You’ll probably know by now that I’m no stranger to the capsule wardrobe. It was the driving force which helped me narrowly define my personal style seven years ago. I talked a little bit about why I decided to give up the capsule wardrobe method in this post, but that hasn’t stopped me from dipping in and out of them ever since. Most recently, with a 30 day capsule.
Wearing COS cashmere sweater*; Arket jeans; Kindersalmon trench coat* (10% off sitewide with “mademoiselle10”); Polene number one nano bag*; Rosefield watch
Mum life has definitely meant that I’ve had less time to experiment with outfits. Getting ready each morning is a battle against the clock, so simplifying (and downsizing) the process really appealed to me, and was the impetus for my recent 30X30 capsule. It’s ironic isn’t it, that when you have a wardrobe full of clothes, you get that feeling that you have nothing to wear. Or you feel overwhelmed by choice. For me, it was definitely a bit of both.
I wanted to share some of the takeaways I found from my recent experience. Which, in addition to a 30 day capsule, I also set the silent challenge of wearing a different outfit combination every day. These revelations might not be anything new, but the experience of the capsule wardrobe served as a gentle reminder that less really is more.
LEAVE ROOM FOR FLEXIBILITY
My original experience with capsule wardrobes was always heavily dictated by rules. A capsule was “set” the moment I planned it out, with no room for change. What I’ve learnt over the years is that if you’re planning to have a capsule wardrobe, it’s important to leave room for flexibility. Even if it’s not a seasonal capsule and just a simple 10X10 or a month-long challenge.
There’s a few reasons behind this. The first being that your capsule might not perform the way you planned, so being able to switch items out for ones you’ll actually get use out of will make the experience much more enjoyable. Secondly, what if the weather turns out to be unpredictable? It helps to have some wiggle room to add in transitional pieces which will see you through some unseasonably warm (or cold) days. And finally, you’re allowed to change your mind. It’s okay to not want to wear the “timeless” basics you so carefully selected, in favour of more carefree statement pieces. Your capsule wardrobe, your rules.
STYLE ESSENTIALS ARE STAPLES FOR A REASON
I talk a lot about style essentials and how they’re the foundation of every wardrobe, but this is heightened when you’ve got a capsule wardrobe. Even if your wardrobe is full of vibrant and loud pieces, style essentials are staples for a reason. They act as serious workhorses, and if you’re anything like me, they’ll be the “bones” of your outfit, while accessories (jewellery, scarves, sunglasses, bags and shoes) and statement pieces are the “dressing”.
When I look back on the outfits that I enjoyed wearing the most, they were rooted in those items that on paper, are classed as style essentials. Slim-fitting jeans, stripes, knitwear with a crew-neck, plain black trousers. It reminded me that basic is best. And while I don’t plan to put on pause on seeking out more playful items for my wardrobe, my seasonal wardrobe budget is better spent on those core style essentials that’ll deliver a good cost-per-wear ratio over time.
BE REALISTIC ABOUT WHAT YOU’LL *ACTUALLY* WEAR
This next point delves a little into the topic of fantasy self. Including items that really weren’t wholly reflective of my lifestyle, but that I thought would be fun styling options, reminded me that I need to be realistic about what I’ll actually wear. And this extends beyond just my capsule wardrobe. As part of my 30 day capsule, I included a handful of silk items. Which, with a five month old baby who is constantly spitting up on you, isn’t exactly the wisest choice.
Those beautiful silk pieces also didn’t speak to what I *actually* do day-to-day. I’m crawling about on the floor; walking at least an hour a day with the pram; lounging in bed typing up emails; cleaning; sitting at my desk doing client work; meeting up with other mums for coffee at the park. As a result, I tend to find myself gravitating most to items that are effortless to wear, and easy to launder.
I’m not quite sure who I thought I was when I was mapping out my capsule, but it’s a reminder for next time. Be realistic.
IT’S OKAY TO FEEL “BORED” WITH YOUR WARDROBE
Repeat after me; it’s okay to feel bored with your wardrobe. I think we’ve all been there, where we feel a little fatigued with what we have, and crave newness. It’s how I feel at the end of every capsule – no matter how long – as I start to see the finish line in sight. The best way to get out of a funk? Try on the items in your wardrobe (or capsule), and come up with some new outfit combinations. Find new sources of inspiration, or pull focus away from what you’re wearing, and cut out the noise. The moment will eventually pass. Besides, there’s no harm in doing a little outfit repeating; personally, I love getting more mileage out of an outfit that I really enjoyed wearing.
DUPLICATES CAN REINFORCE A GOOD STYLE UNIFORM
One thing I felt hesitant to include in my 30 day capsule were duplicates. I worried that it might feel too “same-y”. That I might be less inspired. That I’d have less options. Instead, I found myself wanting to wear a few key silhouettes/prints. And I wished I’d leaned more heavily into that as duplicates can reinforce a good style uniform.
My style uniforms presented as: stripes + jeans + almond toed shoes +utility jacket. Or, oversized sweater + jeans/trousers + almond toed shoes. Or, t-shirt + open cardigan + jeans + almond toed shoes. Are you sensing a bit of a pattern here…? Despite wanting to shift away from wearing denim so frequently, they were one of the items I felt best in. In future, I’ll be leaning into that, while avoiding putting that repetition down to being in a style rut.
FINAL THOUGHTS?
While I can’t see myself stripping back my closet to bare bones for a year round capsule wardrobe any time soon, I do like the idea of practising one for a month each season. The whole process felt like I was “re-calibrating” my style, and re-discovering my comfort zone. Not only that, it made getting ready each morning a total breeze. I’d look at which items I had available to me, which were all relatively interchangeable. Which that in itself is a reminder of how important colour palettes are to creating a cohesive and versatile closet.
A 30 day capsule was for me, just the right amount of time. There’s some flexibility there. Two months to experiment with my style – if I so choose – and one month to take things back to basics. One of my complaints with a seasonal capsule was that I found less versatile items would never make the cut, even if they were a favourite in my closet. I also worried a bit about wearing out items due to upping the frequency of wear. This approach gives me the best of both worlds.
The other thing I like about partaking in a seasonal 30 day capsule? It gives me a chance to put into practice some of the core beliefs I have around building a classic wardrobe. Quality over quantity, silhouettes which work with your body type, style uniforms, a cohesive colour palette, and repeating favourites again and again.
I’m thinking that it might be fun to create a sense of community around my next 30 day capsule (spring for us in the southern hemisphere, autumn for those in the northern hemisphere). I would love to know in the comments if you’d be interested in participating with me! x
I completely agree with you. It’s been a hassle to actually go through and declutter your wardrobe. I have been revisiting my wardrobe every two months and rediscover new styles every time.