The capsule wardrobe has been around since the 1970s when Susie Faux created the first one because she simply couldn’t find well-made clothing that appealed to her. In the 1980s, the concept reached the runway when designer Donna Karan created the capsule collection “Seven Easy Pieces”. Easy, versatile, and stylish sustainable fashion, there continue to be so many great reasons to adopt a capsule collection in the 21st century.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
If there ever was a mindful and sustainable way to approach fashion, it’s through the creation and use of a capsule wardrobe that reflects who we are and what we want to wear in a simple and streamlined way. It’s editing your wardrobe to include only the clothes that you really love and that make you feel good, it’s finding stylish new ways to mix and match what you already have. It’s buying less clothes and buying consciously so that whatever you purchase fits seamlessly into the wardrobe you’ve built and that works for you. Owning a capsule wardrobe is the epitome of sustainable fashion – less is more.
The advantages of a capsule wardrobe
- Less decision fatigue about what to wear.
- The possibility of refreshing the capsule wardrobe every season by adding a few new pieces or rotating in pieces from other seasons.
- Owning less means being able to invest more in high-quality and luxury items.
- Creation of a signature style.
- Practicing sustainable fashion.
How to create a capsule wardrobe?
Start by editing your closet and separate your clothes into 3 piles: what you wear constantly, what you haven’t worn in 6 months, and what you haven’t worn in over a year. What you wear on repeat will give a pretty clear idea of your own personal style in terms of pieces, fit, color, and texture. Consider the core pieces of your capsule wardrobe in terms of tops, bottoms, dresses, jumpsuits, and outerwear. Analyze the other two piles of clothes to see what can complement the capsule wardrobe you’re striving to create. In terms of shoes, a few solid options – at least 3-5 pairs per season – can go a long way in helping put together multiple outfits.
The easiest way to create your first capsule wardrobe is with these 10 essential pieces that you then use to create your first ten outfits. Have fun!
Trousers
Sustainable fashion starts with a dark pair for Fall/Winter, and a light pair for Spring/Summer.
Button-down shirt
A classic staple when it comes to sustainable fashion, choose one in white or black, striped or denim.
Jeans
Avoid ripped or trendy jeans, opt for a polished dark wash pair for the colder months, and a light wash pair for the warmer months.
Knitwear
Whether it’s a cardigan, a lightweight cable knit or a heavy sweater, this a key capsule wardrobe piece.
T-shirt
Investing in this sustainable fashion item means always having high-quality basics that can be worn with anything.
Sweatshirt
Athleisure can be easily incorporated into a capsule wardrobe if it’s polished and timeless.
Jumpsuit
A very practical piece that can be worn alone or layered and function like a pair of pants.
Sustainable fashion is synonymous with timeless pieces, capsule wardrobes, and luxurious statement clothing and accessories that are meant to be worn, treasured and worn again. Shop the full experience at MyPrivateDressing.
