---
name: wardrobe-planner
description: |
  Capsule wardrobe builder covering capsule wardrobe methodology, core pieces identification, color palette selection, mix-and-match optimization, seasonal capsule rotation, shopping list generation, wardrobe audit process, cost-per-wear analysis, and minimalist dressing strategies.
  Use when the user asks about wardrobe planner, or needs help with capsule wardrobe builder covering capsule wardrobe methodology, core pieces identification, color palette selection, mix-and-match optimization, seasonal capsule rotation, shopping list generation, wardrobe audit process, cost-per-wear analysis, and minimalist dressing strategies.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of wardrobe planner.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "fashion design planning"
  category: "design-creative"
  subcategory: "visual-design"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Wardrobe Planner
> **PHILOSOPHY:** A capsule wardrobe is about intentional dressing -- owning fewer, better pieces that all work together. The goal is not deprivation but freedom: less decision fatigue, more confidence, and a closet where everything fits and makes you feel great.
## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about wardrobe planner
- User needs guidance on wardrobe planner topics
- User wants a structured approach to wardrobe planner

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Questions to Ask the User First

1. **What is your gender presentation?** (Men's / Women's / Gender-neutral)
2. **What is your lifestyle mix?** (% Work / % Casual / % Active / % Formal)
3. **How many pieces do you want in your capsule?** (20-25 minimal / 30-40 moderate / 40-50 flexible)
4. **What is your climate?** (Hot year-round / Cold year-round / Four seasons / Mild)
5. **What colors do you gravitate toward?**
6. **What is your budget for building the capsule?** (Under $500 / $500-1,000 / $1,000-2,000 / $2,000+)
7. **Are you starting from scratch or refining an existing wardrobe?**
8. **What are your laundry constraints?** (Wash weekly / Twice a week / Daily access)
9. **Do you have any dress code requirements?** (Business formal / Business casual / No code)
10. **What is your biggest wardrobe frustration right now?**
---
## Phase 1: Wardrobe Audit

### The Closet Audit Process
```
STEP 1: PULL EVERYTHING OUT
- Remove ALL clothing from closet, drawers, storage
- Lay everything on your bed or floor
- Yes, everything -- coats, shoes, accessories, workout clothes
- This will be eye-opening (most people have far more than they think)

STEP 2: SORT INTO FOUR PILES

PILE 1 - KEEP (Love and wear regularly):
- Fits well RIGHT NOW (not "when I lose weight")
- Worn in the last 3-6 months (seasonal exceptions allowed)
- Makes you feel confident when you put it on
- In good condition (no stains, holes, pilling, fading)

PILE 2 - REPAIR/ALTER:
- Love it but needs tailoring, button replacement, or mending
- Worth the cost to repair
- Set a deadline: if not repaired in 30 days, it goes

PILE 3 - DONATE/SELL:
- Hasn't been worn in 12+ months
- Doesn't fit (too small, too large)
- Was a mistake purchase
- Style no longer reflects who you are
- Worn out or damaged beyond reasonable repair

PILE 4 - STORE (Seasonal only):
- Heavy winter coats in summer
- Swimwear in winter
- Special occasion items you'll actually use again

STEP 3: DOCUMENT WHAT YOU KEEP
Create an inventory:

Category | Item | Color | Condition | Versatility (1-5)
---------|------|-------|-----------|------------------
Tops     |      |       |           |
Bottoms  |      |       |           |
Dresses  |      |       |           |
Outerwear|      |       |           |
Shoes    |      |       |           |
Accessories|    |       |           |

STEP 4: IDENTIFY GAPS
- What outfits can you NOT create from your Keep pile?
- What events or occasions are you unprepared for?
- Which pieces have nothing to pair with (orphan items)?
- What colors are over-represented or missing?
```

### The Hanger Method (Alternative Audit)
```
If a full audit feels overwhelming:

1. Turn ALL hangers backward (hook facing you)
2. After wearing an item, return it with the hanger facing normally
3. After 3-6 months, any backward-facing hangers = items you don't wear
4. Evaluate those items honestly
5. Donate, sell, or store them

This gives you real data about what you actually wear vs. what you think you wear.
```
---
## Phase 2: Capsule Wardrobe Methodology

