Embracing the Capsule Wardrobe: Finding Joy in Less

In a world inundated with fast fashion and overflowing closets, finding joy in a smaller, more concise wardrobe might seem like a daunting task. However, as someone who has undergone a transformative journey from fashion excess to the simplicity of a capsule wardrobe, I can attest to the incredible power it holds in not just simplifying your style, but also in unlocking a sense of empowerment and joy.

Confessions of a Former Shopaholic

Hands up, I confess: I used to do it all wrong. From being a shopaholic to hoarding fast fashion pieces, my wardrobe was once bursting at the seams with items I rarely wore. However, life had other plans for me, and a move from Italy to London nine years ago forced me to confront the chaos of my closet and reevaluate my relationship with fashion.

The Journey to Wardrobe Renaissance

Downsizing my closet became a necessity, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It marked the beginning of my journey towards a wardrobe renaissance. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of letting go of my excess of clothing, I embraced it as an opportunity to redefine my personal style and embrace a more intentional approach to dressing.

Personal Styling Principles

One of the pivotal moments in my wardrobe transformation was applying the same styling principles I used on others to myself. I began to discern what truly empowered me and what was merely cluttering my closet. By focusing on pieces that complemented my figure, lifestyle, and personality, I was able to curate a wardrobe that reflected my authentic self.

Strategic Shopping

Gone were the days of aimlessly browsing through racks of clothing in pursuit of the latest trends. Instead, I adopted a more strategic approach to shopping. Every purchase became a deliberate choice, guided by the principles of quality over quantity. By investing in fewer, but higher-quality pieces, I not only reduced clutter but also cultivated a collection of timeless staples that stood the test of time.

Quality over Quantity

The shift from a mindset of quantity to one of quality was a game-changer. Rather than succumbing to the allure of cheap, disposable fashion, I learned to appreciate the craftsmanship and durability of well-made garments. This shift not only had a positive impact on my wardrobe but also on my overall mindset towards consumption and sustainability.

Advocating for the Capsule Wardrobe

Today, as a passionate advocate for the capsule wardrobe lifestyle, I am committed to helping others unlock the power of a curated closet. It's not just about having fewer clothes; it's about having the right clothes – pieces that bring joy, confidence, and versatility into your everyday life. Whether you're embarking on your own wardrobe journey or simply seeking inspiration to simplify your style, I invite you to join me in embracing the beauty of less and discovering the joy that comes from a wardrobe that truly sparks joy.

In a world where more is often equated with better, the concept of a capsule wardrobe offers a refreshing alternative. By prioritising quality over quantity and embracing a more intentional approach to dressing, we can not only simplify our lives but also rediscover the joy and empowerment that comes from a curated closet. So, why not take the first step towards a more mindful wardrobe today? Trust me, the journey is well worth it.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIP: WHAT IS A CAPSULE STYLE WARDROBE AND HOW TO CREATE YOURS

You may have heard of a capsule wardrobe and wondered what does it actually mean, and how to create your own?!

Capsule wardrobes are a great option for saving time, stress, and money in getting dressed on your day to day life (while looking your best, obviously!)

While some may say you have to stick to certain numbers of particular garments, I believe that our capsule wardrobes should be as unique as we are, reflecting our own personality and lifestyle.

For some, you may need several trousers but minimal dresses, and vice versa, depending on your personal style, preferences, and needs as a professional, mum, business owner, or all of the above!

What is a capsule wardrobe?

Starting with the basics, a capsule wardrobe in essence, is a wardrobe that has your requirements for your day to day life, as well as a few key items that can be worn in multiple occasions. A capsule wardrobe holds interchangeable pieces that work with one another in a complementary way so you know whatever you pick and choose will work for your day.

For my clients, I often speak with them to discover if they are someone that would have one capsule wardrobe throughout the year, or some that may have seasonal capsule wardrobes that they can rotate to keep them feeling fresh, and enable them to play with trends they love. This is particularly preferable for my clients that are dramatic or creative style personality types (you can find out more about the different personality types and which you may fit into, in my blog, here).

A capsule wardrobe should take away the morning stress of what to wear, and work with your needs, rather than against them.

Now we know what a capsule wardrobe should be for you, we can look at how to create one for yourself.

This is something that I can help you with in more detail in a colour and style clinic, so this blog is a general approach to getting yourself started with a capsule wardrobe. If you’d like to create your own with a little professional help, then feel free to speak to me.

Start with clearing out your wardrobe

My first piece of advice for getting started on a capsule wardrobe would be to go through your own wardrobe now and clear out items that don’t align with your personal style, don’t fit you, or don’t work with any others in your closet.

If there are pieces in your wardrobe that you love, but you just can’t make more than one outfit with them, you may want to either reconsider the garment, or look at investing in further pieces that can make them more useable.

Now you have a clearer view of the pieces in your wardrobe that create outfits that you love, you can look at where you may need to invest or accessorise.

Create your outfits

Creating a selection of outfits from the capsule pieces you currently have will help you mindfully create a more suitable wardrobe for your needs.

For example, if you tend to wear dresses for work, but you feel you are unable to change up the outfit with your current selection, you can look at accessories and layers that make each dress feel like it can be changed up. For example, a belt can be worn to transform the shape of the dress. You can also look at cardigans, blazers, and shoes that elevate the look and change one dress into several outfits.

If you prefer two pieces, and prefer wearing jeans and a blouse, take a look at the options you have with regards to your tops and bottoms. Do you have enough blouses to give you the variety you crave, without filling your wardrobe to capacity? Do you have a favourite pair of jeans, but perhaps would prefer to have them in a different colour? These can be questions you ask while your wardrobe is being reworked.

If you are someone that would prefer a rotating capsule wardrobe based on the seasons, as we are now in spring, you may wish to take out heavy knits and replace them with lighter layers. Cardigans, blazers, and lighter knitwear are great for this time of year.

Remember your shoes and accessories!

For many of my clients, while having the new outfits in their capsule wardrobe being more approachable and easy to create, they find the shoes are where they can get a little stuck.

I recommend making your shoes and accessories a part of your capsule wardrobe update. If you go to work and need to wear an appropriate heel, then you will want to make sure you have one or two pairs that work with this requirement. You may also want to have a pair of comfortable yet professional flats to commute in.

If your work permits, and you prefer to wear them, platform trainers or wedges can be a funky and more approachable alternative to stilettoes and heeled shoes.

If you are a business owner or professional that works from home, shoes are not as important to your work-life, but will be a requirement for your day to day and special occasions. Sandals, flats, and trainers are all great options, while the special occasion wear may only mean you have one or two special shoes for those needs.

Take a look at the outfits you have created within your capsule wardrobe and make sure there are a selection of shoes that work with your outfits, so you don’t get caught at the last moment!

Bags can also be a fantastic way to add a dash of personality and function to your outfit, particularly if you need to take a lot of things with you as you head out. As a mum, I know I have a “mum bag” which can carry all the snacks and essentials, while my business-owner bag is a little smaller and colourful.

Understand your needs

As I have said, each capsule wardrobe is unique to the person who needs it. Your capsule wardrobe may be completely different to your colleague’s, and again different to your best friend’s. Each person has a different set of needs to get from their clothes, so while you may get inspiration for “the perfect capsule wardrobe” from the internet, it is best to really think about your needs.

Before you eradicate all of your garments from your collection, make sure you have the pieces you need to create the outfits you feel great in. Your wardrobe can be a reflection of you – so let it be just that. If a capsule wardrobe for one person is a collection of 20 pieces, yours may be 40, or even 50. A number is not what you need to aim for, a wardrobe that works for you each day is the goal of a capsule wardrobe.