How many of you have gone shopping with the purpose of getting "enough clothing to last through my pregnancy"? Which I totally did. However, when I came home.. I noticed that things were very haphazardly purchased. A few tops and undershirts that didn't go with the jeans I purchased or a cardigan that was a weird tone of blue that didn't match the leggings well. This lead me to create more of a capsule wardrobe for my postpartum life. What's a capsule wardrobe? It is a set number of clothes that can mix and match with one another to create many outfits.

Creating a capsule wardrobe can be very easy if we just take into consideration a few steps:

Step 1: Select “Navy” or “Black” As Your Base Color

Start with an easy to coordinate with base color. So choose either Navy or Black. So for me, I used black as my base color. Think of this as the starting point for any outfit. 

Step 2: Select Your Neutral-color Coordinating Essentials

Think of this as your white button down top, grey tank, etc. You want to keep to neutral colors like white, grey, black, beige, chambray, etc. These will be pieces that are all one color. Break this into tops and bottoms. So you may want to purchase four to five bottoms, five to six tops, and a dress. Take into consideration how these items all go together. For example a black bottom and navy top doesn't always look that great together. I've put together an example capsule essentials:

Bonus is that many of the items I have chosen will work well for postpartum! when purchasing, ask yourself:

1. Does this fit into my personal style?
2. Is it comfortable? 
3. Does the fit and fabric work for my body shape?
4. Does this item make me feel good wearing it?

Step 3: Choose Your Accent Color 

Now this is my favorite part (I love colors!)... Choose two accent colors. Think light pink and mint, or orange and rust. Now add a few tops and/or bottoms that are in those colors. Keep in mint my list above for buying clothing when you purchase these as well!

Please note that while I said black and navy don't go together well, you will notice I have chosen navy here. I can mix the navy top with my light wash jeans. Some rules were meant to be broken and I don't want you to feel limited!

Step 4: Add A Few Patterned Items & Layers

Patterns can be so much fun to accent your wardrobe with! Whether it's stripes, leopard print, or floral. Take a look around and find patterns that bring a smile to your face.

Layers are a great addition to any wardrobe. These can be cardigans, coats, and jackets. 

Step 5: Choose your Shoes and Accessories

Sneakers, scarves, and necklaces O MY! Have fun! Maybe you have a scarf you love, find two colors in that scarf and build your wardrobe from that. Then you know you will wear it more. In all honesty, you probably have the shoes and accessories, but for this exercise, pull them out and place them with your capsule wardrobe. See how well they all go together. 

Now that you have created a capsule wardrobe, you can relax when dressing as you know that all the items go together. You don't need to stress and think does this neon pink blouse go with this mint skirt.