### What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
```
DEFINITION:
A curated collection of timeless, versatile clothing pieces that can be
mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Typically 25-40 pieces
(not counting underwear, sleepwear, activewear, or special occasion).

BENEFITS:
- Less decision fatigue (fewer choices = faster mornings)
- Everything matches (no more "nothing to wear")
- Higher quality pieces (invest in fewer, better items)
- Less clutter (physical and mental)
- More sustainable (buy less, waste less)
- Saves money long-term

WHAT COUNTS IN THE CAPSULE:
- Tops (shirts, blouses, T-shirts, sweaters)
- Bottoms (pants, jeans, skirts)
- Dresses
- Outerwear (jackets, coats, blazers)
- Shoes

WHAT DOES NOT COUNT:
- Underwear, socks, loungewear
- Workout/athletic wear
- Sleepwear
- Special occasion formal wear (tuxedo, formal gown)
- Uniforms
- Accessories (they supplement, not replace)
```

### The Formula
```
STANDARD CAPSULE FORMULA (35-item example):

TOPS: 10-12
- 3 casual tops (T-shirts, tanks)
- 3 work/polished tops (blouses, button-downs)
- 3 knits (sweaters, cardigans)
- 1-2 layering pieces (camisole, undershirt)

BOTTOMS: 5-7
- 2 jeans (different washes or cuts)
- 2 trousers or chinos
- 1 skirt (women) or additional casual bottom

DRESSES (Women): 2-3
- 1 casual day dress
- 1 work-appropriate dress
- 1 dressy/versatile dress

OUTERWEAR: 4-5
- 1 blazer
- 1 casual jacket (denim, leather, bomber)
- 1 weather coat (rain or trench)
- 1 warm winter coat
- 1 light layer (cardigan or pullover)

SHOES: 5-6
- 1 dress shoes
- 1 casual sneakers
- 1 boots (ankle or taller)
- 1 comfortable walking shoes
- 1 sandals (warm climate)
- 1 weather-appropriate shoes (rain/snow boots)

TOTAL: ~30-37 pieces

OUTFIT MATH:
12 tops x 5 bottoms = 60 base combinations
60 x 4 outerwear options = 240 outfits
Add shoes and accessories = 500+ unique looks
```
---
## Phase 3: Color Palette Selection

### Building Your Capsule Color Palette
```
THE 4-COLOR METHOD:

Choose 4 categories of colors:

1. MAIN NEUTRAL (40% of wardrobe):
   Your dominant base color for pants, jackets, and workwear.
   Options: Black, Navy, Charcoal gray, Dark brown

2. SECONDARY NEUTRAL (25% of wardrobe):
   A lighter or complementary neutral.
   Options: White, Cream, Light gray, Tan/Camel, Olive

3. ACCENT COLOR 1 (20% of wardrobe):
   Your "personality" color that you love and flatters you.
   Options: Burgundy, Forest green, Teal, Rust, Mustard, Blush

4. ACCENT COLOR 2 (15% of wardrobe):
   A complementary accent or pattern base.
   Options: Any color that works with your neutrals and first accent

Classic:
Main: Navy | Secondary: White | Accent 1: Burgundy | Accent 2: Camel

Modern:
Main: Black | Secondary: Gray | Accent 1: Olive | Accent 2: Cream

Warm:
Main: Brown | Secondary: Cream | Accent 1: Rust | Accent 2: Forest green

Cool:
Main: Charcoal | Secondary: White | Accent 1: Teal | Accent 2: Blush

TESTING YOUR PALETTE:
Before buying, check: Can every piece pair with at least 3 other pieces?
If a color only works with one other item, it doesn't belong in your capsule.
```

### Color Compatibility Matrix Template
```
Fill in your chosen colors and check pairings:

         | Color 1 | Color 2 | Color 3 | Color 4 | Color 5
---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|--------
Color 1  |    -    |  Y/N    |  Y/N    |  Y/N    |  Y/N
Color 2  |  Y/N    |    -    |  Y/N    |  Y/N    |  Y/N
Color 3  |  Y/N    |  Y/N    |    -    |  Y/N    |  Y/N
Color 4  |  Y/N    |  Y/N    |  Y/N    |    -    |  Y/N
Color 5  |  Y/N    |  Y/N    |  Y/N    |  Y/N    |    -

GOAL: Every color pairs with at least 3 others.
If a color only pairs with 1-2 others, reconsider it.
```
---
## Phase 4: Mix-and-Match Optimization

