HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR OWN CAPSULE WARDROBE

Do you have those moments? One of those buzzwords that you suddenly encounter everywhere. Words that used to have a just-be-normal-that's-crazy-enough idea, but suddenly under the influence of fashion and trends have gotten a new meaning and therefore immediately got a new hip name. For example, sneakers suddenly became Sneakers. Lazing became Lounging. Unisex became Gender fluid. And a container of raw vegetables sorted by color became a Poké bowl. Can it get any crazier? Just for the record: we also enjoy doing this, because what could be more fun than making the everyday interesting by attaching a flashy name to it?

 

DE CAPSULE WARDROBE:
FASHION’S OWN POKÉ BOWL

On to our topic for today: a compact bundle of clothes that you can use to put together different types of outfits (sets!). Or: the capsule collection. (For friends just 'capsule')

At its core, a capsule is nothing more or less than a selection of pieces sorted by color and taste that go well together and complement each other. So secretly still the idea of a Poké bowl.

We'll tell you about the ins & outs of putting together your own capsule wardrobe in a moment, but not before we first update you on the origin and history (as you know, we really can't resist doing that)

DE CREDITS ARE FOR…

The term in itself was first mentioned in the American media in the 1940s. And yes, that American flag still covers today's meaning: a compact selection of timeless pieces that can be worn with and through each other in many different ways.

In the 1970s, British Susie Faux took the concept, implemented it in her own boutiques and even expanded her fashion empire to include a consultancy service for competing fashion brands and chains.

America wouldn't be America if they didn't eventually win in the end: in 1985 designer Donna Karan took back the claim to fame with her '7 easy pieces collection'. This revolutionary capsule was launched by 8 models dressed in simple black bodysuits and black tights. By continuously adding one or more of the other pieces from the collection, they demonstrated the versatility of the compact collection. It started a revolution, and DK became the figurehead of all working women.

80s flashback: Donna Karan’s  ‘7 easy pieces collection’ models

After this it got a bit quiet for a while around the capsule wardrobe, because we were all pulled fast forward into the consumer society in which rapidly changing collections and fast fashion determined the norm. We all know where that led to, but luckily the tide is slowly but surely turning. Many of us model girls take responsibility – better late than never – and opt for less environmentally harmful slow fashion.

The first non-fashion professional who showed us the benefits of slow fashion was Caroline Rector. In an emerging social media climate, this Texas fashion lover started her website Uncover in 2014, aiming to curb her own shopping obsession and share her proverbial journey to a smaller, uncluttered and perfectly functioning capsule collection.

How she approached it at the time was not exactly earth-shattering: she assumed a collection of 37 (!) items. Why capsule? Just say big pill. Anyway, the start was there, and she built up quite a following. To this day, Uncover inspires fans of compact, versatile capsule collections.

 

 

Curious about Caroline Rector's very first blog about her action plan? The basic principles are there and are an excellent starting point for a well-functioning capsule. You can read about them here.

Curious about the way we at Plein Publique approach putting together a capsule wardrobe? Then read on!

 

ASSEMBLING A CAPSULE WARDROBE - WHY< AND WHY NOW

Fast fashion has had its time. Every sane person has now gradually realized that consuming like that is no longer possible. And actually never was. Fast trade that has to be made as cheaply as possible and sold as quickly as possible to make way for the next batch of fast trade: that leaves its mark on our environment. Raw materials are ripped out of the ground as quickly as possible using poisonous pesticides, defenseless sheep are treated disrespectfully as wool factories, vulnerable people are exploited as cheap labour. The dyeing of the latest colors and the chemical process for the latest washes leaves an inky black mark on the environment. Commonly known, right? Fortunately, there are now many raw materials and production methods that have less impact on the environment.

The other side of the coin: the price level of more sustainably produced clothing is much higher. Logical consequence: you buy less of it and also want to last a lot longer. The solution: long-lasting garments that are high-quality, timeless and versatile. Now we're talking about slow fashion. And that, dear readers, is the basis of every capsule collection.

Hey hey, we're finally here. The capsule. We at Plein Publique may be experts in the field of slow fashion (modesty is good ;) but we are not going to tell you what your capsule should look like. We do, however, give you tips on how to put together a capsule wardrobe that works for you. deal? Read our own step-by-step plan below.

