What is a Capsule Cabinet?

Capsule Cabinet List

The capsule wardrobe practice, which we have been encountering frequently lately, creates a new equation in the fashion world.

Some met her in a fashion magazine, while others met her on an Instagram account they followed. The capsule wardrobe trend , which has been on everyone's radar for the last two seasons in particular, has found a significant response from fashion houses to style figures over the course of the process. Although it is experiencing its true popularity today, the capsule wardrobe practice, which dates back to the 1970s, offers fashion lovers a new style equation in various ways. However, despite being frequently mentioned, many people still do not know what capsule wardrobes mean. For those who do, the question "How can I create a capsule wardrobe?" frequently comes up. If there is one thing that can be said for this minimalist style approach that draws its strength from timelessness, efficiency and sustainability; it will be that it has an important place in the future of fashion.

What is a Capsule Cabinet?

In its simplest form, capsule wardrobes mean a wardrobe created with only basic pieces in our wardrobes, opposing the consumerist culture of today's fashion. The understanding, which shares a common set with legendary designer Vivienne Westwood's motto of "buy less, think more"; directs its focus to create efficiency from the combination of a small number of timeless and useful pieces. The capsule wardrobe practice, which is both budget and environmentally friendly by limiting shopping, also saves people from the question of "What should I wear today?" with the limited matches it offers simultaneously. Thus, we come across a simple style equation that distances itself from maximalist patterns and colors of the season and harmonizes basic pieces.

History of Capsule Cabinets

The anti-consumption capsule wardrobe term was first coined by Susie Faux, a businesswoman, in the 1970s. Faux’s “less is more” style trend, which developed when she couldn’t find enough quality clothing, has undergone a significant transformation over time. The reasons for the rise of capsule wardrobes, which are shaped by the requirements of the age, can be listed as follows: the importance of sustainable fashion, the trend of minimalist fashion, and the compatibility of genderless fashion with capsule wardrobes.

Capsule Cabinets and Sustainability

The green transformation witnessed by today's fashion shows itself in different categories: From new textile materials to recycled pieces, we are in an eco-sensitive period. Indeed, the most important rule of sustainable fashion is actually to shop less . At this point, capsule wardrobes become a sustainable practice on their own. The capsule wardrobe trend, where plain pieces are at the center, adds another plus to its account in the sustainable axis where dyed fabrics are not preferred much.

Can You Look Stylish With Capsule Wardrobes?

The question that comes to the minds of most fashion lovers who are introduced to the trend is mostly the same: Can you be stylish with so few and simple pieces? Considering that fashion history generally considers maximalist approaches as “stylish,” this is not an unreasonable concern. However, following the pulse of today’s fashion can be the answer: Minimalist 90s inspiration made headlines last year in the wake of colorful, maximal Y2K looks. Over time, this inspiration transformed into the trend we know as quiet luxury, making simplicity the number one style choice.

Meanwhile, the situation in the industry was not much different. Instead of the boho-chic Alessandro Michele, the minimalist and refined Sabato de Sarno came to Gucci as the first example of this. Bottega Veneta, which has always advanced with the capsule collection concept, has increased its popularity, and the Olsen Twins’ The Row has become one of the most important brands of the year according to the Lyst Index. When you look at these fashion houses, all of which are dedicated to minimalism, you can see them as living proof that all-basic looks are now seen as “stylish” rather than “boring” or “banal”. In other words, the plain, understated pieces that capsule wardrobes offer us hold the key to effortless elegance. At this point, adopting a slogan like “ minimalism is the new sexy” does not seem far-fetched.

How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe?

It is possible to come across many fashion lovers who want to switch to a capsule wardrobe practice but do not know how to do it. Although the definition of capsule wardrobes is very easy, the transition requires its own process. At this point, the steps you can follow can be listed as follows:

Separate your unnecessary parts.

Identify the pieces that are too colorful, patterned, or short-lived to fit into capsule wardrobes. Then, you can put these pieces in recycling bins or donate them. In this way, you will have made an early start to the sustainable approach of capsule wardrobes.

Determine your needs.

The essential part of the capsule wardrobe concept is to have a few items from each category. At this point, analyze your own wardrobe and discover which categories you are lacking in: You may have enough white t-shirts, but you may be lacking in shirts. Think of the maximum you can have from each category, four or five items. It is important to remember that you will need a capsule wardrobe for both the summer and winter seasons.

Don't shop, invest.

One of the most important features of this new understanding that you are transitioning to is to acquire long-lasting pieces. Unfortunately, the pieces you will buy from fast fashion brands will offer you products that can last only one or two seasons at most due to the quality of the fabric. While turning to materials such as cotton, linen, leather and fur, be careful to stay away from fabrics such as carbon-based polyamide or polyester. Then focus on completing your capsule wardrobe by acquiring quality and long-lasting pieces.

Capsule Cabinet List

Of course, you will need a reference point. In this practice where you will always follow the line of simplicity, the prominent point is the shoes. In capsule wardrobes where four shoes will be enough; a sneaker, a classic shoe, a sandal and a pair of heels for women are enough. Those who do not want to stick to solid colors can turn to logos and striped pieces. The main goal is to maximize the matching between pieces as much as possible. In other words, although the capsule wardrobe logic sounds prescriptive, if you believe that you can easily match the piece you will buy, you can prepare a place for that product in your wardrobe. Again, focusing on jewelry rather than clothes can be a logical strategy: Combining your quiet, effortless looks with jewelry will take you to a line that is much loved in today's fashion.

For those who want to discover the pieces in a capsule wardrobe, shopi go has compiled the must-have pieces for you.

Capsule-Style Suggestions

In order to maintain your elegance with your capsule wardrobe that will be completed in the process , some inspiration may be useful. Famous names such as the Olsen Twins, Kaia Gerber and Kendall Jenner; often set an example of elegance in a minimal line. On the other hand, you can resort to the layering technique to express your own creativity. Especially in the winter months, it is important not to miss having knitwear, trench coats and jackets in your capsule wardrobes for this technique where you will reach originality through forms.

Article by Tolga Ra