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The Core of a Capsule Wardrobe
Step One: Start With a Wardrobe Audit
Layering for Travel: The Key to Versatility
Building a Minimalist Wardrobe That Works
Choosing the Basic Wardrobe Essentials for Women
Planning a Classic Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Tips for Choosing Capsule Wardrobe Staples
From Suits to Style: A Nod to Susie Faux and Donna Karan
Making Your Capsule Work: Accessories, Shoes & Layers
Why a Capsule Wardrobe Supports Sustainable Clothing
From Chaos to Confidence: The Power of Wardrobe Coordination
Final Thoughts: Why a Simple Classic Wardrobe Is Empowering
In Episode 9 of The Style for Life Podcast, Stephanie Rumble — a respected fashion stylist, accountability coach, and educator based in Christchurch, New Zealand — unpacks the concept of a capsule wardrobe and explains how it can simplify and elevate everyday style. With 18 years of styling experience and over three decades in the health and wellness space, Stephanie brings a relatable, down-to-earth perspective to a topic often made overly complex.
This episode explores the power of creating interchangeable outfits, the benefits of a minimalist mindset, and how to align your wardrobe with both lifestyle and values. It also champions sustainable clothing practices and the importance of wearing what makes you feel confident, no matter your age, size, or budget.
The Core of a Capsule Wardrobe
At its essence, a capsule wardrobe is a minimalist collection of versatile garments that mix and match seamlessly. Stephanie defines it as a thoughtfully selected 12-piece set:
2 jackets
1 dress
4 bottom halves (skirts, trousers, shorts)
6 tops (or 7 if you’re excluding a dress)
“Clothing should make you feel good about yourself — not weigh you down with decisions.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
This limited but strategic collection can yield over 30 interchangeable outfits, making it ideal for women who want a streamlined, stress-free approach to getting dressed.
What makes this model so effective is its ability to declutter your wardrobe and your mind. You spend less time making decisions and more time feeling good in what you wear. With fewer but more intentional choices, the result is clarity and confidence.
Stephanie often supports clients in building their capsule through wardrobe coordination sessions and other styling services. These offerings extend the concepts discussed in her podcast into personalised, real-world results.
Step One: Start With a Wardrobe Audit
Before building your capsule clothing collection, Stephanie recommends conducting a proper wardrobe audit. This process helps you identify what already works, what doesn’t, and where the gaps are.
“I want every woman to feel confident in what she’s wearing, no matter her size, age, or budget.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
She suggests:
Laying out the items you wear regularly
Identifying what fits, flatters, and feels good
Removing duplicates or pieces that no longer serve your lifestyle
Noting gaps like jackets, structured bottoms, or layering basics
By assessing your wardrobe objectively, you make space for clothes that truly suit you today — not the person you were five years ago. A wardrobe audit also helps avoid repeat purchases and enables smarter shopping decisions moving forward.
This step lays the groundwork for a wardrobe that reflects your personal style, body shape, and seasonal needs. It’s the most practical place to begin.
Layering for Travel: The Key to Versatility
One of the most useful applications of a capsule wardrobe is layering for travel. Whether facing unpredictable weather or packing for a multi-purpose trip, strategic layering helps you stay stylish and comfortable.
Stephanie shares her top tips:
Always pack at least one warm outer layer
Use neutral colours as your foundation
Elevate your look with accessories like scarves or bold jackets
The beauty of layering for travel lies in its flexibility. One outfit can adapt to multiple settings, simply by adding or removing layers. Thoughtful choices in fabric and fit mean you won’t feel bulky or restricted.
By selecting versatile, coordinated pieces, you can travel lighter while feeling more put together. It’s the perfect example of fashion meeting function.
Building a Minimalist Wardrobe That Works
A minimalist wardrobe isn’t about wearing the same outfit every day. It’s about choosing wisely and shopping with purpose.
Stephanie's advice includes:
Choosing a cohesive colour palette (1-2 neutrals and 1-3 statement colours)
Opting for capsule wardrobe staples that work across multiple looks
Limiting clashing patterns or tones for easier pairing
“Build a wardrobe that works for you today — not who you were five years ago.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
The benefits of a minimalist wardrobe are far-reaching. Not only does it save time and money, but it also strengthens your sense of style. You learn to appreciate quality, versatility, and intention over impulse. Less truly becomes more. Especially when every item earns its place in your rotation.
