capsule wardrobes are ruining personal style | tiktok analysis

[@katierobinson]

new video on luxury fashion trying (and failing) to greenwash during fashion month!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2HamIx9osd9a68si=KF3mKiRagr7ktrrU

[@saperIipopette]

I’m starting to believe the key to a sustainable future when it comes to clothing, is to be less interested in clothing.

[@angienicolehernandez104]

Agree. Being interested in something makes you want it, to different levels off course, but you will want something at some point. BUT if clothing production itself became sustainable (think every brand having the business model of Sheep Inc) then mindfully acquiring high quality clothing would not have such a bad environmental impact. That scenario is just a dream though, the fashion industry at a major scale will never :')

[@katierobinson]

honestly conflicted about this because yes this is a great point but as someone who loves fashion I just couldn't feel happy if I didn't care what I was wearing all the time 😭 I think it's certainly a solution, but not the only one!

[@saperIipopette]

@@katierobinson I totally get what you mean! Here’s my take Sometimes not being able to buy into something can enable us to engage with it more deeply. For example, if you grow up without the means to buy designer clothing, you might instead read about the history, the designer, find friends with mutual interest, try to figure out it’s made.. things that are ultimately enriching but that you might not do if you could simply just buy it. On the flip side, companies that are hyper-focused on return and growth (fast-fashion corporations, conglomerate owned or publicly-traded houses..) tend not to offer much beyond their products so the only way to engage and quench that interest is to consume, fuelling an unsustainable overproduction.

[@saperIipopette]

@@angienicolehernandez104 I think a lot of discussion around sustainability reaches a dead-end where everyone is finger-pointing, trying to get the other to take responsibility and make the first move. In the case of clothing, it’s like we’ve just accepted the idea that we can’t go without buying more clothes so we expect the industry to shift its practices to appease our conscience. Meanwhile, there is so much effort and resources going towards preventing consumers from realising the power of boycott.

[@angienicolehernandez104]

@@saperIipopette I think you missed the "mindfully acquiring" part. That's the personal responsibility part. Individuals can only do so much when every accessible option around them has a terrible environmental impact. And I mean most options, not only fast fashion. It is hard to find a 100% sustainable brand that tracks their production pipeline from raw material to finished product that is also affordable for most. If you want to buy one pair of trousers to wear every day for the rest of your life (cause sustainable), but you only can afford midrange that is made out of cotton acquired with very questionable practices, are you supposed to go butt naked for the sake of boycotting? Even thrifting has an environmental impact, and lots of people do not have access to it (I used to live in a country where thrifting is not a thing). It is important to do as much as we can, but lets not delude ourselves that all the blame falls on the individual consumer.

[@micaveq7224]

My hot take this there is no such thing as timeless basic - A jeans is a garment is timeless but the cuts and the style change all the time. If you watch a timeless basic video from 5 years ago, they are all about skinny jeans as a timeless basic. Today, the same "classic" will look out of date. I also find buying basics only a really poor advice for beginners - The fashion girls make basics look stylish because they have a wardrobe of accessories. People who watch these kind of videos very likely don't have a collection of high-quality and on trend handbags, belts and jewelry to pull from OR the skill to mix and match in a way that looks high fashion.

[@upgrade101]

Absolutely 👏🏾 I feel like we were sold this myth of 'you need to find the perfect pair of jeans' and I have had to give up on that particular dream after spending a boatload of monies 😂 I have accepted that they don't make jeans that suit my body shape - or my 'look' - however I have found an amazing vintage denim pencil skirt! And it was only £4 at the charity shop! 😂

[@katierobinson]

yes!! this is not a hot take this is fact 🙂‍↕️

[@katierobinson]

ok love this ending for you!!

[@raraavis7782]

That's a really good point. Even basics follow certain trends.

[@CharlotteEliza]

Yes!! I think for the most part we see similar things come into style each season. But they change each year. First skinnies then straight then wide leg now its all about flare. So even if you do buy the "essential" jean thats supposed to last forever it just wont. Same with say leather jackets, sometimes its about the fitted jacket next its the oversized next the long leather trench etc etc. Nothing is truly timeless unless you love it and it actually fits with your style. Following the "essential basics" is never gonna work

[@ZZ-qy5mv]

I completely agree!! I have a friend who wears “Friday pants.” They’re funky and colorful. I don’t believe he owns a lot of clothing. Iconic pieces are reworn over and over again in the same way. That’s a great “capsule wardrobe.” The solution is to stop dressing like you have an audience. What I mean is stop worrying about outfit repeating, stop worrying about looking perfect, and stop worrying that you’re not trendy. I feel like we have more than ever, people who are actually not into creative self expression being obsessed about how well they dress.

[@katierobinson]

love this advice!!! literally gonna download "stop dressing like you have an audience" into my longterm memory so I can say it to myself every morning 💀

[@barbb1672]

Stop dressing like you have an audience! I love that!

[@kat_thefruitbat]

Very well said! 💯 My closest friend wears very distinct pieces of clothing and statement accessories…Every time we get together, I genuinely look forward to seeing what she’s wearing….There’s just something truly special about having the opportunity to see someone wear an item (or complete outfit) many times….it’s kind of like the feeling you get from rewatching a favorite movie- comforting and exciting all at once!😊❤ P.S.- I am so intrigued by these “Friday Pants”…Did your friend give them this title because he wears them every Friday, or what’s the story? 😊

[@roguetaco5487]

👏yes this!

[@skrittle555]

Hot take but I feel like the whole "minimalism/capsule wardobe/staple pieces" thing a lot of influencers do is just another way to keep you buying stuff you don't actually need, but this time you're buying a lifestyle/aesthetic instead of just one new piece. Have nothing to wear? Hurry, replace your whole closet! Like it's just ridiculous. The truly sustainable thing is to just stop buying new things and wear what you already have.

[@katierobinson]

literally this, it's just another way of selling you a solution that doesn't actually tackle the problem - just a quick fix that's only surface level

[@rosethorn0232]

I've been watching influencers like this for years, and almost every single one of them has completely turned their closet over from the original capsule. Most of them have tons of colorful pieces now. One person even completely changed their style, deleted all their old videos and tried to rebrand as someone kinda sorta not doing capsules anymore.

[@FC-eh7ll]

@@rosethorn0232Who is that?

[@agnaeoh6992]

Totally agree. 99% of the things in these videos would never work for me and my life style. Even the white T-shirt that you feel is the exception. I don't like wearing tshirts, and I know a lot of people who don't wear white because they stain so easily and require more effort than a dark color.

[@katierobinson]

damn not even the white t-shirt is a safe bet 💀 how are we supposed to believe cargo trousers is an absolute must've if even the most basic wardrobe item doesn't make the cut??

[@Gaigemaid]

I was just thinking about this! I prefer tanks/camis to layer with than a T-shirt. The neckline always looks so weird when I layer. I never can get the look I see online so I use the 2 I own as lounge shirts lol

[@vvitch-mist20]

Wearing white makes me uncomfortable, like it's not a color I should be wearing lol. I'm goth anyway so I prefer black with the occasional sprinkle of color via hippie articles of clothing.

[@katierobinson]

@@Gaigemaid love this, you're just adapting to what works for you which is 100% what we should be doing with content like this!

[@angelaobscura2146]

I don't have a white tshirt! I always consider it (white tshirts are a trend every once in a while after all!) But genuinely I don't wear white.

[@marialauraverso]

I dress vintage. (Mostly 40’s/50’s) so if I wore slacks and a beige “colourless” blazer out it’s a cry for help and I’m definitely being held hostage.

[@katierobinson]

lmaoooo 💀 tiktok capsule wardrobe influencers holding u hostage

[@PaleMagnolia]

Fellow vintage lover here. Same, girl. Same.

