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From capsule wardrobes to this super popularbook, people all over are purging their closets (and the rest of their homes) in an effort to save time and money while simplifying their lives. Sounds pretty good, right?Think it might be a good idea for you? I’ll lay out everything you need to know before you embark on your own closet purge!
The phrase “capsule wardrobe” is a thing lately. So much so, that several people have been asking me about it!Try Googling it (or asking any fashion blogger about it) and you’ll find a variety of opinions on the matter. So, what is it? And should you try it?
First off, the phrase has been around for awhile, but bloggerCaroline of Unfancy made it popular recently. She started her blog roughly a year ago and shared herexperience with a super streamlined wardrobe. (She’s currently on hiatus for a few months but you can read more about it here.) So, what does it entail?Basically, it’s a “mini wardrobe” made up solely of pieces you love.Well, that makes sense, doesn’t it?
Her plan involves getting your wardrobe down to under 40items that you wear for three months/a season. You don’t shop during those three months until the last couple of weeks as you prepare for the next season.For Caroline’s purposes, her wardrobe was paired down to 37 pieces per season. She broke it down to 9 pairs of shoes, 15 tops, 9 bottoms, 2 dresses and 2 jackets/coats. She insists that the number 37 isn’t the crucial part, but to find a number that works for you.Basically,your wardrobe is limited, but not a super crazy amount. Plus, you’re updating/changing out every three months, which includes shopping for the upcoming season. You can view her spring capsule wardrobe pieces here.
Caroline is certainly not the first to encourage a smaller closet. Other capsule wardrobe methods include only 10 items! So do I think capsule wardrobes work? Sure, for some people. I love her idea of spending less time, money and energy on getting dressed every day. And for some of you, this may bea great way to do it! A few pros and cons:
Pros of Capsule Wardrobes:
- More closet space! Especially if you separate your closet space to where you only have that season’s clothing.
- Less can be more. Fewer pieces can mean less time swimming through 42 skirts the next time you’re getting dressed. Fewer options can save you some stress.
- The chance to be creative. 37 pieces can sound like quite a bit, but since that includes shoes too, you are definitely going to be looking for new ways to wear your pieces. By the sixth time you’ve worn that top in the past few weeks you’re going to want to try something new!
- If you know your personal style doesn’t vary much, this should be a pretty easy challenge. Wear the same couple pair of jeans and the same dozent-shirts constantly? No problem! Do you rotate your threebusiness suits with a handful of blouses and a few dresses every month? Sounds like you’re already following this plan!
Cons of Capsule Wardrobes:
- You’re not necessarily saving money. Unless you’re someone who is out shopping year-round and wanting to curb your spending habits a bit, this plan still involves shopping- just not as often. Plus, you may end up spending more, since you’re not shopping as much, on “investment” pieces. Not saying that’s a bad thing, just make sure it works for your budget.
- That 37 items is really closer to 148 items- if you’re using totally different items each season. So before you think you’re clearing out your closet for just under 40 items? Think again!
- Frustration. Not everyone likes spending time thinking up outfits. And while putting in the timeto pair down your wardrobe every season seems like you’d be left with an easy closet to work with, you may get a little tired of wearing the exact same outfit once a week if you’re not someone who finds outfit planning fun.
- Limitations. Kind of obvious, but depending on your job, this size of a wardrobe may prove to be too small. Say you’ve got a corporate job and a casual home-life (you know, one where you don’t wear your tailored dresses and suits at home with your kids), you’re going to have to limit yourself in both areas. Or, break some rules, which is fine because this is your life we’re talking about!
- Climate plays a role. If you live somewhere with “regular” seasons, you shouldn’t have a problem. However, in a place like where I live (Oklahoma), it’s not unusual to have an 80 degree day followed a few days later with a blizzard. (Not even kidding.) With such seasonal changes, one day I’m reaching for a sweater, and the next, a tank top.
- If you’re like me, I love experimenting with my style daily and getting dressed is a fun part of my day! I personally love the fact that my closet is full of lots of items I can mix and match daily. Sure, I have some favorite pieces I wear more than others, but for the most part if it’s in my closet, I try to make sure I’m wearing it. (And let’s just say I have a little more than 37 pieces of clothing!)
As for the other trendy home purge method? Japanese organizational guru Marie Kondo has recently made waves with her book,The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. People are following her method and loving their simplified, decluttered lives! Her basic plan: get rid of anything that doesn’t “spark joy”.
