such a great way to save money on kids’ clothing.
I don’t have kids, but some of these tips I can use. Great post!
I am starting a capsule wardrobe for myself–I’m so exhausted!
I haven’t heard of this before, but I guess in some ways, I have done this. I find that a lot of clothes are patterned, so I try to keep bottoms solid, versus printed tops. This way it is a lot easier to mix and match.
I’m all about solids with a small bit of patterns to spice things up. So easy to mix and match.
This is a great idea. My daughters sometimes complain that they have nothing to wear, although they have a closet full of clothes. I think this idea would solve that problem
Exactly! When your closet is filled with clothes that you absolutely LOVE, there is nothing to complain about.
This is great. I should start looking into my kids’ closets. Instead of always running out to buy clothes just because they are in fashion, I would create a capsule wardrobe. Thanks for the checklist.
Glad the checklist is helpful for you!
I LOVE this idea. My girls have SO MANY clothes. Their closets are so jam packed – I would love to get them simplified down.
I just purged my boys’ closets and it made such a positive effect on our household.
I’ve actually done this for myself without realizing it. Now that I know, or realize rather, I am definitely doing this for the kids!
It’s a total game changer. No more fights over clothes in the morning!
LOL I love that you mentioned “funky socks.” My nephew is a funky sock collector. He is so much fun to buy for because of that!
Socks are always a fun way to show off your personality!
I’ve been hearing of capsule wardrobes. Now, I have to think about what I have that might fit in this category.
It’s such a great way to declutter and really only spend money on clothes that you love.
I love this! I’ve been really wanting to do this with my own closet but can definitely see how it would be a good idea for kiddos, too. Your boys always have the cutest outfits! I’ll be honest, though, the first few sentences of this post scared the bajeebies out of me. haha Especially since me and hubby are making our plans for starting our family. Kids can be so expensive!
Start saving, girl! It totally adds up!!! And thanks for the sweet compliment. xo