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 TIPS: SEASONAL WARDROBE TRANSITIONS: TIPS FOR SWITCHING YOUR CLOSET FROM WINTER TO SPRING

With a new season comes the thought of changing up your wardrobe. For me, I tend to keep my wardrobe seasonal, so I can easily work through my wardrobe and create outfits without having to filter through the pieces that don’t work for that season. If you want to switch your closet from winter to spring, here are some of my top tips to help you do this.

TAKE OUT THE HEAVIEST LAYERS FROM YOUR WARDROBE

Starting with the heaviest winter garments in your wardrobe, you’ll want to remove them and neatly put them away ready for the future winter. I also recommend cleaning the garments and securing them in a vacuum-packed bag so they are fresh as soon as you bring them back out.

If you are living in a country that can trick you into thinking there will be warmer times ahead, as I do, then you may want to keep 2-3 of your favourites for the chillier days!

While you may be thinking about your jumpers and knitwear being the heaviest garments in your wardrobe, you may also want to consider removing the thicker layering items as well – such as thermals, thicker socks & hosiery, as well as heavy winter coats.

FRESHEN UP YOUR WARDROBE amp; LAYOUT

There is no better time than a new season to freshen up the way you organise your wardrobe. If you are finding that you are moving around and constantly trying to create looks with your wardrobe, you may want to take everything out, clean out the wardrobe, and consider a new layout for the garments within.

I did this recently with my wardrobe, where I was finding it difficult to find trousers and jeans, and I decided to move them to the higher row. I swapped these with my tops and jumpers to the lower level, which maximised space and helped me pair up tops and jeans easily as they were above and below one another!

You can even go as far as segmenting the garments in your wardrobe by colour, occasion, or length – or mix and match them together! For example, my day dresses are nearer the front of my wardrobe as I wear them more regularly, while my special occasion wear is further back. This is so I don’t have to push through items I wear less to access the pieces I wear more often.

GO THROUGH YOUR SPRING PIECES

If you had put away your spring/summer pieces last year, before you put them back in this year’s wardrobe ready to create outfits, you’ll want to make sure they:

• Still fit your body – there’s no point “saving” pieces that don’t fit your body. Put them in a charity pile and release them from your wardrobe.

• Still suit your personal style – you may have had some changes to your personal style over the past year, do these garments still suit what you love to wear?

• Still align with your lifestyle – if you have changed jobs, had a change in your daily life, or simply need different pieces to align with your routine, don’t keep items in your wardrobe that no longer suite your lifestyle.

When you have cleared out any items that fall into these three categories, you will have a clearer view of what you have ready for the new season.

CONSIDER ADDING NEW PIECES

If you needed to get rid of a few pieces, or if you simply want to freshen up your outfits with some on-trend garments for the new year, now is the time to go through what you do have, and consider new pieces that will work with your current wardrobe.

While I suggest capsule wardrobes and sustainable shopping, there’s nothing quite like adding a few key pieces to your wardrobe for that new season that feel fresh and fun.

• When you are thinking about adding new pieces, you should consider:

• Do these pieces I want to add work with my current wardrobe?

• Can I create more than 1 outfit with this piece?

• Will this garment still feel great in a year or two?

• Is this piece for a specific event, or do I want to wear it over and over again? (if it is just for a one-off event, could you consider renting the piece instead?)

While we can be swooned by a new season, trends, and new pieces in our wardrobe, all too often I see clients with packed wardrobes of pieces that they wear once (or not at all) because they thought it may work but it just doesn’t align with their lifestyle, personal style, or current wardrobe. Before you click “buy” really consider if the pieces you want to invest in will fall into these categories.

If you are looking at your wardrobe and think now is the time to make your wardrobe reflect your true personality, and help you create outfits with confidence, I’d love to help.