How to create your very own capsule wardrobe
We’ve all had the dilemma, pre-night out, of standing and staring at our wardrobe full of clothes and shouting through to flatmates that you – literally – have nothing to wear. I bet they roll their eyes, and you do it too when they claim to have the same issue. The problem is not that we have no clothes but that we have been pushed into this ‘wear things once’ mentality. Our wardrobes are full of mismatched items that never go with anything; you’ve never worn it or are simply not right for our colouring or body shape. I know I am guilty of spur of the moment splurging just because an item seemed like a good deal at the time, but it then hangs in my wardrobe unworn and unloved. This is where the capsule wardrobe comes to the rescue.
Perfect for the ‘New Year, New You’ bandwagon which everyone (including myself) likes to jump on, the capsule wardrobe encourages you to create new outfits from what you have. It encourages you to stick to a seasonal fashion budget (no more spur of the moment ASOS orders), organise your clothes better and encourages you to be content with what you have. The capsule wardrobe is effectively a small collection of versatile clothes that work together. Basically, your go-to basics which you love and that will go with everything!
Capsule Wardrobe Top Tips
1. Start by sorting out your wardrobe: put everything into sections i.e. tops, dresses, jackets, shirts etc. Then make a pile of clothes to put away which are not season appropriate and a pile of clothes that you are never going to wear again. These can go to friends, charity or even to a clothes swap – we don’t like wastage here at HC!
2. Next; work out what suits your colouring and body shape (this website has a great guide). This means your clothes will be easier to pair with anything and are more likely to be flattering.
3. If you need to buy some new things for your capsule wardrobe (oi, I’m watching you, don’t go overboard!) then set yourself a budget. When you’re out shopping make sure you buy good quality, well fitting clothes which you feel will last you a while and go with everything and also make sure you stock up on those every day basic t’s and leggings too!
4. Each time you wear an item turn the hanger around and don’t allow yourself to wear it again until every similar item i.e. a top has been worn. This will encourage you to wear something you’d perhaps not have given any thought to before! You don’t need to be too strict with this however as some occasions call for certain items!
5. When the season is coming to an end you can transition your wardrobe again. Take out anything that isn’t season appropriate and pack it away and bring your summer garms out to play! The capsule wardrobe also means you aren’t wading through bikinis and summery dresses just to find those woolly jumpers in the depths of December!
I think there are lots of benefits of creating yourself a capsule wardrobe and I always find that a clearer more organised life means I have a clearer more organised head! The question is however, do you think you could cope with just a minimal wardrobe and a shopping budget? Your SAAS loan will definitely thank you!