In this series I explain terms used in the low impact movement, lifestyle terms, and other verbiage that I use on my blog and in my daily life. Simply, in case they are new to readers. In some cases, I have done some research on them, but these definitions are mostly what I understand them to be and how I use them.
April is here and I’ve made my 4th spring capsule wardrobe (16 capsules in total). I’m excited for another spring and another year of slow fashion, curating my closet, paring down all my clothes, and keeping a capsule. I talk a lot about these things on this blog and it’s an important part of a mindful, low impact existence. This seems like a good time to define these terms as I understand them.
Capsule Wardrobe
The term capsule wardrobe was first coined in the 1970s, by shop owner, Susie Faux, but it was recently made most popular by Be More With Less and her Project 333.
The basic concept is that you have a wardrobe in 2-4 parts (depending on weather where you live), which you swap out seasaonally. You have a limited amout of clothing in each (and ideally all ethical and sustainable or second hand). People often keep to a color scheme and each piece goes with every other piece. This makes getting dressed simple, non-decisional and pleasant. The underlying factors are items that are versatile, easily picked out, and fit your personal style. A Capsule Wardrobe usually consists of a certain amount of clothing in each season, but what that number is depends on your personal preference. This is the basic concept but how far and deep you want to delve into a Capsule Wardrobes system is up to each person. Some choose to only include their basic everyday clothes, come include shoes, accessories and outer wear, some have special capsules for fancy dress, exercise, lounge, wear, etc… A CW can also help one determine their personal style if they feel like they have none. Buy making a CW each season, you more easily find what you like, what you don’t, what is comfortable and fits well. CW enthusiasts also suggest buying better made and more durable pieces, so that the items last longer, and you are able to enjoy them more. There is an emphasis on repair rather than buying new.
I’m not sure where this iinfo grafic originated, but this is an example of what one possible capsule might look like. Not a very practical one, but…
10 by 10
This phrase refers mainly to the idea of pairing down your Capsule Wardrobe even more on a semi regular basis. By taking 10 items, including shoes, accessories, and outer wear, and wearing only these items for 10 days, we now can stretch the potential or our daily capsule and our creativity. Some Capsule Wardrobe keepers will build a 10 by 10 wardrobe for special events, vacations, etc… some just use one periodically as inspiration and challenge. This concept was made popular by Style Bee (she may also be the inventor).
Curated Closet
Once you have made your capsule wardrobe to your satisfaction, you may end up with just a simple Curated Closet. This means that every item in your wardrobe goes with every other, each are practical, and make you feel good, fit well and are taken care of. A curated closet doesn’t require as much work as a Capsule, bc you only have one, as opposed to several to deal with. Even if you still end up switching items out seasonally, you now know that your wardrobe is complete. Having a simple pleasurable curated closet is one of the goals of a CW. It takes the stress and guess work out of getting dressed each day, the anxiety of having “nothing to wear” or nothing that fits and makes you feel good. It also takes the stress of shopping for items out of your process, bc most Curated Closets simply replace items as they can no longer be worn, but put little or no effort into coming up with new items, or styles to buy.
One In, One Out Rule
Many Capsule Wardrobe and Curated Closet methods believe in the idea of the One in, One Out Rule. It sounds just like what it is, which is when one items is brought into your wardrobe, one must be taken out. This way you never accumulate more items than you need.
Are the definitions or these terms as you understand them? Do you have a different definition? Or a question about a related word of phrase? Share in the comments!