Why Do Capsule Wardrobes Matter?
Did you know that on average each item of clothing is worn only seven times before it is thrown away? Trends come and go so quickly that we can barely keep up with what is fashionable and what is outdated, accumulating piles of clothes from seasons past.
The pressure to indulge in this ever-rotating carousel of trends is taxing on both our bank accounts and the state of the planet. Fast-fashion brands exploit trends, frantically producing in-demand styles to be marketed and sold as quickly as possible. The result is millions of low-quality garments that end up in landfills. This industry produces as much carbon emissions as the whole of the European Union.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
In trying to escape this cycle of fast fashion, many people turn to minimalism- the art of owning only what you need. A capsule wardrobe is the result of this, a small rotation of around fifty cohesive pieces that can be combined to produce maximum outfit options.
Purging your closet can provide a kind of catharsis, an escape from fast fashion. But for many of us, the end result feels limiting and the cohesion becomes slightly… beige.
Influencers tend to show collages of neutral button downs and trousers in their capsule wardrobes, promoting sleek business-casual looks.
The truth is that capsule wardrobes aren’t one-size-fits-all. I began to question why this influencer-led ‘minimalism’ wasn’t working for me, and then I realised what was missing: colour! The capsule wardrobe prioritises complimentary pieces, but it doesn’t have to be monotone.
Creating a capsule wardrobe is about figuring out what works for you! Your pieces should align with your lifestyle, your colour, your personality. Relying solely on influencer moodboards is a recipe for unfulfillment.
So, in this blog, I am going to show you how to create a capsule wardrobe that feels personal, functional and fashionable, a perfect fit for you!
Why Build a Capsule Wardrobe?
- It helps you discover your personal style: putting thought into every item you include in your capsule wardrobe encourages you to think about what shapes, styles and colours look best on you!
- It’s great for travel: a more minimalist wardrobe allows you to pack light while still maximising your outfit options.
- It helps the planet: high-quality pieces last longer, meaning you don’t have to buy clothes as often, removing the necessity of buying into fast-fashion trends.
To learn more about the benefits of a minimalist wardrobe check out our guide.
The Formula for a Perfect Capsule Wardrobe:
- Investment pieces
Every wardrobe needs good-quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Items that will constantly be in the centre of your seasonal rotation like coats and shoes should be paid a lot of consideration. If you’re reaching for the same coat all winter you want to feel good, look good, and work with everything.
- Basics
Basics are items that will form the foundation of your outfit and adapt to all seasons. Good quality shirts that can be paired with shorts in summer and worn under knitwear in autumn.
Think of the pair of jeans that you always reach for, or the white tee that is a travel non-negotiable. These pieces should fit you like a glove and be good enough quality to last years.
- High-impact pieces
Here you will find your colour. Think cherry-red sunglasses, a striped scarf, patterned socks: lively pieces that represent your style. This component is key to spicing up your capsule wardrobe and making it perfect for any occasion.
8 Sustainable + Essential Items for a Capsule Wardrobe
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1) Investment: the winter coat
A super important investment piece, the winter coat. At the time of year when it is too cold to reach for anything else, the full length wool jacket truly shines.
The long trench coat is in this year, taking inspiration from that- but with a more timeless twist, this full-length herringbone one from Dedicated is warm, good quality and environmentally conscious (made from recycled wool). It blends a classic pattern with unique details like the buttoned collar and sleeves, a product that feels both individual and timeless.
2) Investment: a sturdy, versatile pair of shoes
Rather than opting for a pair of ballet flats or cowboy boots, consider some good-quality loafers. This pair from Sézane are classy and stylish as well as durable.
With proper care they will last you years and withstand many seasons, providing a timeless alternative to the ever-changing leather shoe trends!
3) Basic: a black top
A staple black top is the hero of any closet. Pair it with trousers for work or with heels for a night out- the right black top can be your best friend. Basics don’t need to cost the world, but investing in good-quality and unique pieces can really level up your wardrobe.
This one from Whimsy + Row is reversible and provides two neckline options, perfect for any capsule wardrobe. As well as being versatile, it is made of super soft tencel, great for both your skin and the planet.
