The “simple living” movement is a force to be reckoned with, not just among millennial’s (though I believe we’re a huge driving force) but among people of all ages. In an age of excess and extreme accessibility, many people are pushing back against the clutter and “stuff-lust” promoted by our society. The goal of simple (or slow) living is to combat it.
People “live simply” in many different ways, but they all aim at owning less, focusing on being present in the moment, and being intentional with their purchases. It’s much more than a love of minimalist design or white-washed interiors- it’s a lifestyle. An important one.
It may seem silly to some when I say that having a capsule wardrobe has changed my life. But in many ways, it has. Before we get to that part, though, what is a capsule wardrobe? (You’ve probably already heard of them, if you don’t already use one. And if not, I’m honored to be the one to introduce you!)
What is a capsule wardrobe?
Essentially, a capsule wardrobe is a closet made up of *usually* 40 or less pieces. Total. Mine usually end up being around 25 pieces.
Instead of allowing impulse buys, or owning clothes you don’t actually wear, a capsule will be made of pieces you hand pick that make you feel AMAZING, fit well with your lifestyle and flow well together.
I’ve talked to people who are worried about looking boring if they switch to a capsule wardrobe (maybe people rely on basics like white t-shirts, button downs and classic denim). My response is always an emphatic, “NEVER!” The beauty of capsule wardrobes is that you get to tailor it to perfectly fit your style and life. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
No matter the clothing you choose, the main goal is to live well with less.
Why use one?
Before I began my journey with capsule wardrobes, I had a closet overflowing with clothes. Cute clothes at that. But so many days I would stare into it hopelessly thinking “I have NOTHING to wear!”
Now, almost a year in to creating a capsule wardrobe for each season, I haven’t thought that since.
As a work from home mom, my wardrobe requires very few “dressy” pieces and lots of running-around-like-a-chicken-with-my-head-cut-off type of pieces. Now, I can look into my closet, reach in and easily pull out an entire outfit because I know that all of my pieces work together and I love the way I feel in each and every one.
How do you set one up?
The hardest and most essential part of building a capsule is the simplifying process. You’ll have to purge your entire current wardrobe- weeding it of those old t-shirts from college or that one dress you keep hoping you’ll have an excuse to wear. Get rid of the things that don’t fit, the things you don’t love, and the things that need replaced.
Then you get to plan your new wardrobe. This step is my favorite- it’s so refreshing and (dare I say) empowering to take my clothing choices into my own hands, being intentional every step of the way.
Sound overwhelming?
It can be. Clothes often have an emotional effect on us- they’re linked to memories, our self-confidence, body image and more. But part of my passion is helping you see the light at the end of the clutter-filled closet.
I recently launched my new capsule consulting service where my mission is to help women just like you simplify their current closet AND teach them how to design a capsule wardrobe that fits their personality and lifestyle.
Are you ready to jump on board the simple living movement? Head over to my website to learn more about capsule wardrobes or to book your consultation today!