How to Create a Year Round Capsule Wardrobe
While the fast fashion industry has 52 seasons due to trends and overconsumption. As the fashion industry continues to take a toll on our planet, there are actions we can take as consumers to slow down our own buying habits and consumer demand.
Switching to a more sustainable wardrobe is one of the most practical way to minimize the damage done to the planet.
Here is a way to make a capsule wardrobe that is not only eco-friendly but is also stylish, practical, and is sure to catch a few eyes.
This post does contain some affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase The Honest Consumer will receive a commission. Our commission is at no additional cost to you.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe as the name suggests, is a small or compact curated collection of clothes that can be mixed and matched with one another to create many outfits.
These clothes can be matched and paired in different ways.
This way, your wardrobe remains small but highly eclectic as you have different pieces and combinations to choose from.
While the number of items can vary depending on the source, it is recommended to have between 25-50 pieces in your capsule wardrobe which includes clothing, shoes, and accessories.
The key is to own staple or timeless pieces without owning excessive items of clothing. This emphasizes quality over quantity.
Why is a capsule wardrobe a more sustainable choice?
While the capsule wardrobe encourages minimizing your wardrobe, this also helps slow down what we’re buying and overtime can reduce consumer demand leading to decreased production from fast fashion brands.
By choosing a capsule wardrobe consumers don't feel the need to constantly be buying to keep up with trends because they are choosing versatile pieces that can be styled into different outfits through out the year.
When you decide to switch to a capsule wardrobe, you will want to choose quality pieces.
If you choose to purchase new items for this, consider ethical & sustainable brands that craft clothes to last instead of fast fashion created to only last a season.
Since having a year-round capsule wardrobe reduces impulse purchases, a capsule wardrobe can potentially save you thousands of dollars and also help you to keep a neat closet.
Are Capsule Wardrobes Just for People Living a Minimalist Lifestyle?
No, anyone can have a capsule wardrobe! It's a great first step to living more sustainably.
While it may seem there are a lot of capsule wardrobe rules, just being more conscious of what’s in your closet and what you’re buying is a great start.
If you're new to minimalism or conscious consumerism you might consider starting with a seasonal capsule wardrobe to ease into it.
This encourage you to have a select amount of items for a certain season. For example spring capsules might feature white jeans, a denim jacket for layering, various tees and tanks, a couple dresses for more formal occasions, and such.
It might take a couple of years to create a capsule wardrobe that works for the entire year and that's totally okay.
How to start creating your capsule wardrobe?
At first creating a capsule wardrobe can seem overwhelming, but let's explore some tips & tricks to consider.
Choose a base color for your wardrobe
The base color forms the foundation and sets the tone of your capsule wardrobe.
The usual base colors that could be paired with anything are navy, blacks, or browns.
It is recommended to stick to one base color when you start creating your capsule wardrobe.
Add essentials in neutral colors & timeless style
Choose essential tops and bottom designs that never go out of style.
Anything from a crisp white button-down shirt, a well-fitted pair of trousers, to your little black dress, these are your essentials.
Try to choose neutral colors for you color palette like whites, blacks, and beiges.
Select Accent Colors
As accent colors, Accent colors are a great place to start showing your personal style.
Choose your favorite colors like teal, rose, plum, turquoise, etc. Remember that these are to be paired with your base color pieces so keep in mind that they should pair well together.
Add a few patterned items and layers
These statement pieces can keep your wardrobe fun! Patterned items include florals, stripes, checks, polka dots, etc.
These patterned items could be tops, bottoms, or dresses. You could also add coats, blazers, and jackets in this section.
Again, keep in mind the coordination with the accent or base colors.
Choosing Shoes for Your Capsule Wardrobe
Make sure you have one or two pairs of shoes in base colors, some nude pairs, and also casual shoes like sneakers.
It would also be worthwhile to invest in a good pair of boots for the winter and sandals for the summer.
Consider where you will be going...what shoes are acceptable for work? What sneakers are practical for everyday use & exercising?
Adding Accessories to Your Capsule Wardrobe
Accessories are key to keeping your capsule wardrobe fresh as they help with giving clothes a fresh outfit look. Statement necklaces are a great way to dress up more casual outfits. It's also recommended to keep one or two handbags to accessorize your look. For instance, a black or beige bag goes with anything!
Tips for Creating a Year-Round Capsule Wardrobe
A year-round wardrobe, especially one that suits all seasons can be somewhat of a task.
Although you might need to update your capsule wardrobe a bit as the seasons change, you could use these tips to create a wardrobe that works somewhat year-round.
Choose quality clothing
Since you will be wearing the same articles of clothing more often, the garments need to be of good quality in order to last.
Choosing good quality fabric that doesn’t look worn out despite multiple wears and can withstand many washes should be chosen for your wardrobe.
To ensure your clothing lasts for years to come be sure to read the care instructions for each item.
Consider your body
Add flattering pieces in your capsule wardrobe according to your body type. Experts say that if something fits you better, you are more likely to wear it more often. You could also choose the right colors and patterns according to your complexion and style.
Choose colors and fabrics that transition into multiple seasons
Choose the right colors that work for multiple seasons rather than selecting extremely bright or dull colors. It is best to stick to a color scheme with base and accent colors that work any time of the year.
Choose season-less fabrics like lightweight cotton and linens that are season-less.
Layering is key
Especially in autumn and winter months, layering is an important factor to consider while choosing your wardrobe.
Getting some pieces for your wardrobe that can be effortlessly layered (think neutral tank tops or a knit sweater), will not only make you look fabulous, they would also keep you warm.
Timeless style is essential for capsule wardrobe success
Buying into the latest trends will have your clothes sitting in some corner of your wardrobe waiting a long time to be in style again.
