7 Easy Steps to Put Together Your Own Capsule Wardrobe

HERE'S HOW TO PUT TOGETHER YOUR OWN CAPSULE WARDROBE

Have you seen them? Those fashion terms that suddenly popped up everywhere. Words that used to have plain, down-to-earth names—but suddenly, under the influence of fashion and trends, took on a new meaning and, along with it, a new trendy name. That’s how “shoes” suddenly became “sneakers.” “Chilling out” became “lounging.” “Unisex” became “gender-fluid.” And a bowl of colour-sorted raw vegetables became a “poke bowl.” Could it get any crazier? Just to be clear: we are happy to join in, because what’s more fun than making the everyday interesting by giving it a flashy name?

THE CAPSULE WARDROBE: FASHION’S OWN POKÉ BOWL

Now on to today’s topic: a compact selection of clothes that lets you easily put together different kinds of outfits (ensembles!). Once again: the capsule wardrobe (or just “capsule” amongst friends).

At its core, a capsule is nothing more or less than a selection of pieces sorted by colour and style that go well together and complement each other. So, secretly, it is a bit like a Poké bowl.

We’ll tell you all about the ins and outs of putting together your capsule wardrobe in a moment, but not before we’ve caught you up on its origins and history (as you know, we just can’t resist)

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The term itself first appeared in the American media in the 1940s. And yes, that American flag still captures the essence of the concept today: a compact selection of timeless garments that can be worn together and mixed and matched in many different ways.

In the ’70s, British designer Susie Faux took the concept and ran with it, implementing it in her own boutiques and even expanding her fashion empire to include a consulting service for competing fashion brands and chains.

America wouldn’t be America if it didn’t ultimately come out on top: in 1985, designer Donna Karan firmly reclaimed the claim to fame with her “7 Easy Pieces” collection. This revolutionary capsule collection was launched by eight models, dressed in simple black bodysuits and black tights. By adding one or more of the other pieces from the collection at a time, they demonstrated the versatility of the compact collection. It sparked a revolution, and DK became the poster child for all working women.

80s flashback: the models from Donna Karan’s “7 Easy Pieces” collection

After that, things went quiet for a while around the capsule wardrobe, because we were all swept into a consumer society where rapidly changing collections and fast fashion set the standard. We all know where that led, but fortunately, the tide is slowly but surely turning. Many of us fashionistas are—better late than never—taking responsibility and choosing slow fashion, which is less harmful to the environment.

The first non-fashion professional to help us see the benefits of slow fashion was Caroline Rector. In the early days of social media, this fashion lover from Texas launched her website Uncover in 2014, with the goal of curbing her own shopping obsession and sharing her proverbial journey toward a smaller, more manageable, and perfectly functional capsule collection.

Her approach back then wasn’t exactly earth-shattering: she started with a collection of 37 (!) items. How is that a “capsule”? More like a hefty tome, if you will. But anyway, it was a start, and she built up a sizeable following. To this day, Uncover continues to inspire fans of compact, versatile capsule collections.

Curious about Caroline Rector’s very first blog post on her approach? The basic principles still hold true and serve as an excellent starting point for a well-functioning capsule wardrobe. You can read it here.

Curious about how we at Plein Publique approach putting together a capsule wardrobe? Then be sure to read on!

BUILDING A CAPSULE WARDROBE—WHY, AND WHY NOW

Fast fashion has had its day. Any sensible person has probably realised by now that this approach is no longer sustainable—and, in fact, never really was. Fast fashion—which must be produced as cheaply as possible and sold as quickly as possible to make way for the next batch of fast fashion—leaves its mark on our environment. Raw materials are extracted from the ground using toxic pesticides; defenseless sheep are treated disrespectfully as if they were wool factories; and vulnerable people are exploited as cheap labor. Dyeing the latest colours and the chemical processes for the latest washes leave an ink-black mark on the environment. Common knowledge, right? Fortunately, there are now many raw materials and production methods that are far less harmful.

The flip side of the coin: the price of more sustainably produced clothing is significantly higher. The logical consequence: you buy less of it and want to make it last much longer. The solution: garments with a longer lifespan that are high-quality, timeless, and versatile. In other words, slow fashion. And that, dear readers, is the foundation of every capsule collection.

Well, well, well—here we are. The capsule. We at Plein Publique may be experts in the field of slow fashion (modesty is a virtue ;) but we’re not going to tell you exactly what your capsule should look like. We will, however, give you tips on how to put together a capsule wardrobe that works for you. Deal? Read our step-by-step guide below.

