By Fashion Editor, Sonja Motley
If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet and wailed, “But I have nothing to wear!” You can relate to the closet illness we’re discussing. Often we’ve collected too many items that don’t match, and are frustrated with our results. Your closet’s a little ill.
The answer is a capsule wardrobe.
Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called “Wardrobe” in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don’t go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.
Especially today, as we’re becoming more conscious of our spending, the notion of an easy-to-manage wardrobe that makes us look and feel great is on the rise. Not only that, fashion is the second largest polluter after the oil industry. Landfills are full of fast fashion: poorly-made, cheap, trendy clothing that is worn once and thrown away. The real trend is a return to a few quality pieces which make work, travel, packing and looking amazing a breeze.
Purchasing a few key, perfectly-fitted pieces, which work well together along with “character pieces” to add color and energy transforms your closet. No more morning wails. You’re out the door looking and feeling terrific in minutes.
I’ve been styling for my clients for many years. I’ve seen the pleasure, joy and reduction in stress that a capsule wardrobe can bring. Whether you’re a college student working part-time or a retiree cleaning out those items that no longer give you joy, establishing your go-to basics can eliminate time and frustration every single day.
Here’s your suggested Rx to get started:
- Pants (two pairs) — narrow sport crop and full-length trousers
- Dress (two) -— solid, short or long, and print, short or long
- Cardigan or Jacket — short or long
- Skirt (for your silhouette) — solid color
- Blouses (three) -— your best color, one print, one dressy white
- Shoes (two pairs) — Quality flat, one fashion comfort 1/2 “ heel or above
- Boots — either a half bootie or tall boot
- Scarves (three) — one large solid and two day wear prints
- Jeans — one pair dark
- Jean jacket/Denim — optional
Not only will this give you space and breathing room in your closet, these simple choices will give you time to play rather than agonizing over what to wear. If you’re not sure what colors work best for you, engage the help of a stylist. Their job is to ensure that what you put on makes you look and feel your best every single day. In addition, they can help you find and purchase perfect pieces that enhance your body style and guarantee compliments.
This fall, let’s live and travel lighter; give your closet and your lifestyle the RX it deserves.
