April 1st, 2025
VOL. 004
After exploring how developing a capsule wardrobe can be a gateway to rethinking our behaviour towards clothing-consumption and dressing, the next question is: how does one actually begin to develop a capsule wardrobe?
There seems to be a belief in the media that a capsule wardrobe equals a minimalist one, where the individual owns only one simple shirt, one skirt, a jacket, and a couple of plain pairs of shoes. This image can scare people away from wanting to work on their relationship to clothing consumption as it encourages an ‘all or nothing’ mindset.
It doesn’t have to be this way! A capsule wardrobe does not have to be a strict collection of plain, minimal garments that lack character or playfulness (unless that’s what you really want!). Rather, a capsule wardrobe is simply one that is tailored to the individual, where every piece has a considered place and a purpose.
There is no set number of garments that make a capsule wardrobe, nor is it something that is ever completed. Your wardrobe is ever-evolving and growing with you as an individual, just at a slow and organic pace. There is no need to hurry to curate your personal wardrobe; it can be a natural process of discovery that is organic and enjoyable.
The approach to curating a closet that is versatile and authentic will look different for everyone. Whilst some may find that they already have a good understanding of their taste and style, others may feel like they don’t know what to wear without the direction of trends, fashion houses, or social media. This is where experimentation and harnessing one's ‘style-identity’ become so important.
Beginning with a wardrobe clear-out can be a great place to start. You don’t have to throw piles and piles of clothes away, but going through each item and slowly weeding out what isn’t needed can encourage you to start thinking more mindfully about what you own and what doesn’t serve you.
Begin to question each item. When was the last time you wore that coat ? Does the material of this jumper feel good on your body? Are these shoes actually a little too big? How many different ways can you style that skirt? Does this dress belong with you, or could you find it a better home?
Through a process of simple questioning, you are analyzing the clothes you wear based on the factors of their comfort, quality, and versatility, which are the core values to hold in mind when finding the pieces that will find their place in your wardrobe. By becoming more critical and realistic towards what you own, you can begin to appreciate the beauty in the pieces that fit you well and make you feel confident and yourself. The pieces you no longer require can be donated, re-sold, or recycled. Through clearing out old, ill-fitting, poorly-made pieces you are simply making space for more valuable and personal ones.
This process should naturally encourage you to tap into your own taste and preferences. When honestly defining the selection of clothing that you want to keep, you are in effect curating your uniform and unique style. This is the beauty of a capsule wardrobe - it will organically become a reflection of your preferences and palate.
Aim to sort through your wardrobe regularly in order to keep it fresh and de-cluttered. Every 4-6 months look through all that you own to discover if there is anything that no longer serves you.
After filtering through every garment you will be able to notice what is missing in your wardrobe and what you desire. With the space you now have, you can begin to slowly shop and start to integrate sustainable shopping habits into your lifestyle.
When it comes to shopping, focus on purchasing second-hand where you can. The beauty of clothes is how they pass from one person's hands to another and carry stories and memories with them. Shopping from vintage stores and charity shops can allow you to discover wonderful second-hand pieces, usually at an affordable price. Spending less on a garment you really love can also allow you the extra budget to get an item altered to fit your body perfectly.
Online thrift markets such as Vinted and eBay allow you to tailor your search to what you are specifically looking for. These apps will also gradually understand your taste and begin to curate your shopping experience for you.
When buying first-hand, aim to shop from brands that are vocal about an ethical approach to clothing production. When giving your money to a brand, make it your intention to avoid fast-fashion manufacturers where you can. This can often mean spending a little more but for a higher quality piece that will last you a lifetime, rather than a cheaply made ‘trendy’ product.
Detoxing from fast-fashion shopping might feel challenging at first. You may feel limited by the clothes that you own or feel frustrated over not finding anything you like in second-hand shops.
The best approach here is to be patient and allow clothes to naturally find their way into your wardrobe - some of the most beloved garments are the ones we stumble upon when we are not looking for them! Instead of following a strict shopping list of everything you want to buy, allow flexibility and freedom to purchase clothes. You may discover something that catches your eye at a vintage store that you never would have expected yourself to purchase otherwise - follow these exciting impulses as that is the real way to gather a collection of pieces that feels like a reflection of you.
This is your unique journey, and you will gradually find the best tricks, shops, and brands that you like. A pro-tip is that once you know the brands you like to wear, you can sift through the rails in vintage stores quickly, looking first at the sewn-in label before the item itself. That way you can efficiently identify the brands that you know you already like.
Curating your unique wardrobe takes time and your approach doesn’t have to be ‘all or nothing’. It is understandable that sometimes we all need to purchase something convenient or affordable, and that is okay in moderation. Shift your mindset to be more conscious of where you are shopping and try to refrain from impulse purchases. Take time to ponder your purchases and to consider whether it is something you really want.
