Can fashion lovers be minimalists?
After our detox conversation, it had me thinking how much clearing out our wardrobes relates to our personalities and whether our “detox” can be attributed to our fashion style. Simply because we are able to throw away with abandon, does that mean we are “capsule wardrobe” people? If our closets are loaded up with barely a millimetre of space is that the equivalent of being an over-enthusiastic fashionista?
Mary, our gorgeous new creative writer, asks the question. I will chime in through the comments – my brain is in a hazy fog of jet lag as I wing my way through Asia to Sydney for a few days.
I like Mary’s way of thinking; she has found a way for us to have it all. xv
Over to you Mary,
Having a capsule wardrobe came to the front of mind a few months ago when I was struggling to find a dress I needed for a special occasion. It was lost in a sea of everything but. Should I re-think?
I searched ‘capsule wardrobes’ on Google and to my horror there they were; the 25 piece capsule wardrobes of many minimalists.
Their capsule wardrobes seemed so condensed, so perfect and utilitarian.
I questioned the amount of washing that needed to be done to maintain such a small wardrobe and compared the idea of a capsule wardrobe to someone who loves having lots of clothing; it seemed highly unrealistic to me.
There was a theme for most of the articles I read and the videos I watched. The clothing appeared extremely minimal and did not stray far from the black, grey, navy and white colour scheme.
But where was the colour?
I began to understand why many people went ‘capsule’ in the first place as most did not have a profound interest in fashion and saw clothes as pure body protection and practicality.
Even after I had a wardrobe detox (thanks to the VA solution) I would still have to get rid of a vast amount to even consider mine a ‘capsule wardrobe’.
On the flip side, capsule wardrobes can be very beneficial. Styling can be simpler and less time-consuming. They are more environmentally friendly and take up less space in the home.
But why do capsule wardrobes have to be minimal?
I thought about the people that love colour and prints and texture, including myself, where do they fit into this idea?
And that’s when it clicked.
Capsule wardrobes need not be confined to a strict amount of clothing. Why should they?
Make of a capsule wardrobe what you wish. Fashion is personal and it is up to the wearer what they include. Instead of limiting yourself to lesser items, have a detox and truly assess what you own to ensure you are getting the full potential of your beloved garments.
Try a seasonal capsule wardrobe? Store the summer gear away so the pieces you have in your closet are the items you are really going to be reaching for. Fashion lovers might not be minimalists because fashion is ever evolving, a creative outlet and a passion to be celebrated; creating your version of a capsule wardrobe is exciting. Let’s not think in numbers, but be more aware of what we own, more in tune with our personal style, so all our pieces have time to shine.
Capsule to me means a one in one out policy.
This is to ensure my wardrobe is accessible and not rammed pack with clothing. Over the years this has been highly beneficial and allows me to invite new items in with a friendly welcome rather than a tight squeeze.
“Capsule” can be unique for all of us. Define what capsule means and make it work for your wardrobe.
images, ari seth cohen, kuba dabrowski, infphoto
