Last month we talked about trends versus style, and how to incorporate trendy pieces into a timeless and stylish wardrobe. This month, we’re building on that to talk about capsule wardrobes, and how you can build one without even leaving this website.
First thing’s first: what is a capsule wardrobe?
According to Wikipedia, the concept of the capsule wardrobe has been around since the 1940s. The actual term itself was revived in the 70’s by a London woman named Susie Faux, who owned a boutique. The idea really took off in 1985 when Donna Karan released her “capsule collection” which included seven interchangeable pieces of workwear.
The idea of a capsule wardrobe is to have a small and cohesive collection of clothing that is timeless, flattering, and works well together. The idea is to invest in high quality pieces that will last forever, both in terms of style and quality. Some classic capsule wardrobe items might include: a great coat, beautifully fitting trousers, an unflappable pair of blue jeans, and/or a little black dress.
This does NOT mean that you have to purge everything in your closet that isn’t a capsule item. The capsule wardrobe pieces act as a year-round base to your seasonal accessories and accent pieces. While it’s always a good idea to see what in your closet can be donated, building a capsule wardrobe isn’t necessarily a reason to get rid of a large amount of items.
What’s the purpose of a capsule wardrobe?
If you’re still unsure about whether building a capsule wardrobe is worth it: we’re here to tell you that it definitely merits your energy and attention.
When you have a great capsule wardrobe, everything related to getting dressed changes for the better. It’s easier to pack for vacations, easier to pick out your outfits, and you can save space in your closet by making sure you’re focusing on quality instead of quantity.
How does it do these things for you? Well, when everything you own is intentionally selected, with longevity and versatility in mind, it makes it near impossible to have a fashion faux pas. When you have a really strong wardrobe foundation, in a color palette that suits you and isn’t clashing, any outfit you put together is going to make you feel AND look great. With a good capsule wardrobe, you really can’t lose.
So, how do you build your capsule wardrobe?
First thing is first, take inventory of what you have. The most sustainable approach to anything is by using what you already own, and sometimes it just takes a little critical thinking to see how old items can be repurposed or restyled.
Knowing exactly what you have and what you can use it for will help you decide which capsule pieces you want to buy and when.
Building a capsule wardrobe is a process that will not happen overnight. In fact, doing it all at once is the exact incorrect way to do it.
You want to ensure the pieces you buy are ones that you love, that you’re willing to invest in, and that fit you like a glove. It’s just not realistic to find 10+ pieces that fit that criteria in one shopping trip.
Once you’ve taken stock of what you do have, compare it to a list of the items that should be in every woman’s capsule wardrobe.
Here’s our list of what you should have:
- A beautiful, solid colored button down
- A sexy, solid colored dress that can be dressed up or down
- A little black dress
- A fantastic pair of jeans
- A beautiful blazer
- The perfect cardigan
- A neutral purse that is sturdy and can fit your belongings
- A great jacket that is warm and stylish
- Comfortable and chic trainers
- The perfect white tee
- Tailored to you black trousers
As you can see, this isn’t the kind of shopping trip that can be accomplished in one shot. Luckily for you, you can check off several of the items on the list right here at Affordable Chic. That way, you can save money and time!
I’m sold! How can Affordable Chic help?
We have a capsule wardrobe mindset for every item we pick at Affordable Chic. We want to ensure every piece we buy is comfortable, stylish, affordable, and well made. Anything you buy off of our website is built to last, and therefore will make a great addition to your capsule wardrobe.
And if that’s not enough, you can check off several of the items on the list right in our store right now.
Your beautiful solid dress is right here! This dress can be styled with heels, like in the picture, or with trainers and a denim jacket. You can wear it just about anywhere, and during any season. At only $30, it’s the perfect solid dress to launch your capsule wardrobe.
A solid colored button-down is a must-have for every woman. We have several beautiful and well-made button-down shirts and blouses on the site, but something about this white piece is really special. The fit is flawless, it looks smart and still a little sexy, and the white version can be paired with a fun, peekaboo leopard print shoe and colorful pant, or worn as the base of a great suit for your next big meeting at work. At $25, we think your wardrobe isn’t complete without it.
Some final thoughts:
Your capsule wardrobe needs to suit you. It’s about your personal style and the pieces you’re going to use forever. Because everything we sell is timeless and made to last, any item you see can be part of your own individual capsule wardrobe. Make sure you peruse our catalog and start working toward building a closet that works for you!