Capsule wardrobes have grown in popularity over recent years. In a bid to reduce waste and live more sustainably many of us are now trying to avoid buying into fast fashion and instead buy what we need. If you’ve tried it you’ll know it’s a challenge. With constant new trends, social media pressures and the age-old classic ‘I have nothing to wear’ holding us back from the purge, is a capsule wardrobe really that life-changing?
Feel good
First and foremost, crafting a capsule wardrobe means owning 30-45 items that make you feel good. Sassi Holford knows what a well-curated closet looks like. Phenomenal tailoring and a deep understanding of the feminine form has defined her designs for decades. Her mission has always been to create quality clothing that is relevant enough to stand the test of time and transcend age groups; a mission that is evident in her latest fashion collection.
Capsule wardrobes are well suited to Sassi’s customers. Discerning women, who are refined, selective and know what they want. Often, these women are juggling family, work and social commitments, therefore, time is precious. Having a wardrobe of well-loved pieces that take you from desk to dinner is efficient. With fewer options, you’ll have to be more creative and you can further define your personal style in the process.
Invest in quality
Secondly, minimising your closet allows you to invest more into fewer pieces that will last longer. “I want to encourage women of all ages to avoid fast fashion,” says Sassi. That’s why I design clothes of the highest quality, that complement the female form but also offer the opportunity for individuality.” Her toughest critic is her fashion-savvy teenage daughter. “If she picks up one of my pieces I know I’ve created something special. She’ll often style it in a way I would never have thought of. It’s fascinating to watch and for me, it’s validation that the design is versatile enough; which is vital when you’re asking women to invest their hard-earned money in your product.”
We’ve put together some simple tips to help you curate your own capsule wardrobe. There is plenty of information out there about what a capsule wardrobe should consist of. However, we believe you should spend time structuring the details for yourself. Be specific with what you want in your collection, from the style to the colour, so that you can shop what you have while knowing what you need to invest in.
1. Start with a cull
The aim is to have 30-45 pieces (clothing, accessories, jewellery, outerwear and shoes) in your wardrobe (workout wear, loungewear, underwear and accessories aren’t included). Time to say goodbye to anything…
1. that is beyond repair
2. that is permanently stained or has a funny smell
3. you’re holding onto because “it might fit one day”
4. that isn’t comfortable
5. you haven’t worn in the past year
6. that doesn’t make you feel good
It’s important to be cutthroat, and remember nothing has to go to waste. Once you have your pile of rejects divide them up for textile waste, charity, to sell, and to giveaway to friends/family.
2. Build a basic foundation
Consider what you wear regularly, styles that you gravitate towards and the most practical items in your wardrobe as these will form your base. Investing time and money in these pieces is a sure way to elevate your outfits and make even the simple ones look pulled together.
Example:
Basic tops:
T-shirts x 3
V-neck jumper
Basic dresses:
Shirtdress
Wrap dress
Basic outerwear:
Blazer
Leather jacket
Basic bags:
Shoulder bag
Tote bag
Basic bottoms:
Pencil skirt
Tailored high-waisted trousers
Basic shoes:
Flat ankle boots
Trainers
3. Transitional pieces
Regardless of where you live it’s good to keep seasonal pieces to hand for those transitional months. These are also the months we’re most vulnerable to getting caught up in new trends and risk accumulating a lot of waste. Strategise your key seasonal pieces ahead of the season so that you shop rationally.
Example:
Transitional tops:
Linen shirt
Cashmere jumper
Turtleneck jumper
Transitional dress:
Slip-on dress
Transitional bottoms:
Wide-leg jeans
Denim shorts
Denim skirt
Transitional outerwear:
Double-breasted wool coat
Denim jacket
Transitional shoes:
Sandals
Heeled boots
4. Statement pieces
Finally, these are the things that truly represent you, the pieces in your wardrobe with heaps of personality. Even though you may not wear them every day, you feel empowered when you do.
Example:
Statement tops:
Silk camisole
Structured shirt
Statement dress:
Cocktail dress
Statement bottoms:
Jumpsuit
Pleated skirt
Statement bags:
Structured bag
Statement shoes:
Heels
Everyone loves to be a bit nosey sometimes. If you’ve curated your own capsule wardrobe we’d love to hear about your experience and the structure you’ve gone for in the comments. If you’ve been inspired to start building your capsule wardrobe be sure to explore Sassi Holford’s latest fashion collection; new pieces are coming soon.
Who is Sassi Holford?
Sassi Holford is a British fashion designer whose label has become synonymous with luxury fashion. Sassi herself is an icon of British style and is firmly established in the high-end market through her innovative design. As well as creating award-winning and highly acclaimed couture wedding dresses, Sassi has made an impact on the fashion world with her classic and versatile pieces – both bespoke and ready-to-wear – that are aimed at the discerning, stylish woman. Read more about Sassi’s story.
