How to Get Dressed Quickly and Easily In The Mornings · Effortless Gent

Do you ever spend way too long staring at the clothes in your closet, trying to figure out what to wear?

Or do you feel like you’re in a style rut, wearing the same things day after day? Maybe you have so many options that you end up with decision fatigue, leading you to wear the same outfit multiple days in a row?

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, maybe you need a palette cleanser of sorts. Enter: (what I’m calling) the Mini Capsule Wardrobe method.

“What is This Mini Capsule Wardrobe Hack You Speak Of?”

Well, let me tell ya! I’m gonna outline this entire method below. It’s super simple and anyone can pull it off—yes, without buying any new clothing.

But first, if you prefer a video explainer, check it out below ⬇️

This hack takes the concept of a traditional capsule wardrobe, but uses it in a more manageable and temporary way. Let me explain…

Have you ever played those word finder games? A grid of jumbled letters, and your job is to find as many words as you can?

The mini capsule wardrobe method is essentially the same thing.

Basically, you select a small set of items from your closet that you’ll wear for a specific period of time, and you create as many outfits as you can from this set of items.

Limiting yourself like this reduces the decision-making process and can help spark that creativity when it comes to your everyday style.

How to Create Your Own Mini Capsule Wardrobe

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Decide on the number of items in your mini capsule: This is primarily your tops, bottoms, and shoes. I recommend anywhere from 5-10 items for your mini capsule. This doesn’t include underwear, socks, accessories, or outerwear (so use as many of these as you need).
Choose Your Timeframe: Decide on the duration for this capsule. I suggest anywhere from 1-4 weeks. The more items you have, the longer you can go. For example, five items for one week makes sense. You could try seven items for three weeks, or ten items for a month.
Select Versatile Pieces: Choose items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Think about pieces that are classic and versatile. Go for items in the “menswear neutral” group of colors—black, white, grays, khaki / brown, light / dark blue, and military green.

Here’s An Example Mini Capsule I’d Try First

Wanna try this, but unsure where to start? My recommendation is FIVE items, ONE week.

flatlay of 5 clothing items on a medium blue green background

Shoes

A pair of all-white leather sneakers. They are classic, versatile, and can be worn with almost any outfit. The Capri Triple Whites from Koio are a great option. (Use code EFFORTLESSGENT15 for 15% off your purchase of the Capris, if you happen to be reading this before 7/4/2024).

Bottoms

One pair of army green chino shorts (like the ones from Flint and Tinder), and a pair of grey chinos (I’m into the Classic Fit Bonobos chinos nowadays). The army green and charcoal grey colors are in the “menswear neutral” color family and pair well with various shirts, shoes, and any outerwear you might need.

Tops

One white T-shirt, ideally in a heavier weight cotton for a better drape. This one from GAP, the Vintage Relaxed Pocket Tee, is awesome. Definitely a bit oversized, so if you want something more trim, go for the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Tee.

And finally, one chambray button-up shirt. My go-tos have always been the J.Crew chambrays. Lately I’ve also been wearing this one from Flint and Tinder.

Both these pieces are comfortable and can be layered or worn on their own.

Think Five Items Isn’t Enough For A Week’s Worth of Outfits?

You’d be surprised! With just five items, you can create at least 6 outfits, possibly more with any midlayers / outerwear you have.

man wearing 6 different outfits from 5 clothing items — 6 outfits just from these 5 clothing items. I didn’t include any accessories or outerwear, so there’s potential for even more unique combos (Plus, it doesn’t hurt to repeat your favorites!)

For example, pair the white tee with the gray chinos and the white sneakers for a casual look. Swap the tee for the chambray shirt, or the chinos for the chino shorts, and you have a different outfit.

Benefits of Using The Mini Capsule Wardrobe Method

Reduces Decision Fatigue: Having fewer choices simplifies the process of getting dressed. You only have 5 (or 7, or 10) items… so it’ll be easier for you to come up with an outfit.
Encourages Creativity: Limited options force you to be more creative with your outfits.
Saves Time: With fewer pieces, you spend less time deciding what to wear.

Tips for Success Using This Hack

Experiment and Adjust: Start small and see how you like it. Adjust the number of items or the timeframe based on your needs.
Focus on Quality: Invest in high-quality pieces that you enjoy wearing.
Store Away Other Clothes: To avoid temptation, place your other clothes in a different closet or shove them to the side.

Are You Ready To Try This Mini Capsule Wardrobe Hack To Jumpstart Your Outfit Creativity?

A mini capsule wardrobe can help you get out of a style rut, reduce decision fatigue, and simplify your morning routine. Give it a shot and see how many outfits you can create with just a few pieces.

If you try it, let me know how it goes! Leave a comment on my Mini Capsule Wardrobe YouTube video, or DM me on Instagram. Happy dressing!