Not so long ago, the fashion world was buzzing about the concept of a capsule wardrobe—the kind of compact closet that only held the minimum number of pieces that matched each other with great ease and that allowed for much time saved in the mornings. Perhaps because the economic downturn hit at the same time that a furious decade of fast fashion was taking a toll on our closets, the capsule wardrobe appeared to be the solution to everyone's fashion woes. Social media was (and remains) also to blame.
As users took to Instagram wearing brand-new outfits for each post, many found it difficult to keep up with the endless fast-fashion hauls and OOTDs being presented to them. Overconsumption was rife, but then, things started to turn. As a community, fashion lovers banded together to call for more sustainable shopping habits and championed getting sufficient wear out of the clothes they owned rather than replacing them when a new trend or aesthetic came around.
Still, creating a capsule wardrobe is a very personal endeavour—one that takes time, perseverance, and a lot of analysis. What works for one person's capsule wardrobe won't for another, so there's no hard and fast rule to assembling one. Realising this, I thought about my own capsule-wardrobe journey as well as my favourite staples. What I learnt from my experience was that times change, trends move on and so do tidy solutions. And it turns out we might have taken the capsule wardrobe approach too literally.
How to Capsule Wardrobe, According to a Fashion Editor:
1. Invest in Solid Basics:
Your wardrobe doesn't have to centre around them, but a well-assembled edit of clothing staples will anchor your outfits and maximise the versatility and wearability of more characterful pieces. Of course, if you subscribe to the minimalist aesthetic, you'll likely already have a sound edit of basics on hand.
2. Create a Capsule for the Life You Live:
Perhaps you used to get dressed up and go out dancing every weekend, but if that's no longer on your radar, then perhaps you don't need that new pair of heels or that sparkly dress. Instead, if you're now more likely to step out in jeans and loafers, why not consider investing in a more premium pair than you ordinarily would that will last longer and that you'll get a considerable amount of wear out of?
3. Don't Be Swayed By the Trends:
But don't feel the need to sit them out entirely. If a trend speaks to you and feels intrinsic to your personal style, then by all means embrace it. If you can see yourself still loving and wearing this particular trend or item in two years' time, then it might be a good fit.
How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: The Process
1. Begin With a Simple Clear-Out:
Style Notes: Initially, limiting your wardrobe to a specific number of pieces might help you. But after a while, it might not serve you anymore. Give yourself the freedom to evolve over time as you learn.
2. Take a Time-Out Before Refilling Your Wardrobe
Style Notes: Instead of buying new clothes right away, give yourself some breathing room and live with your wardrobe as it is for a week, a month or however long you like. Just see what it feels like to live with less or limited clothing.
3. Don't Worry About Making It Perfect:
Style Notes: Trying to curate the perfect capsule wardrobe too quickly might mean you end up buying more than you actually need. Let it be imperfect, and understand that there will likely always be gaps in your wardrobe. It's okay not to have everything right away—or ever, for that matter.
4. Do a Trial Run If You're Scared to Commit:
Style Notes: Want to test a capsule without really committing? Try a 10-day remix challenge. Pick 10 pieces out of your wardrobe and wear only those pieces for the next 10 days. See how it goes!
5. Remember You Can Always Rent One-Off Pieces:
Style Notes: The rental market has grown exponentially over the last few years and presents a more considered way to wear new clothes—well, clothes that are new to you. In your capsule wardrobe, you should have more than enough to assemble lots of outfits, but if you're looking for something for a special occasion, say a wedding, then renting can allow you to try something new without the need for frivolous and unnecessary spending. It might, in turn, help you identify a gap in your capsule you can look to filling.
Ready to get your capsule collection together? Go through the gallery below to see the kind of classic pieces that will hold anyone's wardrobe together.
Shop the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe:
1. A Forever Biker Jacket
Wear this with, well, everything you own.
Whistles is known for its impeccable leather craftsmanship.
2. Tailored Trousers:
These will go with so many things in your wardrobe.
The very best of Toteme.
3. An Easy Sweatshirt
Ideal for laid-back days.
You'll never not love a cashmere version.
4. A Smart Skirt
A gorgeous silhouette.
This skirt will look so chic with simple tops and, naturally, the matching blazer.
5. A Laid-Back Jumper:
This has to be the most gorgeous red jumper I've ever seen.
A layering staple, whatever the season.
6. Black Ankle Boots:
The perfect black boot does exist.
The pointed toe will always feel fresh.
7. Relaxed True-Blue Jeans:
If you don't own a pair of relaxed jeans, try this easy-to-wear version.
These also come in petite and long.
8. A Versatile Scarf
Secure it around your neck for an oversized-choker look, or use it to tie back your hair.
I love this print.
9. A White Shirt
You will wear this forever.
This oversized style is perfect for layering in any season.
10. Fancy Flat Shoes
These are made from a buttery soft leather.
It's a miracle that these are still in stock.
11. A Chic, Wear-Everywhere Dress
A style you can dress up or down with ease.
A classic full-skirted dress will always serve you well.
12. A Sleek Carry-All Bag:
A great alternative to the very pricey styles from The Row.
The bag every editor wants.
13. A Slick Coat
You'll wear this over and over.
A trench will forever be a wardrobe staple.
14. Mid-Height Heels:
Throw these on with your favourite LBD and you're ready for any plans.
These will work for a multitude of occasions.
15. A Traditional Trouser Suit
We'll always reach for a chic suit.
Such a flattering cut.
16. A Simple Crossbody
It's the bag that every fashion lover is lusting after.
This bag keeps selling out.
17. A Basic Belt
We don't know where we'd be without our classic buckle belt.
The hardware on this belt is a great touch.
18. Versatile lingerie
This will look so chic peeking out from underneath a relaxed-fit shirt that's tucked into tailored trousers.
Just so pretty.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.