PUTTING TOGETHER YOUR OWN CAPSULE WARDROBE

1. STAY TRUE TO YOUR OWN STYLE

It’s a myth that your capsule wardrobe has to consist of items chosen by professionals. You have your own taste and style, and if you don’t like dark blue turtlenecks or wouldn’t be caught dead in a pencil skirt, then those items won’t make the cut. Stay true to your own taste, choose what flatters your figure, and what makes you feel good.

2. LIMIT YOUR COLOUR PALETTE

And by that, we really don’t just mean black, white, and navy! You can, but you don’t have to. Natural tones are just as versatile and timeless, as is red, for example: you can also adopt “true” colours (meaning the opposite of the “non-colours” black, white, and gray) as your signature. It’s more about the principle of being consistent with your basics than about limiting.

3. CHOOSE QUALITY

The idea behind putting together your capsule wardrobe is to have a foundation you can always rely on. That foundation won’t do you any good if it falls apart. It’s that simple. Of course, wools like merino and alpaca have a long lifespan—provided you care for them properly—but the way your garment is made also matters. Wool that’s too thin or poorly spun is more likely to pill. Stitched seams fray faster than fully fashioned seams. Added stretch in the knit ensures better shape retention. T-shirts and tops also come in many different quality levels. Heavier jersey usually lasts longer, but even thinner jersey made from strong yarns can be just as durable. This is something we can’t really advise you on—it’s a matter of trial and error, though a higher price* is often an indication of quality.

*Are you wondering if something that caught your eye is a bit too expensive for your humble self? Then we kindly but firmly refer you back to our earlier blog post about CPW. What? Even more things to read? Don’t whine—knowing will benefit you immensely.

4. FORGET ABOUT THE SEASONS

What? Yeah, really. The trick to putting together a good capsule wardrobe is versatility. Think in terms of layers instead. A wool cardigan can make your thin blouse winter-ready. Roll up the hem of your jeans, and you can wear them with summer sandals. And let’s debunk a myth: it’s not like your capsule wardrobe is the only thing allowed in your closet. You can’t avoid tweaking and fine-tuning your basics with seasonal items, so don’t feel guilty about adding a few of those.

5. PRINTS AND PATTERNS AREN’T OFF-LIMITS

Okay, today’s trendy print isn’t necessarily tomorrow’s, so some discretion is needed. Think, for example, of items with polka dots or stripes: those are timeless pieces. Just like a Breton-striped sweater. Or a dress with an animal print—the perfect blend of trend and tradition. Just make sure your print doesn’t have too many colours, and that at least one colour in the print matches your solid-colour pieces—otherwise, you’ll make it unnecessarily hard on yourself when putting outfits together.

6. THINK IN TERMS OF OCCASIONS

It’s very important to consider this when putting together your capsule wardrobe: what are your top three occasions for wearing these pieces? We bet they’re work, “me time,” and social events. But your capsule wardrobe really doesn’t need to cover every wedding, rave, or funeral. There are simply moments that call for an outfit purchased specifically for that purpose, and those moments don’t have to take up precious space in your capsule. Sure, you could wear a chic top under your office blazer to your niece’s Ibiza wedding, but that practical touch doesn’t fit the magic of the moment. Just accept it, snag that far-from-timeless killer dress, and enjoy it.

7. CHOOSE YOUR KEY CAPSULE PIECES

We’ll briefly walk you through what to look for in each product category as you put together your capsule wardrobe. 

Pants

Of course, it depends on your personal taste, but be sure to include a variety of silhouettes. With a pair of slim-fit pants, straight-leg pants, loose-fitting comfortable pants, and a pair of dressy tapered trousers —with or without a crease—you’ll be well on your way. You can roll up the dress pants for a casual look; the skinny pants can be made of stretch denim or coated leggings; and the loose-fitting pants can also be a style you can wear while lounging on the couch.

Skirts

The same rule applies here: vary your silhouettes. A fitted pencil skirt is no longer just for the office, so feel free to choose one made of leather, for example. A pleated midi skirt can be styled just as easily to look edgy as it can for a trendy, girly look, and a printed maxi skirt pairs surprisingly well with a snow-white shirt blouse for an urban vibe. Not a fan of skirts at all? Just skip them. They’re not a must.