If you buy clothes which have timeless style and are high quality you can wear the garments for years to come. Invest in items that will not go out of fashion and can be worn in multiple seasons.
Remember that you intend to keep them for many years rather than discarding them after one season like traditional fast fashion.
Choosing the right pieces
Ask yourself if the item you are about to buy goes with at least 3 other items in your capsule wardrobe.
Another question you could ask yourself is how many outfits you can create with the item you are going to buy. Besides, keep in mind your lifestyle while stocking your capsule wardrobe.
Year Round Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
Some absolute essentials for your own capsule wardrobe include a white t-shirt, a few dresses that can be dressed down or up for special occasions, jackets for layering during the colder months, and a few basic pieces.
These are a few key items to consider when starting your own capsule wardrobe.
Blue jeans and black jeans as these can be worn through a variety of seasons and match a with a lot of tops.
A classic white tee can easily be paired with jeans, a skirt, or layered.
A denim jacket is timeless and wonderful for layering.
1-2 tank tops can be helpful for layering.
Crisp white shirt and blouses in neutral colors for work or formal events.
A little black dress for date night.
Black midi skirt can easily be paired with graphic tees or blouse for a more formal event.
Nude heels can go with a wide range of outfits.
White sneakers can go with a wide range of outfits
Low heel sandals as these can be used for casual and more formal events.
Beige sweater
Statement jewelry and scarves
Sustainable Clothing Brands for Your Capsule Wardrobe
If you decide to purchase new clothes when starting your capsule wardrobe here are a few brands that value quality over quantity, use sustainable materials, and value ethical practices through out their supply chain.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a small commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
ABLE’s Timeless Style
ABLE is an ethical lifestyle fashion brand that seeks to empower women fairly in the fashion industry.
They sell high-quality clothing apparel, bags, shoes, and jewelry that never go out of fashion, and are just perfect for your capsule wardrobe.
ABLE aims to be a sustainable brand in terms of the clothes they sell as well as the quality of life provided for their employees.
Their timeless style features classic denim that is ethically made, timeless dresses, and shoes that will go with any outfit.
MALAIKA NEW YORK’S ZERO WASTE FASHION
Malaika New York is an ethical fashion brand that focuses on zero waste design and seasonless style. Their eco-friendly clothing is ethically made in partnership with a Turkish factory focused on sustainable production, fair wages, and safe working conditions.
Malaika New York uses sustainable materials such as GOTS or OEKO certificated cottons, deadstock fabric, ECONYL, and RWS certified wool.
Malaika New York features dresses, vests, tops, and more. A lot of the designs feature a solid color and unique elements making the garments great for styling no matter the time of year.
Ministry of Supply’s sustainable work clothes
Ministry of Supply creates clothes for motion, comfort, easy care, and the planet. This sustainable clothing brands features minimalist style workwear for men and women.
Their clothes are made with recycled and bio-based fabrics through 3D Print-Knit production, an on-demand, zero waste production technique.
This sustainable clothing brand is also Climate Neutral Certified and gives back. Ministry of Supply’s circular clothing is made for men and women which is great.
Their work clothes feature a minimalist style and neutral style which makes it great for capsule wardrobe, timeless, and season-less.
Fair Indigo Fair Trade Clothing
Fair Indigo’s fair trade fashion only uses premium-quality organic clothing to respect the environment by using fewer resources.
From tops to jumpsuits, there is a range of fair trade fashion for men and women who are trying to start their capsule wardrobe.
Encircled’s Versatile Clothing
Encircled sells comfortable, stylish, and sustainable clothes to help select the first pieces for your capsule wardrobe.
On their website, you can do the quiz, “What's your ideal capsule wardrobe?” that helps you pick out the pieces for your perfect capsule wardrobe plan.
With “kits” for different occasions like “The better basics kit”, “The work from anywhere kit”, “The carry-on kit” etc., they help to put together looks for different occasions.
Eileen Fisher’s High End Minimalist Fashion
Eileen Fisher crafts high end sustainable fashion for women with minimalist style. Shop quality women’s workwear, loungewear, casual clothing, and more.
Along with using eco-friendly materials, this Certified B Corporation has programs designed to make customers more aware of the environmental impacts of fashion. The ReNew and Waste No More projects are two ways Eileen Fisher is educating shoppers.
LA Relaxed Natural Clothing & Minimalist Style
LA Relaxed uses sustainable natural fibers including linen and organic cotton to craft high quality clothing.
All of their clothing is made in their own factory in Los Angeles and they pay garment workers a livable wage and have healthy work conditions.
This ethical brand aims to minimize waste in the production process by making in small batches, reducing fabric consumption, and using leftover fabric for other goods.
Their dresses and basics are perfect for your minimalist closet.
KNOWN SUPPLY’s Ethical Minimalist Clothes
KNOWN SUPPLY is humanizing the apparel industry through collaborative partnerships which encourage, educate, and empower businesses to take part in social impact through socially responsible clothing.
KNOWN SUPPLY partners with Fair Trade Certified factories to ensure sweatshop free clothing, livable wages for garment workers, and eco-conscious practices. Ethical shoppers will find pants, shirts, dresses, and accessories perfect for building a minimalist closet.
GOEX’s Fair Trade Basics
GOEX is a sustainable basics brand that works in the US and Haiti guaranteeing workers a living wage.
GOEX’s basics are made with recycled plastic bottles turned into recycled polyester, USA grown cotton, and more. Conscious consumers can find sweaters, t-shirts, pull overs, polos, and more at an affordable prices.
Hopefully this guide helped you learn how to build a minimalist capsule wardrobe & discover some sustainable brands to check out!
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