Not so long ago, the fashion world was buzzing about the concept of a capsule wardrobe—the kind of compact closet that only held the minimum number of pieces that matched each other with great ease and that allowed for much time saved in the mornings. Perhaps because the economic downturn hit at the same time that a furious decade of fast fashion was taking a toll on our closets, the capsule wardrobe appeared to be the solution to everyone’s fashion woes. Social media was (and remains) also to blame.
As users took to Instagram wearing brand-new outfits for each post, many found it difficult to keep up with the endless fast-fashion hauls and OOTDs being presented to them. Overconsumption was rife, but then, things started to turn. As a community, fashion lovers banded together to call for more sustainable shopping habits and championed getting sufficient wear out of the clothes they owned rather than replacing them when a new trend or aesthetic came around.
Still, creating a capsule wardrobe is a very personal endeavour—one that takes time, perseverance, and a lot of analysis. What works for one person’s capsule wardrobe won’t for another, so there’s no hard and fast rule to assembling one. Realising this, I decided to ask some fashion experts who have gone on their own capsule-wardrobe journeys to share their experiences, as well as favourite staples. What I learnt from their insight was that times change, trends move on and so do tidy solutions. And it turns out we might have taken the capsule-wardrobe approach too literally.
One of the most experienced fashion editors in the industry, style expert Tracey Lea Sayer knows how to assemble a capsule wardrobe. “I am a maximalist minimalist! ‘What the heck does she mean by that?’ I hear you ask. I have a minimal wardrobe that I can respin, rework and revamp each year to get maximum looks with minimal purchases. Six years ago, I started taking daily outfit pics and discovered that I am very much a repeat shopper. I am drawn to the same style of items each season at the same time of year. Knowing this really helps me focus on what my wardrobe needs rather than what my eye is drawn to in the shops. What is the point of buying another trench when I already have a great one that can be updated with a new scarf? Also, by getting to know what suits me by taking a mirror selfie, I discovered what my style DNA is. I can now easily walk away from trends that don’t work for me. Even the word ‘trend’ now doesn’t sit quite right. Fashion, after all, changes, but style endures. Well said, Coco!”
Celebrity stylist, editor and TV presenter Nana Acheampong’s considered wares prove that capsule wardrobes don’t have to be boring. “No wardrobe is ever complete without the basics—the basics being staples that you can wear again and again and mix and match with items that you already own or new pieces. It’s so important to have these pieces so that you don’t unnecessarily buy items that won’t make it past one season. In an age where we’re trying to be more sustainable and conscious of our shopping habits, make sure your wardrobe staples are on point. For me, it’s all about the items that suit my figure and style—the dress, miniskirt, shorts, vest and leather or denim jacket, for example.”
Fashion-editor-turned-influencer Anna Cascarina inspires her loyal following with her versatile wardrobe and expert styling tips. “I think the biggest assumption that people make about a capsule wardrobe is that it has to be minimal and neutral. When we think of a capsule wardrobe, we tend to think of a white shirt, black blazer, jeans, neutral T-shirts, etc. But a capsule wardrobe can absolutely include lots of colour and prints. It needs to work for you, and if you’re a colour lover, then your wardrobe needs to reflect that! Just ensure that your clothing can be mixed and matched and not too trend-led. A good way of tying everything together is to include a few good basics so that you can enjoy over and over again without getting overwhelmed by all the print and colour.”
Slow-fashion advocate and influencer Bianca Foley shares her experiences renting and downsizing her wardrobe on the regular. “I started my journey with ethical consumption about eight years ago. Back then, it was the norm for everyone to post their daily #OOTD and wear what, to me, seemed like brand-new looks every day. My small wardrobe and even smaller bank account just couldn’t keep up, so I started to look for more inspiration in the form of slower-fashion influencers and capsule-wardrobe enthusiasts—people who knew their style and weren’t afraid to show that they wore items in their wardrobe more than once. I’ve been dressing from my own capsule ever since. You should always dress for your lifestyle, as that dictates what you will need in your perfect capsule. For example, when I worked in the city, I wore more corporate clothing as it was what I wore most of the time. If you buy things that don’t fit your lifestyle, you’ll never get the wear out of them.”
