Feeling like one has nothing to wear — despite having an overflowing closet — is a common experience. For some, a capsule wardrobe may be the solution.
A capsule wardrobe encourages individuals to reclaim ownership of their style, make intentional choices and invest in quality pieces. It is a form of conscious consumerism, and a way to both maximize the wearability of one’s wardrobe and minimize the harmful impact of clothing manufacturing and distribution on the environment, according to The Washington Post.
A capsule wardrobe is meant to be personalized, matching an individual’s lifestyle needs and budget. It is filled with well-fitting, higher-quality items that are meant to be worn frequently and pair nicely together, instead of many articles of clothing that are rarely used and can only be worn on limited occasions.
“It’s about actually helping you to achieve the images you feel comfortable with,” said Susie Faux, a fashion expert who first coined the term “capsule wardrobe.”
Origins of a Capsule Wardrobe
Faux said she grew up in London as the daughter of tailors and has written two books on women’s fashion: “Wardrobe: Develop your Style and Confidence” and “Wardrobe Solutions.” She also ran a shop called “Wardrobe” for 42 years.
Her goal was to make finding professional clothing easier and more affordable for working women, and she said she wanted to do everything she could to help women achieve their full potential.
“[I wanted to] help them spend whatever budget they had on clothes in a way that basically helped them look successful in whatever world they were participating in,” Faux said.
As part of a post-war psyche, Faux said many women were hesitant to spend money on themselves while working men could justify the cost of expensive suits. Acquiring a professional wardrobe was just one more barrier for working women.
“When I started in the ‘70s, it was much more difficult for women to work,” Faux said. “The men would get the jobs because they could go in in a suit and tie.”
Her main concern was typically a client’s budget, Faux said, so she would advise her clients to purchase well-fitting staple items like jackets, pants and blazers at the highest quality they could afford to achieve a professional look.
“The minimum is one garment and from that garment, you then choose what you can afford to put with it,” Faux said.
Once they had a foundation of well-fitting basics to present themselves professionally, they could mix and match with other, more affordable items.
Tops and skirts could be purchased at a lower price point because they did not need to be as tailored, Faux said. Accessories like jewelry, shoes and handbags could be added to customize a look and create variation.
“They could buy cheaper tops, they could almost economize on skirts, but the one thing you couldn’t economize on actually were trousers because they had to fit well,” Faux said.
With a basic capsule wardrobe, women could perform better at work, and with their increased salaries, they could later invest in higher-quality pieces, Faux said. Limiting the number of pieces in one’s closet can also inspire an individual to express their creativity.
Capsule Wardrobes at Pepperdine
Each person chooses what fits their personality and lifestyle best, so no two capsule wardrobes are the same.
Senior RJ Wicks said his two older sisters inspired him to experiment with fashion.
“They’re very much fashionistas in their own way,” Wicks said. “I always look for them for inspiration to help me out picking a certain outfit.”
Wicks said he has noticed how simple it can be to create new combinations from what’s already in his closet. He also enjoys trying new styles and is currently experimenting with incorporating more colorful pieces to help express his mood, he said.
“It’s not always a necessity to go out and buy,” Wicks said. “Just learning how to mix and match the clothes you already have.”
Senior Avery Lovell said she changes her staple pieces according to the seasons. Eliminating items she no longer wears is one way she keeps her closet tidy and maintains her good basics.
“I try to incorporate a policy in my wardrobe where any time I get something new, I either sell or donate or in some way get rid of something that I have,” Lovell said.
Senior Emi Paulos said she does not have a lot of time to get ready in the morning. With long classes and labs, she said comfort is a must — but that does not mean she has to sacrifice style.
“We’re always at school or in the library studying so it’s like you want to be fashionable but comfy at the same time,” Paulos said.
Paulos said her wardrobe is filled with basics and neutrals that she can easily throw together in the morning and still look polished.
“It makes it really easy to not plan your outfit the night before and wake up and just get ready for school really quickly,” Paulos said.
Kindy De Long, associate dean of Seaver College and professor of Religion, said she keeps a capsule wardrobe. One of the benefits of a capsule wardrobe is the simplicity it brings, especially when she is traveling and teaching as an International Programs faculty member.
“Cutting down the decision-making process is just one way to free your mind up to do other things, to focus on the things that are more important in your life than trying to figure out what to wear,” De Long said.
Senior Veronica Boyle said her capsule wardrobe helps bolster self-esteem. When Boyle dresses in an outfit she likes, she said she is not only more confident about herself but also more productive in school. She also sees fashion as a means of self-expression.
“If you have a good outfit that makes you feel however you want to feel, pretty or confident or whatever, that can just boost your mood,” Boyle said. “How I feel about myself, I want other people to sort of see that too.”
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Email Madison Luc: madison.luc@pepperdine.edu
