It’s undeniable that we live in the age of overconsumption. Most of us have mountains of clothes and accessories in our closets, most of which probably haven’t even been worn since you bought them for that one dinner party 5 years ago. I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I don’t even remember how many pairs of shoes I have. Fast fashion has made us want to have the latest styles without considering the impact this has not only on the planet but our bank accounts as well. The philosophy behind capsule wardrobes was born out of a need for convenience. It however has evolved into so much more. Though transitioning to a capsule wardrobe is a big change, we’ve tried to make the transition easier with our capsule wardrobe accessories checklist.
Definition and philosophy of the capsule wardrobe
Capsule wardrobes are not new. They were first introduced in the 1940s when designers began releasing small collections of clothing in matching shades meant to be worn together. The practice was revived in the 1970s by Susie Faux, in 1985 by Donna Karan and again much more recently in the mid-2010s.
Similarly to the 1940s, today’s capsule wardrobe is meant to consist of a small number of interchangeable pieces. Due to the versatility of the garments they can be combined and styled to fit a larger array of occasions. An accessory capsule wardrobe is not much different. The idea is to have a few jewellery items which are high-quality and can be worn with almost any item in your wardrobe.
Capsule wardrobes really help you appreciate the pieces you have and make you use each and every item you have to its fullest potential. Though born out of convenience, capsule wardrobes have become a staple of sustainable fashion. Buying fewer clothes and jewellery and focusing on owning ones of higher quality means fewer items end up in landfills. It also saves you money in the long run.
If you think a capsule wardrobe isn’t for you, you just need to consider the long-term rewards. The upfront cost of a good quality watch, for example, is much higher than that for an everyday fashion piece, you can guarantee you’ll be wearing that luxury timepiece for years, while the fashion watch might not survive its first day in the rain. Additionally, not having hundreds of clothes or jewellery pieces doesn’t mean your style will be boring. If anything it encourages creativity. Most stylists recommend having several versatile pieces in neutral colours and a few statement pieces for when you want to truly make an impact.
5 Tips for building a capsule wardrobe
We know undertaking such a massive style change can be intimidating. However, there isn’t that much to it. There are only a handful of tips you need to follow to be able to create a successful capsule wardrobe. While we have made a capsule wardrobe accessories checklist, here are a few more tips to help you on your journey.
1. Know your style.
Perhaps the best tip we could give you is to know your style. Look through your closet for the clothes and jewellery you wear the most and the ones you wear the least. A good clear out is always the best place to start when creating a capsule wardrobe. You’ll probably never wear that Nightmare Before Christmas necklace you got at the arcade when you were 13 again. The clearout will help you hone in on the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. It’s important to have a clear vision of your style before you start buying new pieces. If you’re unsure what your style is, we suggest logging into Pinterest and creating a board with accessories and photos you like. Eventually, you’ll be able to spot a pattern which will help you discover your unique look.
2. You can always do a test run.
Remember, you don’t have to fully commit straight off the bat. Donating a large amount of your wardrobe can seem intimidating and can lead to regret and set you back in the long run. So start off small. Think of it as putting away your winter clothes for summer. Decide how long you’ll do a test run for, choose a few pieces and put away everything else or give it to a friend for safekeeping. By the time your test is over, you’ll know if you can whittle down further, if you need just a few more pieces or if a capsule wardrobe isn’t for you altogether.
3. Invest in quality.
Investing in good quality jewellery, shoes and clothes is a key aspect of sustainable fashion and capsule wardrobes. Quality really shows through in the way you style yourself. This will make you truly stand out. It would also save you money in the long run as you’ll have to buy new pieces much less often.
4. Make every piece purposeful.
To make the most out of each and every piece you have, make sure everything you have in your closet has a purpose. Try to shy away from buying things you know you’d wear once. Getting something “for the future” also isn’t a very good idea. Be mindful when shopping and consider how many different ways you can style each item.
5. No one way to have a capsule wardrobe.
Capsule wardrobes are as unique as you. There isn’t one correct way to have a capsule wardrobe. This tip closely relates to our first tip. Knowing what you actually wear, and knowing your lifestyle is key, but don’t feel like you need to put yourself in a tiny box. While for some a capsule wardrobe consists of 10 things altogether, for others it might be closer to 100. Do what makes you feel comfortable. Follow your instincts. At the end of the day, any step forward is progress, no matter how small.
