What is a capsule wardrobe?
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with your closet - you open the doors to find something to wear, only to realize, you feel like you have NOTHING, despite it being filled to the brim with items?
You aren’t alone in this feeling - I have been there! I realized that I had so many pieces in my wardrobe that it was actually difficult to make decisions on what to wear. As someone who always has enjoyed fashion and styling, it was a new feeling that I wasn’t happy to be feeling! I decided it was time to make a change.
Enter the concept of a capsule wardrobe. If you aren’t familiar with this concept - a capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe" in the 1970s. In basic terms, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of pieces that make up your entire wardrobe. This collection is potentially more minimal and paired down than what you may be used to - there is no set number of pieces allowed in a capsule, but many arrive with 30-50 pieces in their capsule.
Historically, fashion designers would release two seasonal collections - a spring/summer and an autumn/winter release. This concept is more aligned with the new capsule wardrobe mindset. Now, with the onset of fast fashion, retailers release at often as weekly collections. This new way of fashion is one reason that your wardrobe can become overwhelming. The capsule wardrobe concept is a great way to reduce the frequency of additions to your wardrobe because it consists of pieces that are wearable, fit your style preferences, and can be mixed and matched easily with other pieces in your wardrobe to create numerous outfits. Caroline Rector from Unfancy describes a capsule wardrobe perfectly:
“[A capsule wardrobe is] a practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favorite clothes (clothes that fit your lifestyle + body right now), remixing them regularly, and shopping less often and more intentionally.”
The concept of a capsule wardrobe is wearing your favorite pieces - perhaps not the most stylish, fashion-forward, or trendy pieces, but your favorite pieces that really highlight your personal style on a daily basis.
Intentionality is a concept I am working hard to incorporate into my style journey. This applies to the direction in which I take my style, as well as the pieces I add to my wardrobe. Thinking through the sustainable impact on what I purchase is a big consideration for my purchasing decisions.
I am far from mastering my capsule wardrobe, but I believe dressing and consuming with intention is a lifestyle and mindset change - and a process and something to strive for as I make stylistic decisions. I have already felt freer and less stressed - though I have already reduced my wardrobe by nearly half!
For more tips on creating a capsule wardrobe, visit my post, 5 Tips to Build a Capsule Wardrobe.
— Kenzie
