Tags
If you’ve been reading the blog you’ve probably seen me writing a lot about my capsule closet. What exactly is a capsule closet? Often composed of approximately 10 staple items, a capsule closet, or minimalist wardrobe, is a collection of several classic, well-constructed pieces that can be combined to create many different outfits. Items in the capsule closet are neither overly formal or casual, but are intended to transition from one event to the next: from the office, to home, to dinner, and beyond. For more information about the minimalist wardrobe, check out miss minimalist or The Daily Connoisseur.
I’ve been working on my own capsule closet for a while now, and am pleased with the results. I have managed to build what I think is a quality collection of pieces that will not only complement one another, but will also complement my shape, coloring, and lifestyle. None of my clothing is overly fussy, yet I feel I could wear most of it almost anywhere. With some hard work, I have managed to curate the closet of my dreams. Care to peek inside?
Jenna’s Capsule Wardrobe
3 day dresses
2 cardigans (per season)
3 blouses
1 skirt
1 pair of dress pants
Extras
Blazers
Wool Pea Coat
Cocktail Dress
You’ll notice a few things about my closet: namely, that there are more than 10 things in it. As a resident of this fine state, I have come to appreciate a wide variety of temperatures and dew points. During the summer, our heat and humidity often combine to reach heat indexes upwards of 120 degrees. In the winter, our wind chills can dip down to at least -60. During the spring and summer, we can often swing from one extreme to the other; in fact, the state record for the maximum temperature change in one 24-hour period is 71 degrees Fahrenheit. (Don’t believe me? Check it out.) Needless to say, we must be ready for anything in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The nature of our seasonal extremes necessitates clothing that accommodates a pretty sizable temperature shift, so I keep lots of layering items in my closet as well as seasonal alternatives for some of my staples. I also make exceptions for specialty items such as formal wear and running gear.
I do, therefore, have slightly more than 10 items in my closet. While my closet may house 10+ items, the basic idea behind my wardrobe is the same as the underlying principle of capsule closets, according to Jennifer L. Scott of the The Daily Connoisseur:
The 10 Item Wardrobe should not be taken so literally as to inspire panic… So do what works for you. The point of the 10 Item Wardrobe is to ultimately free yourself from a jam packed closet full of ill fitting, underused or poor quality clothing. Your ultimate goal is to create a wardrobe that you love- where every item of clothing speaks to who you are.
What about you, friends? Does anyone else have any style rules by which he or she abides? How do you cut back while still finding a way to look your best?
Pingback: Evolution of the Capsule Closet « Wear the Gold Hat
Jenna–As a closet minimalist and outward packrat, I have finally made a commitment to some sort of capsule closet prodded on by your artful purge. I may need to reinvent the capsule, or make multiple capsules, as I have three categories of clothes: the ones I wear and need for daily life; the clothes I accumulate as a costuming hoard; and clothes people have knitted, woven, handspun, or beaded for me. A sewing/reinvention vacation may help, I think! Thanks for the inspiration.
Lelis, I’m so glad to know that I inspired you! I think multiple capsules is a great idea; I had two capsules when I was teaching, which worked really well for me. I’d also say that the handmade items could certainly qualify as “extra” items, of which you could have much more than ten. A sewing/reinvention vacation sounds like great fun….can I come?