The vaccine is at hand, but the pandemic is far from over. In a time of great uncertainty, what you need now more than ever is to feel in control of your life. It might seem trivial to some at first, but revamping your wardrobe during a global health crisis is one of the best ways to achieve this. Channeling Dionne from the 1995 movie Clueless, a makeover can give you a sense of control in a “world full of chaos.”
There are many trends and techniques out there that are worth trying, but in 2021, nothing quite beats the idea of a capsule wardrobe. If you’re looking to literally and metaphorically declutter your life, then this is a must to kick-start your year on a high note.
Understanding a Capsule Wardrobe
Despite its trendy name, capsule wardrobes were first seen in the 1970s, thanks to Susie Faux, a wardrobe consultant and author. She coined the term when a shortage of well-made clothes hit the retail industry. However, Donna Karan first launched a capsule wardrobe collection called “Seven Easy Pieces” in 1985. Both women captured the essence of minimalist fashion when they trimmed wardrobes down to key pieces that are both functional and timely.
This means that your goal is to sift through your overflowing wardrobe and determine what’s essential and not. While you’re at it, follow Susie Faux’s line of thought and work only with quality pieces that won’t fade or disfigure after a couple of washes. Setting the standard high for your fashion needs is necessary when building the perfect capsule wardrobe for 2021.
Why You Need It
The core purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to help you get over “decision fatigue.” This is especially helpful if you’re honing your time management skills to ensure that you remain as productive as possible. Observe how much time you spend mulling over your next outfit because you have too many options. Editing your wardrobe so that you leave only key pieces that you love to wear will significantly reduce the time and effort you exert in getting dressed. What’s more, you’re likely to feel better about your clothes because you’re sure that among your options, they’re the ones that look the best on you.
Creating Your Own
While you’re free to increase or decrease the number of items in your capsule wardrobe, it’s highly recommended that you stick close to 37 pieces per season. These are the only clothes you’ll wear for three months (or longer, if you want), excluding active and leisure wear. You’re only allowed to go shopping for new items within the last two weeks of your committed timeframe so that you can prepare for the next capsule or season.
For avid shoppers in Utah’s trendiest retailers, this means curbing your appetite longer than you may be used to. The upside of waiting and planning your next purchase is that you can be more intentional. Your next visit to the best jewelry store won’t happen in a frenzy anymore, and you’re likely to make purchases that you’ll actually use.
The same applies to the rest of your apparel. Capsule wardrobes force you to reflect on your style, needs, and spending habits. Many people who’ve embraced this method become more aware of what flatters their body and which designs make them happy. It’s also a successful way for them to skip the trends and go for timeless and high-quality items.
If you feel that your fashion taste is changing, you can mix things up in the next cycle.
Being more intentional with your outfits also benefits society’s sustainability efforts to fight climate change. When you’re more conscious of your purchases and avoid mass-produced items, you’re making a positive impact on the environment, and that’s exactly the kind of effort that could help prevent the next pandemic.
Capsule wardrobe style gurus encourage beginners to embrace the trial and error phase of their transition to a minimalist wardrobe. No one method works the same for everyone, so it’s up to you to decide how to incorporate it into your lifestyle.
Start Now
The only way to find out what works for you is to start now. Sift through your belongings and store away those you either haven’t worn in a long time or find unflattering. As with everything, you’ll discover that making extensive preparations is key to your success. Mix and pair your capsule wardrobe if you’re keen about not repeating outfits. You’ll be amazed at how a little creativity can keep your style fresh for an entire wardrobe cycle.