Why You Need A Capsule Wardrobe And How to Start Building One
Have you ever stood in front of your beloved closet that’s chock full of clothing only to realize that “you have nothing to wear”? The reality is that most of us have an arsenal filled to the brim with beautiful pieces. The only issue is that we are often out of viable outfit choices.
So, what do most people do in this scenario? Fuel their style through new purchases only to continue the oh-so-familiar cycle. 2022 is the quintessential time to tackle decision fatigue, reduce our footprint on the planet, save money and spare the extra resources. That’s where a capsule wardrobe really shines.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
The phrase “capsule wardrobe” was firstly mentioned by British fashion icon Susie Faux in the 1970s. Her idea was to create an all-year-round wardrobe with limited, yet utterly versatile, clothing. Faux’s main aim was to eliminate overconsumption by introducing a new dressing formula that consisted of interchangeable styles that can create an array of different outfits.
Instead of shopping impulsively for the 'next best thing' to wear, constantly eyeing on the newest trendy items that will only last a season or two, capsule wardrobes put back mindfulness in our shopping habits with a strong emphasis on quality over quantity.
Capsule wardrobe and sustainability go hand-in-hand
Every year, more than 15 million tons of textile waste is generated in the U.S. alone, which is twice as much as 20 years ago. What’s even more shocking is that every year, the average American spends around $2,000 on clothing alone – which is mostly due to the fact that fast fashion clothing has a very short lifespan, hence the constant need for replacements. That’s why the capsule wardrobe alternative is considered to be the optimal fashion upgrade.
The benefits capsule wardrobe phenomenon isn’t just gossip from the fashion sphere. According to the recent study on capsule wardrobes by the International Journal of Market Research “a positive impact of a 3-week capsule wardrobe on our participants who felt less stressed, detached from fashion trends, have found joy in their fashion style, and enhanced their awareness of conscious consumption.”
How to create a capsule wardrobe:
Take a look at your existing closet
To kick start the process, take a look at your pre-existing items and evaluate their usefulness. Time to create three different piles: for keeping, for repair, and for passing on. Realistically, if you haven’t worn a piece of clothing for over a year, then chances are that you no longer need it.
Watch out for recurring themes
Now that you have divided all your clothes into three categories, you can get an idea of which pieces really suit your aesthetic and lifestyle needs the most. Maybe your “keeping” pile consists of mostly certain colors and textures. If you’ve decided to keep mostly long-sleeve shirts in neutral colors, wide-leg trousers, and A-line dresses, then let it be your guide to all your future purchases.
Buy those key pieces that miss from your capsule wardrobe
Time to cross-reference your remaining items and create a list for all the things that are missing in order to create an array of cohesive outfits out of your pre-existing purchases. For example, you already have 3-4 all-white t-shirts that can take you from day to night with ease as well as some high-quality blazers for work. Maybe it would be a great idea to add 1-2 black options to your t-shirt list and a neutral-colored blazer for winter layering.
Opt for quality items that were designed to last
Before you start adding things to your cart, stop and take note of the fabrics. Building a capsule wardrobe is all about longevity, thus natural fibers are always preferred. This way you will not only support sustainable brands that thrive on ethical business practices but also create a closet that’s made to last thanks to great craftsmanship.
Rickelle.co uses made-to-last fabrics and production methods exclusively: like modal jersey, ponte de roma, linen and knits.
What types of clothes should I include in my capsule wardrobe?
A starter capsule wardrobe can consist of the following versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down with sweaters, blazers, jackets and accessories:
- The Quintessential Little Black Dress
- The Wrap Dress
- The Shift Dress
- The Sheath Dress
- Tailored Trousers with Tops
- A Knitwear Dress
- A Trench Coat
And by the way - just because it's a capsule wardrobe doesn't mean it has to be bland! Rickelle.co offers colorful capsules in everything from white to pink to blue.