[@LizzieLovesIt106]

Same! I wear a mix between vintage/second hand and items I've sewn myself. I look so odd in a trench coat!

[@dieSchreckschraube]

I relate 100%. (But it's collar-less blazer, it's not about the colour.)

[@triciad4100]

Blink twice if you need an estate sale! 🥺

[@alison1595]

I think part of the problem is that people are constantly looking for items instead of styling advice. Content creators who focus on styling often still get hounded for links. Those who list specific items in their capsule wardrobe must-haves are merely giving the people what they want. I think the underlying problem is that people want a quick fix, the item(s) that they think will give them their dream persona instead of really determining what they love. Ultimately, I think capsule wardrobe content, just like any other fashion trend content, is great for inspiration but people need to stop viewing them as shopping lists. Influencers (or whatever comes in the future) will always try to sell us stuff and more media literacy is needed to stop falling for it.

[@katierobinson]

this is such a good analysis, I think you're dead on!!! and tbf I agree that if influencers didn't include links or notes to where they shop then they'd get hundreds of comments all asking 🥴 which tbf you can ignore, but then you get accused of gatekeeping

[@Squishbiscuits]

I think it is a “chicken or egg” problem. I did go online to find ‘styling advice’, but was constantly given a hundred lists of Top Ten Essentials and another hundred “personal style” microtrends. It took me a long time to get to a content creator that said “This is a maths problem that you need to solve for yourself. I can help you with the formula but I don’t have the solution for your unique style. Here’s a dozen questions YOU need to answer.”

[@davidpachecogarcia]

The algorithm doesn’t like when the audience thinks too much. So having links and quick definitive answers will get boosted vs a video basically saying “it depends”.

[@nae4830]

But can we also acknowledge that in real life people just don't dress like what we see on tiktok, insta or YT. It just doesn't really translate. It's so weird, all of this.

[@katierobinson]

agree this is true for so many ppl, tho I do increasingly find that I can single out ppl on the street that I think are spending a little too much time on tiktok based on their outfits 💀

[@MisterAnonymousOwO]

Hearing "leather pants" as an essential is taking me out as someone who lives in a tropical country XD A lot of these capsule wardrobes just don't feel like something I'd wear, especially from someone who loves mixing vintage, streetwear, and preppy styles together. Also, oddly enough, a lot of these capsule wardrobes almost never talk about accessories, which I feel truly help make an outfit feel personal to you. Where are the hats, the jewelry, the bags, the glasses? It feels like these videos genuinely aren't helping people understand how to style in a way that makes them feel like themselves

[@katierobinson]

lolllll a whole new level to not fitting with everyone's style 💀 that's exactly it for me - I never see my personal style in these videos but I can still feel them subtly influencing me and I hate it!! and exactly, if you're going for personal style start paying attention to the accessories as the quickest way to make something feel unique!

[@rosethorn0232]

Not only do they not accommodate tropical countries, they're also terrible for places with real winters. I've still yet to find a capsule wardrobe that was actually made for a place with snow. Sorry but I need more than 2 sweaters in my wardrobe for winter, and no one ever includes a proper parka.

[@MisterAnonymousOwO]

@@rosethorn0232 so many of these capsule closets feel less like a flexible closet for most people but a select closet built for a select group of (often temperate-weather) individuals with a very specific trendy style

[@sheilakosoff5806]

Accessories are key and show the personality! I wear a black base of pants and black tank most of the time and either a long bright flowy shirt or a colorful kimono with statement jewelry or glasses and a a giant gold men’s watch. I wear prescription glasses and I have a variety of colors and shapes depending on what I wear. I find that my accessories are my true essentials.

[@glitterberserker1029]

The very first "timeless basic" being leather pants made me laugh too hard. Not only do I not own this "basic" I don't know a single person that wears leather pants on a normal day. At least a blazer feels like something a lot of people own and wear regularly. Leather pants are not a wardrobe staple for anyone that isn't a member of a dungeon or an influencer.

[@katierobinson]

honestly neither, I'm so picky about how they look and fit that I'd drive myself mad trying to find a good pair anyway 💀

[@genzillennial]

No item is universal. I HATE t-shirts I have a very slim boyish figure and I strongly dislike the boxy silhouette of a t-shirt. This is why I really despise the pushing of plain white tees in slow fashion spaces as though they are an automatic win for everyone. I’m at the point where if influencers push them off as a “MUST HAVE” item, I just block or mute because it’s so over played. I haven’t worn a t-shirt in a decade despite having a rather small, curated minimalistic wardrobe.

[@KaitlynStoumbaugh]

My sentiments to the "tee". ;) I feel / am the exact same way. T-shirts don't look good on me. They look box-y and strange, just about every time. Because they are always toted as "essential", I have tried so many on, but to no avail.

[@katierobinson]

haha fair enough, pls don't block me 😅

[@genzillennial]

@@katierobinson I did not know you give white t-shirt sermons but even if that’s the case, you and Christina Mychas are the only white tee zealots I’d never block 💗

[@genzillennial]

@@KaitlynStoumbaugh yes, I’ve tried so hard to make them work but always looking like a middle school boy 🥲

[@lagertha09]

I am tall and have a big bust, and I don't like t -shirts either. The boxy fit and the round neckline don't do me any favours...

[@lizzietemple5449]

I just wanted to add that I'm living proof that a basic white t-shirt is not necessary since it's been years since I last had one. Nothing wrong with it, I simply hate dressing in white and would always rather wear a black one or something else. This is all to say that the solution is analyzing (as I believe katie has also said in other videos) what one likes and wears and gravitates toward and building from there

[@katierobinson]

haha if I've learned one thing from this comment thread it's that barely anyone wears a white t-shirt!! which is surprising but interesting that I considered it the one thing everyone would own 😅

[@Melian07]

Also I have the feeling especially for women white t-shirts aren't a good option because they can be kind of see through and definitely more revealing than darker colors. I kind of like white, but for me to feel comfortable in it it would have to be a combination of more layers, or an outer layer like a sweater. I think what's closer to reality as a universal item that many people have and use (at least where I live) is rather a black t-shirt.

[@caronreck295]

I agree. I much prefer a white tank top.

[@harpy5629]

I loooove my plain tee shirts. But I don't wear them as a top, they're my undergarments! All of my sweaters get a white tee underneath, as do all of my hoodies. Wearing a white tee on its own? Nah I'm not trying to flash people here lmao

[@bropoke6799]

It's really weird how a lot of the outfits these people make out of clothes they think everyone should have, would never fly in an actual office. If I went to work with my midriff showing or a blazer with nothing under it, I'd get sent home. I think that really speaks volumes about these influencers. You shouldn't listen to their fashion advice unless you want to dress just like them in your personal time, cause I could buy half the things they say are essential and still not have anything to wear to work, when I DO work in an office

[@katierobinson]

lol I didn't mention this but yh, not all fashion advice is good advice 😭

[@Soulcrash3]

Most people don't have a clothes problem they have a personality problem. I personally think what you did on why you don't want stuff is exactly what people need to hear, they really need to develop a stronger sense of self, people need to get comfortable saying "NO", find a reason for why and stand their ground. "No, I don't want it", "No, I don't need it", "No, it has no place in my life". Even if an influencer is telling them. For example: I wear the colours I wear because I like them. You saying you hate gray doesn't change anything for me because it suits me, white on the other hand doesn't and that's why I have like 4 grey T-shirts whit different purposes while the 2 white ones are basically PJ's. I don't like white on me and that's enough. If you create your own fashion Blacklist being fashionable will be so much easier, because what these people lack is not clothes (they have too damn many) they lack self determination and independence. Drawing the lines of what will never work and what doesn't fulfil them should give them at least a delimitation of what they are looking for, a roadmap. "I own my clothes, they don't own me. They should serve ME specifically". That's what people are missing.

