How often should you update a capsule wardrobe?
Twice a year for the big swap (spring/summer and fall/winter), plus a 15-minute monthly audit.
Capsules decay quietly: a hem goes, a fit changes, a color you loved stops getting worn. The twice-yearly swap handles climate. The monthly audit handles drift - anything not worn in 30 days of appropriate weather gets a reason or gets boxed. Replace one-for-one, never one-for-two. The point of the audit is not minimalism for its own sake; it is keeping the outfit math true so getting dressed stays a two-minute decision.