Learn how to build your capsule wardrobe here

Have you heard about the capsule wardrobe? The technique is excellent for those who want to rediscover their style and get rid of excessive consumerism. Based on a closet that only has beloved pieces that represent the way you like to dress most, you can say goodbye to the almost disorienting excess of clothes. This way, it is possible to control the looks of the entire season and still exercise conscious fashion, and in addition, sustainable consumption.

Above all, it’s always important to ask yourself the question: do you really need all these clothes? The answer can often end up being no. In this sense, the capsule wardrobe appears as the ideal option. You can realize how easy it can be to look fashionable without having to take entire stores home. Likewise, creativity is encouraged when creating combinations of closet pieces through themes. Season specific, classic, casual, colorful or work are just a few options.

Check out everything you need to know about a capsule wardrobe below, as well as all its benefits and how to put together one of your own.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

The concept of the capsule wardrobe was created in the 70s by designer Susie Faux. However, the idea only gained momentum after 1985, after fashion designer Donna Karan created a popular collection from nothing more than 7 pieces. Its creator said that the intention of the capsule wardrobe was to express the owner’s style and personality through wild and timeless pieces. The fact that combinations could be made so freely was also a strong quality.

Even though it is so easy to consume low-quality and temporary fashion, the wave of investment in durable, quality products has gained strength again. The capsule wardrobe perfectly matches the ideal, as a small number of pieces kept on a daily basis are enough to guide divine looks. Above all, what really matters when putting together combinations is to buy consciously.

The technique is still excellent for exercising detachment. It’s common to have clothes accumulated in your closet that no longer fit, have defects or that no longer fit your style. Keeping them there is a waste and only creates confusion when choosing what to use. Your favorite pieces should remain, and the rest can be donated or even sold. By renting space from 10 clothes that no longer work, you have space to, over time, buy 3 that will last a lifetime.

Benefits of the capsule wardrobe

The practice of maintaining a capsule wardrobe has many benefits. In addition to all the points regarding conscious consumption and sustainability, it is also possible to discover new uses for pieces that have long only been used in one way. But to simplify them, here are all the advantages of the technique:

• By embarking on the idea, you will be no longer supporting the excessive consumption of fast fashion, which makes victims of thousands of cheap labor workers. It is common that, in cases of mass production in third world economies, there is no defined regulation of working conditions. Therefore, the profits from purchasing such pieces never reach the hands of real producers.
• Furthermore, waste production and impact on the environment is considerably reduced. After all, putting together a capsule wardrobe supports sustainability and conscious consumption, with production waste being minimized exponentially. Do you know how many tons of clothes are discarded each year without being recycled? The answer may be shocking.
• A capsule wardrobe is extremely practical. The fact that you have fewer pieces available to combine prevents you from spending hours choosing a look, making your job easier, as it is easy to define what can be combined.
• A capsule wardrobe can also be very economical. In this sense, after some time, you will become much more aware of your consumption habits when buying clothes. All the money that would go towards many pieces can be saved to take a trip you really wanted or perhaps a renovation.
• Ultimately, you will become a much more creative person. There are countless possibilities for combinations to create looks, even with just a few pieces. The process is fun and also helps you rediscover a style that makes you feel good about yourself.

How to build your capsule wardrobe

First of all, it is important to understand that there is no perfect “cake recipe” for creating your own capsule wardrobe. The process is extremely intuitive, but the ideal is to select pieces that always suit your needs and style. No wearing clothes that don’t make you feel comfortable or that are almost never worn, for example. However, the ideal is to keep the number between 30 and 40 pieces. One of the suggestions is 33 pieces that can be used for 3 months.

1 – Understand your own style

Initially, in order to put together a capsule wardrobe, it is essential to stop and think about what you really wear and like to wear. What is your style? Think about the types of clothes that really make you happy and feel beautiful. After all, all styles can be used in a capsule wardrobe, as long as they are yours. Pieces that are not your preference, however, do not fit into the proposal. A good tip is to look at photos taken of you over time, from at least a year ago, for a good indication.

2 – Choose a color palette

Minimalism doesn’t always mean black and white. It is possible to have many colorful options in a capsule wardrobe, as long as it is intelligent and functional. Thus, any combination can work, as certain colors and prints are wild pieces. In this sense, choosing a color palette for the list of clothes that will go into your closet is an excellent option.

3 – Cleaning for the capsule wardrobe

One of the most important steps in assembling a capsule wardrobe is giving your wardrobe a good cleaning. Take everything out and look at it piece by piece, thinking carefully about what works and what doesn’t have a chance. Look at your clothes carefully, giving each one the time it needs. This way, no mistakes will be made when the choice is finalized. But don’t forget that the lesson is always to let go.

If you have doubts when making choices, remember that the basics are always the ideal path. Bet on timeless, neutral pieces that can be used on different occasions. However, always have one or another more sophisticated accessory to match. And, so that your capsule wardrobe doesn’t get cluttered when you put too many pieces in it, always repeat the mantra of “one in, another out”. For every piece of clothing purchased, another will go towards donation!

4 – Remember the seasons

A good option when putting together your capsule wardrobe is to choose pieces considering the season you are in. How many pieces will be useful in each one? The idea is good for those who have difficulty separating what goes in and what doesn’t. Certain seasons call for certain clothes, so that sweatshirt you love won’t fit in at all in your summer closet.

5 – Quantity x quality

It is essential to always practice the mantra that quantity is not the same as quality. There is no point in buying many pieces just because the price is good when the clothes will soon start to show defects, losing their shine and ending up at the bottom of your wardrobe. Don’t forget to invest in quality pieces that will last much longer, and that can also serve as a wild card in your closet. Cheap can be expensive!

So, what did you think of this article about capsule wardrobe? If you’re interested, also check out Stylish Looks – Tips for putting together outfits with pieces from your closet

Sources: Decorfácil, Myps, Etiqueta Única, Escola de Estilo