Why I'm giving up the traditional capsule wardrobe!

[@4mydearlady]

Thank you for your honesty! I also tried a capsule wardrobe for over year and I ended up modifying "rules" to fit my needs. Minimalist wardrobes carry a lot of benefit but there are many others like you who fell off the wagon for various reasons. One, minimalist wardrobes seems to be designed for people who work in an office or for people who are always interviewing for office jobs, not someone who works in other fields, works from home, or is a stay at home mom. I bought a dark blazer because fashion "experts," bloggers, book and KZbinrs claim that it is a must-have wardrobe staple. It's been over a year and I haven't needed or wanted to wear it once. I have a number of items I spent good money on that are like that. I adopted a capsule minimalist wardrobe to wear more of my clothes, not less. Second, the other thing that's problematic about capsule wardrobes - the ones that are touted in blogs, books, articles, KZbin - is that they all seem to flatter slender women. I say this as a slender woman myself who has heavier family members and friends. Women who are over a size 12 deserve to have a functional wardrobe that saves them money too! Three, few minimalist capsule wardrobes advocate color, pattern, styles such as bohemian, hippie, goth, shabby chic, Mori Kei, granny chic, etc. The minimalist look that is heavily touted is preppy, Parisian, office chic, or just plain. The rules dictate that expressing too much style, pattern, and color will draw attention to the fact that you're wearing the same items. So? Studies prove that even people who don't adopt a capsule wardrobe tend to wear the same things often anyway and those items may be a band shirt, a bohemian maxi skirt, or a lace shirt in turquoise. Minimalism is still a great movement because the fundamental lesson is to build a wardrobe of pieces that actually fit and can be mixed and matched. The message is to buy less and live the events of your life instead of indulging in retail therapy. However, minimalism won't catch on the way it should if the strict rules aren't modified to fit a wider variety of people. Sorry for the book. Great video!

[@selina5598]

Absolutely. I wrote about that last year on my blog but you've summed it up so well. I really like the concept of a capsule in theory but the items itself have to be different depending on the person. The first point is one of the best and should be considered always when trying to create a wardrobe, let alone a capsule. The third point is so relevant to me and to so many people and really I think one of the absolutely main reasons as to why people like me just can't keep it up in this manner. And I agree, that it really doesn't matter if people do tend to have staple pieces even if it's not minimalist and it doesn't matter if everyone notices that you wear the same stuff and over anyway

[@clairethemom]

I totally get it. Life is short - be wise and sustainable, like you are - but have some fun with color, texture, design, and the sheer joy of being young and pretty.

[@Theuniverseguru]

I love your comment. So true.

[@rawlawgirl]

i have maintained a capsule wardrobe long before the name became popular. I find that having tons of clothes only adds to my t burden of getting dressed EARLY in the morning. I have always been an early morning prompt person and spending time looking for the right outfit for the office is not something I like. I have also learned that a true wardrobe, for me, is about quality, over quantity. I no longer buy cheap clothes. Fewer pieces that last longer is my msntra now. Plus, while I am a former very tall model, I have never believed fashion should define me. As such, I put more energy into my health and internal beauty, which means clothes are just accessories and not my mail source of appeal and style.

[@tracey3167]

I think a fluid capsule wardrobe is exactly what we need----as in life, we need to be flexible, but not chaotic, disciplined but not rigid. I love all your videos and your approach to minimalism in wardrobe and home design. Thank you for being so thoughtful and helping us minimalists achieve structure with balance. Love and hugs.

[@justineleconte]

I understand both points of view, though accessories and shoes really increase the number of possible combinations...

[@mariabarnes9197]

Justine Leconte officiel, so true but what about when the fashion changes? You've got 4 pair of skinny leg jeans, but then boyfriend or wide leg jeans become "fashionable", so that even if you wanted to replace say a worn out pair of jeans, all you can find is what's current. Also how and when do you introduce new pieces into your wardrobe either because they're needed or you're bored?

[@citizenjoevotes]

I feel the same! I am keeping the core ideals, but not the very strict piece count. This is such a great video, thanks!

[@ivanajukicgloban6627]

I love your aproach now,6 year later.I love how you save some items that you don't wear currently,but you still love them and that you shop your own closet,i.e.stored items and switch things a bit.It's approach so unique,I don't see it with other youtubers.And is very ecological and sustainable because you don't throw the item just because you dont't wear it at the moment...just to by a similar items few seasons leater.