Blouses

The shirt blouse mentioned earlier—bright white or with a neutral stripe—is a classic for good reason: you can wear it formally with dress pants and a blazer, but it also adds a fresh twist to other outfits. Also choose a fitted (stretch) blouse and an oversized one for some much-needed variety. In addition, you’ll need a feminine, lightweight piece made of semi-sheer fabric, and an extra-long blouse that you can also wear as a mini dress or beach dress.

Tops & Tees

The usual suspects with round necklines, V-necks, and long and/or short sleeves are obvious choices. A spaghetti-strap top or two is always handy, as is a turtleneck. You can even wear the latter under your thin dress in the winter! Create a smart mix of light and dark colours so you have an option for every outfit. Or go for stripes—you’ll kill two birds with one stone. Stripes… which brand makes those its trademark again? It’s on the tip of our tongue…

If you choose jersey made from organic cotton, modal, eco-viscose, or cupro, you’re doing the planet a double favor.

Sweaters & Cardigans

We mentioned earlier how the lines between the seasons are blurring. Did you know that merino wool isn’t just for the colder months? Its insulating properties also keep you cool in the summer—as long as you don’t choose a knit that’s too chunky. There are also thinner-knit sweaters and cardigans, such as 14-gauge—which is similar to denier for pantyhose, but the other way around: the higher the gauge, the thinner the knit. You can then layer a cardigan over a thin-knit sweater when the temperature drops. Make sure to vary the lengths, widths, and neckline styles in your selection of sweaters and cardigans, and layer away.

Dresses

We’re repeating ourselves, but variety is also the key to success when it comes to dresses. Looser dresses can be lighter and airier, since you can wear something underneath them, which expands your options. Use a belt to cinch the waist if your look calls for it. Classics like the blouse dress are true style chameleons. Wear them with or without a belt, style them festively with heels or casually with sneakers, layered and left unbuttoned over pants and a top—the possibilities are endless.

A timeless print is also a great idea: just take a look at some of our powerhouses, La Lunette and La Vernin. We won’t weigh in on length: the days when skirt length dictated fashion are over. Wear what suits your style and figure, and you’ll always look great. Not a dress person? That’s what jumpsuits are for.

Blazers & Jackets

A timeless blazer will last you a long time. Invest in quality and, above all, make sure it fits well. Single-breasted blazers are the most versatile for a capsule wardrobe: double-breasted blazers often only look good when buttoned up, which limits your options. Whether you prefer a tailored fit or a boyfriend fit isn’t that important: with the right pants and shoes, you can easily style a neutral blazer for either a casual or dressy look.

You have to love a leather jacket, but if you do, it opens up a world of possibilities: you can wear a leather jacket both indoors and outdoors. Throw a seasonless between-seasons coat over it—such as a timeless trench coat—and voilà: you’re winter-ready.

Sportswear

Officially, sportswear—just like underwear, socks, and accessories—doesn’t belong in a capsule wardrobe. But a smartly chosen gym kit is versatile enough on its own to count 100% toward your capsule. You can pair hoodies and sweatshirts with just about any pair of pants or a skirt: an urban-cool look is guaranteed. Leggings, joggers, and track pants look great with a shirt blouse. Need we say more?

So, do you think you can pull it off? Are you unsure whether putting together a capsule wardrobe is really your thing? Then there’s only one thing to do. Dive into your closet, pull out what you love and wear often, and challenge yourself to put together as many different outfits as possible with those pieces. Enough variety? If not, do you know what you need to buy to turn it into a well-functioning whole? Then your mission is a success, and you can put your capsule wardrobe to the test over the coming months.

One more thing. You can continue wearing whatever else is hanging in your closet: it’s not as if you have to get rid of items you’ve already bought. They’ve already been produced, and you’ve spent money on them, so you might as well make sure that wasn’t a waste. Anything you really don’t wear anymore, give it away, sell it, or send it for recycling.

Last but not least. As the proud owner of a personalized capsule wardrobe, you’ll be richly rewarded with the following:

• A wonderfully tidy feeling
• The knowledge that you have a suitable outfit ready for every occasion
• The knowledge that your clothing choices have less impact on the environment
• A well-stocked wallet that lets you go on a looooot of shopping sprees

Does that last comment feel out of place? Think again. Consuming isn’t off-limits at all, as long as you do it with both your heart and your head. Take responsibility, but don’t forget to enjoy all the beautiful things that fashion has to offer.

Make it slow. But make it fashion.

X TEAM PLEIN PUBLIQUE