Our Capsule Wardrobe Accessory Picks
Elements Gold 9ct Yellow Gold T-bar Chain Necklace GN354
A simple gold chain is a must-have staple. This chain by Elements Gold is made of 9ct yellow gold. Its simple T-bar pendant allows for this necklace to be worn multiple ways. The links of the chain lay flat against the skin and the chain pattern adds interest to the otherwise modest design. The necklace secures in the back with a lobster clasp.
ChloBo | Life Long Magic | Pearl Necklace | 36-45cm | SNLLMAGIC
Pearl necklaces are a fantastic piece to have on your roster. Pearls can be dressed up, dressed down, worn on their own or layered. It’s no surprise that 2021 saw the resurgence of the classic pearl necklace. The versatility of pearls makes them both great base and statement pieces. We have chosen to recommend this gorgeous pearl necklace choker by ChloBo. On one hand, the small irregular shaped sweetwater pearls and the silver beads give the necklace a modern playful look, especially when it’s layered with other necklaces. On the other hand, the classic style of the pearls is not diminished by the modern silhouette.
James Moore TH 18k White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings EDQ185W
No capsule wardrobe accessories checklist would be complete without the mention of diamond stud earrings. Diamonds are a timeless classic for a reason. A simple pair of good quality diamond studs can elevate any look, making this pair of earrings an essential in your collection. We recommend these 18ct white gold studs. The claws which hold the diamond are polished blending in slightly with the stone, creating an appealing seamless silhouette.
Swarovski Gema | Drop Earrings | Multicolored | Rhodium plated 5613740
Having a capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you should have a boring wardrobe. Inject some colour into your style with these eye-catching Swarovski drop earrings. The earrings are part of the brand’s Gema collection. They feature multi-coloured Swarovski gems in different shapes and cuts for a modern eclectic look. The drop earrings rhodium-plated. Additionally, as the earrings are so colourful you’re almost guaranteed to be able to match them with multiple outfits.
Elements Silver Gold-Plated Silver Hammered Cz Dot Ring R3430C54
Textures are your friend when picking out jewellery for a capsule wardrobe. As you need to focus on pieces which would match most of your clothes colour-wise, you can play around with texture instead. This hammer-finish ring from Elements Silver is a great example of this. The ring is made of sterling silver and has been plated in yellow gold. A cubic zirconia crystal is set in the centre of the band.
Swarovski Tennis | Deluxe Bracelet | Rhodium Plated | White 5409771
Like diamond rings and diamond earrings, a tennis bracelet is a classic jewellery piece everyone should have at least one of. There are many fantastic diamond tennis bracelets, however, they can be a pricey investment. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, we suggest the Swarovski Tennis Deluxe bracelet. The piece is rhodium-plated. The many Swarovski crystals create an eye-catching design at a fraction of the price of a real diamond tennis bracelet.
Nomination MILLELUCI Infinity Bracelet Cubic Zirconia Set 028008/024
For a simple everyday bracelet, there isn’t a better choice than Nomination. The brand’s Milleluci line gives you the best of both worlds, glamour and subtlety. It has an understated design alongside sparkling crystals. The bracelet has a drawstring closure and is made of stainless steel. Next to the CZ set bar, is also featured an infinity symbol. The line includes bracelets with other charms, amongst which a star, a heart and the tree of life.
Tissot PR100 Lady Sport Chic | Blue Dial | Stainless Steel Bracelet T1019101135100
Last but not least on our capsule wardrobe accessories checklist is a trusted everyday watch. Tissot is known for its high-quality mid-range to luxury timepieces. The Swiss brand has close to 170 years of watchmaking experience and is one of the most well-respected brands out there. This makes Tissot a great choice for an everyday timepiece. Its watches are expertly engineered and are designed to be the last watch you’ll ever buy. For an everyday watch, we suggest the Tissot PR100 women’s watch. The PR100 line sports an elegant silhouette with sporty elements. This makes the watches from this collection extremely versatile.
The model has a stainless steel case which measures 36 mm in diameter alongside a stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet’s clasp is a folding clasp with push-buttons. This model will truly be able to follow you anywhere with its 10 bar water resistance and domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The blue sunray dial is complemented by the silver-toned luminescent baton hands and indices. The watch is powered by a quartz movement, with EOL indication, hours, minutes, seconds and a date aperture at 6 o’clock.
Do you agree with our capsule wardrobe accessories checklist? What do you think of our suggestions? Would you ever have a capsule wardrobe? Let us know in the comments below.
