A quick history of the capsule wardrobe
The concept of a "capsule wardrobe" can be traced back to the 1970s, and has been attributed to Susie Faux, owner of London boutique Wardrobe. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe should contain a few essential and timeless items: skirts and pants, etc. which can then be supplemented with seasonal, "on-trend" pieces.
In 1985, DKNY founder and fashion icon Donna Karan took inspiration from Susie's concept and created her iconic capsule collection: Seven Easy Pieces. The collection featured a bodysuit, a skirt, a tailored jacket, a dress, something leather, a white shirt, and a cashmere sweater. These seven pieces were intended to take a woman from day to night, office to party, without sacrificing style or femininity.
Today, the concept of a capsule wardrobe is very much part of the vernacular, due in large part to increased interest in reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact, and greater demand for more sustainable and responsible manufacturing processes.
How to build a capsule wardrobe.
1. Identify your style: step one is to get clear on what you like to wear and what makes you feel good. Build a mood board or folder of curated images of fashion trends you like, people who have personal style you admire, and take note of any themes you see emerging. A capsule wardrobe doesn't have to mean "a white shirt" and "a little black dress" for everyone (but they are both recommended pieces for a well rounded wardrobe)!
2. Invest in quality clothing: it is true that it's better to have a few high-quality pieces that you love, that wear well and that will last for a long time, even on high rotation, than to buy a lot of cheap, low quality pieces that you might not even enjoying wearing and that are ruined after a short time. Consider spending a bit more on classic items that will never go out of style, like a crisp white button-down shirt, a classic blazer, and a really good pair of jeans.
3. Remember that function is as important as form: choose pieces that fit your lifestyle and needs. The items in your capsule wardrobe will change as you move through different seasons of your life – office life, mum life, etc. – consider the fabric, and ease of care – "dry clean only"? Proceed with caution.
If you find that something you used to reach for all the time doesn't hold the same appeal anymore, consider passing it on, donating or consigning it.
Before selecting a new piece for your capsule, ask yourself these questions:
- Is this item comfortable and practical?
- Does it suit my current lifestyle?
- Is this item easy to wear, wash, and maintain?
- Will it pair easily with the other items I have in my wardrobe?
- Do I already own something similar?
- Can it be styled in different ways and dressed both up and down?
TIS Seven Piece Capsule Wardrobe:
Denim - this is a cheat because it covers jeans and a denim jacket or shacket (or both) and even jean shorts. Forever the most versatile fabric, denim works hard, wears well and goes with everything.
Tee Shirt - no wardrobe is complete without a good white tee. You might want one in black, a neutral and a stripe, too.
Button Down Shirt - there is nothing more effortlessly chic than a crisp white button down shirt. Add some jewellery and lipstick to dress it up, throw it on with jeans or wear it open over a tank top; the options are endless.
Leather Pants - a surprising addition perhaps, but leather pants are more versatile than they appear. They add texture, a cool edge, and don't need ironing.
Blazer - the ultimate throw-on-and-go, a well cut blazer can up-the-ante of any outfit and looks effortlessly chic worn over the shoulders.
Loafers - everyone needs a loafer. Smart and chic, practical and comfortable, a loafer will elevate any outfit.
Little Black Dress - worn casually with a blazer thrown over the shoulders or levelled up with a bright pop of colour via playful shoes or a statement bag, everyone needs a little black dress.