[@katierobinson]

literally this, if you hear someone say I don't like grey then it shouldn't impact your decisions for your style!!

[@Kelbel5995]

Yes! Nodding my head while reading your comment, for sure. I got what I consider "good" style when I got confident in what I like and what I don't like and started shopping and dressing accordingly. I am no longer interested in being anyone but me, and that includes how I dress. For example, I don't like black, so I don't wear black. End of. My mom can talk until she's blue in the face about how every woman "needs" a black pencil skirt for work, but I'm not going to buy one and I'm not going to feel less than for not having one. The antidote to overconsumption and being addicted to trends isn't a "perfect" capsule wardrobe with "timeless basics," it's having a strong sense of self, as you mentioned. IMO, capsule wardrobes are popular because they offer an easy, fast solution to something that is deeper and more complicated to resolve. They think, "If.I just get these 33 items that someone else told me were perfect, I will be happy with my wardrobe and appearance."

[@Soulcrash3]

@@Kelbel5995 You also touched on a bit I didn't in my own comment, both over consumption and over analysing/intellectualising of wardrobes and these very extreme specific boxes or labels "minimalist", "maximalist", -cores, etc, tend to come from deeper issues that can also include body image and self esteem. "If I buy/wear these clothes I will be respected, I will be accepted, I will be loved", "if I had the perfect clothes I would be happy, I would stop hating xyz about myself, I would finally lead a happy life" or one I know very personally "those are clothes for x people, not for me, I am y (derogatory), they would look ridiculous on me" and just refusing to cloth my body properly when it changes in a manner I don't approve of, as a way of punishment. Capitalism sold people not just the myth of retail therapy but of things being able to fix the soul, to heal the void we have inside. Sometimes... we just need to spend that level of money and effort and time in therapy/applying what we learn in therapy. Sometimes clothes/clothes related attitudes are just symptoms.

[@dieSchreckschraube]

So true. I also don't understand why people are so invested in what influencers say, they are literally sales people who shill for many different brands. You wouldnt blindly trust everything some random salesperson in a store tells you, why do you trust influencers that live off of selling you stuff you don't need? But I guess that point circles back to the lack of personality.

[@artesiarastania5998]

Yeah, that's something that people rarely talk about. The deal breakers. I am totally the opposite of you, I can't wear a gray colored top because I am sweating a lot, and I feel like this particular color will show all the sweat stains that you never even realize. Also, most fashion influencers don't take practicality or different lifestyles into consideration. They probably only wear the clothes once in the comfort of their own room, in front of the camera, and never try to wear them out. I won't even consider dainty high-heeled boots or mary jane as a must-have as these influencers suggest because I walk to my workplace and run to catch public transport every day. They will break my feet fast.

[@lindaauld5423]

I'm a maximalist and think if you want to have personal style everyones capsule wardrobe will be different !!! i create a capsule wardrobe from what i've got for each season 😁😁

[@katierobinson]

love this, such a good idea of limiting a capsule wardrobe to only a season so it doesn't feel stale after wearing the same thing too long!

[@xJuliaGrimesx]

Capsule wardrobes also don’t work in our changing climate - I live in Germany and the seasons have been way too fluctuating and tumultuous over the past few years for me to name a „summer capsule“. Summer could be 30 degrees one day and 12 degrees pouring rain the next. I feel like a lot of these capsules completely overlook the reality of living in a changing climate

[@noelle2k3]

1.Have a set of something that you like (a skirt set, pant set, short set,) 2. Keep in mind the type of weather/climate you live in 3. Have 1-2 formal outfits if possible for events 4. Have clothes that flatter your figure and color palette 5. If you’re someone who wears skirts a lot get a top or two that is really flattering with skirts (Not done typing this yet)

[@valeriemalenfant]

I dont own any white t-shirt or any white sneakers, I hate them and I have personal style! LOL also that would be interesting to find a list for capsule wardrobe dated back from 2014 and compared with today! that could be fun or compare 3 2014-2019-2024 and see the difference or similarity.

[@katierobinson]

omg what a fun idea I might do this as a segment on my podcast 💀

[@raraavis7782]

I was going to suggest the same! Capsule wardrobe 'through the ages', so to speak.

[@ElizabethNonsuch]

I'd never wear a plain white tshirt, personally. I find them so boring. But yeah, I agree - cargo pants? They were trendy when I was in secondary school in the early 2000s - I'll never wear them again; they are NOT timeless, they're the definition of 'on trend'. Personally, my basics are - a pair of flared black jeans, an off the shoulder top, a pair of faux leather leggings and a pair of cowboy boots - these are all things I've been wearing for 20 years - they're MY basics/non-negotiables - I've learned what I love and what suits my body shape regardless of what's considered a very arbitrary staple. I feel sorry for the ladies out there who listen to anyone for fashion advice - it's not something you can be taught, it's innate. You've either got a personal style or you haven't imo.

[@CharlotteEliza]

I see a lot of styling videos that start with " start the outfit with a basic white tee that I know all of you have" like no I dont have a white tee. Im pale asf and white isnt flattering I also will without a doubt spill something on it the first wear. I like black tees or colourful. 🤣🤣

[@katierobinson]

haha spilling is a genuine concern for me every time I wear mine to be fair 💀

[@sunnechronicles]

I agree so much! I do believe that wardrobe essentials exist, but what is an essential can differ so much per person! Like, my mother basically only wears very colourful wide overalls and long dresses, and I have a capsule wardrobe myself. Both of us don't own even a single one of these recommend capsule items, not even a white tshirt! (my fashion sense is a venn diagram of 90s skater, techwear, and goblincore that somehow comes together to look like somthing i like to call apocalypse punk. Like, what would I ever need a trenchcoat or a white button up for?)

[@katierobinson]

ok first, your fashion sense sounds amazing, second - it sounds like you and your mum have such a keen sense of style and know exactly what works for you and I love that!!

[@roguetaco5487]

Asked once why I was dressed up (I had a cute dress on) and I said "I dress for me". If you want to dress up to brunch go for it. If you want to look like you girl bossing it just to get milk, go for it. That's the point of style. I just think people need to step back and think for themselves. "Am I dressing for me or what I'm trying to emulate / social media pushing at me?" To me that's the biggest hurdle of them all. Cause I'll put on a cute dress and matching little handbag to go to brunch or wear my skinny jeans and tall boots like the Millenial I am. I don't care what social media thinks because I'm comfortable in my clothing.

[@jessicabug10]

I got into the idea of a capsule wardrobe in theory because I move every so often and I have to be able to fit my life into a checked bag. So I love the concept of a well-curated wardrobe that is high quality and plays well together. But I can’t stand blazers, don’t love a lot of those silhouettes on me - my favorite item in my wardrobe is a cobalt blue maxi skirt made of tulle. So I always hated trying to find tips on how to maximize item efficiency to minimize quantity when the tips were “buy a blazer.” It sucks trying to find people to follow as well who have endless amounts of things and so I don’t feel like I can realistically look for them for styling tips, because learning to style one piece in many different ways is very different content than just having tons of different pieces you’ll never wear again.

[@katierobinson]

completely agree - a well curated wardrobe that works together is such a good idea and makes it so easy to get dressed everyday! the skirt sounds so pretty 😍 yes this is such an underrated point online, capsule wardrobes are trendy but I struggle to find influencers who consistently show the same items all the time in different ways - anyone who has recs pls drop them!!

[@ilyaalister8193]

Two of the best style advice I’ve gotten in my life came from my grandmother. “clothes and fashion are timeless if you make them so” and “A colour way is styles best friend” Essentially find the fits that make you feel great and get them in colours that match your colour palette. I watch videos like this one to remind me of my individuality and not to fall into the fast fashion trend.

