You’ve probably heard of the concept of a “capsule wardrobe”, but maybe wondered what one is, or why you need a capsule wardrobe. In this blog I’m going to share with you what a capsule wardrobe is and how cultivating one will change your life!
“To own a wardrobe that serves you well, you need to be very particular about what you put in it in the first place.”
The Concept Wardrobe
The weather is slowly changing here in sunny Ayrshire, and I have been busy planning my new season capsule wardrobe for spring. It got me thinking about how far I’ve come from the days when I shopped for clothes unconsciously. When I bought bargains just because they were bargains. When I crammed my wardrobe so full of clothes, I didn’t have enough room for them all.
And the worst bit? I felt like I had nothing to wear!
You’re probably familiar with the 80/20 rule (which is officially called the Pareto Principle). When it applies to our wardrobes, it means we wear approximately 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. And if you don’t believe me, take a couple of minutes now to think back over the past few weeks and the outfits you’ve worn – do you just grab the same old favourites on rotation?
But, why is this? Simply put, most of us have too many clothes. Add to this the fact that a lot of what is purchased isn’t worn. While this might ring true for you and (the old) me, what we are possibly not considering is how much valuable real estate 80% of our clothing is taking up in our wardrobes that we are not even wearing. And wouldn’t it be better if we could enjoy wearing 80% of our clothing, instead of 20%?
How many is too many?
A study by Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) found that the average adult in the UK has 118 items of clothing in their wardrobe, with 26% of those items being unworn for at least a year. What a tragedy.
Of course, there will be items in your wardrobe kept for special occasions and events, things you only wear on holiday and garments specific to activities, seasons or celebrations (Christmas jumper, anyone?). However, I guarantee there will be items in your wardrobe, cluttering up the space, that don’t need to be there at all, and, may I suggest, some that shouldn’t have been purchased in the first place.
The bottom line is, most of us have more clothes than we actually need to live. For many, shopping has become a hobby rather than an occasional necessity and, sadly, fast fashion is the phenomenon causing us to consume and discard fashion at such an alarming rate, it’s damaging the planet.
So, what’s the solution?
One way we can do our bit and enjoy fashion in a more minimal and sustainable way (but actually find ourselves with MORE to wear!) is to embrace the idea of a capsule wardrobe.
What exactly is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a small, carefully curated collection of clothing in a chosen colour palette, that work together to create a variety of outfits. The core elements of a capsule wardrobe are typically good quality, classic, staple pieces that stand the test of time.
Why is it worth organising a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe will simplify your life. The benefits are HUGE and it is well worth experimenting until you find a system that works for you.
Here are 10 ways creating a capsule wardrobe could benefit your life…
10 reasons why you need a capsule wardrobe
1. First and foremost, you will save money because you are buying fewer items and shopping more intentionally, but less frequently.
2. You will save yourself time – fewer items mean fewer choices, which means that getting dressed each day will be quicker and easier.
3. Quality over quantity = longevity. Investing in higher quality pieces that will last you longer.
4. There will be less waste because you own less clothing and will throw less away.
5. Look good, feel good, do good. With a capsule wardrobe, you will have more confidence because you know every piece is something you love and feel good in.
6. Getting dressed is more fun, firstly because you have chosen items you enjoy wearing, and secondly, because you can get creative and have fun mixing and matching to find new outfit combinations.
7. A capsule wardrobe is planet friendly because you are shopping less often, choosing higher quality and buying fewer pieces, so you are less likely to spend your money on fast fashion.
8. You will have less clutter and more space in your wardrobe to display your garments beautifully and give them room to breathe (and who wouldn’t love a Pinterest/Instagram-worthy closet?)
9. With fewer pieces to think about and try on, you will notice there is less decision fatigue. You’ve planned this carefully remember, so you already know what works!
10. Everything you own will fit you and suit your shape so you can step out into the world safe in the knowledge that you look good!
There you have it! So many benefits to organising a capsule wardrobe, so let’s get creative and find out how to do it.
“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
Coco Chanel
A capsule wardrobe mindset
My passion for organising and creating systems that make life easier for myself and my clients mean that the capsule wardrobe concept is in complete alignment with my ‘less is more’ approach to life.
In the past, I used to think…
‘I love clothes and fashion too much. Is it possible for someone like me to limit myself to a small collection?’
The thing is, I already knew deep down the answer was “yes”, and, in reality, a capsule wardrobe is not limiting in the slightest. If you plan it well, it’s actually the opposite, you will have more outfit combinations than you ever thought possible.
Without releasing it, you’ve probably already created several capsule wardrobes in the past yourself.
It’s exactly what most of us do when we go on holiday. We are restricted by a specific amount of space in our luggage, so we plan ahead. We take the time to think about the colours we want to wear, the fabrics suitable for the climate and garments that will mix and match. Setting it all out, trying things on and choosing accessories for that final touch is what makes dressing on holiday easy. Everything has already been thought out.
It is exactly the same when creating a capsule wardrobe at home.
“Buy less, choose well and make it last.”
Vivienne Westwood
How to plan and organise your spring capsule wardrobe in 7 easy steps
1. Decide on the style you’re going for. Use tools like Pinterest to find inspiration and pin looks you love.
2. Choose a palette of colours that look good on you. If you’re not sure which colours suit you, consider booking a colour consultation, it’s well worth it and will give you so much more confidence when shopping for clothes. Your colour palette should be made up of base colours in neutrals and accent colours to inject some personality to your wardrobe.
3. Embrace this transition period between winter and spring. Some of your winter clothes will begin to feel too warm and heavy. Start thinking about the new season and bring out some of your spring clothes to mix and match with your winter clothes.
4. Once the weather has changed, pack away your winter items, preferably within reach in your wardrobe or bedroom. Where you choose to put them however will depend on whether you have room in your wardrobe or not.
Some like to pop them in a storage bag, vacuum bag, box or basket on the upper shelves of their wardrobe but if, like me, you don’t have room there, you may need to store in the loft instead. There’s a danger with packing away in the loft that you might forget what you’ve got, so label the bag and bring it back out in plenty of time before the season you will need it.
Edit as you go through your items, donating anything you know you don’t want to wear again. Pack away carefully the things you will look forward to seeing again in the autumn.
5. Hang up your spring wardrobe items with nice matching hangers, if your budget allows. My favourite are the slimline velvet hangers. This really does uplevel your space and make a difference to the overall look of your wardrobe.
6. Look for gaps and think about the basics you will need to make your outfits work. Sometimes the reason we don’t wear something is because we need another piece to go with it.
Is there anything you have worn to death that needs to be replaced? Is there something you don’t need but want? Make a shopping list of what you need to buy for your spring capsule collection and don’t rush.
Say NO to impulse buying! Sleep on it instead. You will make fewer mistakes this way, I promise. Shop around and browse with intention. Take time to choose carefully only the items you absolutely LOVE. Start with what you need, then look for any items you want. Create a budget and stick to it, buying the highest quality you can afford.
7. Finally think about the accessories that will bring your outfits together and create that je ne sais quoi – shoes, bags, belts, scarves, sunglasses, jewellery, and watches.
So, what are you waiting for? Spring is just around the corner and I hope I’ve left you feeling inspired to create your very own beautiful capsule wardrobe that will see you through this season and many more to come. Have fun and remember, less is more!
P.S. Is your wardrobe in your bedroom? If so, here are some more tips on how to turn your bedroom into a sanctuary.