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In time for spring!
Our guide to on how to build a capsule wardrobe
By Chloe Chun.
Life is hectic. The days are going faster and faster. Fashion trends come by so quickly now that it’s sometimes hard to keep up. So, if there is any part of our lives where we can add a sprinkling of ‘simple’, we’re all for it! This got us thinking about our wardrobes.
How many times do you say, “I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!”, only to discover the black lace top you bought and didn’t wear for Sarah’s 30th?
We spoke to Beth Noble, Community Manager at Australian Ethical Investment, who is on a mission to live as ethically and practically as possible.
“Capsule wardrobes have come up a lot around the ethical fashion and minimal lifestyle blogs,” says Noble. “I don’t like wasting time and find getting ready in the morning can be really time consuming.”
This inspired us to see how easy it would be to implement a capsule wardrobe into our lifestyle. But, first things first… what is a capsule wardrobe?
As Fashionista.com says, “operating with a capsule wardrobe reduces decision fatigue because it leaves only clothing you really love that works interchangeably in your wardrobe. It’s the minimalist principle of ‘less is more’ lived out in a tangible way.”
As Fashionista.com says, “operating with a capsule wardrobe reduces decision fatigue because it leaves only clothing you really love that works interchangeably in your wardrobe. It’s the minimalist principle of ‘less is more’ lived out in a tangible way.”
So how does one build a capsule wardrobe?
Wardrobe stocktake
Before you choose your capsule pieces, you need to know what exactly is in your wardrobe. So, pull everything out and go through it all. It’s quite revealing to see how much you own!
“It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be,” says Noble. “Even though I’m a careful shopper, I still had more clothes than I realised.”
Did someone say spring clean? Let’s be honest, it’s a great time to consolidate. Bring out the recyclable bags and fill em up! Now the hard part… what do you want to wear for the next three months??
What’s going to go in this season’s capsule?
According to Caroline from Unfancy, she recommends about 35 pieces including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear and shoes.
Things you don’t include in your capsule: sleepwear, underwear, workout clothes (workout only, not your Sunday brunch outfit) and accessories.
Fashionista.com had some good tips for picking out items for your capsule:
“Is what I’m pulling out able to be worn multiple ways? Are they items I really love and know will work? It is appropriate for the season and temperature? Is it made good enough to wear multiple times throughout the season?”
You can decide whether you need 5 tops or 10 tops and only 3 pairs of pants. But the objective here, ladies is: reduce.
We will all have different needs in our capsules. Do you have a lot of work meetings, more casual attire, or do you have a lot of social functions?
Capsule Time
Now you are now equipped and ready to live out the next three months with your armoury of clothes.
“I liked how much space I had in my wardrobe and how easy getting ready was in the morning,” says Noble.
You might find it helpful to take a count of what worked and what didn’t. Maybe you found you needed more tops or layering options, or you need to add more colour.
“The main thing I did learn was to only bring in clothing to my capsule that I absolutely loved and couldn’t do without.”
Once the season is up, you do it all again! Here are Beth’s tips after giving capsuling a go:
“Be gracious with yourself. If, like me, you pull out more clothes from storage and end up back where you started after 3 months, it’s ok. I found I was a bit bored with my outfit options and wish I’d included a specific item because I was ‘in the mood’ to wear it.”
“I would recommend a capsule for work wear to simplify getting ready in the mornings. I’ve now created a work capsule around my Fable silk shirts (I have a lot!) and my black jeans or skirts.”
Beth Noble (left) & Marie Claire's Clare Press
When you do need to shop, give yourself time to shop thoughtfully and intentionally for pieces that will make sense in your capsules for that season. Maybe you do need to buy that navy silk shirt so you can wear it to work and out to drinks with the girls.
This is not a bible on what you should do. It’s a bit of fun and maybe what you need to reinvigorate the way you dress!