This may be a process of trial and error, but remain patient and find the fun and the wonder in slowly building your personal uniform one garment at a time.
There seems to be a belief in the media that a capsule wardrobe equals a minimalist one, where the individual owns only one simple shirt, one skirt, a jacket, and a couple of plain pairs of shoes. This image can scare people away from wanting to work on their relationship to clothing consumption as it encourages an ‘all or nothing’ mindset.
It doesn’t have to be this way! A capsule wardrobe does not have to be a strict collection of plain, minimal garments that lack character or playfulness (unless that’s what you really want!). Rather, a capsule wardrobe is simply one that is tailored to the individual, where every piece has a considered place and a purpose.
There is no set number of garments that make a capsule wardrobe, nor is it something that is ever completed. Your wardrobe is ever-evolving and growing with you as an individual, just at a slow and organic pace. There is no need to hurry to curate your personal wardrobe; it can be a natural process of discovery that is organic and enjoyable.
The approach to curating a closet that is versatile and authentic will look different for everyone. Whilst some may find that they already have a good understanding of their taste and style, others may feel like they don’t know what to wear without the direction of trends, fashion houses, or social media. This is where experimentation and harnessing one's ‘style-identity’ become so important.
Beginning with a wardrobe clear-out can be a great place to start. You don’t have to throw piles and piles of clothes away, but going through each item and slowly weeding out what isn’t needed can encourage you to start thinking more mindfully about what you own and what doesn’t serve you.
Begin to question each item. When was the last time you wore that coat ? Does the material of this jumper feel good on your body? Are these shoes actually a little too big? How many different ways can you style that skirt? Does this dress belong with you, or could you find it a better home?
Through a process of simple questioning, you are analyzing the clothes you wear based on the factors of their comfort, quality, and versatility, which are the core values to hold in mind when finding the pieces that will find their place in your wardrobe. By becoming more critical and realistic towards what you own, you can begin to appreciate the beauty in the pieces that fit you well and make you feel confident and yourself. The pieces you no longer require can be donated, re-sold, or recycled. Through clearing out old, ill-fitting, poorly-made pieces you are simply making space for more valuable and personal ones.
This process should naturally encourage you to tap into your own taste and preferences. When honestly defining the selection of clothing that you want to keep, you are in effect curating your uniform and unique style. This is the beauty of a capsule wardrobe - it will organically become a reflection of your preferences and palate.
Aim to sort through your wardrobe regularly in order to keep it fresh and de-cluttered. Every 4-6 months look through all that you own to discover if there is anything that no longer serves you.
After filtering through every garment you will be able to notice what is missing in your wardrobe and what you desire. With the space you now have, you can begin to slowly shop and start to integrate sustainable shopping habits into your lifestyle.
When it comes to shopping, focus on purchasing second-hand where you can. The beauty of clothes is how they pass from one person's hands to another and carry stories and memories with them. Shopping from vintage stores and charity shops can allow you to discover wonderful second-hand pieces, usually at an affordable price. Spending less on a garment you really love can also allow you the extra budget to get an item altered to fit your body perfectly.
Online thrift markets such as Vinted and eBay allow you to tailor your search to what you are specifically looking for. These apps will also gradually understand your taste and begin to curate your shopping experience for you.
When buying first-hand, aim to shop from brands that are vocal about an ethical approach to clothing production. When giving your money to a brand, make it your intention to avoid fast-fashion manufacturers where you can. This can often mean spending a little more but for a higher quality piece that will last you a lifetime, rather than a cheaply made ‘trendy’ product.
Detoxing from fast-fashion shopping might feel challenging at first. You may feel limited by the clothes that you own or feel frustrated over not finding anything you like in second-hand shops.
The best approach here is to be patient and allow clothes to naturally find their way into your wardrobe - some of the most beloved garments are the ones we stumble upon when we are not looking for them! Instead of following a strict shopping list of everything you want to buy, allow flexibility and freedom to purchase clothes. You may discover something that catches your eye at a vintage store that you never would have expected yourself to purchase otherwise - follow these exciting impulses as that is the real way to gather a collection of pieces that feels like a reflection of you.
This is your unique journey, and you will gradually find the best tricks, shops, and brands that you like. A pro-tip is that once you know the brands you like to wear, you can sift through the rails in vintage stores quickly, looking first at the sewn-in label before the item itself. That way you can efficiently identify the brands that you know you already like.
Curating your unique wardrobe takes time and your approach doesn’t have to be ‘all or nothing’. It is understandable that sometimes we all need to purchase something convenient or affordable, and that is okay in moderation. Shift your mindset to be more conscious of where you are shopping and try to refrain from impulse purchases. Take time to ponder your purchases and to consider whether it is something you really want.
This may be a process of trial and error, but remain patient and find the fun and the wonder in slowly building your personal uniform one garment at a time.