Did you ever lose something in your wardrobe? Are you always digging around to find that one T-shirt or shirt for a specific occasion? Then it might be a good idea to downsize your wardrobe. A trend that is gaining traction are capsule wardrobes. But why would anyone want a minimalist wardrobe and where to start? This article lists 4 of the most frequently asked questions.
1. What is a capsule wardrobe?
Although the name might make you think of a pharmacy, a capsule wardrobe is all about minimalism. The aim is to limit your wardrobe to basic garments you can’t live without. On average, you’ll end up with a collection of around 40 garments, not including underwear, socks, and accessories. However, this does not mean that you limit yourself to plain and dreary clothes. On the contrary, it is nice to be able to alternate with a striking pattern or bright color.
2. What are the advantages of a minimalist wardrobe?
The reason for putting together a capsule wardrobe varies from person to person, but there are several advantages that anyone can appreciate:
- You save time in the morning because all the clothes fit together anyway.
- You need less (closet) space.
- You save money because you don’t have to buy as many clothes.
- You save time, money, water, and electricity because you have less laundry.
- You keep an overview so you can replace the right clothes on time.
In addition, some people reduce their wardrobes with the environment in mind. By buying less clothes and not paying attention to the latest fashion trends, you do not play into the hands of fast fashion. Hence, people also opt for sustainable garments produced under fair conditions. To make sure you’re not fooled by clever marketing (also known as green washing), look for recognized labels such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Better Cotton Initiative and Oeko-Tex.
3. What’s in a capsule wardrobe?
There is no perfect template of a capsule wardrobe. Let your personal preferences in terms of style and color be your guide. That way, you guarantee that your minimalist wardrobe will stick throughout the years. The list below is a good starting point:
- White T-shirt
- Polo shirt (white and blue)
- Shirt (white, light blue and striped)
- Formal sweater (grey and blue)
- Casual sweater
- Dark jeans
- Light jeans
- Chinos (beige and blue)
- Sports jacket
- Coat
- Suit (blue)
- Sneakers
- Formal shoes
How do you put together a capsule wardrobe?
Before you rummage through your closet, it’s important to have a clear goal in mind. You don’t want to regret it halfway through and spend a fortune buying back clothes. Roughly speaking, you can organize your minimalist wardrobe by year, half-year, or season. In this, you are completely free. In addition, it is a matter of breaking down and building up step by step. You also must know that you are never done refining your capsule wardrobe. To get you started, we’ll give you the following tips in advance:
- Don’t be afraid to trim
What can go, what do you keep and what do you have doubts about? Think carefully about the purpose of a garment. For which occasions do you wear your clothes? Set doubtful items aside for a few months. Did you not need them during that period? Then you can get rid of them. By the way, don’t throw the clothes in the trash, but donate them to a thrift store or hand them over to be recycled. - Don’t underestimate the importance of color!
Choose a color palette that you not only like, but also suits you. It is wise to include both base colors (for example, red, yellow, and blue), accent colors (bright base colors) and neutrals (for example, black, white, and brown) in your capsule wardrobe. To figure out which ones fit you, you can look at your color type. These are matched to the color of your eyes, hair, and skin. Limit yourself to just a few colors per category. - Invest in quality
If you are forced to buy or replace items, it is advisable to choose garments that will last a long time. For example, wool clothing is not only durable but also self-cleansing. By taking this into account, you will make your minimalist wardrobe (ecologically) sound. Don’t forget to maintain your clothes properly as well. This way you extend the life of your clothes. For proper maintenance, read the washing instructions on the label.
