RV Capsule Wardrobe: Your Guide to a Minimalist, Functional Wardrobe

One of the most challenging aspects of RV living is trying to keep things minimal, especially when it comes to your wardrobe.

Whether you’re a seasoned RV camper or trying it out for the first time, you know that creating a minimalist and functional wardrobe is no easy feat. After all, you change clothes every day and you come out to explore different places which means you need to have the right outfits for the right occasion (and weather).

The best solution? Build a capsule wardrobe.

What Is an RV Capsule Wardrobe?

The main purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to simplify your pieces without sacrificing comfort.

That said, there are several things you need to pay attention to when collecting your capsule wardrobe, such as:

Your space

Space is a major concern in any RV home. When building your wardrobe capsule, think about how much closet space you have.

Your activities

What activities do you anticipate? If you love rugged outdoor activities like camping, running, or hiking, consider investing in high-quality moisture-wicking clothes that are light and comfortable to wear.

Base colors

So you won’t have a hard time mixing and matching clothes, opt for pieces in neutral colors (black, gray, brown, and white). These colors are very versatile and pair nicely with different colors, textures, and patterns.

Tips for Creating Your Capsule Wardrobe

Pulling off a minimalist wardrobe is easier than you think. Check out the following tips:

Start with neutral base pieces

The colors you choose for your base outfits are crucial to creating a capsule wardrobe. Ideally, you want base pieces that you can pull out of your closet blindly, so stick to neutral colors like white, black, and blue. These are all-time versatile colors that work perfectly in any setting or occasion.

Use only one or two accent colors

A pop of color works magic in a capsule wardrobe. However, you don’t want to overdo it or you could end up having more pieces than you need.

Stick to two color accents which can be in the form of accessories like a scarf or a pair of earrings.

Be true to your style and your needs

Part of having a minimalist wardrobe is ignoring the trends and choosing comfort over style.

It’s okay to wear a pair of boring jeans every day, as long as you feel confident and comfortable with them. Who cares, anyway?

Consider your RV space

How many clothes you’ll have will generally depend on your RV closet space. It goes without saying that if you have a larger RV, you can enjoy a bigger wardrobe.

Unless you’re RVing by yourself, you need to be mindful of other people’s wardrobes too, especially if you have kids. Consider installing under-storage units where you can stash seasonal clothing.

To maximize your RV closet, choose clothing pieces that are lighter, versatile, and functional. This means subbing wool coats over thinner, insulated jackets, sticking to the staples, and foregoing fancy pieces that you will unlikely wear in rugged, outdoor locations.

Think of versatility

To fully maximize your capsule wardrobe, make sure all your pieces can be easily mixed and matched with one another.

Also, think quality over quantity. It’s best to invest in several high-quality clothing pieces that retain their durability and beauty for a long time, rather than in many poor-quality items that get easily worn out.

How To Create a Basic Wardrobe Structure

Ideally, your capsule wardrobe should have between 25 and 50 pieces. They should include your shoes and accessories.

Here’s a sample basic wardrobe structure to help you create your own:

Clothing:

Tops:

• T-shirts and tank tops in neutral colors (Black, white, and grey)
• Black dress

Base Pieces:

• Jeans or pants
• One light wash
• One dark wash
• One pair of black or dark jeans
• Shorts
• One or two skirts

Layers/jackets:

• Denim jacket – can be used to dress up or down just about any outfit
• Hoodie
• Cardigan
• Sweater

Footwear (one pair each):

• Casual sneakers for men and women
• Tennis shoes/Hiking shoes
• Multipurpose sandals
• Flats

Accessories:

• Stud earrings
• Watch
• Scarf
• Hat
• Purse

Bottomline

A capsule wardrobe is a great way to minimize and maximize your RV closet space. Make sure to follow the tips mentioned above to easily pull off a functional capsule wardrobe.

Lastly, remember that everyone is different. Feel free to cross out items in our sample wardrobe structure that you don’t use or need. Always take into consideration your lifestyle when building your capsule wardrobe.