What’s a Streamlined Wardrobe and how does it differ from a Capsule Wardrobe?

A Streamlined Wardrobe is simply one that has been made simpler so is more efficient and effective. Some refer to us as a Curated Wardrobe. A Capsule Wardrobe is usually a prescribed number of pieces that can be interchanged over a certain season. I tend to prefer to use the term Streamlined as it can be less restrictive, making it easier to incorporate different aspects of a client’s lifestyle and elements that they love rather than simply need. Both share the same ethos that less is more and create a wearable, effortless wardrobe of clothes. They can both help you to create a functional, easy wardrobe which works together.

Both are made up of wardrobe essentials tailored to your unique colour, style and requirements to create a collection of perfectly interchangeable pieces that work for you.

Brief History

A Capsule Wardrobe is not a new concept, in fact it was first coined in the 1940s to denote a small collection of garments designed to be worn together which harmonized in color and line. It was then developed by Susie Faux in the 970s who defined it as a collection of a few essential items of clothing that do not go out of fashion and can be added to with key seasonal pieces. In 1985 the designer Donna Karan released a capsule collection of seven interchangeable work-wear pieces.

How big should my wardrobe be?

Published challenges and processes for creating Capsule Wardrobes range from anywhere from 10 to 50 pieces. Personally I think putting a numerical number on a wardrobe can be unhelpful and restrictive, as it completely depends on individual preference and needs. To me it’s the ethos behind both that is more important than a set amount of pieces- less items, intentional purchases, purposeful shopping, more joy! Capsules are a great starting point if you need to start from scratch in your wardrobe because of changes in your size or lifestyle. You may require individual Capsules for different aspect of your lifestyle, for example one for work, one for home and one for your social life. They can be completely separate or the pieces can crossover, it’s whatever you prefer- your wardrobe, your rules!

Benefits

The focus is on quality rather than quality, because inevitably the fewer clothes we have, the more often we’re going to wear every item. So you need to buy the best quality you can afford and take good care of them.
Less items, means less space is required to store them.
It save you time getting dressed as you know you know that items will always go together and you’ll always be able to create an outfit with ease.
You won’t feel the need to shop constantly or feel overwhelmed when doing so as you will have a clear plan and will give more consideration to the pieces your are buying, saving you money.
You’ll spend less time deciding what to wear as you’ll feel organised, reducing Decision Fatigue.
You will be able to create more outfits from less pieces, rather than set pieces that you can only wear one way.
By giving more consideration to what you buy and why, you’ll be able to create a more defined style.

Minimalism and Sustainability

Not only does streamlining your wardrobe have obvious benefits to us as individuals, but the principle is intertwined with the concept of minimalism by not owning excessive items of clothing. By having less and wearing it more, we are reducing are consumption and therefore the effect on the environment.

Can a Capsule reflect my personality?

Often when people imagine a capsule, they envisage one made up of very neutral colours and classic style pieces, this is because it makes it easier to mix and match than incorporating different colours and styles. But this is not right for everyone. The most important thing is that we are comfortable in our clothes, both in terms of physical comfort but also psychologically that the clothes we choose feel like us and reflect our personality. It is possible to create a Capsule using different base colours, the key is a palette that co-ordinates and works with each other, as well as a consistent aesthetic to ensure all the pieces work together. Below are some examples of Capsule Wardrobes that I have created for client’s who have very different personal styles: