Working Mom Capsule Wardrobe:

I love capsule wardrobe YouTube videos and Pinterest posts, but I always run into the same problem, they’re not realistic for my lifestyle. They’re often made by someone who doesn’t have any kids OR they are a stay at home parent and do not have a full time office job in addition to being a parent.

This post is for the people who aren’t YouTubers and need realistic capsule wardrobe inspiration.

I still have more clothes than I would like to, but here’s the thing, I get spit up on, a lot. I currently need a few more tops than I will need 4ish months from now when my son no longer drinks formula/breastmilk. I have even gotten spit up in my underwear multiple times, don’t ask me how, it just happens. I work in a CPA office as well, where I need to wear professional attire, especially during tax season.

I also live somewhere that has 4 very distinct seasons, unlike places like the southern United States. I live in Minnesota, where it can be 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the Summer with high humidity or -40 degrees with the wind-chill in January/February. I genuinely need to be prepared for any weather condition. Here, Winter lasts 6 months of the year so I need more sweaters and thick socks than people who live in other locations might.

In my opinion, I have an okay amount of clothes considering my lifestyle and location. Could I always get rid of more? Yes.

How many of each item do I have? Let’s find out:

Tops:

• Office only tops: 4 -I have 2 more that I ordered through work, but now that I see them in person, I’m not a fan and they don’t quite fit right; looking into returning those.
• Sweaters: 5 (one in the hamper)
• Tank tops: 2 (black)
• Black Tees: 6 (3 plain, 3 graphic) -get rid of one or two?
• Long sleeves: 2 (gray & black) -get rid of the gray one?
• Holiday Tops: 5 (one is in the drawer) -eliminate this category?

Bottoms:

• Work Pants: 6 -get rid of 2? -hanging on to more because my size has fluctuated recently.
• Jeans: 4 -could get rid of 2?
• Leggings: 2 -get rid of 1? I only wear one of the pairs.
• Shorts: 2

Full Body:

• 1 black dress
• 1 green jumpsuit
• 1 blue & white romper -Get rid of if I don’t wear it at least 5x this next Summer.

Layers/Outerwear:

• Blazers: 3
• Flannels/Shackets/Cardigans: 4 -get rid of the cardigan?
• 1 puffer vest
• 1 black winter coat
• 1 black trench coat

Shoes:

• Black boots (I’m obsessed): 4 -get one more pair for work?
• Flats: 2 -I want to wear out the leopard ones, or donate them, and not replace them.
• 1 green, casual slip-ons
• 1 yardwork/hiking tennis shoe
• 1 set of flip flops
• 1 black heels
• 1 Weird sock/slipper things -don’t count as shoes really.

Misc:

• 1 large drawer of socks, underwear, pajamas, athletic clothes, paint clothes, swimwear, & comfy clothes.

• 4 black bras, 2 are nursing, can probably get rid of those.
• 1 black & silver belt
• 1 set of winter mittens
• 1 black scarf
• Set of wedding/engagement bands.
• 1 set of my great aunts earings.
• 2 sentimental necklaces I never wear
• 1 black purse
• 1 black clutch (borrowed from my mom)
• 1 black backpack

And that is my entire capsule wardrobe for the whole year as a fulltime working mom!

I thought I had way more than I do, so I’m happy about that! and very proud of myself. I’m actually content finally with these numbers.

Hopefully this post helps someone out there decide how many clothing pieces they actually need!

How many clothing items do you have? You may be shocked.

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