The capsule wardrobe, a curated collection of versatile clothing designed to simplify your style, has sparked plenty of debate. Of course, it’s become super popular in recent years as a solution for living minimally and sustainably, and aims to reduce wardrobe clutter and create a cohesive, easy-to-style wardrobe. One of the things I was excited about when starting the 90 days of Shein challenge was the chance to try out having a really small capsule for three months. As I get used to living with only 10 items of clothing, here’s what the conventional wisdom on capsule wardrobes says on the pros and cons — and what I really think about living with a tiny capsule. 

The Pros of a Capsule Wardrobe

1. Time-Saving Simplicity One of the main benefits of a capsule wardrobe is supposed to be how it simplifies your life, especially when it comes to choosing outfits. With fewer pieces to choose from, dressing becomes an effortless process. Everything is designed to mix and match easily, reducing decision fatigue. Mornings become less stressful when you know each item in your wardrobe can create multiple outfits. This simplicity can save you valuable time and mental energy.

Did this happen for me? Well, kind of. I noticed it most this week when I left for a short holiday visiting family and friends in England. Rather than having to try on outfits and make choices, I simply checked everything in the capsule was clean, folder it up and put it in my suitcase. Job done. 

When it comes to getting ready in the mornings, it’s really a question of whether I’m up to date with laundry and — even more importantly — actually putting the clothes away where they’re supposed to be so I can find them when it’s time to get dressed. I need to get better at this. 

2. Reduced Consumption and Waste A capsule wardrobe encourages mindful purchasing, steering you away from the traps of fast fashion and impulse buys. With a limited wardrobe focused on quality, you’re less likely to buy unnecessary items just to fill gaps or follow fleeting trends. This leads to fewer purchases overall, saving you money while also reducing the environmental impact of overconsumption.

Obviously in my case there was the initial outlay on the clothes as I didn’t actually own anything from Shein when I began the challenge. But although I’ve made a few secondhand purchases, when I saw things I simply couldn’t miss, it did mean that I wasn’t panic buying anything else to stay on trend or be better prepared for the summer. When I faced a challenge — like the unexpectedly hot days this week — I’ve simply had to make do with what I’ve got. It’s a little uncomfortable but I can live with it. 

3. Consistency and Comfort When your wardrobe consists of pieces you truly love and feel comfortable wearing, you develop a consistent personal style. Instead of chasing trends, a capsule wardrobe allows you to focus on what suits you and makes you feel good. While you may have fewer options to experiment with, accessories and layering still give you the chance to express creativity.

I’m sad to say it, but this didn’t really happen for me. I keep losing the necklace and earrings which were my only accessories, and far from being creative with the rest of the clothes, I’m mostly just starting to dislike them!

4. Sustainability Capsule wardrobes promote sustainable fashion by minimising waste and encouraging investment in high-quality, long-lasting clothing. By owning fewer items that are more versatile, you help reduce the demand for fast fashion and its negative environmental impact. A capsule wardrobe is also a step towards reducing textile waste, which is a growing concern in the fashion industry.

Obviously this wasn’t the case for me, as I bought all the clothes from a brand that’s generally considered to be highly unsustainable. 

The Cons of a Capsule Wardrobe

1. Limited Fashion Creativity While a capsule wardrobe is practical, it can stifle fashion experimentation for those who enjoy expressing themselves through their outfits. With only 30 to 40 pieces to choose from, you may feel restricted, especially if you like to play with bold patterns, unique cuts, or bright colours. The minimalist approach may not align with those who view fashion as a form of creative expression.

2. Repetition of Outfits Having a smaller selection of clothes inevitably means repeating outfits more frequently. While this works well for some, it can feel monotonous for others, particularly when attending events or social gatherings. If you enjoy wearing different looks regularly, the repetition of a capsule wardrobe might feel limiting or boring.

3. Upfront Investment in Quality Pieces Building a capsule wardrobe often involves investing in high-quality, durable pieces, which can be costly at first. While this approach saves money over time, the initial financial commitment may not be feasible for everyone. Additionally, capsule wardrobes are often marketed towards those with the privilege of owning too many clothes in the first place, highlighting its “first-world” origins.

4. Increased Laundry With fewer items in rotation, you may find yourself doing laundry more frequently. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re used to spreading out your laundry routine. The reality of owning fewer clothes means they get more wear, which means you’ll have to clean them more often to keep your limited selection fresh.

I can honestly say I’ve experienced all of these since I started the 90 days of Shein challenge, except the cost of having to invest into quality pieces.

Everything I wore on day 79 of the 90 Days of Shein challenge:

SHEIN LUNE Eyelet Embroidery Knot Front Tee, white

Women’s Solid Color Basic Daily Leggings

Dazy-Less Women’S V-Neck Drop Shoulder Long Sleeve Sweater, green

Allover Leaf Graphic Drawstring Backpack

DAZY Women’s Floral Print Sleeveless Round Neck Sleep Dress

Lace Flower Pattern Thin Underwear Set, bra

Fashionable Color-Block Lingerie Set, pants

DAZY Flower Pattern Crew Socks