What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

Internet culture is always buzzing about the latest and greatest trend. In the world of fashion, where trends are essential, the current hype is all about a radical new concept called the “capsule wardrobe.” A quick social media search will turn up endless content from those in vogue claiming to be gurus on how to adapt this revolutionary concept to your own style, complete with pricy recommendations and chic runway collections of course. Luckily, the capsule system can be applied well beyond the posh headlines of social media influencers to fit any budget, any style, and zhuzh up even the most drab ensemble of outfits!

What comprises a capsule wardrobe? In a consumerist world where minimalism is all the rage, it was only a matter of time before someone took a page out of Marie Kondo’s book and followed the momentum of the tiny house bandwagon to come up with a way for those opting out of the superfluous lifestyle to scale down their closet without compromising their taste for fashion. Enter Susie Faux, owner of the London-based boutique called (aptly enough) “Wardobe,” who coined the term back in the 1970s. According to Susie, a capsule wardrobe consisted of a limited number of wardrobe staples based on each season. Bloggers, fashion writers, and style experts have since rediscovered the term and (as is the way with all fashion) are bringing it back for the modern era.

The unwritten rule is to not let the rack exceed thirty-seven pieces, although some authorities on the matter are less strict. Basically, a capsule wardrobe is a set of around thirty-seven items (or less) incorporating your favorite looks with fresh additions of a few new pieces every season. The ultimate goal is to limit yourself to the basic essentials. What do you actually wear? What’s practical? What are your statement pieces? What can serve as a closet staple to be mixed and matched with all of your various other pieces to create fresh and invigorating looks all season long? Create a signature aesthetic without coming across as stale and recycled. So, wait. We’re talking about a strict rotation of only thirty-seven articles of clothing…and no shopping until next season? But why?

You’ll have a more easily organized closet and will spend less time shopping. Since the number of items is limited, you will either end up spending less money on your wardrobe or will spend the same amount of money but focus more on quality instead of buying a bunch of things you may never wear. The less obvious benefits are plentiful. Since capsule wardrobes focus on basic mix and match pieces, you can grab just about anything out of your closet and look fabulous! Going back to the basics means you will really hone your style and get pieces that you love and you’ll love wearing every time you put them on and you’ll want to hang on to your pieces longer.

Our next post will get into how you can create your own capsule wardrobe!

Top 4 Reasons to add to your Wardrobe

Fashion is constantly evolving. Staying up to date with all the latest changes means keeping a keen eye on the hottest trends gracing the runways and the cover of magazines. Being fashion forward can be an exhausting goal that sometimes feels too unattainable to pursue. However, that doesn’t mean we should stop being our own trendsetters! Updating your wardrobe can be an exciting way to add a little flair into your daily routine. Here are the top four reasons why you should consider adding a few new pieces to your closet.

1. Change of seasons. The turn of the seasons is a perfect opportunity to boost your mood by incorporating some new additions to your upcoming rotation of looks. Grab everyone’s attention with a new durable winter jacket that fills you with confidence every time you make an entrance at a holiday function. Be photo ready at the pumpkin patch by accessorizing your fall looks with a simple scarf or toboggan. Embrace the warm weather of Spring and Summer with vibrant pastels or neons to brighten up your wardrobe and match the energy during the time of year when things start coming back to life!

2. New job or promotion. New jobs can bring fresh beginnings. Start your new adventure on the right foot by sprucing up your office attire to make a perfect first impression. State your goals through your style by accentuating your existing looks to give off a more subdued or professional vibe to tell your new coworkers exactly who you are before you ever introduce yourself. Same job, new position? Mark it with a style evolution! Take cues from your new peers’ outfits and enhance your wardrobe by putting your own spin on it!

3. Drastic change in your size. Hitting the gym has been paying off with gains! Or losses! Reflect that with a style update. Pick pieces that accentuate your new figure and look flattering on your new and improved body. It’ll be great motivation every time you look in the mirror to remind yourself that you’re on track to achieve your fitness goals!

4. Just a pick-me up. Not having a reason is a good enough reason to shop for some new finds! You work hard for your money, you take pride in how you look, so why not treat yourself every once in a while? After all, you deserve it! Have fun with your wardrobe and wear the things that bring you joy and confidence!

CLOSET CLEAN OUT

With Spring comes spring cleaning. And with spring cleaning comes the dreaded CLOSET CLEAN OUT. I’ve been researching this one for a while, not only for the purposes of this blog, but also because my own closet has become such a mess it has now infringes on the room. I just try not to make the mess angry enough to landslide down and attack me.

The Marie Kondo method of “When I hold this item, does it give me joy?” is a slippery slope for me. A swimsuit hasn’t given me joy since 1994, and yet, realistically, I need to own one. So, I knew I’d need to go with a more traditional approach.

Most of my research says the best way to begin is to pull everything out of your closet. Everything. Give the walls a good wipe down and vacuum the dark reaches of the floor. This is a good time to assess the space and ask yourself some hard questions.

• How much can you realistically keep?

• How much of your wardrobe do you actually utilize?

• Is there a more effective way to utilize the closet space you have?

At this point, you need to separate your items into three distinct piles: keep, trash, or donate/sell. While you’re going through these items, you should cull out clothing that no longer fits properly, free hats and t-shirts you will never wear, clothes you used to love but haven’t worn in years, and items you said you’d repair, but haven’t. Most articles say to get rid of anything you haven’t worn in 6 months. I disagree with that. I think a year sounds more reasonable. If you didn’t wear a sweater all last winter, odds are, you won’t wear it this winter. Get rid of it.

After you’ve gone through everything, it’s time to go back to your three key questions and reassess. Have you culled out enough to make an appreciable difference? Have you kept the staple pieces that serve your wardrobe needs most? Would additional shelving, wall hooks, or other organizers help you maintain order long term?

After you’ve answered these questions and have completed the modifications that will best maximize your space it’s time put the closet back together. You should do so with a plan in mind.

• Hanging clothes together by season, cold weather clothes to one side, warm weather clothes to the other.

• Making staple wardrobe pieces easy to find. I suggest putting them in the middle, separating hot and cold weather clothes.

• Folding items (such as sweaters) and storing them in the dresser or on a shelf when possible, to save closet rod space.

• Using wall hangers for belts and handbags, to keep them off the floor and make them easy to find.

Getting your closet organized so you can find what you’re looking for in the morning, will hopefully prevent that mad morning rush. You may even have time to enjoy a leisurely second cup of coffee. Finally, something you can hold that brings you joy!