[@missolona]

Thank you for your video! It is clear what you are meaning and I totally agree with you. It is not easy to keep on track and more, as you said, we chance our minds and that is great! Thank you from Italy

[@jeannefox9535]

Thanks for a lovely video. Like you and many others having a capsule wardrobe has been a great experience and a very good way for me to reduce my spending and improve my quality of live and my clothes. For me it has been a stepping stone away from the chaos of an over full closet and impulse shopping. However I'm a very creative person and missed colour and pattern in my wardrobe way too much. Anyone who has tried to introduce these two elements into their capsule soon realise how tricky it is to get everything to mix and match and work together. I also like different silhouettes which can limit the combinations you can make. So my solution has been to increase my capsule to around 50 items and to make sure that my Wildcard items (Colour, pattern, silhouette) can be warn with at least 5 other items in my closet. I also swap items in and out of my closet as and when I need to, instead of waiting for the end of my capsule season (4 seasons instead of two work better for me ). If I find that I'm not wearing something as much as I thought I would I either recycle it, gift it or pack it away for next year/season. I don't wait till the end of the cycle to review my items I do this throughout each 3 month cycle. This has helped me keep things fresh and interesting.

[@tvsma]

This is the first of your videos I have ever seen and right away I fully agree with you. I have not done the Project 333/capsule wardrobe not because I have too many clothes or want too many clothes, but because I get bored with monochromatic clothing. Black, white, and gray do not look particularly good on me (my skin tone makes me an "autumn"), and most capsule wardrobes seem to be built around those colors. I also like color and prints and neck scarves (I live in Florida, so not talking about scarves for warmth so much, but accent pieces). And I work, so all/most casual clothing does not work for me, either. Your approach makes a lot of since, and I look forward to following you. Subscribed.

[@Fancynancytv]

I've failed the capsule wardrobe all the times I've tried it. Some of us just want to be more creative and less structured in life :)

[@selina5598]

Me too. I can just about manage it but not for long and I cant give up colour and pattern so it looks like a jumble sale anyway over here

[@jennybanana2296]

Do whatever makes you happy ⭐️

[@bkzification]

Every month I pick 5 new 'jokers' to add to my season's capsule. It brings something new in. I hope this works for you!

[@beulahbix502]

I have a whole lot of respect 4 you right now. Admiting what's "in" 4 others is not quit correct 4 yourself. Thank you 4 sharing.

[@eileenobrien9153]

I'm so inspired by this video! My "fall capsule" is making me a little bit bored because I want to get out some shorts and wear the with tights and stuff but then that takes a slot away from something else in my 34 pieces so this fluid approach is exactly the idea I needed to hear! Thank you :)

[@louise-yo7kz]

Eileen O'Brien just do you

[@Thebubblesshop]

Thanks for your honest opinion! I went through the same thing and still it was worth to try once. I've learned a lot about myself, my style and my shopping habit. If I didn't do capsule wardrobe I probably would have kept shopping stupidly and wasted a lot of money 😉

[@lumay1966]

I love this! I've struggled with having a capsule wardrobe in spite of having a rather minimal wardrobe. Like you, I feel that it's a bit too limiting and staid.

[@autumnespresso]

This is the problem I have too with the whole capsule concept, as much as I like the idea of it.. But I guess it's also a matter of where you live, sometimes it gets pretty cold during summer and I am someone who doesn't like to dress just for the season, I dress for the weather we actually have.. But I am still trying to minimize my wardrobe, so it has really just items in it that I actually like and wear. I really like your approach, I have been binge watching some of your videos! :) Greetings from Germany!

[@VeryRedBlonde]

Thanks for sharing. It's not messy at all, I feel exactly like you, and that's why I'm not "there" (strict capsule). a bit of variety is needed ;) looking forward to watch your next capsules :) x

[@mariabuiga5942]

This video is the reason why i'm starting to follow your channel and blog, i've been wanting to try a capsule wardrobe for a while, but i always feel like i would need a fun, slightly unusual outfit every now and then and no standard capsule leaves room for that. But i would like to be more minimal and systematic about shopping, so thank you for sharing and talking about both sides of the capsule wardrobe.

[@psylettagilroy]

I totally support minimalism and I find myself narrowing my wardrobe down over and over for various reasons, but I don't think you have to box yourself in. You also make a GREAT point about buying ONLY what you will use. I have wasted so much money getting things that don't really work for me whether it be the way that they look or feel, which is extremely important due to a medical condition that I have. My lifestyle IS pretty static, so I don't really "need" a lot of different styles, but I still want to look and feel cute. Thanks so much for this video!

[@mercedeslopez2655]

Thank you so much for your wardrobe capsule ideas because they really helped me a lot for my holiday clothing. It made it easy for me to choose and match and I was happy with what I wore😚

[@simoneb.1179]

I totally get your point. I too have my basics .. like my blacks, whites, greys and stripes etc but I also like to throw in some fun pattern here and there. Overall I try to have less and use what I have to mix and match. There is definitely a struggle at times because I do like a lot of stuff but I just want to keep it more simple :)

[@Piddeaux]

Try this. If you have room in your closet leave all your clothes in it year round. Sort everything by tops/bottoms/skirts/trousers. Then sort by color. Then sort each color by type Knits--long sleeves short sleeves; woven fabrics, short sleeve, long sleeve etc. With this system you can see everything at a glance. You can dress for the weather whatever it might be. Of course leave out "special occasion" clothes. This makes sorting the things you don't wear easier as well. Makes styling an outfit ever so much easier. I haven't come up with a system for shoes though.

