By Winter is fast approaching and that means one thing. Winter fashion is in full force, and fast fashion retailers are pumping out more winter styles and trends than we have ever seen before. As tempting as it may be to spend your whole paycheck on the latest trends that will likely be unloved in a year, now is the best time to invest your energy into creating a capsule wardrobe.
Capsule wardrobes are in, and fast fashion is out. Sustainability is now at the forefront of many of our minds. With this, hundreds of stunning brands have emerged with ethically made garments made to last a lifetime in your wardrobe instead of the landfill. Why should you spend your hard-earned money on fashion that is frugally made, easily broken and unsustainable for the environment? Instead, start creating your capsule wardrobe this winter and have clothing items you love, and that were also made with love.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
If you are unsure as to what a capsule wardrobe is exactly, it is essentially a small collection of items that can be mixed and matched for your day-to-day style no matter the occasion or the weather conditions. Capsule pieces are timeless, reliable, and unlikely to ever go out of style due to their versatility. Creating your very own capsule wardrobe will ensure that you always have something to wear that looks great. It can also be a great way to reduce your fast fashion consumption and make better choices for the environment.
The problem with fast fashion
Fast fashion can often be the more feasible and accessible option when it comes to creating our ideal wardrobes. With thousands of items being sold worldwide by fast fashion retailers, it can feel like a battle to avoid spending your bank on these obtainable pieces. It is important to understand the impact that fast fashion has on the environment, and the irreversible changes it will continue to make should we all continue to shop these products.
Right now, fast fashion is responsible for 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Not to mention the exploitation of workers that takes place to make these garments in poor economic countries. Human and carbon exploitive practices take place just to get these attractive items into your closet. For this reason, many people are opting to boycott fast fashion, and instead create their own sustainable, capsule wardrobe to avoid creating more landfill, and avoid buying into the unethical practices of fast fashion giants.
The benefits of a capsule wardrobe
There are several benefits to creating a capsule wardrobe:
- Saving money – Although creating your capsule wardrobe will require an initial investment, you will save much more in the long term when you do not need to replace clothing items in line with short-term trends, and damaged, fragile garments.
- Better style – Wearing clothing that you love and work together can give you a better overall aesthetic and improve your style confidence!
- Less decision fatigue – A colossal wardrobe can often lead to decision fatigue and some items get unworn and unloved. Minimising your wardrobe with pieces that you know you will wear will speed up the process and getting ready, and leave you feeling much more confident with your outfit choice.
- Sustainable action – As mentioned, opting for a capsule wardrobe and boycotting fast fashion is a great way to take action towards sustainability.
Where to start building your capsule wardrobe
Now you know the value of building yourself a capsule wardrobe, take a look at the following suggestions to get started!
Consider the outfits you wear most
First things first, you need to reflect on where your outfits mean the most, and what occasions are most of your outfits for. For many people this would be work attire, taking up 5 days of the week’s outfits. Depending on the work wear requirements, you might have to dress extra smart, or you may work in a relaxed, smart casual workplace. Your wardrobe should ideally have the location you will be wearing them most in mind. So, if your capsule wardrobe is going to consist of 5 bottoms and 5 tops, make sure they are workplace-appropriate.
Go through what you currently have
Do not put your current items to waste. If you have a huge wardrobe of clothes you do not wear, fish out all the pieces you wear every week. Yes, it is wise to keep one to three going out dresses if you have reliable ones you intend to re-wear, but anything you do not see yourself wearing again can go!
Sell what you don’t love
After you have found current pieces that suit your capsule closet, it is time to give the clothing you don’t wear to a better home. Selling items you do not wear will not only clear up the space, but it will also put some cash in your pocket to invest in pieces that you can keep for a lifetime. Sell on marketplaces such as Vinted and eBay, and see how many other people are excited to give your unworn items a new home!
Find quality pieces
The final step is to invest in pieces that are versatile and are also made with sustainable quality. If you need a guide, start aiming for 5 pants, 5 tops, 3 dresses, and perhaps a few skirts that can all be worn with one another. Get creative, and avoid sticking with minimalist colours such as black and white, and step out of your comfort zone. Still, make a conscious effort to buy clothing that goes with existing pieces. With winter in mind, you should treat yourself to winter-specific pieces that can be worn for years to come.
Bottom line
Overall, building your very own capsule wardrobe is not an overnight job, but once you can get it right, you will save yourself from fashion failures and excessive fast fashion buying for life!