 

CREATING YOUR OWN CAPSULE WARDROBE

 

1.STAY TRUE TO YOUR STYLE

It's a myth that your capsule should consist of items specified by professionals. You have your own taste and style, and if you don't like dark blue turtlenecks or don't want to ever been seen in a pencil skirt, then they don't belong in your capsule either. Stay close to your own taste, choose what suits your figure and what you feel good in.

 

2. LIMIT YOUR COLOR PALETTE

And we don't just mean black, white and navy! May be, must not. Natural tones are equally versatile and timeless, just like red, for example: you can also adopt 'real' colors (intended as the opposite of the non-colours black, white and grey) as your signature colours. It is more about the principle of being consistent in the basics than about limiting color.

 

 

3. GO FOR QUALITY

The idea for putting together your capsule wardrobe is that you have a foundation that you can always fall back on. That base is not helped if it falls apart. It's that simple. Of course, wools such as merino wool and alpaca have a long lifespan – if you take good care of them – but the way your garment is made also counts. Too thin, sloppy spun wool is more likely to pill. Stitched seams unpick faster than fully fashioned processed seams. Added stretch in the knit provides better shape retention. T-shirts and tops also come in many different quality levels. Heavier jersey usually lasts longer, but thinner jersey made of strong yarns can also last a long time. This is something we can't advise you on, it's a matter of trying it out, whereby a higher price is often also an indication of the quality.

* Do you doubt whether something you have your eye on is not too expensive for your modest person? Then we kindly refer you back to our previous blog about CPW (Cost Per Wear).

 

4. LET GO OF THE SEASONS

Huh? Yes really. The trick to properly putting together a capsule wardrobe is multifunctionality. Rather think in layers. You can winterproof your thin blouse with a wool cardigan. With a rolled hem, you can wear jeans with summer slippers. Let's disprove something: it's not that your capsule is the only thing that can hang in your closet. You can't avoid tweaking and fine-tuning the basics with seasonal items in addition, so don't feel guilty about it.

 

5. PRINTS EN DESSINS ARE NOT PROHIBITED

Okay, today's trend print is not tomorrow's trend print, so rigor is required. For example, consider items with polka dots or stripes: these are timeless pieces. Just like a Bretons striped sweaters. Or an animal print dress like La Flora – the perfect mix between trend and tradition. Make sure that there are not too many colors in your print, and that at least 1 color in the print matches your uni pieces, otherwise you will make it unnecessarily difficult for yourself to combine.

 

6. THINK IN OCCASIONS

Very important to consider when putting together your capsule wardrobe: what are your top 3 wearing moments? We bet that is work, time for yourself and time for social occasions. But you don't have to cover every wedding, rave or funeral with your capsule. There are moments that call for a specially purchased outfit for that purpose, and those moments don't have to eat up valuable space in your capsule. Of course you can go to your niece's Ibiza wedding with a chic top under your office blazer, but that practical slant doesn't match the magic of the moment. Resign yourself to it, score that far from timeless killer dress and enjoy it.

 

7. CHOOSE YOUR KEY CAPSULE PIECES

We briefly take you through what you should pay attention to when putting together your capsule wardrobe for each product category.

Pants

Of course it depends on your taste, but in any case make sure there is variation in silhouette. With narrow trousers, broek met rechte pijpen, loose-fitting and comfortable trousers and neat tapered trousers - with or without a press fold - you will come a long way. The smart pants can be rolled up for a casual look, the skinny can be made of stretch denim or coated leggings, the loose-fitting pants can also be a variant in which you can also lounge on the couch.

Skirts

The same applies here: vary with silhouettes. A tight pencil skirt is no longer only intended for the office, and can therefore also be made of leather, for example. A pleated midi skirt is just as easy to style as cool as it is trendy, and you can combine a maxi skirt with a print in a surprisingly urban way with a snow-white shirt blouse. Not a fan of skirts at all? Just leave it out. It's not a must.