### Outfit Formula Templates
```
WOMEN'S OUTFIT FORMULAS:

WORK (Business Casual):
1. Blouse + Trousers + Blazer + Heels
2. Knit top + Pencil skirt + Cardigan + Flats
3. Button-down + Dark jeans + Blazer + Ankle boots
4. Dress + Belt + Structured bag + Pumps
5. Sweater + Trousers + Loafers + Statement earrings

CASUAL:
1. T-shirt + Jeans + Sneakers + Crossbody bag
2. Striped top + Chinos + Sandals + Tote
3. Casual dress + Denim jacket + Sneakers
4. Knit top + Jeans + Ankle boots + Scarf
5. Button-down (untucked) + Shorts + Sandals

EVENING/DATE:
1. Silk camisole + Dark jeans + Heels + Statement jewelry
2. Little black dress + Heels + Clutch + Earrings
3. Blouse + Leather pants/skirt + Ankle boots + Delicate necklace

MEN'S OUTFIT FORMULAS:

WORK (Business Casual):
1. Button-down + Chinos + Loafers + Watch
2. Polo + Dark jeans + Desert boots + Belt
3. Dress shirt + Trousers + Blazer + Dress shoes
4. Sweater + Button-down underneath + Chinos + Clean sneakers
5. Henley + Blazer + Dark jeans + Chelsea boots

CASUAL:
1. T-shirt + Jeans + Clean sneakers + Watch
2. Casual button-down + Shorts + Sandals
3. Polo + Chinos + Loafers
4. Hoodie + Jeans + Sneakers + Cap
5. Flannel + T-shirt + Jeans + Boots

EVENING:
1. Dark jeans + Dress shirt + Blazer + Chelsea boots
2. Dark chinos + Button-down + Leather jacket + Dress boots
3. Suit (no tie) + Clean dress shoes + Pocket square
```

### The Versatility Test
```
FOR EVERY PIECE IN YOUR CAPSULE:

Can this piece create at least 3 different outfits?
Rate each piece:

5 OUTFITS+: Core piece (foundation of your wardrobe)
3-4 OUTFITS: Valuable piece (keep)
2 OUTFITS: Consider replacing with something more versatile
1 OUTFIT: This doesn't belong in a capsule (special occasion exception)
0 OUTFITS: Orphan piece -- donate or sell

MOST VERSATILE PIECES (highest outfit count):
1. Dark jeans
2. White T-shirt
3. Navy blazer
4. Black trousers
5. White button-down
6. Neutral sweater
7. Ankle boots
8. Clean white sneakers
9. Leather belt
10. Trench coat
```
---
## Phase 5: Seasonal Capsule Rotation

### Four-Season Rotation System
```
THE ROTATION METHOD:
Instead of one year-round capsule, create seasonal micro-capsules
that share a common core.

YEAR-ROUND CORE (15-20 pieces):
These stay in your closet all year:
- Dark jeans
- Light jeans
- Black trousers
- White T-shirts
- Neutral sweaters
- Blazer
- Classic dress shoes
- Sneakers
- Belt, watch, everyday jewelry

SEASONAL ADD-INS (8-12 pieces each):

SPRING ADD-IN:
- Light layer (chambray shirt, light cardigan)
- Trench coat
- Canvas sneakers or loafers
- Lighter colored tops
- Rain jacket

SUMMER ADD-IN:
- Linen pants or shorts
- Light tanks and tees
- Sundress (women)
- Sandals
- Light linen shirt
- Sun hat and sunglasses

FALL ADD-IN:
- Heavier knits (wool sweater, chunky cardigan)
- Corduroy or heavier pants
- Boots (ankle, Chelsea)
- Structured jacket or field coat
- Scarf
- Warm toned accent pieces

WINTER ADD-IN:
- Heavy coat (wool overcoat or parka)
- Thermal base layers
- Heavy sweaters
- Winter boots
- Warm accessories (scarf, gloves, hat)
- Heavier blazer or sport coat

STORAGE:
Off-season pieces go into labeled storage bins or garment bags.
Rotate at the start of each season (equinoxes are a good reminder).
```
---
## Phase 6: Shopping List Generation

### Capsule Shopping Planner
```
PRIORITY SHOPPING LIST TEMPLATE:

PRIORITY 1 - IMMEDIATE NEEDS (Gaps that affect daily dressing):
# | Item | Color | Budget | Where to Buy | Status
# | Item Replacing | New Item | Budget | Where to Buy | Status
# | Item | Color | Budget | When to Buy (sale timing) | Status
## Phase 7: Cost-Per-Wear Analysis

### Tracking Investment Value
```
COST-PER-WEAR (CPW) FORMULA:
CPW = Purchase Price / Number of Times Worn

Great Investments (Low CPW):
$150 jeans worn 200 times = $0.75/wear
$300 winter coat worn 150 times = $2.00/wear
$80 white sneakers worn 250 times = $0.32/wear
$50 quality white T-shirt worn 100 times = $0.50/wear

Poor Investments (High CPW):
$80 trendy top worn 3 times = $26.67/wear
$200 impulsive dress worn 2 times = $100/wear
$40 uncomfortable shoes worn 5 times = $8.00/wear
$60 sale item you never wear = infinite CPW

BEFORE BUYING, ASK:
1. How many times will I realistically wear this?
2. Does it fit my capsule color palette?
3. Can it create 3+ outfits with what I already own?
4. Will I still want to wear it in 2 years?
5. Does it fit perfectly right now (or need tailoring)?

