The phrase "capsule wardrobe" had become quite popular in the fashion space in the last five to seven years. It coincided with the trend of consumer minimalism and shared some similarities in definition. Popular bloggers, fashion and styling experts took to the media platforms to tell us exactly what we needed to have in these meticulously curated closets. However, I am not hearing quite as much about this topic as I used to. Could it be that the trend of capsule closeting is fading away along with the declining popularity of minimalism? Maybe it is because the masses followed all the rules but still struggled to put together a decent outfit on the fly when they needed to. I am inclined to say it is a little bit of both. Nonetheless, I believe that a capsule wardrobe is still a worthwhile collection for EVERYONE to have at their disposal. In this article, I present to you a simple approach to building your very own capsule wardrobe, the right way!
The very first thing anyone who wishes to curate a capsule wardrobe should do is to take stock of what they already have. Too often the "experts" single out items saying "you have to have a classic white button down shirt", there "must be a little black dress" with the "black pumps" and a "neutral colored trench coat". However, the truth is that we likely already have some form of a capsule wardrobe in place. Committing to the "must haves" and quantifying the items we have is not necessary. The way I see it, a capsule wardrobe is simply a collection of clothing and accessories that not only fits well into YOUR lifestyle, but includes items you love and enjoy! Open up your closets, open up those drawers, pull out those shoe racks and look at what you already have. What are you loving? What do you dislike or never pull out to wear? Take some time do a little bit of closet clear-out. Be honest with yourself; go full on Marie Kondo and let go of anything that does not spark joy. Trash it! Recycle or upcycle it! Sell it! Donate it! You choose but keep only what you absolutely love. Think about the items that you reach for more often; what are your "pick somebody else" tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories? Taking stock also includes looking at old photos of yourself and discovering the looks that you wear frequently and that get you excited the most. When it all boils down, what is left may be your perfect capsule wardrobe.
When you get down to the bare minimum of your "spark joy" items, decide if you want to stick to your current aesthetic or switch it up? Do you want to add to your collection or do a complete overhaul? That is up to you and is not to be dictated by anyone else unless you have asked for and welcomed suggestions. After all, you are the one who will be wearing the items. You'll need to be realistic and practical with your plans. Choosing to commit to a trend of the preppy, hyper-feminine aesthetic when you cringe at the sight of bright colors simply will not make sense for you. Likewise a closet full of neutrals will more likely bring down your style if you are a person who loves bright, bold colors and designs. Choose what is best for YOU.
If you are unsure of which direction to take your style or aesthetic then welcome inspiration. Turn to social media platforms or the tried and true media of TV and magazines. Look at what your favorite style icons are wearing these days or in days past. Learn of the trends and be reminded of the classics. You are sure to find an abundance of ideas and styles to incorporate into your desired capsular wardrobe collection.
If you decide to add pieces to your collection then prepare a wishlist and spending plan. Decide just how much money you will be dedicating to improving this aspect of your personal style. It is very easy to get sucked into the world of shopping and hauling all in the name of fashion. However, a more fruitful approach is to have guides by way of a budget and wishlist.
Most importantly, think quality over quantity. It is very likely that this is where the concept of a set number of pieces stemmed from. Though I disagree with overemphasizing a set number or a limit on items in your collection, I am the biggest proponent for quality items. Investing in good quality items is top tier. There is no greater feeling for a fashion lover than being able to experience those pieces that bring you joy with every single wear. My simple pair of black Lululemon Align leggings does that for me. Not a week has gone by without me sporting them with my favorite T shirt, and one year in they remain in excellent condition. I cannot tell you how many cheapo leggings I have had in the past that got stretched out, thinned out and developed as many holes as a swiss cheese with minimal wear. I recall the deep breath I took when I bought my first pair of lulu-lem-lems but today they are my reminder and a testament of how quality trumps quantity.
Don't forget the fit! A closet full of clothes but nothing to wear often includes a bunch of items that do not fit. Let go of anything that is too big, too small or that does not fit well on your body type nor skin tone. When making your purchases go into store and try things on. If it feels too snug or too loose in some areas do not fall for the trap of convincing yourself you can make it work. Having to figure out how to make something work adds an unnecessary step in your daily styling process making it harder to achieve your desired looks. This in fact defeats the main purposes of a capsule collection which include saving time and reducing decision fatigue.
When making your wishlists, formulating your discretionary spending plans and adding your items, remain flexible. Remember, fashion is fun. It is an artistic expression of who YOU are as a person. You can change your mind. There are no real rules of fashion. There is no fashion police academy churning out licensed fashion enforcement officers. Be free, run wild, do as you please. Be inspired, be excited, feel joy as you create your capsule wardrobe. Enjoy the process.
Finally, one overlooked action to take when putting together a capsule wardrobe is to arrange the items in an appealing way. The experts always present these capsule collections in a charming, artful and attractive way. This has contributed to many of us feeling pressured into getting on board with this capsule wardrobe and going out to purchase all those "must have" pieces to achieve a similar closet look. Simply placing our items in uniformity or beautifully chaotic can actually offer the same appealing look. Arrange your closet items by color, get uniform hangers, dedicate drawers solely to tops or bottoms or athleisure. Get tasteful looking space savers that will allow you to safely store items without further cluttering small spaces. Put those beautiful accessories on display, use up those branded boxes and fashion magazines. Uplift those spaces with decorative full length mirrors, a gorgeous faux plant, some cute dollar store decor or make a splash with one of a kind luxurious artwork.
Create a collection as beautiful as you are and enjoy the process and every item.
Stay fashionably well,
The Fashion Findess
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