Capsule wardrobes make style easy
Downsize your closet to pieces that work together and fit properly
If the idea of streamlining your life appeals to you, then simplifying your wardrobe by embracing the capsule wardrobe concept probably would, too.
Capsule wardrobes have become increasingly de rigueur since organizer Marie Kondo’s minimalist home and fashion styles seized masses a couple of years ago.
Couple that with a pandemic year that led many to rethink how they dress and consume fashion, and more designers and personal stylists are focusing on the capsule trend.
So what is a capsule wardrobe?
“It’s a limited selection of clothing pieces that work together in a versatile way. Every piece has a lot more wear than in a regular wardrobe, where you wear things just once in awhile,” says Paulina Ramis, a Calgarybased personal stylist.
Capsule wardrobes can range from super-limited 20-piece closets to 50-piece custom wardrobes, which Ramis calls “more realistic,” since it’s less rigid and uniform-like, involving less frequent laundering.
The idea is that rather than have hundreds of pieces cluttering closets, you have fewer wardrobe pieces that are high quality, timeless, in neutral tones and can work together in a variety of ways, creating casual, work-appropriate and dressy looks.
The option appeals to those who are busy and would rather not dither over what to wear, or who face frustration in choosing co-ordinating pieces.
Ramis helps clients edit their existing wardrobes, seeking potential capsule foundation items. She looks for classic pieces, proper fit and high quality. Ramis allows for straying from the stringent classic capsule rules and uses the same concept based on what a person’s own particular style is.
Ramis prefers to shop locally for capsule wardrobes, but will mix in bigger-box retailers. Local favourites include Beyond Scarf, Fireflies for Lanterns, Espy, and Sophiegrace, a label that focuses specifically on capsule wardrobe pieces.
Sophiegrace chief executive officer Emma May, a local lawyer and real-estate brokerage owner, had the idea for a capsule clothing collection in 2018, and launched it in January 2020.
“I’ve always been into fashion and saw that my fellow lawyers, staffers and professional women weren’t as into it and struggled to find stuff that worked for them. I wanted to create something for my peers to put together outfits easily and not have to think about getting dressed in the morning,” May says.
The Sophiegrace collection started with several staple pieces in ivory, black and navy, and has expanded to include pieces that work on a variety of body types. May calls it a “constant evolution.”
“We’re finding it’s about giving them wardrobe staples they can interpret in different ways, be it walking the dog, going to dinner or being at work. And comfort is key,” she says.
The brand’s demographic goes across the board agewise, while appealing to professional and other busy women who like that the pieces work together and new styles, pieces or colours will fit right in.
“We’ve hit on a lot of women who don’t want to wade through a sea of crop tops anymore, and want to look stylish and fashionable, love made in Canada and items that fit right, and we bring ethical labour to the label,” May says.