[@raspberryitalia3464]

I absolutely fell prey to these "essentials" when they made no sense for me. I like wearing dresses and skirts every day, so tell me why I bought blue jeans "because they're a wardrobe essential"?? I've not worn jeans in YEARS

[@MultiElodiee]

The black leather pants will forever be associated with Ross from Friends. 😅😅😅😅

[@mademoisellejaime]

I have to say I disagree with the comment around items being only suitable for work. The most interesting outfits include a sense of tension, items that hark from different parts of the style spectrum. I am 100% with you on the itemized capsule wardrobe lists. Items in your closet need to serve a purpose first and foremost, and what those end up looking like is dictated by your preferences and taste. You can still create a capsule wardrobe that is interesting and filled with unique items but the curation seems more effortful because there aren’t many examples to draw from of this. That curated list has been around a good 15 years. I still remember the blog Unfancy doing her capsules featuring many of those “staples”. At the end of the day if a trench isn’t your style, don’t buy it. But maybe you do need a transitional jacket - this could be a sports jacket, a utility jacket, barn jacket, a blazer (😆), a thick knitted coatigan etc.

[@Eastlikesolace]

A really good example of this is @yourhomegirl’s capsule wardrobes that she creates for trips and stuff. Its a great example of how to create a capsule wardrobe that’s interesting and interchangeable. Yk if your interested in some inspo

[@katierobinson]

good point!! I guess my thoughts came from my experiences (never going into a formal office, working from home and preferring comfy and stylish easy to wear things) but can see how to others a button down could be those things!! just truly highlights the fact that it's different for everyone

[@SilverDragonJay]

I love it. "here's the things you need in your wardrobe. Number one--" "no" These lists are all so weirdly specific, right down to the color, cut and fabric. I get that everything in the list is supposed to "look good" and "cohesive" with everything else, but you can do that with variance. For example: my colors trend towards cool toned pastels. Everything in my wardrobe more or less works with everything else because its all similar colors. Would a gray cardigan work? Yes. Gray is a neutral, it goes with everything. But a baby blue one would work as well. Or a sage green. Or a lavender. I know this because those colors are all over my wardrobe! If your colors are more warm, then a gray cardigan will still work, but a burgundy or mustard yellow cardigan would too. Same thing with jeans. _Straight_ jeans? I look like shit in straight jeans! Bootcut, flares, and bellbottoms all way! Here's a list that I might make: jeans (cut, color, style to preference) A neutral jacket (so that you don't have to worry about if it works with the rest of your colors that day) A thin undershirt (cut, fit, style, color to preference) etc. There's some things where I think going specifically for neutrals is a good idea. Jackets and shoes are a great example. That way you don't feel like you are having to choose between have a put together look and warmth. But there's a lot more options for color then just gray. Maybe you would prefer a white jacket, or a beige one. Perhaps if your closet is highly curated, you would consider 'forest green' a neutral because it _will_ work with everything you have. Context is important.

[@katierobinson]

love!!!

[@codysmith3853]

Blazers were part of my secondary school uniform and I now associate them with one of the worst periods of my life so I refuse to buy them on principle lmao

[@katierobinson]

lmao this is always in the back of my mind too 💀 getting flashbacks to school every time I wear one

[@EmL-kg5gn]

Same!!! I’ve only had one since, I was beginning my first grown up job but I looked way too young so I was trying to look more mature. It was definitely giving schoolgirl on me 😭

[@alexabaxter6658]

I hated school but actually kind of liked the blazer, so I found a black one with some cute details. I'm pretty big so I can wear that, white shirt, tartan skirt, my beloved Chelsea boots, and look like an adult... from the 80s. While feeling like I'm trying to do Clueless.

[@FashionFun-n3f]

I 100% have a problem with the capsule wardrobe videos that only exist of the most bland black-white-grey-beige. It's so avoid of creativity and shows their lack of understanding colours. Such videos are not inspirational at all for people who look for help. It doesn't give them an idea what to do with e.g. that colourful folklore blouse from their grandma they like so much, and want to include in their capsule, which would show so much of their character!

[@katierobinson]

literally! I find it so uninspiring and just an excuse for people to buy more and for others to sell more under the guise of slimming down your wardrobe 🥹

[@xswtmiseryx07]

There are only a few capsule wardrobe creators who do color and one creator (Daria Andronescu) create capsule wardrobe from paintings.

[@annie-sc]

Idk if Ellena from *Ellena Hue* has capsule wardrobe content but she does color combinations and layering really well

[@anjalik1136]

Oh I hate it so much sure you can make many outfits with it but they all look the fucking same

[@xariexis]

I do not own a classic white t-shirt, I don't like t-shirts and especially not "crisp white," it washes me out and looks sooooo boring. There really isn''t a staple for everyone, and it's literally ridiculous that all of these "expert influencers" tell people they will find their personal style .... by wearing the same BASIC stuff like millions of other BASIC people. Wow. No.

[@annw7843]

I will say the issues brought up here seems much more about the issues of the popular marketing of capsule wardrobes rather then issues with the actual theory behind capsule wardrobes.

[@katierobinson]

definitely true, I think(?) I mentioned at the start that I'm not against the concept of capsule wardrobes if they're tailored to the person!

[@plumblossom44]

Social media is pushing homogeneity and people cannot analyse information and extrapolate to create their own style (fashion or otherwise). But I can't fault people too much when social media seems to be always trying to sell you something, whether it's a physical item or a community to feel connected to.

[@katierobinson]

v true!! in this case I think they're trying to sell a solution to the problem fast fashion has created of overwhelming us with choices and -cores, but in a way that doesn't actually tackle the problem just offers a quick fix!

[@angienicolehernandez104]

I love the energy on this video. It reflects how I feel about the quiet luxury/workwear/basic outfits. Like... no, I don't need that "essential", nobody does. Those capsule wardrobe essentials videos are so low effort imo, grab 5 trendy bottoms, 5 trendy tops and 5 trendy outwear pieces, make sure that you can find it all in your fast fashion store of preference, done.

[@katierobinson]

haha thank you, I've literally seen one too many of those videos and had a bone to pick clearly 😭

[@raraavis7782]

I hate capsule wardrobes and 'quiet luxury' with a passion. I mean, I do have wardrobe staples, that I wear over and over again. But even those aren't plain and boring. Why does your basic shirt have to be black or white?? Why not some color you love and that suits you. Most pants are black or grey, so it's not like pairing a colorful top is a problem. Why would I choose white of all colors? It stains easily and has to be washed separately. How does that make sense and *why* white? And when I dress intentionally for some occasion, I want to wear statement pieces. Whenever I see examples of those so called 'must haves', I'm getting SatC flashbacks. There's that scene, where Mr. Big complains about his 'perfect' wife Natasha (who was 'quiet luxury' personified, style wise) and says with utter desperation and contempt: 'Everything in my apartment is now *beige* '. And yes, I know, he was a total asshat for cheating on her, but that statement so resonated with me, I still remember it all those years later 😆.

[@katierobinson]

haha love this satc reference, I haven't watched it all but ive definitely seen this scene and remember laughing bc my parents house is the same and I hated it 😭

[@river1216]

Jeans are ALWAYS on the capsule wardrobe lists and I'm sorry but I hate them!! As a curvy girl jeans NEVER fit me right and I don't feel cute or put together wearing even a passably fitting pair! MY wardrobe essentials for bottoms are brown wide leg linen trousers and a white peasant skirt. If my wardrobe burned in a fire I would go out and repurchase both of those items IMMEDIATELY. But for other people those are super impractical! It really depends on your lifestyle.

[@ErinLastNameRedacted]

I hardly ever wear jeans. They’re not comfortable!

