An Intro to Capsule Wardrobes
The Classic Capsule Style
With simple living gaining popularity, even amongst the most complex of people, capsule wardrobes are also becoming more sought after. Our founder, Amber Duncan, recently wrote a blog post about one of her favorite reads: The Art of Essentialism by Greg McKeown. One of the major points in this book is that the pursuit of less allows us to reclaim control of daily choices by freeing us up to refocus on the things that really matter.
Your wardrobe shouldn't stress you out, nor should it monopolize your time or your space. Capsule wardrobes aim at having the exact opposite effect of those things. Capsule, by definition, means "a small case or container". So, a capsule wardrobe is meant to be a smaller wardrobe made up of more timeless pieces. When you think of the things in life that bring emotions of stress and indecisiveness, most times those things are complex, messy, and big. But do we let our wardrobes get messy and overwhelming? I think this type of "more, more, more" mentality exists, in our shopping habits at least, that influences us to over-buy and begin to hoard clothes that we don't even really wear or need. I believe that this mentality ultimately has its roots in fear. Fear of missing out or even fear of not being prepared. Fear of missing out on trends, fear of missing out on what we think is "latest and greatest". We also unnecessarily shop for the maybes: that fur coat for the one trip to Alaska that we've always wanted to take, that tight-fitting dress for when we lose those 10 pounds.
The truth is, the clearer that each of us can get about the style that suits us best, the better off we are. And if you're in your 30s, 40s, or even 50s and still don't feel a sense of clarity on that topic, don't worry. Our team of stylists can help you think that through, commit to it, and start to introduce you to new brands and styles that are in alignment with it. Although, that's not to say that you can't shift to a new style over time. Very rarely does one person maintain the same style throughout the entirety of their life. Because, as we firmly believe at Jackie, style is determined by lifestyle, job, hobbies, etc.
This series will be a fun one where I'll break down what a capsule wardrobe looks like for 5 different style types: The Clean Girl Aesthetic, The Edgy Effect, Feminine Focused, Always On-the-Go, and to begin with, “The Classic Capsule”.
It's always helpful to point to an example of someone we are all familiar with, like a celebrity or public figure, when trying to visualize a certain style. To most likely no surprise, we vote Jennifer Aniston as being the best example of a classic capsule wardrobe done oh-so-right. Over the years we can all expect her day-to-day outfits to be simple, neutral, and predictable, in the best way possible.
We're kicking it off by building the Classic Capsule style type. Fabrics are really important to a classic dresser. They don't tend to like the modern fabric blends that a lot of millennials and Gen Z-ers have come to know and love. Classic connoisseurs prefer cotton, linen, wool, and silk. Along with these classic fabrics, denim is an important staple for this capsule wardrobe. Taking each of these fabrics and deciding on a silhouette, simple cuts are a key focus for anyone with the classic style. Color palettes are to stay really neutral in this capsule and remember, red can be neutral for some classics if you’re looking for a pop of color. But, you should stay mainly within the limits of black, white, blue denim, and shades of beige.
So, to start with the absolute basic needs: this capsule wardrobe should definitely include both great black and white t-shirts. As for bottoms, choose quality jeans in light, medium, dark, white, and black washes. I know you're probably curious about style and fit…
A style that never leaves this girl's closet is her tried and true slim or cigarette jeans. Mid-rise rules as being the most comfortable for a classic girl.
Denim is a huge building block for most looks in this style category. This is whether you're pairing your denim with a tank, a t-shirt, or an oxford button-down. An oxford button-down is a major must-have for this capsule.
A denim jacket is an important layering piece for this capsule as well. In the colder seasons, a classic connoisseur tends to gravitate towards a leather jacket.
Or a letterman jacket to keep warm, pairing it back with a classic tennis shoe or real-leather boot. (Here seen on the icon of the classic style, Princess Diana)
These outwear pieces are even layered over another staple, a cashmere crew.
Although denim tends to be a slimmer fit, a baggier trouser is preferred when it comes to linen.
You can also never go wrong when sporting a pair of aviator-shaped sunglasses or a luxury watch.
Narrowing down your wardrobe to these key items takes the stress away and adds a new simplicity to getting dressed and your style will show consistency. This classic style is just the first of many that you may resonate with. Try incorporating this capsule-like mindset when cleaning out your closet and on your next shopping spree. Here at Jackie, our stylists value these principles when guiding you to the pieces that will remain timeless. If you connect with this blog, and you’d like your stylist to focus on this when she’s curating your boxes, she’ll begin to build your wardrobe this way. If you haven’t yet applied to become a Jackie client, please submit an application and we’ll reach out to you soon!