The Capsule Wardrobe
The capsule wardrobe - a stylish and sustainable approach to a modern wardrobe
With fast fashion an increasing threat to the environment, ways to be both stylish and sustainable are in high demand. One way to achieve this harmony is by creating a capsule wardrobe- a collection of timeless, versatile pieces which can then be amplified by statement, seasonal pieces. This way of building your wardrobe will both compliment seasonal trends and represent your personal style. By investing in high quality items that can adapt with the changing seasons, the morning stress of wondering what to wear is (almost) alleviated. All whilst contributing to an environmentally friendly future in the process. Below I will talk you through just a few ‘must-have’ items to get your capsule wardrobe started.
The LBD
The ‘little black dress’ or better known ‘LBD’ is the ultimate capsule piece: the styling opportunities are infinite as it can be dressed up or down, and even layered for the colder months. A simple black dress can be worn as a statement piece alone in the summer, paired with some platform sandals and minimalist jewellery for an effortless ‘cocktails with the girls’ outfit. Then as your wardrobe transitions from autumn to winter, the LBD can be revitalised with a statement oversized blazer and detailed boot for a ‘cool girl’ winter night out look.
Ride or Die Jeans
Arguably one of the most important pieces for a capsule wardrobe is a pair of simple, comfy jeans that will be a staple piece in your daily outfits. Like the LBD, jeans can be part of both casual and going out looks with endless choices of outerwear and footwear to pair them up with. The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is the ease that it brings both to your personal style and life, with several pairs of well-fitting, good quality jeans enabling easy outfits and less impulse purchases of the current temporary jean trends. To keep outfits fresh, why not embrace the current season or fashion trends, thrifting items with popular patterns or colours from local second-hand shops. You could even be inspired by the effortless off-duty model look of the Hadid sisters with a pair of baggy light-wash blue jeans.
Footwear
Whilst clothing is central to accomplishing your new capsule wardrobe, shoes are an important part too, with a small collection of adaptable shoes being a perfect pairing with the easy-going items in your closet. Boots can be an excellent addition to your low maintenance collection, whether they’re combat, Chelsea or knee-high boots they can complement almost every autumnal or wintery look. Wear your favourite pair of boots with both a LBD and statement jeans- they could also be worn with other items you want to include in your capsule wardrobe such as an oversized blazer or some graphic tees.
Overall, the capsule wardrobe is an amazing opportunity to experiment with what works for you and your personal style, whilst also being mindful of the environment at the same time. The fast fashion cycle of quickly discarding items of clothing due to new trends is becoming outdated, and a capsule wardrobe is definitely one refreshing way to seek out ethical ways to reuse items regularly.