[@alexviolett]

I think there are several problems at hand here. 1) our wardrobe has to accommodate our current lifestyle. a SAHM with three kids cannot wear the same stuff as a corporate worker who goes to the office five times a week. 2) if some people love only neutral colors, that's fine. I just hate when it's being presented as "levelling up". Nope, for me cooler is one of the main tools in my wardrobe. And there are some "neutral" colors like warm beige/camel and olive green that I don't like because they don't suit my complexion. dressing in the colors that work for you is so much better. 3) dressing according to your body type is paramount. For me personally finding out about the Kibbe system was a game changer. I started dressing in a way that was comfortable for me and it shows so much that people give me compliments much more often now, even though I dress fairly casually! personally, I became immune to the trends thing after I revamped my wardrobe. I just stopped paying attention to the stuff that does not suit me or that I know I will be uncomfortable in. the only content creator I follow religiously at this point is Alyssa Beltempo. I think she pretty much nailed how to take all these external influences as inspiration rather than envy. I highly recommend everyone to check out her "shop your closet" videos! The way she explains her thinking behind recreating outfits of people who have different styles than hers is truly enlightening.

[@katierobinson]

literally that idea of "levelling up" with neutral clothing rather than colour triggers me lol

[@alexviolett]

@@katierobinson I think my issue with color is that I am neither a shoe nor accessories fanatic. like my shoes and bags are pretty basic. the only accessory I am sorta hung up on is earrings. hence I put a lot of weight into colors, especially for my tops. I have three belts only, I cannot make them the centre piece lol!

[@nonameface90]

Two thoughts. 1. I often wonder why folks are not asking themselves a basic, principal question before co-opting mindlessly someone's given instruction: what YOU are wearing? What YOU are feeling best/most comfortable in? What colors/cuts/styles YOU are gravitating towards? Before running mindlessly to the store to look like another beige greige clone because of someone's else endorsement about capsule wardrobe or essentials, please try to be honest with yourself and think before buying if these pieces are for you. For example, they are definitely not for me. I simply do not wear anything light coloured on the bottom - occasional white tshirt, but not those white/beige pants or skirts recommended, as size 14 UK, built like potato I simply do not feel okay wearing light colors, period, no matter of opinions of others, especially fashion influencers. Just please tailor essentials or capsule to you in the first place - I have my core wardrobe, partly bought, partly thrifted, that I can always rely on, especially with days of feeling particularly ugly. And for the fck's sake, NEVER buy things because someone else seems to look good in them and you think you will look the same. Just NO. 2. I can't help, but wonder sometimes if pushing those 'essential'/'must haves' is part of being desperate to be relevant in a way of 'setting trends' or 'being a style guru'. The attitude of a lot of beige greige girlies seems to confirm this, but I have zero desire to be a clone (besides that, I don't have their bodies, height, life and audacity to advertise/make particular aesthetic into 'essentials' term to influence others)

[@katierobinson]

exactly - basing your purchasing decisions on what works for someone else's lifestyle and aesthetic without questioning how it relates to yours is setting yourself up for major disappointment imo 🥴

[@EmL-kg5gn]

Beige greige clone genuinely made me laugh 😂 The rhyming is so perfect, why haven’t I heard it before? No hate to people that love minimal style. I just hate the way it’s being pushed on everyone and everything. Like beige greige halloween decor, it makes no sense 😭

[@FabulouslyMoni]

You nailed it with the “office wear” to other “non-office” places. That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling!

[@katierobinson]

if I learned one thing from the comments it's that white t-shirts are not the one item I *actually* thought were a universal basic, so I stand corrected 💀 love you all!

[@robinghoshal6771]

Just adding to the white t shirt hate lmao

[@santikadewi5090]

Me too.. as much as I want to wear it, it makes my upper body look broader in a weird way. And since I have a short torso, tucking it or letting it out is useless. The white shirt is not universally basic.

[@katierobinson]

update: the white t-shirt hate continues. I will be haunted by this comment until the day I die 😅

[@flonotflow]

@@katierobinson if it makes you feel better, I still like a white t-shirt. Until I spill spaghetti sauce on it. 🙄

[@artesiarastania5998]

For real, I feel like I am in the minority here because I love my collection of white t-shirts as I wear light colored clothes in general. I can see why people dislike it and agree with some of the comments here. Wear whatever looks good on you and makes you feel confident.

[@mauishopgirll]

I completely agree. Minimalist clothing groups and content often focus on capsule wardrobes and wardrobe apps. I do feel, for me personally, it can create more urges to consume, to try and find the perfect coat, t, etc. Also to have this highly functioning all pieces go together is a bar I don’t think I will ever achieve so it will keep me purchasing. It makes me focus way too much on clothes. A person could wear five to ten fantastic unique dresses or outfits to work and that works too. In fact in the 90s (I’m in my 50s), most of us probably didn’t have more than ten work outfits. Then we had weekend clothes and event clothes. Being unafraid to wear things or outfits you love is more the key for me than a perfect interchangeable capsule.

[@deskchair6047]

I despise a lot of these capsule wardrobes because they are just office and work wear … I don’t work in an office and I don’t want to look like I’m going to work when I’m out !

[@katierobinson]

literally same for me, I get that it works for some ppl but not everyone is in need of this style and it's wrong to push it as a universal basic!!

[@nataliet4293]

The funniest thing about capsule wardrobe essentials is that they're 90% statement clothing. The last 10% is like... The thing you wear under all the sheer clothing so you don't feel exposed.

[@akemishootsvideos]

I never comment on KZbin videos but I have to say - your videos and advice has changed my brain chemistry towards fashion. I considered myself to already be very sustainable/personal style conscious. But you've shown me how I was still being influenced into thinking I 'need' pieces that aren't my style at all! I've fallen back in love with playing with the wardrobe I have, and I love my style now. Thank you!!

[@katierobinson]

🥹 this is sooooo nice for you to say, tysm!!! makes me so happy that you're enjoying my videos and finding them useful 🫶

[@blueditto]

You can make a capsule wardrobe with your own style in mind. You don’t have to copy everyone else’s capsule wardrobes.

[@ArusBalasanian]

It’s funny because I have an hourglass figure and plain t shirt are too body and sloppy for me too lol

[@hammockmogul2422]

Nice video and great concept to discuss, I disagree with what you perceive as office wear and the style that "crept up" and is "normalized" you perceive these garments like work but this is how a lot of people dressed forever, not only for work, also not everybody wants to meet for brunch in a t-shirt, in fact I know people that don't own a t-shirt.... just proves your point even further.

[@katierobinson]

oh so interesting!! I guess because I've barely ever been in the workforce and even then in a very relaxed setting I've never really welcomed the idea of office wear into my wardrobe at all and it feels very rigid to me so I don't see how anyone would choose to wear it over a t-shirt 😅

[@barbb1672]

Agree! I own t-shirts but only as home wear or for gardening. When I leave the house I am almost always wearing a button down

[@katierobinson]

@@barbb1672 fair enough!!

[@glitterberserker1029]

The only tshirts I own were bought by my mom who can't grasp that I don't wear them. They never get worn outside the house and rarely get worn inside it.

[@kyrakytana]

This! I have never worked in an office environment that required blazers or other office staples, but blazers have been a wardrobe staple for me for the last twenty years, long before social media pushed the "old money" aesthetic down everyone's throat. While it's certainly overdone today, for some people it is a part of their personal style. I only own three pairs of jeans though, and neither of them are blue, so there is that.

[@Ggg-do8th]

I think the problems is that 99% of people think that capsule wardrobe is a bunch of neutral stuff that everyone have to wear when its supposed to be just a certain AMOUNT of clothes and accessories built around your preferences, STYLE, lifestyle etc. You could have wardrobe of outrageous bold bright stuff ever and still make it be capsule. So I feel like title of the videl is a bit misleading

[@bianca_gayle]

💯 agree 👍🏼

[@erintaft6887]

Lucy Moon had a fantastic video about this. (Titled something like failing or giving up a capsule wardrobe.) She said the most successful people are the ones who already have a ton of clothes that they can build a capsule out of. Opposed to those starting from the ground up. The first group already owns clothes they love whereas the second group doesn’t so they buy the items on the capsule essentials list. Then they end up hating their wardrobe and/or feeling inauthentic. I’m definitely guilty of buying into the trend the last time around and ended up with clothes I found boring or didn’t fit my lifestyle. (The suggestions were very workwear centered and I’m a much more casual person who wears scrubs for work.)