[@hfs7274]

This video was certainly not messy. The points you mentioned were both logical and useful tips. Thanks.

[@Pamplemusa]

A bit of fun and color, that's it! It's possible and I would follow you doing so. I'm trying to do it as well.

[@chelseagirl878]

I agree with you one hundred percent. I love the idea of simplicity...in all facets of life. But when it becomes almost legalistic in its approach, simplicity is no longer present. You’ve articulated your point of view well and I agree with it.

[@elle.blanchard]

I think you have a great take on it!

[@Ohmajor]

Love your advice! Definitely agree let it fit your life

[@pripridrapri]

I feel the same! I still love the minimalist approach but after a year i'm starting to get bored with my capsules

[@dogie1070]

KonMarie method could be fun to try for your wardrobe selections. (You've probably already heard of her, but just in case you haven't...)

[@sarahagedorn2987]

Jeg kunne høre, at du var dansker lige med det samme! :D Desuden er jeg meget enig med dig - livet er for kort til en klassisk capsule wardrobe.

[@girlbossplan256]

Bless you.👃

[@cadaver6665]

Does anyone have any suggestions for bloggers/vloggers who have executed the capsule in a more creative/colourful/fun way than usually suggested? I aim to own as little as possible. I do like classic pieces as well, but I don't wear jeans, grey, striped tops etc. My problem is that I really love bright colours and patterns that don't necessarily work together. I don't want to give up on pretty stuff!

[@manycallmemom8406]

Your hair looks pretty parted on the side!

[@julijakeit]

Indeed, CP (capsule wardrobe) is not for everyone. It requires very good knowledge of what colors, hues and shades suit your undertone, what cuts fit the face and body shape, what materials and how they are made guarantee quality. CP creators have their own style that doesn't change much and is hardly influenced by trends - a feature that is not/no longer nurtured by the ever changing fast consumerism. CP also needs a lot of planning and demands financial discipline for those on a budget. For me, CP is mostly about awareness of the impact of clothing industry and I would like to share some facts about it - clothing industry is the second largest polluter after the oil industry, fast brands employ 3rd world country children and adults under chemically and socially dangerous conditions, pay meager salaries and don't care of the chemical spills from their factories. By being more conscious of where and by whom my clothing items were made and what materials and chemicals were used I partially contribute for the better conditions of the ones in need. Not all famous brands guarantee quality or durability any more and some fast brand items can be of good materials and last longer if they are properly taken care of. But for someone who is not sure about what they like the most or like experimenting, capsule wardrobe will result in buying more useless stuff.

[@sumi4210]

you can do what you want

[@MJ_Solo]

I don't think a capsule wardrobe is necessarily the most practical move for most people. If you live in a climate with 4 seasons, or say, have two jobs or something, which is the case for me, you're really not gonna have much room for nuance.

[@patriciaesguerragalan4963]

Valid points! Absolutely be flexible. On another note, I suggest doing away with the background music. I don't think it's necessary and can be distracting :-)

[@hangvan3205]

have sb told you that you look like Saoirse Ronan? You both are effortlessly beautiful

[@sherryseher7736]

You seem to be trying to rigidly follow someone else's idea of a what a capsule wardrobe is with exact stops and starts as to when to wear various items. Your wardrobe has to work for you, not someone else's idea of it. I have what I consider to be a transitional capsule wardrobe, based upon the temperatures and seasons as they fluctuate. Recently , in one week, we've gone from days in the 70's to highs in the 30's with snow, all in one week ! So a rigid capsule concept of it's Spring, so switch over to all shorts, when it's snowing outside would be ridiculous ! That is not the fault of a capsule, but rather someone else's arbitrary idea of what a capsule wardrobe is and how to implement it ! It should be based primarily on coordinating colors, whether those colors are on turtleneck sweaters or on halter tops. Several small coordinating clusters of 5-12 pieces each, with neutral basics and varied accent colors and styles in fabrics appropriate to current outside conditions can provide the variety and function you obviously desire ! Do what you know is right for you, but please don't put capsule wardrobes into the concept of rigid stops and starts because it doesn't have to be that way, and is not the purpose or definition of a capsule wardrobe. Nor is it all black, white, and gray, as I see many people on KZbin suggesting that is what it should be !

[@cindybare1]

I like how you described it.

[@HanhNguyen-hm6jj]

Love this! You should try a capsule wardrobe app like Glamoutfit (glamoutfit.com). I plan my outfits on the app and realized how much combination I have with just a few key pieces :)