If there’s one person who has perfected the art of the capsule wardrobe, it’s influencer, Who What Wear UK contributor and fashion industry alumna Jessica Skye, who has carved herself a beautifully curated corner of the internet with her versatile, interchangeable, and minimalistic wardrobe. “If there’s one thing I’ve learnt whilst shopping over the years, it’s to question whether or not I’ll get more than one to two wears out of a certain item. That’s why I now tend to opt for minimalistic pieces that can be mixed and matched with almost anything in my wardrobe. Invest in a good quality white T-shirt that you know will last season after season, and opt for not-so-trend-led pieces that stand the test of time such as a trench coat, a good pair of jeans and a white shirt. Creating a capsule wardrobe takes time and perseverance, but it’s so worth it in the end.”
Your wardrobe doesn’t have to centre around them, but a well-assembled edit of clothing staples will anchor your outfits and maximise the versatility and wearability of more characterful pieces. Of course, if you subscribe to the minimalist aesthetic, you’ll likely already have a sound edit of basics on hand.
Perhaps you used to get dressed up and go out dancing every weekend, but if that’s no longer on your radar, then perhaps you don’t need that new pair of heels or that sparkly dress. Instead, if you’re now more likely to step out in jeans and loafers, why not consider investing in a more premium pair than you ordinarily would that will last longer and that you’ll get a considerable amount of wear out of?
But don’t feel the need to sit them out entirely. If a trend speaks to you and feels intrinsic to your personal style, then by all means embrace it. If you can see yourself still loving and wearing this particular trend or item in two years’ time, then it might be a good fit.
Initially, limiting your wardrobe to a specific number of pieces might help you. But after a while, it might not serve you anymore. Give yourself the freedom to evolve over time as you learn.
Instead of buying new clothes right away, give yourself some breathing room and live with your wardrobe as it is for a week, a month or however long you like. Just see what it feels like to live with less or limited clothing.
Trying to curate the perfect capsule wardrobe too quickly might mean you end up buying more than you actually need. Let it be imperfect, and understand that there will likely always be gaps in your wardrobe. It’s okay not to have everything right away—or ever, for that matter.
Want to test a capsule without really committing? Try a 10-day remix challenge. Pick 10 pieces out of your wardrobe and wear only those pieces for the next 10 days. See how it goes!
The rental market has grown exponentially over the last few years and presents a more considered way to wear new clothes—well, clothes that are new to you. In your capsule wardrobe, you should have more than enough to assemble lots of outfits, but if you’re looking for something for a special occasion, say a wedding, then renting can allow you to try something new without the need for frivolous and unnecessary spending. It might, in turn, help you identify a gap in your capsule you can look to filling.
Ready to get your capsule collection together? Go through the gallery below to see the kind of classic pieces that will hold anyone’s wardrobe together.
Wear this with, well, everything you own.
Acne is known for its impeccable leather craftsmanship.
The very best of Frankie Shop.
These will go with so many things in your wardrobe.
Ideal for laid-back days.
This cashmere version is perfect for the cooler months.
A gorgeous silhouette.
This skirt will look so chic with simple tops.
Your off-duty wardrobe needs this.
A staple, whatever the season.
The perfect black boot does exist.
The pointed toe will always feel fresh.
If you don’t own a pair of relaxed jeans, try this easy-to-wear version.
These look authentically ’90s.
Secure it around your neck for an oversized-choker look, or use it to tie back your hair.
Such timeless colours.
You will wear this forever.
An affordable option.
Worth the investment.
Chic and comfortable, too.
The attention to detail on this dress is sublime.
Puff sleeves are still key.
A great classic.
The bag every editor wants.
You’ll wear this over and over.
Navy makes for a chic alternative to black.
Slingbacks are having a moment again.
Showstoppers that’ll work for a multitude of occasions.
We’ll always reach for a chic suit.
Such a flattering cut.
This bag keeps selling out.
The strap allows you to wear this crossbody, or slung over your shoulder.
We don’t know where we’d be without our classic cinching belt.
If brown goes better with your palette.
Next Up: Editors Agree—These Are the 30 Best Black Blazers You Can Buy This Autumn
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Opening Image: @tylynnnguyen