[@katierobinson]

totally makes sense that the influencers pushing this content already have big wardrobes they can make "basics" work with to make it less boring and more aspirational!

[@kikiTHEalien]

I really like that fashion cycles have been moving lightning fast for the past 3 years and we've essentially cycled through all possible styles and trends and at this point it's wear what you like, but let us show you how to build a coherent look by offerring you different items in the same style.

[@sheilakosoff5806]

What I also noticed about these “must haves” is the lack of understanding around color. I have purchased the white shirts either tshirts of Oxford version and they never looked fabulous. Which is what I am always going for. I tried wearing an ivory tank and it was a game changer. Also the type of fabric was also important to note. Some of these essentials were too boxy on me. It all resulted in a waste of money. Thanks for a sensible video.

[@GwendolynnBY]

when i first heard of the capsule wardrobe several years ago, the worksheet was all about you thinking about what clothes of your own you liked most - what you wore most, what was comfortable, what colors you liked and materials. I'm not surprised that it's devolved in social media, but that's definitely not what the capsule wardrobe originally was.

[@katierobinson]

oh interesting, I wish that message hadn't dropped out of today's content!!

[@weronikakuacz6919]

It’s all about trying to sell you not only certain items but an idea of „easy” - just buy those and you’ll be fine. Imo coming up with personal style isn’t easy - it also doesn’t have to be hard, but at least it takes time. And effort of consideration, „is it really for me, does this suit my lifestyle”. Easy fixes are a huge lie that serves no one in real life

[@weronikakuacz6919]

Also as a person who cannot for the life of me style white tshirt I would argue with the whole idea of agreeable pieces that would serve everyone

[@katierobinson]

yea it's this underlying idea of simplifying your wardrobe, making it easy to get dressed, but if you don't normally wear or gravitate towards these clothes and styles then you're gonna be even more lost / disappointed with your wardrobe!

[@Squishbiscuits]

“Quiet luxury” being the ONLY capsule wardrobe thing drives me CRAZY. I can’t tell you how long it took me to realize I will never wear heels, or gold jewelry, or fancy handbags. Wearing those things always just made me feel like I just walked out of a job interview.

[@katierobinson]

literally it just doesn't work for me 😮‍💨

[@Susieque963]

I’ve been seeing this narrative a lot lately. Why are we obsessed with personal style? It seems like a different side of the same coin; being consumed by clothes. Whether it be the “perfect” capsule wardrobe or believing clothes are our identity and the only way to be cool and have a personality is to have unique, colorful, and corky clothing. We just need to stop. We should wear clothes that make us feel good, but shouldn’t rely on them to project our personality. Let’s be honest “personal style” doesn’t exist. Clothes need to be taken of the pedestal all together.

[@raquel5401]

yes!!!!! I wear what I have, and it all suits the function I need for my lifestyle. I don't give a shit about personal style or trends or anything else. My clothes need to be practical and comfortable and easy to care for. That's it and that's all.

[@dinkovajessica]

I mean even a basic white T cannot be a universal wardrobe essential. I hate wearing white, and more than that, I don't even have a single basic T in general because I don't like this cut on me... So you were definitely right on the "there is no such thing as a universal wardrobe essential". )

[@ARareAndDifferentTune_13]

Ugh I hate white T’s too

[@upgrade101]

I'm *super* over people who only wear neutrals and basics trying to teach me about how to find my personal style or how to dress. Their take on timelessness (which I don't ascribe to) is to be completely devoid of personality, fun or whimsy. (For example, Anna Wintour's outfits - not my cup of tea per se - are timeless because she doesn't follow trends and you can't pinpoint or date when she wore something.) Not to mention, these creator's are still following a bloody trend! Be it minimalism, old money or quiet luxury 🤦🏾‍♀️😅😂 My hot take? Life's too short to wear boring clothes 😊

[@katierobinson]

exactly this, it's the fact that these videos often paint the items as the "absolute basics EVERYONE needs" and it's just like, no, some people don't need slacks or a grey thin cardigan 🙃 love the example of Anna Wintour, she definitely has a defined style that has spanned over decades and never really wavered despite working in the fashion industry!

[@ellaroseavery3694]

Lmao i have NEVER owned or liked blazers. Truly not for me, I actually rarely people wearing them outside of work, and yet- fashion internet is never ending pushing the blazer.

[@udo344]

I tried wearing white T-shirts. I bought them because of the capsule wardrobe videos. But I the end... I ever wore them (I'm a black T-shirt gal) 😅 😂 So I think even that is not an exception for the rule that not all the basics are for everyone ;) great video, highly agree with your points! Cheers from Poland ;)

[@katierobinson]

haha this seems to be the sentiment from a lot of people so not even white t-shirts are safe 💀 super interesting to me bc I truly did think it was the *one* universal item!

[@jogeller5731]

You have no idea what it’s like to be interested in fashion when you don’t live in the global north and you don’t experience the kind of weather that all these influencers build wardrobes around. Trenchcoats are the opposite of a “staple” for me, I barely even layer because I personally get hot really easily but even here that kind of long, sturdy coat to stay warm is very much not a necessity where I live.

[@juliasanford9502]

I am a statement piece as basics person. Everything I rewear constantly is prints and fun. Floral dresses, fun sweaters and cardigans, sweater socks. None of this capsule wardrobe advice includes that.

[@leastidyworld4365]

Really good video. I totally agree. I don’t even have a plain white Tee and I still get along. I just wanna wear what I love not what other people say I need. Little black dress? Not for me. I do like a white button up, though. And sweats. And Uggs (although I don’t own any).

[@MaddieKove]

I'm definitely a victim of.... idk... fashion trends? And I constantly feel like "oh, if I buy THIS piece, I'll finally be able to put together super cute outfits and feel happy about myself!" Of course, it never works. A lot of my problems in the fashion department definitely stem from me just being unhappy about my body...

[@MultiElodiee]

I feel you. As a plus size middle age woman, there are very few solutions. The styles that look good on younger and thinner bodies look awful on me. I’m therefore sticking to solid colours and natural fibers.

[@alexcoop8068]

I thrifted a couple plain button ups for a festival look and figured I'd wear it ALL THE TIME for layering and shit because it's such a basic but... it's simply not my style I've worn it once for my costume at the festival that now they've both been sitting in my closet rotting away for 9 months.

[@crisantema5672]

Yes! I love dressing very femme so I barely wear pants, I don’t like jeans (on me) and wouldn’t wear them. Same with the white t-shirt, it’s too simple and modest for me. I want to be a diva in all situations lol

[@katierobinson]

haha love this for you, diva is a brilliant style choice 🙂‍↕

[@margheritabattistella]

Same. I always wear (mostly colorful) dresses and I rarely wear a skirt. I never wear pants, I never wear jeans (I hate them) and I never wear plain white t-shirts (they're boring and my skin is pretty fair). Dresses are classy and comfortable, and I love matching them to the jewellery, the make up and the scarf I wear. I stopped caring about trends and I only wear what I love and what suits me, there's nothing better than a colorful flowing dress!

