8 Capsule Essentials that Will Never Go Out of Style
A capsule wardrobe is hard to pin down. First, it’s important to identify your personal style.
Regardless of what your style is, generating a capsule can be a benefit for both your wardrobe and the planet (and your wallet in most cases).
Identifying your personal style starts with understanding what you enjoy wearing on a daily basis. Most of us will have few eclectic pieces that we will substitute from time to time, but for the most part a select few pieces we most often gravitate to.
Below are a few examples of 4 different style examples for you to identify with (all inspiration images from Pinterest). Use these examples as guidelines as how to identify your personal style. For example, I gravitate towards the first set of images. Though I am more casual on a daily basis, wearing a t-shirt, jeans & sneakers, or active wear, but for the most part I can identify my style with ‘minimalist.’
My goal as a stylist is not to encourage you to buy more, but to educate you on how to utilize what you have then mix in pieces here and there. If you know what is in your wardrobe, and you know how to style the key pieces you love, then you are more likely to not want as many new items. Our society is built around materialism, excess and instant gratification, making our consumer feel like what they have is never actually enough. Before I bring my clients shopping, I listen to what they are looking for, and I try to educate them on how to make use of what they have before going on a shopping spree. While the vision is to come home with full shopping bags and be perfectly content, most of the time these sprees actually turn into buyers remorse and inevitably more errands to make those dreadful returns.
This summer, my vision of fashion is a little different than how I have visioned it in the past. I am sick of constantly wanting for more and feeling like my closet is inadequate; Feeling like “if I only had ____ then my closet would be complete.” We all know that doesn’t happen. This main concept is why retail is such a lucrative business. It is constantly changing and creating that “I have to have it” feeling. I mean, you don’t really ‘have to have it,” do you?
So, in terms of a capsule, I have dove into my closet and identified 8 items I see myself wearing constantly throughout this summer. Many of the items I reveal below are old and most likely out of stock. For example, I have a denim jacket from the early 2000’s that is most likely not in stock anymore.
My Summer Capsule
| Jacket: Abercrombie Kids (2002) | Tops: H&M, Vince | Shorts: Madewell | Dress: Free People | Bag: Balenciaga | Shoes: Veja, Gucci | Accessories: Adidas, Madewell |
Striped t-shirt - I’ve linked this one because its the perfect lightweight material for summer, but can be transitioned to other seasons as well. Oh, and it’s also extremely sustainable.
Sleeveless linen tank - This is a classic silhouette which can be worn by itself or with something overtop considering it is sleeveless. This company is not high on the sustainability list, but since I purchased it a while back, there is no need to toss it just because I’ve changed the way I think about fashion. Because I couldn’t find the exact top, I have linked option 1, and option 2.
Denim jacket - This can be old or new, but regardless, it’s a staple for everyone (men too). Mine has natural holes in the elbows which seem to grow each time I wear it, but I don’t mind. Here are a few sustainable brands & options to find a great looking denim jacket.
Denim shorts or skirt - If you still feel confident wearing shorts or a skirt, then I’d recommend purchasing one of the two in denim. It’s been around for a while, it’s never going out of style & it lasts forever. I’m wearing these Madewell shorts.
A dress you feel great in - I received this Free People dress as a gift & I love it. It’s almost sold out in this color but comes in four other stunning colors.It is made up of 94% cotton which makes it super soft & lightweight. Sustainability ratings on the URBN group / Free People can be found here. Not the best rating & I’m kind of disappointed.
Shoes - A favorite sneaker & a favorite sandal. You choose what you love, but I’ll link what I love just in case you want to try either. You’ve heard me rave and rave about the Veja Esplar sneaker (a lovely sustainable & ethical company). You can read my full review here. I also love my Gucci sandal which also comes in white. It is my go-to sandal. It’s classic, minimalist & comfortable. A full review including Gucci’s sustainability rating is in the works so stay tuned.
Perfect summer bag - I love my Balenciaga bucket bag which is this one in light tan, but you have also seen me carry this one as well by Mansur Gavriel. I actually prefer the new tan that Balenciaga has come out with for this bag, but I definitely do not need two of the same bag. Handbags are so personal. Honestly, I love the idea of an open top because I am constantly on the go and with a kid, it’s important I can access everything quickly.
So, while you’re picking through your closet either tomorrow while you’re getting dressed for the day or this weekend as you prep for a night out, I encourage you to think not of what you don’t own, but rather what you have. Challenge yourself: Can you view your closet differently? What pieces are the most versatile? How can you be more creative with the items that have been sitting for months, years or even decades?
