How I’m Starting a Capsule Wardrobe
When I started my eco-friendly journey, I stumbled into the world of the capsule wardrobe. I’d heard of them before, but didn’t really know what they were or understand the concept.
However, it seems that eco-living and a capsule wardrobe come hand-in-hand. There’s no denying that sustainable fashion costs more, but there’s a reason for that. The clothes are usually better quality and the manufacturing and sourcing of materials is more environmental. What’s more, a good company should also be ethical, looking after their workers properly and paying them a decent salary.
As a student, the price of sustainable fashion seems way too high to afford, especially compared to the likes of Primark and other fast-fashion brands. How long do fast-fashion clothes actually last though? The low prices draw you in, but in reality the quality, sustainability and ethical principles are not great and you’ll be back to buy more of the same clothes soon.
The trick is to be minimalist when it comes to fashion and build a smaller, but high quality collection with longevity. That’s where a capsule wardrobe comes in.
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What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A small collection of clothes that can be put together in different ways and includes everything you would normally need to wear – Cambridge Dictionary
The definition above gives a good summary. The idea is to develop a more curated closet, containing mainly basic items that can be paired together to create a variety of outfits i.e. lots of looks with fewer clothes. This means that you can invest in more expensive, good quality items as you’ll be buying less.
Of course, this doesn’t mean throw out all of your current wardrobe and bulk buy plain t-shirts. If anything, use your collection to inspire your capsule wardrobe. What colours do you wear the most? Do you like a particular style? What clothes do you mix and match? Think about how you could make your wardrobe last during different seasons. Maybe choose items which you can layer. All these things are starting points.
How I’m Starting One
I’m sure everyone has different suggestions on how to start a capsule wardrobe, but here’s how I’m attempting it.
Don’t buy what you don’t need
I think this is one of the main principles of a capsule wardrobe anyway, but it’s a good place to start. I’ve been tempted to have a spending spree many times recently, but I was strict with myself.
Something I’ve noticed recently, as well as being at university and seeing people on nights out etc. is that people don’t want to wear the same outfit twice. Why spend money on clothes if you’re only going to wear them once? Instead, I’m looking at how I can create different looks using the clothes I already have.
Accessories
This is the area I’m focusing on. A basic wardrobe does not mean you are confined to plain tops and nothing else. You can transform a look with a few accessories. I’ve been neglecting things like scarves and jewellery for too long, but now I’m loving styling a look using accessories and it’s satisfying knowing I’m using what I have.
Accessory ideas:
- Jewellery – Statement earrings, necklaces, bracelets, you name it. Maybe try wearing a longer and shorter necklace to create a layered look. It completely transforms a plain t-shirt.
- Scarves/neckerchiefs – Even in summer, you don’t have to say goodbye to scarves. My favourites are the lightweight, silky scarves. Neckerchiefs are stylish too and have a Parisian vibe.
- Hair – Headbands, scrunchies, clips. Add a statement look to your hair.
- Waist belts – Adding a waist belt to an outfit gives a whole new effect.
Are you thinking about starting a capsule wardrobe? Do you already have one and have any tips? Let me know as always.
Megan x
Let’s connect:
I’m a big fan of layers so don’t be surprised to see me in a summer dress in winter. I’ll just be wearing a long sleeve top under it, and probably jeans or black trousers with it too ?
Same! It’s good to make clothes last the whole year! X
I think without thinking about it too much I sort of have a capsule wardrobe! I have no way near as many clothing items as some I know and I stay away from buying from Primark. Although I am a sucker for sports wear and I know (ethically wise) that can be just as bad. I really like this idea and you are inspiring me to be more environmentally friendly!!
Aw thank you! There’s more and more eco-friendly sports and swimwear brands emerging I’ve noticed. Using recycled plastic bottles to make the clothes is being done more I believe X
Great tips for those looking to start a capsule wardrobe! Iโve always been someone who keeps clothes for a long time, I have clothes in my wardrobe that are probably closing in on eight years old but if they still fit and arenโt broken, I donโt see the problem! So Iโm good in that sense but I do love a shopping spree; Iโve recently stopped doing that and am only asking for clothes for my birthday and Christmas that I really need!x
Sounds like me! I’ve had some clothes for years! Trying to only buy things when I genuinely need them X
Great post! I love the minimalistic lifestyle (including capsule wardrobe). One year ago I decided to donate a lot of my clothes and I haven’t bought anything new yet! It is also so much easier in the morning without thinking ‘what should I wear today?’
x
Bettie
http://www.thewildflowerhippie.com
That’s awesome! I’ve just donated/recycled some stuff and am working on curating my collection X
A capsule wardrobe is so handy! I outfit repeat all of the time x
Same! I think it’s quite aesthetically pleasing too! X
I’ve been thinking about starting a capsule wardrobe for a while and this was so helpful! I especially loved the tip to take a look at your current wardrobe to understand what you like. My biggest hurdle is that I love color and have no idea how to create a capsule wardrobe where all of those colors will match with each other. Great post and good look with the new wardrobe!
Thank you so much! I’m no capsule wardrobe expert, but if you like colour, maybe choose more neutral ‘bottom-half’ clothes such as jeans and leggings. Then you could get colourful basic tops that go with all your trousers and style them with some accessories to create a new outfit X
these are some great tips! I’ve always wanted to start a capsule wardrobe but its sooooo hard for me to cut down!
Cutting down is hard at first but you get used to it! X
i’ve never thought of creating one but it is such a great idea!!(:
Cate แฆ 35mm in Style
Try it out for a season and see what happens!
I do not have a lot of space for my clothes and often find myself with things I never wear. Keeping a smaller wardrobe with a good range of versatile clothes sounds like the perfect solution! As for my favorite accessories, I love my scarves and jewelry.
Definitely worth trying! Good way to keep on top of what you have and what you wear! X
Youโve really inspired me to make one myself! They seem so efficient and worth the time and effort.
Brilliant! Let me know how it goes!
Iโve put a spending ban on myself so that I donโt buy anything new and work with all the things I already have! Good post sweet!x
Isobel x
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Good luck! It’s hard at first but gets easier! X
A capsule wardrobe sounds like such a good idea. Iโve started to buy clothes only when I need to.
Danni
X
https://www.dannilaura.com
Yes, it’s a great way to save money too!
These are some great tips! I would love to start a capsule wardrobe.
Go for it! X
Capsule wardrobes sound like such a good idea and if I wore clothes other than to hospital trips, I think Iโd start one. However, I live in PJs & nightshirts so yeah lol no need for one. ?
Sarah ? || Boxnip || Latest Post
Haha I love my PJs even more reason to cut down on actual clothes ?
I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe and think I unintentionally already have one! I’m fine with wearing the same outfit more than once, but I’m not very good at coming up with different looks with the clothes I do own. Accessories are a great shout!
Accessories can change the whole look. Go for it!