Blouses

The aforementioned shirt blouse – bright white like our La Savanne or with a neutral stripe – is a classic for a reason: you can wear it formally with smart trousers and a blazer, but also give other outfits a fresh twist. Also choose a fitted (stretch) blouse and an oversized one for the much-needed variation. You also need a feminine little piece made of semi-transparent fabric, and an extra long blouse that you can also wear as a mini or beach dress.

Tops & Tees

The usual suspects with a round neck, V-neck, long and/or short sleeves are obvious. In addition, a spaghetti top or two is always handy (Bonjour La Loulou), just like a turtleneck. You can also wear the latter under your thin dress in winter! Make a clever mix of light and dark colors so that you have an option for every outfit. Or opt for a stripe, kill two color birds with one stone. Stripes… which brand makes that its trademark again? It's on the tip of our tongue...

If you choose jersey made of organic cotton, modal, eco-viscose or cupro, you will get double the kindness to the planet points.

 

 

Sweaters & cardigans

We mentioned earlier the blurring boundaries between the seasons. Did you know that merino wool is not only suitable for the colder months? The insulating properties also keep you cool in the summer, as long as you don't opt for a chunky knit. There are also thinner knit sweaters and cardigans, for example 14 gauge – that's like denier for tights, but the other way around: the higher the gauge, the thinner the knit. You wear a cardigan over a thin knitted sweater when the temperature drops. Variety in length, width and neck shapes for your selection of sweaters and cardigans, and layer freely.

Dresses

We repeat ourselves, but also for dresses, variation is the key to success. Wider dresses can be lighter and more airy, because you can wear something underneath them and thus expand the possibilities. With a belt you can tie in the waist if your look calls for it. Classics such as the shirt dress are true style chameleons. Wear them with or without a belt, style them festively with heels or casually with sneakers, layered and unbuttoned with pants and top: fill in the details, the possibilities are endless. A timeless print is also a great idea: just look at our hard-working champs Le Soleil, La Celine and La Flora. We cannot comment on length: the time when skirt length dictated fashion is over. Wear what suits your style and figure, and you'll always look good. Not the type to wear a dress? That's what the jumpsuit was invented for.

Blazers & jackets

With a timeless blazer you last long. Invest in quality and especially pay attention to a good fit. Single-breasted blazers are the most useful for a capsule wardrobe: double-breasted blazers often only look good when they are buttoned up, which limits your options. Whether you like a tailored fit or prefer a boyfriend fit is not so important: with the shape of your pants and the right shoes you can easily tweak a neutral blazer towards casual or dressy.

You have to love a leather jacket, but if you do, you increase your options: you can wear a leather jacket both indoors and outdoors. Wear a seasonal in-between coat over it - such as a timeless trench coat - et voilà: winterproof.

Sportswear

Officially, sportswear – just like underwear, socks and accessories – does not belong to a capsule wardrobe. But a cleverly chosen gym kit is itself hybrid enough to count for the full 100%. You can combine hoodies and sweatshirts with almost any pants or skirt: urban cool look guaranteed. Leggings, joggers and track pants look great with a shirt blouse. Need we say more?

So, do you think you'll make it? Are you not sure whether putting together a capsule wardrobe is really your thing? Then there is only 1 thing to do. Dive into your closet, pick out what you like and wear often and challenge yourself to put together as many different sets as possible. Sufficient variety? If not, do you know what to buy to make it a well-functioning whole? Then your mission has been accomplished and you can test the capsule in practice in the coming months.

Just this. Whatever else hangs in your closet, you can carry on wearing without worries: it is not the case that you have to discard pieces once purchased. They've already been produced and you've spent money on them, so you better make sure it wasn't in vain. You give away, sell or offer to recycle what you no longer wear.

Last but not least. As the proud owner of a personalized capsule wardrobe, you will be richly rewarded with the following:

• A wonderfully clean feeling
  
• The knowledge you have an outfit for every event
  
• A good feeling because your fashion choices have a better impact on the environment
  
• A well-filled wallet that you can use to gooooooo crazy
  

Do you think we went wrong with that last comment? Think again. Consuming is absolutely not prohibited, but do it with your heart and with your mind. Take your responsibility, but don't forget to enjoy all the beauty that fashion has to offer.

Make it slow. But make it fashion.

X TEAM PLEIN PUBLIQUE