A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothes that combines timeless essential pieces with more trendy seasonal items (usually rotated quarterly) which are generally complimentary and can be mixed and matched in a whole lot of different ways for maximum versatility and fun. Most people wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time, so why bother hanging on to the stuff you don’t love?
De-stress getting dressed. Mixing and matching is easy – you can create lots of different outfits using a fixed number of complimentary pieces. Even getting dressed in the dark is a piece of cake. No more “nothing to wear” tantrums.
Quality over quantity. The foundation of a capsule wardrobe is high-quality investment staples which can be worn season after season. This means beautiful quality clothes that feel comfortable and luxurious to wear. Instead of 20 cheap, ill-fitting, machine-spun synthetic sweat sacks, opt for fewer, quality made items in linen, cashmere, merino, silk, or cotton – extra points if they’re tailored! Vivienne Westwood said it best: “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last.”
Save money. At first (or over a period of time) you’ll probably spend more money on “essential” pieces, but in the long run this means a lot less money on stuff you don’t really need. Every purchase is considered.
Look and feel better. When you take the time to find perfect pieces for your wardrobe, you end up with only the pieces that make you feel great. There’s no room for mediocrity here! Every article of clothing that enters the capsule must be flattering, super comfortable, serviceable, and versatile.
It’s ethical! According to the World Wildlife Fund, it takes about 8,500 litres of water to raise 1kg of cotton lint – enough to make one pair of blue jeans. This, in combination with the use of pesticides and fertilizers, makes the global textile industry one of the most polluting and waste-generating sectors in the world. Then, of course, there are a myriad of human rights issues associated with manufacturing and sweatshops. Given that roughly 1,240,000,000 are sold worldwide every year, it’s hard not to feel a bit guilty. I’d rather know where my clothes are coming from, and try to reduce my carbon footprint.
Do you have a capsule wardrobe? If so, how has it changed your day to day life? If not – what’s holding you back?
ashley
You’ve inspired me. Going to throw some clothes out when I get home!
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