Ever stared at your closet and felt like ‘there’s nothing to wear’? Well, then a capsule wardrobe will do just the trick. This practice is the easiest way to create a wardrobe that consists of the clothing items you’re most likely to wear.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
Business of Fashion describes it as “a practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favourite clothes (clothes that fit your lifestyle + body right now), remixing them regularly, and shopping less often and more intentionally”.
Where do I start when building my wardrobe?
It’s so much easier to work your way around this when you understand that a capsule wardrobe is all about your personal style. The consumerist culture might have steered many of us to believe that we must own everything that is on-trend right now, but capsule-style begs to differ.
You don’t have to own everything trendy but instead what’s fit for you. Here’s some key pointer in the right direction to form a style-specific wardrobe for yourself.
Define your signature style
What’s your favourite pieces? What’s always bound to end up in your laundry basket? Now those items should be some of what is included in your capsule collection. Think about what looks good on you instead of what you admire on those store mannequins. Remember your style is your own so stay true to it.
Make an outfit recipe list
Start making a list of outfits that you would really feel great in wearing every day. Write out about 20 that are versatile and that include repeating items (items you could mix and match with several outfits). So, if you have written “White tee + leather jacket” and “puffer maxi dress sandals,” you can add “maxi dress + leather jacket.” Vetta Capsule explains this process more.
Choose a colour palette
Look for colours that work both with the current season and your own colouring. By this point, you should know which colours work in your closet and which don’t and this makes it so much easier to stick to palettes that are complementing. Soon all the colours in your closet will harmonise just as you’d like.
Why is a capsule wardrobe the way to go?
- When you shop intentionally you purchase items that you’re guaranteed to wear again. This saves you money.
- Capsule wardrobes are a sustainable way to become a more conscious buyer.
- A capsule wardrobe helps you declutter and clear your closet from any unnecessary heaps of clothing you will not wear. Send some of those clothes to a charity store.
