The Capsule Wardrobe — ÀLA.HAUSSE’s Sustainable Approach to Closet Management
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, people are spending more time than ever at home and are finding creative ways of organizing their living spaces. 2020 made us more self-aware of the important things in life and what our basic needs are. This minimalist thinking has not only influenced our lifestyle, but also our closest. The curated capsule wardrobe is gaining popularity because there has been a major shift towards consuming less.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a minimalistic approach to closet management where you only keep a limited number of staple items that you can wear for multiple seasons. The term was coined in the 1970s by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called Wardrobe. It is a wardrobe filled with only your go-to essentials that can be repeatedly interchanged to create a variety of different looks. Capsule wardrobes usually contain around 35 to as little as 10 items, which are mixed and matched to make outfits that make you feel the most confident.
Capsule wardrobes are a cost-effective approach to sustainable fashion as you are not constantly buying new things that are going to sit at the back of your closet. They are a strategically curated closet in which everything works together in harmony. People love this method of closet organization because it saves you the time spent every day pondering on what top goes with what pair of pants. Gone are the days of “I have nothing to wear”.
How Do I Make A Capsule Wardrobe?
As we begin to approach spring, there is no better time to critically think about the items in our closets and downsize to only the pieces we care about most. Here are some tips on how you can get started on your own capsule wardrobe:
1. Evaluate Your Lifestyle
The first step to becoming more minimal is thinking about your lifestyle. Everyone’s capsules will be different, it just depends on your daily needs. Think about what styles are a part of your routine. Is it a pair of denim jeans? Or a black t-shirt? Find your aesthetic and stick within it. When you are creating a capsule wardrobe, you must be realistic with yourself and decide what you are actually going to wear.
2. Remove The Excess
The key to a capsule wardrobe is narrowing in on those must-have items you can’t live without and eliminating what doesn’t serve you. This can be an overwhelming task, so take it slow! You do not need to overhaul your closet in one day. You can also read our blog on how to revamp your closet for tips on what to get rid of. If you are starting with a large closet of clothes that you no longer wear, try selling the items before you decide to throw them away.
3. Be Intentional with Your Purchases
If you are looking to fill a gap in your capsule wardrobe, always remember quality over quantity is most important when purchasing items you are missing. Your wardrobe is maximized when it is filled with quality pieces that will last over time (our blog on cost-per-wear explains why). This does not mean you must break the bank. Your favourite online second-hand marketplaces like ÀLA.HAUSSE will carry quality gems for a more affordable price point. Invest in those pieces that you know will fit into your daily routine(have a look at our closet essentials for ideas on what to invest in). In order to stop feeding into the endless cycle of fashion consumerism and waste, it is important to make deliberate purchasing choices.
4. For One-off Items, Shop Second-Hand
Many who use the capsule wardrobe system do allow room for a few trendy or seasonal pieces that can be mixed and matched with the already established staples. The best way to incorporate these trendier items is to buy second-hand. Although some of these pieces may not be from sustainable brands per se, shopping second-hand gives an item a new purpose, keeping it from the landfills.
5. Plan It Out
To simplify the process of getting dressed even further, try planning out your outfits within the capsule wardrobe. Take photos of the different outfit options so you can easily flip through them when you are in a rush. This is also where you can get creative with it. Accessories can make a huge difference in changing up any look. You will be surprised at how many options there are even with a limited number of pieces.
6. Rent, Rent, Rent
Often a criticism of capsule wardrobes is that users are rather limited when it comes to dressing for special events. Renting is a sustainable solution to this problem! Rather than adding a piece to the capsule that will only be worn once, try renting that special outfit to avoid adding unnecessary short-term items to your closet. This can be done easily through online platforms like ÀLA.HAUSSE, and you will not only save money, but you will be taking meaningful action in changing fashion consumerism for the better.
7. Don’t Stress about Your Capsule Wardrobe!
Creating a capsule wardrobe should not be stressful! You can work with what you already own and customize the closet to meet your needs. It does not have to be perfect. At the end of the day, a capsule closet is about improving our fashion consumption habits to a more minimalistic approach. Not only is it better for the environment, it is a cost-effective way to perfectly curate a closet just for you!
BETA Early Access Application Now Open for CA Fashion Lovers: Apply Now for Second Call Feb/March
Via ÀLA.HAUSSE’s Multi-functional and Multi-purposeful Fashion Ecosystem- BUY/SELL/RENT/LEND/ (swap BETA 2021) mobile application, INDIVIDUALS & brands ( BETA 2021) are encouraged to REBUY, RESELL, REUSE and UP-CYCLE their personal “Clossets” aka Clothing Assets, along with overstock inventory and samples. Through this consumerism habit shift we indirectly slow down the urgency on fashion’s carbon footprint, aiding sustainability as a whole.
BETA Sign Up Now Opens SS21 iOS Android
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Originally published at https://alahausse.ca on February 26, 2021.