Step 1, take everything out of your closet.
Step 2, get rid of anything that doesn’t give you joy. (Sounds a little similar to my own closet-clean out plan, doesn’t it?)
If an item doesn’t give you joy when you see it, she insists you get rid of it. Those shoes you loved a few years back but aren’t really your style right now? Out. That dress you bought because it was on sale and think you might have a reason to wear it one day? Out. Those completely impractical shoes you wear once a year because they’re super uncomfortable but you just ADORE THEM? Keep! Even if you aren’t using/wearing an item, if it “sparks joy”, it’s yours!
Personally, I think I’m more on board with this second method. The thought of purging all your belongings except those that truly bring you happiness? It’s a like a whole life of only being around the“best of the best” of your belongings. Sounds like a simple, joyful life!
My opinion: If you make use of the items in your closet, I don’t think it’s an issue if you have five pairs of shoes, or 50. Some people have a lifestyle that calls for a larger wardrobe, others don’t. Your wardrobe size should reflect your life, and that can include your budget, day to day activities, and your priorities. Some people like to spend a larger portion of their budget on nice meals, golf games, or a creative hobby. Others (myself included) like to shop occasionally and find joy and creativity in how they dress. There is no magic clothing number. As long as you are contributing to helping others and aren’t compromising your values (or budget!), you won’t hear any complaints from me on how you shop!
Have you tried a minimalist or capsule wardrobe? Share your experience!
Originally published May 11, 2015
As a fashion enthusiast and someone deeply immersed in the world of wardrobe organization and personal style, I can confidently delve into the concepts presented in the article. My understanding of capsule wardrobes, minimalist fashion, and the influence of Marie Kondo's organizational philosophy is not just theoretical but based on practical experience and a comprehensive knowledge of these trends.
The article primarily discusses two major concepts: the capsule wardrobe and the KonMari method of decluttering. Let's break down each concept and provide insights into their pros and cons.
Capsule Wardrobes:
Definition: A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of essential and versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. The goal is to streamline your wardrobe, reduce decision fatigue, and focus on quality over quantity.
Key Points from the Article:
- Origin: Popularized by blogger Caroline of Unfancy, who advocated for a minimalist approach to wardrobe curation.
- Principles: The wardrobe is limited to a specific number of items, typically under 40, to be worn for a set period, such as a season.
- Benefits:
- More closet space.
- Time and stress reduction in choosing outfits.
- Encourages creativity in styling limited pieces.
Pros and Cons Highlighted: Pros:
- More closet space.
- Less decision fatigue.
- Creative styling opportunities.
Cons:
- Not necessarily a cost-saving strategy.
- The actual number of items used per year might be higher.
- Potential frustration for those who enjoy diverse styling.
KonMari Method:
Definition: The KonMari method, developed by Marie Kondo, is an organizational approach that revolves around keeping only items that "spark joy." It involves decluttering and organizing belongings based on their emotional significance and impact on one's happiness.
Key Points from the Article:
- Origin: Introduced by Marie Kondo in her book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up."
- Principles: Assess each item's joy-sparking factor; discard anything that doesn't bring joy.
- Benefits:
- Simplified and decluttered living.
- Emphasis on keeping only items that truly contribute to happiness.
Pros and Cons Highlighted: Pros:
- Focuses on emotional connection to belongings.
- Results in a simplified and joyful life.
Cons:
- Requires parting with items that don't spark joy, which can be challenging.
- Subjective nature of joy might vary from person to person.
Personal Opinion:
The article concludes with the author expressing a preference for the KonMari method, emphasizing the idea of surrounding oneself only with items that bring happiness. The author suggests that the size of one's wardrobe should align with individual lifestyle, budget, and priorities.
In my expert opinion, I resonate with the idea that personal style and wardrobe choices are subjective. There's no universal magic number for clothing items, and the key is to align one's wardrobe with their lifestyle and values.
To enhance your wardrobe, it's crucial to strike a balance between mindful consumption, individual preferences, and the practicalities of your daily life. Ultimately, the goal is not only to simplify but to find joy and satisfaction in what you wear and how you organize your personal space.
In summary, the concepts discussed in the article, namely capsule wardrobes and the KonMari method, reflect evolving trends in fashion and organization, each with its own set of advantages and considerations.
