Funnily when asked by Vanity Fair why he wore only black and navy suits, President Obama replied, “I am trying to pare down my decisions to make”.
Angelina Jolie, Audrey Hepburn, all belong to the same school of thought.
Enlightened fashionistas across the globe staunchly believe and preach on the importance of capsule closet in helping them save time, money, energy and decision fatigue when it comes to making day-to-day fashion consistent with their personal style.
To be truly stylish does not require a huge budget or three walk-in wardrobes filled with designer clothes – you don't need a lot to look good. For some of the most stylish traits is mostly about good quality items on high rotation, knowing what shapes and styles work, and being cut throat when it comes to periodic cleansing. This is the crux of a capsule collection.
Here are few tips in putting together the dream team for your very own capsule wardrobe.
1. Plan per your lifestyle
Reflect and respect your lifestyle. Sometimes we buy clothes for a fantasy life filled with glitzy events and parties which may not be the reality or need of your present life. Your capsule wardrobe is based on functional because it relies on here and now! When you have that party to go, swap, rent or buy a fancy dress. But if your daily life is heavily driven by work then you would need more work-appropriate wear. This lays the foundation of your capsule plan.
2. Understand your personal style
Brick two of the capsule is to introspect on your personal style. What you like and see on your favourite influencer and celebrity may be great but they may not necessarily work for you. You have to define your own style keeping in mind your body type and complimenting silhouettes, your complexion and colours that lifts you up, along with your occupational and life demands. This together will help you build a wardrobe that best applies to you and your life.
3. Category management
At the time of execution, when you actually sit to edit your closet to a capsule, start by defining the various categories of clothes per your lifestyle needs. Four most basic categories are,
Daily Wear: Casual hang outs, you run errands (groceries, laundry etc) in these.
Active Wear: Clothes and gears for whatever physical activity you are into—swimming, yoga etc.
Party Wear: What you would wear to a night-out, parties, weddings, outings, dinners, etc.
Work wear: Clothes you wear on special meetings versus clothes you wear every day.
4. One-piece in, one-piece out
It is also important to understand that you don’t have to abstain from shopping while dressing off from a capsule (because that would be pure cruelty). If at any juncture you feel bored of your staples, feel free to buy more. BUT contract yourself under a “one-piece in, one piece out” rule. Which means for every new clothing you buy, donate or SWAP one existing item. This will keep the clutter away from both your closet and your mind.
5. Make it seasonal
Being realistic is the only way to make a capsule wardrobe work successfully. Number rules like 33-pieces only can be discouraging and intimidating to you fashion enthusiasts. Squeezing seasons or occasions into one capsule wardrobe (even though as big as a 45-item closet), may leave you wanting for more. So do away with them because deciding the size of your capsule is entirely up to you.
Work out a cycle of 3-months and go for revision at the end of the term. You may rotate staples while switching seasonal items. This recasting will give you the psychological satisfaction that you are catering your fashion needs and are not just tied to a ‘clothe-cutting’ project.
Capsule wardrobes are not purported to Marie Kondo your closet or limit you and your fashion expression. It is just a smarter way to serve your fashion needs.
The main idea is to own what you need and make sure you are wearing it regularly. And last, be realistic and true for the capsule wardrobe to be most efficient and functional for you.
Dress with less and create a life that is full of what matters most to you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi I'm Menka! I am from India.
In my happy place, I am making ayurvedic concoctions for beauty and wellness.
Notoriously, pinterest-ing fashion and decor. And, I love forests.
Let's connect on Instagram.