Over the years, there has been a debate over whether a capsule wardrobe is a smart way to keep your closet clean. Best defined as a collection of clothing and accessories that are easy to mix and match to create several different combinations of outfits, most capsule wardrobes are built around color palettes, seasons, or a craving for minimalism. The concept originated from the utilization of clothing from a sustainability perspective. It was slowly and surely a way to live a more minimalist lifestyle that quickly overtook the media and posed the question of wants versus needs to consumers.
But there are a few dilemmas to consider: The capsule wardrobe concept comes with privilege, assuming that you have the problem of owning too much clothing, as well as the assumption that you have the money to invest in good quality items that make up the average "capsule." Living with 30-40 pieces of clothing per season, some would consider a challenge, and again, it remains a very first-world issue.
Overall, the debate about capsule wardrobes has been long-lived, so here are a few incentives to help you decide on a capsule wardrobe this year. There are both pros and cons to the capsule wardrobe; here are a few that may help you decide whether or not to purge:
via Jacquemus
Pro: Saving time and avoiding decision enervation. This is one of the most appealing qualities of a capsule wardrobe, simplifying your routines. Instead of waking up extra early to pick the perfect outfit, the capsule wardrobe has changed how quickly we can make decisions. We all know how tiring trying to find new and stylish outfits can be, but with a capsule wardrobe, everything is meant to be simple and easy to piece together, eliminating stress. I know from personal experience that even when I am running a simple errand such as getting groceries or grabbing the mail, I still need clarification and questions about what to wear. I dig through my wardrobe for longer than needed to find an outfit for a small occasion. A capsule wardrobe can remove any extra overwhelm your day may bring.
Pro: Reducing the need to consume. We live in a world of high consumerism, which often brings problems, especially in the fashion industry, with the influx of lower-quality pieces, the micro-trend culture, and fast fashion. When you assemble a small wardrobe of your highest quality pieces, eliminate the overwhelm and utilize your wardrobe to its potential, reducing the need to buy more clothing out of pure simplicity. We often buy things when we think our closet needs something, but with a capsule wardrobe, no holes wouldn't be left to fill.
Pro: Consistency fosters comfort and growth. Trying to keep up with every new trend or trying out new styles is tiring, inefficient, and expensive. When you have a few pieces you know you love, you can still be creative with accessories, but ultimately, there is a base of constant clothing. You'll focus more on wearing your clothing and living in it and less on what you may need next or a new trend.
Con: It's true; sometimes, it's nice to dress up, get out of your comfort zone, and play with fashion. Although the limit on a capsule wardrobe can be beneficial, it can also be obstructive if fashion is a creative outlet of yours. If you are more involved with fashion, the capsule wardrobe may not be the best for you.
Con: It can get repetitive. When you're given only a limited number of pieces, you may find yourself wearing similar outfits repeatedly, which might be a tad discouraging. It may be a burden to try and wear something new and different every day, but it might be just as much of a struggle going to events or outings, often in the same outfits. It is fun to be creative, which can sometimes be lacking with the idea of a capsule wardrobe.
The Takeaway: Having more or less clothing will not make you happier; it's truly a matter of how you want to utilize your closet and whether that will be the right option.
By Ani Grigsby