Why Capsule Wardrobes Are Bulls*!%

Capsule wardrobes have long been touted as the cure to all wardrobe ills. The minimalist fashion savior for the complex puzzle that is getting dressed.

Simplify your life with a capsule wardrobe! 

Buy a capsule wardrobe once and you never need to buy clothes again! 

But what is a capsule wardrobe really? 

First, a little history lesson 

In 1985, Donna Karan launched a collection called “Seven Easy Pieces.” This collection consisted of a bodysuit, skirt, tailored jacket, dress, something leather, a white shirt, and a cashmere sweater. The idea was that these pieces gave you endless outfit options for work and for going out after work. The original “desk to drinks” concept. 

Donna Karan’s Seven Easy Pieces

Ok, so what is a capsule wardrobe?

Whether it’s 7 pieces from Donna Karan or 40 pieces dictated by a PDF you bought from Etsy, the definition is the same.

Put simply, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that allows you to create a variety of different outfits. Oftentimes there is an emphasis on a smaller amount of items but there’s no set number.

So, let’s think about this. 

Individual pieces that you combine to make different outfits.

Reusing the same pieces in different ways to make even more outfits.

Each piece you add fits in with the rest and helps you make even more outfits.

Isn’t that…just…a wardrobe?

Whether it’s 25 pieces or 500 pieces, when used correctly, every wardrobe is a capsule wardrobe. 

Unless you’re Barbie, living in Barbie’s Dream House with Barbie’s Dream Closet where each outfit is fixed (usually made by Chanel) and they don’t mix together. And if you are, Hi Barbie! Have a perfect day!

Barbie’s Non-Capsule Closet

So what does this mean? 

Sadly, there is no easy fix for getting dressed like all of that capsule wardrobe propaganda has told you.

Also, have you ever really looked at these specifically defined capsule wardrobe formulas?

Work Capsule, featuring only 3 colors

They don’t work for everything and they definitely don’t work for everyone.

The standard capsule wardrobe formulas don’t take into account formal occasions, swimwear, loungewear, undergarments, body types, color palettes, etc. 

Also, they’re B-O-R-I-N-G!

The capsule wardrobe evangelists know this too. They’ve started making more specific ones, which in my opinion, prove how unhelpful they are! At that point, it’s just one section of a wardrobe or a seasonal shopping list. Or maybe even a packing list for some sort of weird themed vacation?

If you need multiple small capsule wardrobes…isn’t that just one functional wardrobe?

Dark Academia Winter Capsule….how many people even want this?

But here’s the good news. 

You don’t need to limit the number of items you have to have a functional wardrobe that’s easy to use. If you are thoughtful about what you put in your wardrobe (or hire me to do it), it will be easy to get dressed no matter how many pieces you own.

Stick with me here and on Instagram for more ways to do this right.