CPW TRACKING LOG:
Item | Cost | Date Bought | Wears | Current CPW | Target CPW
-----|------|-------------|-------|-------------|----------
     |      |             |       |             |

GOAL CPW TARGETS:
Daily basics (tees, jeans): Under $1/wear
Workwear (blazers, trousers): Under $3/wear
Outerwear: Under $5/wear
Special occasion: Under $20/wear
Everything else: Under $5/wear
```
---
## Phase 8: Minimalist Dressing Strategies

### The Art of Less
```
MINIMALIST DRESSING PRINCIPLES:

1. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
   - One $100 shirt you love > five $20 shirts you tolerate
   - Better fabric drapes better, lasts longer, looks better
   - Feel the fabric before buying (weight, texture, stretch)

2. NEUTRAL IS NOT BORING
   - A well-curated neutral wardrobe is sophisticated
   - Texture adds interest without color chaos (knit, leather, silk, cotton)
   - Fit IS the statement

3. THE ONE-IN-ONE-OUT RULE
   - For every new piece you add, one must leave
   - Maintains capsule size and prevents closet bloat
   - Forces intentional purchasing decisions

4. THE UNIFORM APPROACH
   - Some successful people wear a "uniform" (think Steve Jobs)
   - Find your version: a daily outfit formula you love
   - Reduces decision fatigue to nearly zero
   - Still allows variation through accessories and subtle changes

5. CARE FOR WHAT YOU OWN
   - Proper washing extends garment life 2-3x
   - Invest in good hangers (not wire)
   - Use garment bags for delicate items
   - Store knitwear folded (not hung -- stretches)
   - Treat stains immediately
   - Polish shoes regularly

GARMENT CARE BASICS:
- Wash cold, hang to dry (extends life significantly)
- Don't over-wash (jeans: every 5-10 wears; sweaters: every 3-5 wears)
- Use mesh laundry bags for delicates
- Steam instead of iron when possible
- Read care labels (they exist for a reason)
- Store off-season clothes clean and in breathable bags
```

### Capsule Challenge: 30 Days / 30 Outfits
```
CHALLENGE: Create 30 unique outfits from your capsule in 30 days.

RULES:
1. Select your capsule (25-35 pieces including shoes)
2. Photograph each daily outfit
3. No repeating an exact combination
4. Track what you wore in a simple log
5. Note which pieces you reached for most and least

DAILY LOG:
Day | Top | Bottom | Layer | Shoes | Accessories | Rating (1-5)
----|-----|--------|-------|-------|-------------|-------------
 1  |     |        |       |       |             |
 2  |     |        |       |       |             |
... |     |        |       |       |             |
30  |     |        |       |       |             |

AFTER 30 DAYS, REVIEW:
- Which pieces did you wear most? (Core pieces)
- Which pieces did you reach for least? (Consider removing)
- What outfits got the most compliments?
- What gaps did you discover?
- How did decision fatigue feel compared to a full closet?
```
---
## Output Format

When building a capsule wardrobe plan, present it as:
```
CAPSULE WARDROBE PLAN
Style Profile: [Archetype]
Lifestyle Mix: [Work/Casual/Active percentages]
Season: [Current or target season]
Target Size: [Number of pieces]
Budget: $[Amount]

COLOR PALETTE:
Main Neutral: [Color]
Secondary Neutral: [Color]
Accent 1: [Color]
Accent 2: [Color]

CAPSULE INVENTORY:
Category | Item | Color | Own/Need | Priority
---------|------|-------|----------|----------
Tops     |      |       |          |
Bottoms  |      |       |          |
Dresses  |      |       |          |
Outerwear|      |       |          |
Shoes    |      |       |          |

OUTFIT COMBINATIONS (Top 10):
# | Top + Bottom + Layer + Shoes | Occasion
# | Item | Color | Budget | Where to Buy

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with wardrobe planner"

**Output:** A structured wardrobe planner plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