[@solenebouysse5322]

I use seasonal capsule wardrobes for a few years now but they are quite colorful and fun. I have bought very few basics at the beginning because I didn’t know my personal style yet and now they are all gone 🤣 I don’t wanna hear advice on styling basics by these people. Even with all the styling in the world they are still so boring to me. 😅 I agree this is the worst thing for personal style and I don’t believe anything is timeless. And also this is a bit nonsense. Their point is that they always want to be ‘on trend’ but they still want to have personal style. How is that possible ? This seems nonsense to me. You can not be at the same time on trend and have a style identity. Because one is supposed to change often and the other to be constant.

[@katierobinson]

literally the paradox of being on trend and still dressing like you 💀 you can't have both!!

[@katierobinson]

ok maybe you can sometimes with certain trends but not with *every* trend!!

[@Therina83]

I agree with this sentiment. An "essential wardrobe item" for me is a camel coat. I don't like the color camel and a full coat in that specific color would absolutely not fit into my wardrobe. I prefer a cocoa heathered brown instead and I wear that color the same way someone would wear camel. Another "essential wardrobe item" I actually bought into was a leather moto jacket. I literally NEVER reach for it.

[@DragonriderEpona]

This video really makes want to make a video on how to actually build a capsule wardrobe. 😭😭 The idea is that you can combine and layer, so you're can face the weather without feeling miserable 😭😭 Why can't these girls and women not keep it simple by saying like: "get 3 pair of trousers that fit you well and make you feel comfortable. You can wear the same pair of jeans a whole week. Get some tops/undershirt for very hot weather than can be also used as undergarment, when it is cooler. Get some T-shirts/shirts/blouses that can be layered over those tops/undershirts that you like and look well with your trousers. Make sure to get natural fibres like cotton and linen, so you won't sweat in basically pastic bags." And so on. You can give examples what you like but being so oddly specific makes them look like fashion magazines on their "what's trendy" pages...

[@katierobinson]

all such good, customisable advice!

[@DragonriderEpona]

@@katierobinson thank you 🥺♡

[@EmL-kg5gn]

Okay I’m taking notes! This is super helpful, thank you!!!!

[@vannaz6500]

Agree. My city is quite a place you just can't wear trench coat, it's rainy, hot, and damp

[@samrose5664]

So true! Nobody needs the same pieces and no one has the same style so I don’t like when they say “ this is what you need” because it’s not truth, we’re all different. I was looking too formal following their instructions when my style is romantic so I realized I was crazy 😂😂 not anymore.

[@katierobinson]

literally!!

[@elisecccccccc]

I think wardrobe basics are going to be different for everyone. At it's core it's just the base of what you build your outfits off of, so the best way to figure it out is to pay attention to (maybe even track or journal) what clothes you reach for every day or all the time for common occasions. When you reach for that item, do you feel it's lacking in some way but reach for it anyways? Do you find times where you are trying to put together an outfit and you consistently are reaching for an item that's already dirty or wishing you had a specific piece to wear with a bunch of different outfits? Those are probably your basics and might be a good time to try to find a more suitable piece or purchase multiples. I also like to look at macro-trends. I know you have mentioned this before but anything that is like a pants silhouette you gravitate to or a shoe that you gravitate to. What other items look good on you with those items you always wear? That's how I think you can build a capsule wardrobe that fits you, but the base of that should not be new items. It should be the clothes you already wear consistently. Edit: also just came back to say leather pants as a basic is craaaazy. Those are like the least practical pants lol

[@flonotflow]

Could not agree more. A trench coat years ago was something I could use when I worked in business. Now it would just hang it my closet for eternity. And leather pants? No. I think the key is to find some basics you like and work for you and build from there.

[@katierobinson]

definitely, finding *your* basics is the best step!!

[@raquel5401]

Nobody needs leather pants, period, or any other trending/fashionable item. Need is a ridiculous term to use for most fashion. The only true need is to be covered up so you aren't running around town naked.

[@marineb9666]

There is no such thing as an essential item for your wardrobe that would work universally for everyone 🤷‍♀️ The items these tik toks show are almost only things I don't wear, and it's always black and white and grey, it's sad to see loads of these everywhere. For me, a yellow shirt is an essential, because I love yellow. I wouldn't advise thousands of people to have a yellow shirt. But I still like the capsule wardrobe idea, you just have to make ot fit yourself, your style, your personality, your way of life... Mine is full of greens and yellows, it works for me. But I lacked some basics to make it all work together, and these videos enabled me to realize that, so now I have a beige t-shirt and a beige shirt 🤷‍♀️ Really, just take what works for you

[@JulieEmilieM]

My wardrobe is really basic and minimal, and I find myself looking for a "perfect" white t-shirt all the time, and just not really wanting to wear it, when it is in my wardrobe.. I have found other types of short-sleeved tops fit better into my whole aesthetic, and that is just one way of figuring out that my personal style was peeping through. My sister has found a really clever way of minimising her wardrobe with her personal style in mind. She has way too much clothes, and is sorting through it with the mindset of "I only use this, when my faves aren't clean" so slowly, her clothes move from one side of the closet to the other as she wears it. That is pretty inspiring.

[@katierobinson]

oooh I love your sister's system, might take that advice myself!!

[@ambds1975]

I think I am actually allergic to 6 of the '7 classic pieces every woman needs in her wardrobe' or whatever. If you see me in tailored trousers, a blazer, and a 'crisp white button shirt,' I definitely got caught in a sudden rainstorm and had to borrow clothes from a passing Harvard professor.

[@amapola9202]

I think the workwear/blazer has its place outside the corporate world as just cool styling pieces. I’m the kind of person who loves a blazer just for the everyday, I’ve never had a super corporate job and instead have worked at creative offices where the dress code is much more relaxed and casual. I still choose to wear blazers and make them more casual with jeans and more informal skirts. What I think is lacking a lot of the time is the personal touches. I don’t own a single solid color blazer, they all have some kind of pattern or colorful detail or details on the construction that make them more unique to what I like. My favorite blazer is an oversized black one that has pink, red, green and yellow appliqués in the shape of different animals and love hearts. It might sound like a deranged combo but it is one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever owned and one that feels truly like myself. Accessorizing is also important, I wear brooches with almost all my blazers. I also love having variety of silhouettes so half the blazers I own are oversized and the other half are tailored/more cinched to the waist. I truly believe you can make even the most boring and basic piece of clothing unique and fun with your own personal touches, which is what this lists are always lacking.

[@katierobinson]

definitely agree if this is your vibe it's super cool! and 100% on your second point - style is literally all in the details and personal touches, I don't like my outfit until I have my rings and necklaces and earrings on!! the blazer you described sounds soooo cool, I might like blazers if I had one like this 😅

[@BeastlyChowder]

Oh my gosh I had a blazer and I NEVER wore it bc I just look so WEIRD in blazers. There is nothing less “me” than structured manly jacket with shoulder pads. I’m very curvy with boobs. Same with “crisp white button-ups”. I just learned about kibbe body types and figured out my body type needs waist definition and rounded lines. And yes, no one talks about pit stains on white shirts. They’re ruined after one wearing. Thank you for bringing that up.

[@MultiElodiee]

Trenches are for Inspector Gadget… And the Oxford shirts are just a pain to maintain 😢

[@sashagoodall]

Amen sister. Fashion has become so regimented. This is actually how I have been feeling.. I find KZbin fashion influencers & their preachy lists quite funny. I have been influenced by so many new looks which have made my taste slightly not my own complete personal style. I only thrift so these are not expensive misssteps.

[@katierobinson]

I feel like with tiktok especially it's become so normal to wear exactly what everyone else is, why aren't we questioning if that's a good thing??

[@rebekapina1947]

I agree with you. Everybody has their own wardrobe staples, and I think that if they swap them for someone else’s then they’ll always feel like they’re missing something.

[@hermenegildakociubinska6665]

Oh yeah, I totally need wool insulated (= appropriate well below °C) suede (dry weather only) booties in Southern England. Time to pop my wellies in the bin and buy a pair of Uggs that I'll be comfortable wearing maybe 3 days in a year.

