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| Khaki shorts, black tee shirt, handsome husband. |
Do
you have a closetful of clothing you never wear? Do you have to search through
a pile of discards just to find your favorite shirt? I was successful at
decluttering many areas of my home, but getting a handle on my clothing proved
my most difficult challenge. Even though I had a closet crammed with blouses,
sweaters, jackets, pants, and tees, I still complained that I didn’t have
enough to wear. Then I discovered the concept of the capsule wardrobe, and
since then, getting dressed and keeping my clothes organized is a lot easier.
A
capsule wardrobe means limiting your clothing to certain key pieces that can be
worn interchangeably with different seasonal accessories. Rather than quantity
of clothing, you focus on quality—investing in just a few clothes that fit well
and stand the test of time. It’s the idea of treating clothing as durable
goods—something you invest in, that has lasting value. You might spend more on
a single jacket, but with proper care, you might wear that jacket for years. I
have a few shirts in my closet older than my kids!
The
term “capsule wardrobe” was coined in England in the 1970s, but popularized in
the United States in 1985, when designer Donna Karan answered the prayers of
frazzled working women by designating “seven easy pieces” for a professional
wardrobe: a tailored jacket, a classic white shirt, a little black dress, a
versatile skirt, knit pants, a black bodysuit, and a knit sweater or tunic. Not
everyone needs Donna Karan’s wardrobe—I haven’t owned a black bodysuit since I
was in preschool tumbling class. What matters is what fits your needs and your
lifestyle. As a stay-at-home mother, I didn’t need a lot of fancy suits—I
needed pants with deep enough pockets for a baby monitor and a garden trowel.
Now that I’m an environmental educator, I have to dress professionally, but
still be able to interact with schoolchildren—even sitting on the floor if I
need to!
Build
your capsule wardrobe by gradually culling the clothes you don’t wear, whether
it is because they don’t fit, they don’t feel comfortable—life’s too short to
be uncomfortable—or they are worn out. Donate them to a shelter or one of the
major charities. When you do buy clothes, try to take the time you need to find
moderately priced, basic clothes that fit. Find a time when you can shop
without your kids for a couple of hours, if possible.
You
might find it helpful to think in terms of uniforms: for example, a jacket,
tee, and nice jeans work for me for everything except very formal occasions. On
weekends, it’s Oxford shirts and jeans. Having a few basics means I’m dressed
in a flash and I have time for other things.
Pay
attention to color. My basics are blue or black denim, black knits, and khaki twill. I add color with tanks and unique accessories like
my Grandma’s heirloom costume jewelry or a colorful scarf. (My fifteen-year old
looks amazing in a fedora). When you have more options, you don’t need as many
clothes.
A
capsule wardrobe can work all year round, too. I tend to wear the same clothing
all year, just adding different scarves or throwing on a heavier jacket or
boots in cooler temperatures—no more hassling with seasonal clothing storage.
Mireille
Guiliano, author of Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire, one of my
favorite books about business and the art of living, is a 60-something
Frenchwoman with the motto “quality in all things, and less is more.” She has a
pragmatic attitude about clothes, pointing out that for everyday wear, simple,
well-fitting clothes tend to fade into the background, allowing the person
wearing them to shine. While there are a few times a year when we want people
to notice our clothes, I think most people want to be noticed for themselves. A
capsule wardrobe can allow you to dress comfortably, express your own style,
and experience less hassle—but with more confidence.
Here's another handy resource: Project 333 is a blog dedicated to living with less. Check out a great article on capsule wardrobes here.
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