5 Tips for Building a Capsule Wardrobe
Nowadays most of us shop with the following framework: buy cheap trendy clothing frequently, wear a few times, throw away/donate, repeat. Unfortunately, this model bears many consequences, not only for the environment, but for consumers as well. Some of these consequences include wasted money, low-quality clothing, and an overwhelmingly large closet.
A capsule wardrobe solves the problem of both environmental waste and the desire for new clothes when trends go out of style. By definition, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items that do not go out of style. There are many benefits to having a capsule wardrobe that extend far beyond sustainability as well - in the long run you save tons of money and time, have a neater closet, an easier time packing, and a backlog of outfits for every occasion. Here are our tips on launching your capsule wardrobe:
Figure out your personal style
You might be wondering how clothes do not go out of style, and the answer is, if you buy clothes that only align with your personal style as opposed to mainstream trends, all of your items will be timeless. Are you a street-style kind of person, preppy, hippie, or sporty? Do you prioritize quality, comfort, or fit? Ask yourself these questions, and make sure that every piece you buy will be a nice long-lasting addition to your wardrobe. If you imaging getting bored with the same few pieces, experiment with accessories to change up a look. Thrifting is also a great way to figure out your style and try different pieces. The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is that having a solid foundation of basics will allow you to grow/change your style as the years go by.
Buy high quality pieces less often
This rule contradicts most of our typical buying behaviors. We normally opt for cheap clothing and purchase frequently. However, following this rule not only helps the environment by reducing how much you consume each year, but it also builds a wardrobe of clothes that will last a lifetime. A higher budget also allows you to shop at more ethical, high-quality brands and move away from fast-fashion. This rule can also apply to jewelry. Cheap jewelry tarnishes after exposure to water, requiring new purchases every few months. Investing in real gold and silver for a piece that lasts a lifetime will save you a lot of money.
Invest in solid basics
High quality, well-fitting basics will serve you well over the long-run, compared to a $2 flimsy white t-shirt. When it comes to pants, it is well-worth it to spend $100+ on a pair of durable jeans that fit well. You just need a light wash, dark-wash, black, and white pair and will be good for many occasions.
Don’t buy trendy, short-lived clothing
In the age of fast-fashion, clothing is becoming cheaper and flimsier. Compare a pair of jeans from Zara to a part of vintage Levis from the 90s- which one will hold up better 5 years from now? Part of what makes these brands so desirable is that they mimic trends from high fashion that are short-lived. While you may feel pressured to wear what your favorite influencer is wearing, think through that purchase decision- ask yourself: does this fit with my personal style? How long will I wear this for until I get sick of it? How long will it hold its shape?
Buy versatile pieces for multiple seasons and occasions
A capsule wardrobe is also about getting creative. How can you transform that one little black dress to a more casual fall outfit with boots and a sweater on top? Pieces that are built for layering are ideal because they can be worn in different seasons and for different occasions. One pair of jeans can also be dressed up for a more formal look if you’re going out. Accessorizing through hats, neck scarves, makeup, jewelry, or stockings is a great way to express your creative side and stay looking fresh.
With these 5 tips, you can kickstart your capsule wardrobe and not only reduce environmental waste, but better understand your style. If you have any more tips on building a capsule wardrobe, we’d love to hear from you!