[@jillianprociuk4712]

I'm literally, As I'm Watching This Video, bent over the tub washing an alpaca sweater for the second time this week because I wore a hand cream and the sweater absolutely absorbed the smell so I feel the "no time to wash a cashmere jumper" thing on a spiritual level but in the opposite way. My mom will put wool stuff through the wash and just hope it doesn’t shrink and I'm literally massaging this stupid sweater

[@katierobinson]

💀💀 I washed my own knit sweater this morning and it took a good 20 minutes + a big arm workout 😅 it's not for the weak

[@Anindeterminateamountofbees]

10:06 eh I’d disagree with that. If I owned a white t shirt I would never wear it because the SECOND I wore it anywhere I would get a stain on it and then it would become a pajama shirt or smthn. I’ll stick to black tshirts and graphic tees lol

[@barbiebunnybakery1896]

I am voting against a plain white t shirt 😅 I once had to buy one for a photo shoot and I NEVER wore it again. I just feel frumpy and too busty in it. I can get behind a white tank top though 💜

[@ThuTran-el4hv]

I hate white T shirts with a burning passion lol. Def not my staple😂

[@nellivilhelmiina]

I definitely love my athleisure (that’s what I wear at home, on walks, when going to training, playing with my son etc), but I also wear button-ups daily for work and ”office looks” (but make them fun) are my personal style even before I worked at an office. I wear that stuff on my free time as well meeting friends etc. It’s just some people style. 😅 but selling that style as essential I can’t agree with.

[@katierobinson]

exactly, if it works for you and your life then it works! just wish we could have these videos say that everyone's look is different and you need to consider what will work for you before buying a whole bunch 🫢

[@barbb1672]

Ha, I disagree on the white t-shirt! Not a staple for everyone, I don’t own a single one because white washes me out horribly

[@katierobinson]

haha fair enough! they also always inevitably get pit stains so I do find them a bit annoying but love the look for me!

[@kyrakytana]

You are absolutely right about how many of these "wardrobe staples" are things that are trendy right now. Compare a capsule wardrobe today and five years ago. Half of the "staples" will be different. "Essentials" will be different from creator to creator as well, and I would like to add that absolutely noone should call something as polarizing as Uggs an essential for everybody. Some items that might work in one climate won't work in another. You need to consider lifestyle as well. Some items just don't work on certain body types. Something like an universal capsule wardrobe just doesn't exist, and advertising certain items as essentials will just make people buy more stuff they don't need and will never wear.

[@katierobinson]

definitely want to do a quick follow up where I compare wardrobe essentials from 5 / 10 / 15 years ago to see what's changed!

[@AlexHider]

Yeah my basics are very un_basic. I look like a sheet of paper in a beige get up, in grey I look like I’m going to my first job interview and in black I look funeral bound. It just cannot be distilled like that.

[@katierobinson]

literally hate myself in grey / beige, and it took me ages to notice that because I was seeing tiktok advice saying they're universally flattering and wondering why I didn't like myself in them still!!

[@AlexHider]

@@katierobinson the cut and material matter a lot too, sometimes a sexy texture can almost distract you from the boringness of the item

[@ThunderPrincess2500]

My biggest learnings on building a better wardrobe was to start by figuring out how I spent my time and then what I REALISTICALLY wear for each activity. I started with every hour in the week and figured it put by percentages. If I only dress up for less than 5% of my time, how much dressy stuff do I need??? Like, one dress. I realized I spent 40% of my time cycling or skiing. So 40% of my wardrobe is now sports attire. Time is the key.

[@kikiursalone]

Nothing is an essential to everyone except things that maintain your clothing, as mentioned, and undergarments but those too, the type will vary based on your needs and preferences! Thank you Katie and God bless! ❤

[@rosethorn0232]

A THOUSAND TIMES YES!! Whenever you look up capsule wardrobes 90% of them are this same style, I just gave up looking for any other style. I'm actually really into the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but the vast majority of people are doing it the exact same way, with items that many of them later admit they don't actually like and never wore! 🤦‍♀️ I think there are 3 really important things you need to know before you ever buy anything, and those are: your personal color palette (or just which colors you like the best), your body type, and your aesthetic. If you don't know these things, close your wallet and delete every shopping site from your phone because you're gonna end up buying all kinds of things you will absolutely regret.

[@katierobinson]

ooh love that tip, agree that knowing these things before you buy anything is much more likely to end in success!

[@bianca_gayle]

Capsule wardrobes are different to "wardrobe essentials" . A capsule wardrobe is when you use what you already have to create multiple outfits. For Eg, 3 x tops, 2 x pants, 1 x outerwear, where they all work together. Then you can build on that. Wardrobe essentials are the current influence at the moment, giving capsule wardrobes a bad rap. Great video!

[@randomfanaccount5061]

As someone who's style is alternative, basically all of these 'basics' feel like the exact opposite of my style and who I am. If I had bought all of these pieces at the beginning of my style journey, it would've taken me so much longer to figure myself out

[@vitoriaaliciapivetta6930]

This kind of capsule is so unreal for me, because where I live dont have winter, just summer, so I dont need winter clothes.

[@vtop1c]

I spent pretty much my entire life being unable to afford 99% of the things I want, so whenever I had money I never wanted to spend it on anything basic. Now at 31 y.o. my closet is like 80% really funky, unique pieces that kind of naturally morphed into my own kind of style, and most of them have been in my closet for years. Some of them I bought like 10 yrs ago and suddenly see as the "top trendy piece of the season", which always makes me giggle.

[@missmatti]

I actually do not want to own a white t-shirt 😂 that item for me was one of those basics I felt I “should” have for ages.

[@Lovelycreature777]

I love your fashion takes!!!

[@heidi1000]

I also agree that the typical capsule wardrobe doesn't work for everyone and their lifestyle. I am a pre-k teacher and wouldn't wear cashmere sweaters around children. I need washable clothing! 😂 My style is cottage-core mixed with vintage and I wouldn't even wear most of those things they listed. I don't own a white T-shirt and rarely wear jeans. With my body type, I actually look good in tailored work pieces (and can pull off a 40's vintage suit) but like you said, I wouldn't wear it to the grocery store. I think the world needs a variety of styles. It makes the world more interesting and vibrant. And once we understand our own style we can build a wardrobe that really speaks to us. 😀

[@katierobinson]

could just imagine the carnage that would be a cashmere sweater around children 💀 literally your last point around the world needing variety - im so sick of seeing the same look and aesthetic every time I go on tiktok or see people who clearly watch tiktok out on the street! why are we all trying to dress exactly like each other 😭

[@Kelbel5995]

You've really hit the nail on the head with this one, and I love that you individually broke down why all of these "essentials" don't work for you. It's absolutely what everyone should be doing when they consider what to buy. Know yourself, know your likes and dislikes, and know what your lifestyle is, *realistically.* And, crucially, accept those things, instead of buying for some fantasy of a life or personality or body you don't have.

[@katierobinson]

aw ty for watching!! honestly I do think everyone should have the same critical approach when they're being sold something that works for everyone, it's just common sense not to think this person knows you or your life 😅

[@sheilahamida]

I agree with you that these “everyone should have these wardrobe essentials “ content doesn’t work, but I disagree with the idea you can’t use workwear for casual events. I personally spend most of my life in an office as a 9-5er but I also don’t have that much money to have a separate wardrobe for weekend, so I make both work and it’s possible! It’s been the most sustainable and cost efficient wardrobe for me

[@katierobinson]

completely fair enough!!! as someone who doesn't have an office life it doesn't suit me and I guess I find frustration in the fact that a lot of outfit inspo on tiktok feels too formal, but for others it must be so useful to see ways of repurposing your work uniform / dressing it down for weekends etc! 🫶