WHAT IS CAPSULE WARDOBE
Capsule wardrobe was first coined by Susie First in 1970 and was put into terms when Donna Karan started the closet change. It is a great way to curate your own style by using the classic and styled outfits in your wardrobe. It’s a closet reducing programme where you can reduce buying new pieces from the market and use or mix and match whatever you have with you. With the pandemic situation all over the world, it is really difficult for a person to spend money on clothes which costs a bomb. This is the best way to reuse clothes and make it look so trendy that it shows a different styled fashion outfit to everyone.
SHOPPING
My favorite way to go ahead with the style quotient……As a woman, we always want to look beautiful, smart, fashionable and elegant. Shopping is a part and parcel of our daily life. Few people love to do window shopping and few for serious shopping. We love to splurge on shopping as it has become our necessity. We never think about the pros and cons of the amount we spend. With the pandemic situation, we started investing less on our clothes and this made us use our old clothes in a different way.
HOW TO START A CAPSULE WARDROBE
1. ANALYZE YOUR STYLE QUOTIENT
Firstly, you need to analyze which type of outfits you prefer, most important of all the things.
2. CLEANING YOUR CLOSET
One day I just went through my closet just to know I have such outfits which I really don’t prefer to wear but I’m emotionally attached to them. I decided it to donate it to poor people who really need them. So, cleaning your closet is very important for everyone, just to know what to keep and what to discard. I had a friend who had a 6 months rule. If you don’t wear it for more than 6 months you discard it.
3. CREATE A COLOR PALETTE
Select colors which you like and which suits you. Color palette becomes your reference guide.
4. REUSE THE OUTFITS
Always try and rewear the outfits you like, that will help you to sort your wardrobe. You can always use a stretchable skirt and wear it in different ways. (as a skirt, a n off shoulder dress, dress with a jacket and many more)
5. BELIEVE IN QUALITY AND NOT IN QUANTITY
Invest in clothes which are good in quality so that you can reuse it as much as you can. Good quality clothes will obviously last longer. Long use of good quality garments is also environmentally friendly.
MY CAPSULE WARDROBE FORMULA
Several points you need to remember to design your own wardrobe.
Which type of clothes should be in your closet
1. WHITE SHIRT
My favorite color, indication of peace is a must have for everyone. It has an elegance of its own. It is a favourite of people of all ages. One can completely dress it down or make it look very formal. Button down white shirts are a rage amongst youngsters.
2. BOYFRIEND JEANS
A very comfortable, loose jeans used for casual wear, Ripped denim for style. Boyfriend jeans should fit at your waist and hips properly. A good pair of denims can last anyone for years.
3. OVERSIZED TEE
After a pandemic situation we all have gotten use to casual and cozy clothes. Oversized tee is one of them. You can pair it with a pair of denim, wear it with a belt like a one-piece dress or even with a pair of shorts. The right accessories with even get you ready for your girly lunches.
4. DENIM JACKET
This wardrobe staple can never go out of fashion. You can pair it up with a skirt or trouser. It is used for layering clothes in chilly weather.
5. JUMPSUIT
An elegant and casual looking outfit is a jumpsuit. In earlier days people used to wear a jumpsuit for a rough and tough look. It in past it was motor racing drivers, astronauts etc wore the jumpsuit. But now the times have changed. Now everyone prefers to wear a jumpsuit for its comfort and style. Jumpsuits come in different styles and cuts. The key is to select the right style of jumpsuit for the particular body type. Once correctly chosen a jumpsuit can be one’s favourite piece of garment in their wardrobe.
6. LITTLE BLACK DRESS
The little black dress is a black evening or cocktail dress, cut simply and often quite short. It was discovered by Coco Chanel in the 1920s. It became famous as you can wear it for any party, casually or in any place where you want to look beautiful.
7. BLAZER
A blazer is a must have for a capsule wardrobe. It’s metal buttons reflect its origins as jackets worn by boating club members. It’s usually a solid colour and durable. You need to have it for layering your garments. A classic style blazer helps you in combining it with any outfit.
8. SKIRT
This very feminine garment comes in different styles, types and lengths. You need to understand which type of skirt suits you. Is it micro mini, mini, straight, gathered or stretchable?
9. SHORTS
Shorts mostly worn by school boys in the 18th century has now gained popularity in the modern world especially in warm western countries. It’s a must have in anyone’s wardrobe. When you want to go out casually a pair of denim shorts can make you look chic. Bermuda shorts which right now are in style is the perfect combination of comfort and style. A pair of well fitted black shorts can be one’s go to garment for any occasion.
A SMALL CLIP FROM ANAMIKA’S WORLD
Shorts… so many women are unsure and lack confidence in wearing them. In my own experience feeling the same I still went ahead and got myself a pair of Bermuda shorts. I realised how comfortable they can be and now it is something I frequently wear. Sometimes trying new things can pleasantly surprise you.
10. SLIP DRESS
It is a must for all, you can always layer it with a button down shirt or sweater.
A SMALL CLIP FROM ANAMIKA’S WORLD
A slip dress is something which you can preferably have it as an inner or you can always coordinate with a jacket, stole or shrug.
11. BELT
You should use different types of belts, skinny, thick. Various types of belts are required in the closet to change the look of your outfit in a proper way. Belts can be used when one is trying to mix and match different garments.
12. ACCESSORIES
There are different types of accessories which includes shoes, belts, jewellery, bags. We should have few varieties in these also. Accessories can change the whole look of an outfit. A plain top or dress can transform into a dressy outfit with accessories.
13. SHOES
Sneakers, Boots, Loafers, Sandal, Heel, Stilettos…. These are a few to name which we should have in our capsule wardrobe.
14. DUPPATTA/STOLE
Best part is to have varieties of dupattas which can be used as stole also. If you drape a dupatta or tie a knot with it or can be used as shrugs too.
Lots more to be included, but these are few which I have tried to mention. For Indian wear saree, kurti, Different types of styled blouses are always preferable in your closet.
If you need any help organizing your closet, our Fashion Designing courses at DSOD in Mumbai where you can explore the nuances of styling which help you build the details and create job opportunities in styling and merchandising amongst others. The eligibility for the courses is actually anyone with a passion for fashion.
HOPE IT WILL HELP TO GET YOU THROUGH THE CAPSULE WARDROBE WHICH CHANGES WITH TIME NOW AND AGAIN.
Keep on updating your wardrobe as much as you can, there is no hard and fast rule for this. Your closet choices vary according to your taste, so don’t worry if you want to have only Indian wear.
So, start building your own capsule wardrobe as soon as you can. Share your experience and pictures with us when you build your own wardrobe
TILL THEN KEEP UPGRADING !!
