why I hate capsule wardrobes

and why you don't need one in the new year

The number one question I get from potential new clients is: How do I start a capsule wardrobe?

My short answer? You don’t.

Without sounding too dramatic: the idea of a capsule wardrobe is a myth sold to us by the internet. It’s a capitalist wolf in a minimalist sheep’s clothing…stay with me here.

Remember those cringe-y lists that blogs of the 2010’s (ahem, I was one of them…) used to post? 30 pieces every woman should own before 30. Five things every woman should add to her closet. It was so alluring, so simple…the siren song of a comprehensive, definitive ANSWER to the age old question “what do I wear?” The idea that if you just get that leather jacket, classic blazer, LBD, crisp white button down, you’ll be one step closer to having it all figured out.

The huge problem with those lists? They aren’t comprehensive at all. In fact, they’re alienating. They assume that the reader has a certain style or taste, a certain identity, and a certain budget.

When a client asks me to create a capsule wardrobe, I know what they’re really craving is confidence in their personal style. If we took away the time we spent second-guessing our appearance every morning, imagine the possibilities! 10 extra minutes of sleep…coffee…peace!

So, what’s the secret to mastering our closets and our personal style without having to subscribe to a one-size-fits-all myth?

The way we actually dress every day is the key to unlocking sartorial freedom.

Dear reader, it’s as simple as observing what you actually wear. In your every day, what you wear IS your wardrobe. If you’re back in the office 3 days a week, maybe more often than not you catch yourself wearing black jeans and a striped top. I hope this doesn’t sound radical but…your closet should reflect this! Have 3 pairs of black jeans you LOVE in your closet, and have 5 striped shirts as well. Maybe one is a turtleneck, 2 are short sleeved, one’s a knit, one a boatneck. But you get the idea, right?

This may come as a shock but it should also be a relief! If that is your uniform, you needn’t bother trying to find that elusive crisp white button down.

Okay but WHAT IF…you don’t like what you wear in your every day?

If you need to recalibrate your style, refresh your vision, this formula is for you.