HOW TO CAPSULE

Nothing to wear? Editing your wardrobe down to a few key pieces may actually give you more options, says Jessica-Belle Greer

The ultimate wardrobe edit

We’ve all felt that sense of impending doom; staring into our closet willing the perfect date-night-top or first-day-at-work-dress to call out from a line-up of fading fashions. The baby doll top you now wouldn’t be seen dead in and the uncomfortable jeans you can’t even attempt to pull on are no help to you now, as they bow under the weight of an over-stacked clothing rack. As you cry ‘I have nothing to wear’ the epiphany hits: The fuller the wardrobe, the emptier you feel.

The capsule wardrobe is a response to a creeping sense of buyer’s remorse as increasing accessibility to trending and affordable clothing tempts too many ill-thought out transactions. Essentially, it is an edit of one’s wardrobe down to versatile staples, and a few fun pieces, that encapsulate your personal style.

The term was coined by boutique owner Susie Faux, who created her magic formula in the 70s. It goes: find your basics, throw in a few statement pieces and give or take when the seasons change. While there are no strict rules, today’s capsule wardrobe is typically 50 or fewer garments, which can be swapped out for others when the time feels right.

While it may sound daunting at first, taking the time to work out what styles really work for you will make it easier to get dressed with less and ensures you’re wearing something you love every day. A capsule wardrobe will give you the confidence to pull a look together in next to no time, meaning you can concentrate on the rest of your busy day without worrying about what you’re wearing.