Capsule wardrobes have been gaining momentum for the last couple of years now. Thanks to Marie Kondo and the rise of minimalism, scaled down closets are popping up on everyone’s Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards. The concept of the capsule wardrobe is loving every item you own and investing in pieces that will last—quality over quantity. It’s a sustainable approach to owning fashion that is curated and therefore more simplistic.
When discussing capsule wardrobes, the person that first comes to mind is blogger Caroline Rector. In 2014, Caroline decided to minimize her wardrobe to 27 items, and documented her journey on her blog Unfancy. She suggests paring down your clothes to 37 items, wearing only these 37 items for three months, and shopping for the next capsule during the last two weeks of the season. Nothing too crazy, right?
If you want to have a go at creating your own capsule wardrobe, here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
There is no magic number
Aim for 50 pieces or less, but don’t force yourself or limit yourself to a certain number just because it seems to be working for someone else. Everyone’s number is different. Go with what makes you happy and content.
Find your style
“I’m much better at dressing for the life I have, rather than a fantasy life,” Caroline says. “My closet matches my lifestyle now.” So always ask yourself: does this fit my style? Am I actually going to wear this? Think about what you want to express about yourself through your style and what important aspects of your lifestyle impact what you wear.
Make a plan
Planning can be very helpful; it limits mindless spending because when you know exactly what you want, you can just look for it and justify spending money on it. Make a list of the pieces you need for your capsule wardrobe and then find what you love. Make sure to also make a budget, so that you don’t end up breaking the bank. Aim for fewer high-quality pieces that you love rather than buying too many and on impulse.
Take care
Because your wardrobe will now be smaller, cherishing the pieces you have and taking care of your clothes is very important. You should be mindful of the upkeep of your items so you can extend their longevity. It’s recommended to wash your clothes at not more than 86°F and to air dry your clothes as much as possible because it’s better for their fibers than tumble drying.
sophro 