Start where you are and work with what you have!
A capsule wardrobe refers to a minimalist approach to fashion, where you curate a small collection of essential, versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. It is important to choose items, which last. However, if you can not afford high-quality clothes from the beginning, I invite you to start small. It is not about achieving perfection quickly but about learning about your buying habits.
The benefits of creating a capsule wardrobe:
- Time and decision-making: With a limited selection of clothing, you spend less time and mental energy deciding what to wear each day. This simplifies your morning routine and reduces decision fatigue.
- Cost-effective: Instead of constantly buying trendy items that quickly go out of style, you focus on timeless, durable pieces that can be worn for multiple seasons.
- Space and organisation: A capsule wardrobe takes up less physical space in your closet, making it easier to stay organised. You can eliminate clutter and create a streamlined wardrobe that reflects your style.
- Sustainable and eco-friendly: By adopting a capsule wardrobe, you contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
- Versatility and creativity: Despite having a limited number of items, a well-curated capsule wardrobe allows for a wide range of outfit combinations. You learn to mix and match pieces creatively, experiment with layering, and discover new ways to express your style.
- Increased confidence: When you have a wardrobe filled with items that fit well, flatter your body, and align with your style, you'll feel more confident in your appearance. A capsule wardrobe encourages you to prioritize quality over quantity, resulting in a wardrobe that reflects your taste and makes you feel good.
- Travel-friendly: A capsule wardrobe is especially beneficial for travel. Packing becomes simpler and more efficient, as you can create multiple outfits with a small number of items. This saves space in your luggage and reduces the stress of deciding what to pack.
Overall, a capsule wardrobe offers numerous advantages, from saving time and money to promoting sustainability and self-expression. It's a mindful approach to fashion that focuses on quality, versatility, and personal style.
Now that you know how a capsule wardrobe can improve your life you may ask where to start. Here are the steps I personally followed, and I believe you can do it too!
- Assess your current wardrobe. It is probably the most time-consuming activity in the process but is also a lot of fun. Dedicate one day to go through all your clothes. Pick up each piece, try it on and notice how it makes you feel. Does it reflect your present style? Is it too big or too small? Do you feel comfortable in it? Is it 100% you? If the answer is NO to any of the questions, let it go! You will not wear it anyway if it doesn't make you feel like a star! Donate your clothes to charity or dispose of them if it is in bed condition. You are moving on!
- Notice how much space you have gained doing step one. Notice the benefits in the upcoming week. Is it easier and quicker to dress up every morning? Do you know now what you have in your wardrobe?
- Do you need anything else? In step one, you may have found clothes you haven't seen for years! Do you have all items you need for the upcoming season? If not, go shopping but...
- Buy the best quality you can afford. Make sure you are buying from small boutiques offline or online. It's always better to buy from a small business than from a big retailer because you will support the local economy and make someone very happy. Charity shops are always a great option.
- Buy one or two items at a time in colours you can easily mix and match.
- Notice how those small changes influence your life and happiness level.
It is always easier said than done, but I promise that by making the effort you will see a lot of positive changes. Building a capsule wardrobe based on fast fashion is not ideal, but it will shift your approach to fashion in general. You can then apply those skills to more quality pieces with time. It is a great exercise if you don't know which style makes you happy. To be able to build a long-lasting capsule wardrobe you need to first get to know yourself well. Don't buy what everyone else is wearing - make an effort to find the real you!
