As sustainability, “buy nothing” years, and slow fashion are growing in popularity, so is the concept of the capsule wardrobe. By definition, a capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing and accessories that can be mixed to create many different outfits. Doing this has many benefits. It allows the wearer to strengthen their personal style by not participating in micro trends, buying less and wearing the clothes they have more, and spending less time shopping. Although the capsule wardrobe is a concept that has many benefits, there are many guides online that declare that a capsule wardrobe has to be one specific way in order to work. That is far from the truth. It is entirely possible, and more sustainable for both yourself and the planet, to fill your capsule with high-quality pieces you love, and will wear again and again. This guide will help you create a capsule wardrobe that will fit in with your lifestyle and make you happy.
The first step is to figure out which mix of colors you will enjoy wearing the most. For some, this can include all neutrals; for others, all bright colors. A great way to figure this out is to look at your closet and think about which pieces you have reached for most in the past year. Although some neutrals may balance out the assortment, if you enjoy wearing color day to day, it should be included in your capsule collection. One great example of how to add color in a wearable way is these silk cropped blouses. Because they have a simple shape, they can pair easily with high-waisted trousers, or a midi skirt, or be worn over a dress or turtleneck sweater in cooler weather. Pieces like this allow you to enjoy joyful pops of color while having a shape that will work with many different outfits.
Next up is choosing the silhouettes and types of clothing you would like to include. The capsule should include shapes that you find comfortable and enjoy wearing day to day. It is helpful to include pieces that can be layered with each other for a variety of different looks, whatever this may mean for your wardrobe, because these will be able to be repurposed the most. Popular items to include are button-down shirts, cardigans, and jackets. The best thing to do is to stick with silhouettes you wear often and enjoy styling. Despite the common conception that all pieces in a capsule wardrobe have to be timeless classics, what truly makes a piece timeless is its wearer being able to incorporate it in many ways. This could be anything from a crop top to a blazer jacket, depending on the goals of the curator. One great way to create layers is to include a vest in your capsule. This gorgeous denim button-down vest is sturdy and made to last, and can be worn by itself or over a sweater, button-down shirt, or dress. Pieces like this make it easy to create new outfits.
Whatever you love wearing in your day-to-day life, investing in pieces that are ethically made, are good to the earth, and have longevity will never be an investment that you regret. The best way to focus on buying less and creating your perfect capsule that enables you to not have to buy new clothing with every new season or trend is to focus on getting what you truly love, whatever that may be. The most sustainable pieces that you can buy are ones that you will rewear, so taking the time to learn your style will always be time well spent, and you may be surprised by what you find.