Choosing the Basic Wardrobe Essentials for Women
Stephanie outlines what she considers the go-to basic wardrobe essentials for women:
A well-fitting pair of trousers in a neutral tone
A crisp white shirt or blouse
A versatile jacket such as a trench, blazer, or denim layer
Seasonal layering pieces like cotton or merino tops
One or two standout hero pieces that make you feel fantastic
“It’s not about owning more. It’s about wearing more of what you already have.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
These wardrobe anchors create the structure for your capsule wardrobe. When you build on these essentials, the process of getting dressed becomes both easier and more enjoyable.
Hero pieces add spark and personality — think a statement print, bold colour, or unique silhouette. When balanced with reliable basics, they elevate your look without overwhelming it.
Planning a Classic Summer Capsule Wardrobe
A classic summer capsule wardrobe should balance comfort, versatility, and style. Stephanie recommends planning with your actual lifestyle and climate in mind, rather than following fleeting trends.
Here are a few staple ideas:
1-2 lightweight jackets (denim, linen, or cotton)
2-3 sleeveless or short-sleeve tops
One easy-to-layer dress
A pair of tailored shorts or breathable skirts
Footwear: sandals, loafers, or simple trainers
Fabrics like cotton and linen are perfect for breathability, while a refined colour palette helps create cohesion. When the temperature drops, clever layering keeps your looks seasonally adaptable. The result? A practical yet polished summer wardrobe that keeps you comfortable, confident, and consistent.
Tips for Choosing Capsule Wardrobe Staples
When shopping for capsule wardrobe staples, prioritise versatility and longevity. These are the pieces you’ll reach for over and over again, so they need to work hard.
Look for:
Trans-seasonal options that layer well
Garments that can be dressed up or down
Styles that flatter your body shape and lifestyle
High-quality finishes that stand the test of time
“A capsule wardrobe isn’t about restriction — it’s about freedom.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Stephanie often encourages clients to try new combinations on the spot. By seeing how pieces work together in real time, you gain confidence in your choices and reduce return rates. Above all, buy with intention. Let go of “just in case” pieces and instead focus on what will serve you regularly.
From Suits to Style: A Nod to Susie Faux and Donna Karan
Stephanie pays tribute to Susie Faux, the London boutique owner who coined the term "capsule wardrobe" in the 1970s, and Donna Karan, whose "Seven Easy Pieces" collection revolutionised minimalist fashion in the 1980s.
These pioneers redefined what it meant to dress with intention. Today, their philosophies live on through modern capsule wardrobe brands, many of which champion ethical manufacturing and timeless design.
As a trusted Christchurch-based stylist, Stephanie incorporates these foundational ideas into her broader work. While this podcast focuses on style, she also offers workplace education and personal development services to support women in all aspects of their professional and personal growth.
Making Your Capsule Work: Accessories, Shoes & Layers
A well-rounded capsule wardrobe includes more than just clothes. Accessories and shoes offer instant polish and transform the same pieces into completely new looks.
Stephanie’s go-to tips:
Own 2-3 pairs of versatile shoes that suit your lifestyle
Use accessories like statement earrings, belts, or colourful scarves
Keep layering pieces like cotton singlets and button-down shirts handy
If you're creating a capsule wardrobe that’s built around dresses, think about how layering and shoe changes can extend wearability. A single dress could take you from day to night with just a blazer and swap of shoes.
Accessories also add expression. They offer a subtle but effective way to inject trend or colour without needing to overhaul your wardrobe.
Why a Capsule Wardrobe Supports Sustainable Clothing
One of the biggest advantages of a capsule wardrobe is its alignment with sustainable clothing values. By buying fewer, better items, you naturally reduce your environmental impact.
Stephanie highlights several advantages:
Less textile waste and fast fashion dependence
Smarter, more thoughtful consumption
Supporting local or ethical capsule wardrobe brands
When you value quality and longevity, your purchases carry more meaning. A simple classic wardrobe made up of timeless, well-made garments will last for seasons, not just trends. Reducing waste, spending smarter, and wearing what you love more often? That’s a win across the board.