4) Basic: a pair of good quality jeans
Finding the perfect pair of jeans is a struggle- and once you find them, you don’t let them go! By investing in a pair of jeans made sustainable out of high quality materials, you’re set for years, no need to hunt down another pair.
There are plenty of denim brands on the Eco-Stylist website to cater for all sizes, but this wide leg pair from Boyish is a great example of quality and style! The jeans evoke the fashion of the 80’s, providing a timeless charm. Pair with sandals for a casual summer look or loafers and fluffy socks for the colder months.
5) Impact Piece: sunglasses
All year round, sunglasses are an effortlessly chic addition to any outfit.
When choosing a pair for your capsule wardrobe, consider the colour of your most-warn basics and investment pieces. A pair of glasses matching with your shoes or knitwear makes an outfit appear cohesive and thought-through.
The Adela sunglasses from Warby Parker are available with both prescription and regular lenses. As well as looking great, Warby Parker also does great things: their ‘get a pair give a pair’ scheme has provided glasses to people in need all around the world since 2010!
6) Impact Piece: a staple belt
A belt may seem like a small detail, but it can add so much personality to an outfit. It defines your silhouette, adds structure, and can tie together the colors and metals present in your look.
This belt from Sézane is a perfect example: it is crafted from high-quality leather, with unique gold detailing. It feels both classic and chic. Wear it with a pair of jeans to elevate the look, or over a skirt for a more classy feeling. Small details like these can make the biggest difference to personalising your capsule wardrobe.
7) Impact Piece: a scarf or hat
Accessories are where your personality really shines, and a colourful scarf is a great way to add fun to our looks in the colder months to really brighten up a neutral outfit.
This stripy head scarf from Lucy & Yak is made from organic cotton and features their signature playful stripes, making you stand out from the crowd. As well as fashionable, is it multi-functional, acting as both a scarf and head-overing.
This bold accessory will steer your minimalism away from monotone!
8) Impact Piece: a statement bag
A practical bag is an essential feature in any wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean it has to be plain. This patterned bag adds personality to an outfit while remaining easily styleable.
This Marimekko crossbody bag brings together functionality and flair. The bold print is paired with more neutral tones, making it a perfect match with a statement coat. It is compact enough for daily use, ideal for city days, holding cameras and books.
How to Style Colourful Pieces
If you’re looking at your capsule wardrobe and thinking ‘where does the colour fit in?’, then here are three tips for incorporating that pop of colour into your outfits.
Play with pairings
Consider matching your colorful pieces together. Wearing matching eye-catching shoes and a hat is a sure-fire way to make your looks appear cohesive and thought-through.
Look at the colours present in your life
Are you drawn towards decor of a certain colour? Maybe all your mugs are blue, or maybe you always buy stationary in the same shade of green. These details may reveal your colour preferences. Colourful pieces in these colours will feel authentic and easy to style.
Layering
If a colourful or printed piece seems a bit too colourful for your taste or occasion, pair it with layers. Vibrant tops can be offset by more neutral cardigans or sweaters. Knitwear works particularly well for this as loose knits reveal the colour of the piece underneath.
How to Build My Wardrobe Ethically?
- Look into your closet: don’t use the desire for a capsule wardrobe as an excuse to splurge on things that you already own. We all have basics that we already love, or a coat from three years ago that actually looks amazing. By looking over your pre-owned items, the foundation of your wardrobe will become clear.
- Shop second hand: if investment pieces are way out of your price range then Depop, Vinted and Vestiare Collective are your best friends. If you search by brand and material, you can find thousands of high-quality pieces perfect for your capsule wardrobe.
- Mend or repurpose clothes that you already have: rather than throwing out staple pieces due to wear, take them to a cobbler/seamstress, or try your hand at sewing up some holes!
Putting it All Together
Building a capsule wardrobe is so much more than cutting back, it is about curating a wardrobe that feels intentional, long-lasting, and personal. By investing in quality pieces that you really love, it means that you will wear them far more than eight times, without feeling limited.
Want to learn more about capsule wardrobes? Check out our other guides to help build yours:
Ready to further your impact? Share this article with a friend who might want to learn more about developing a minimalist wardrobe and decreasing their eco-footprint!
Faith studied English at the University of Oxford. When she’s not writing she enjoys thrifting, reading, and crochet.