From Chaos to Confidence: The Power of Wardrobe Coordination
According to Stephanie, most women wear just 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time. The solution? Intentional wardrobe coordination. This is the practice of creating planned combinations in advance, so getting dressed becomes simple and satisfying.
The benefits:
Eliminates daily decision fatigue
Helps maximise existing pieces
Reduces impulse buys and style confusion
Stephanie encourages her clients to photograph their combinations and store them on their phones. That way, your morning outfit routine becomes as easy as scrolling and selecting. Whether you’re dealing with an overstuffed wardrobe or just want to get more from less, wardrobe coordination is a powerful tool.
Final Thoughts: Why a Simple Classic Wardrobe Is Empowering
A simple classic wardrobe isn’t restrictive. It’s liberating. When every item serves a purpose, dressing becomes faster, easier, and more enjoyable.
Everything shared in this episode reflects the personal styling and education services Stephanie Rumble offers through Bright Red. Whether you're starting with a colour consultation, doing a wardrobe audit, or building your first capsule, you can access tailored support to help you make confident, long-lasting choices.
For those interested in professional growth and wellbeing, Bright Red also provides workshops and speaking engagements on topics such as resilience, personal presentation, and managing workplace stress.
A great capsule wardrobe isn’t about owning more. It’s about making more of what you already have. It's smart, stylish, and sustainable. Embrace what fits. Shop intentionally. And let your wardrobe reflect the very best of who you are.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a capsule wardrobe and how does it work?
A capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. In the podcast, Stephanie explains it as a 12-piece system that reduces wardrobe overwhelm and helps you feel confident in what you wear daily. The key is choosing items that reflect your lifestyle and can be worn in a variety of combinations.
How many pieces should be in a capsule wardrobe?
While there's no strict number, Stephanie's method starts with 12 pieces: 2 jackets, 1 dress, 4 bottoms, and 5–6 tops. Depending on your lifestyle, you can expand this to 20 or even 40 items, especially if you rotate seasonally. The goal is not minimalism for its own sake, but functional simplicity that fits your life.
What are the benefits of a capsule wardrobe?
Capsule wardrobes reduce decision fatigue, save money, and help you dress with more confidence and intention. Stephanie also highlights how they contribute to sustainability by minimising waste and encouraging thoughtful shopping. A good capsule wardrobe is about feeling great in everything you wear.
How do I choose colours for my capsule wardrobe?
Stephanie recommends choosing one or two neutral base colours and adding a few accent colours that complement your skin tone and personal style. A colour consultation can help you determine the tones that work best for you and guide your future shopping decisions. This ensures that your capsule pieces mix and match easily.
Can I have a capsule wardrobe if I like variety?
Yes, but you'll need to be intentional about how you define variety. Stephanie suggests using patterns, accessories, and “hero pieces” to add interest while keeping your core wardrobe streamlined. You can still express your personality without overfilling your wardrobe.
Is a capsule wardrobe suitable for travel?
Absolutely. A capsule wardrobe is perfect for travel because it helps you pack light while still having plenty of outfit options. Stephanie shares layering techniques in the podcast and talks about her own travel experiences using a capsule wardrobe approach.
What are hero pieces in a capsule wardrobe?
Hero pieces are standout items that add personality to your look—like a printed top, bold jacket, or unique accessory. Stephanie explains that these should be balanced with basics to avoid a cluttered or mismatched wardrobe. They give your capsule character without overwhelming it.
How do I know what suits my body shape?
Understanding your proportions is key. Stephanie offers body shape consultations that help clients identify the most flattering styles for their shape. This ensures that every item in your capsule wardrobe not only fits but also enhances your natural silhouette.
Can a capsule wardrobe be updated seasonally?
Yes, and Stephanie encourages it. Seasonal capsule updates allow you to adjust for weather, lifestyle changes, and new style goals. Rather than starting from scratch, you keep your base wardrobe and swap in a few pieces that make sense for the season.
Where can I get help building my own capsule wardrobe?
Stephanie Rumble offers personal styling services through Bright Red, including wardrobe audits and one-on-one capsule building sessions. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining what you already own, professional guidance can help you build a wardrobe that truly works for you.
