Background Information
Termed in the 1970s by Susie Faux, a capsule wardrobe is defined as a wardrobe with fewer high quality pieces that focus on a minimal design. According to Faux, the central items in a wardrobe: “a jacket, a skirt, trousers, a blouse, a sweater, tights, shoes, a coat, a dress, a bag, and a belt” were implemented with the intention of helping career women get dressed with more ease [1]. While Faux coined the term, the capsule wardrobe was later popularized by Donna Karan, an American designer, in the 1980s. Karan’s line, the Seven Easy Pieces, showcased “a wrap skirt, pants, short and long skirts, a tailored jacket, sweaters, scarves, and chunky gold jewelry” being layered on top of a simple black bodysuit [1]. A modern capsule wardrobe generally includes around 25-50 pieces that can be changed seasonally and/or yearly.
Introduction to a College Capsule Wardrobe
The intention and methodology supporting a traditional capsule wardrobe can be translated into a college wardrobe. Much like the career women in the 20th century, college students experience active lifestyles that prioritize convenience. A college capsule wardrobe adopts the simplicity of a capsule wardrobe with added customization that tailors to the daily activities of college life. The implementation of a college capsule wardrobe will enable:
Accessibility: simpler packing for college (particularly with limited closet space)
Productivity: faster decision making in daily outfit selection
Creativity: greater curation and discovery of personal style and expression
Applications of Minimalism and Sustainability
When considering the college capsule wardrobe, it is important to note its connection to the idea of minimalism. Defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, minimalism is “the practice of using the minimum means necessary to achieve a desired result, esp. in literature, design, etc.” [2]. A capsule wardrobe embraces this ideal of minimalism, interpreting less as more. Maximization of each piece’s value results in a reduction of consumption. The decline in expenditure culminates in “conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations”, better known as sustainability [5]. The term “sustainability” exists at the intersection of three components: society, economy, and the environment. The graphic below illustrates how sustainable practices among industries and businesses are defined, at the same time summarizing the essential benefits of using a capsule wardrobe. While utilizing a capsule wardrobe is in the most simple sense, a practical decision, there are also societal, environmental, and economic benefits of using one.
Society
Fashion is a method of self-expression; clothing showcases personality. In an increasingly materialistic world, the desire to achieve gratification often results in a tedious search for happiness. The inability to curb the desire for material possessions results in constant dissatisfaction. While many turn to retail “therapy” to restore the illusion of control, it ultimately leads to the association of happiness with a purchase [6]. When in reality, happiness should emerge internally. In addition, an excess of choices leads to decision fatigue, which can accumulate and fog mental clarity [7]. Capsule wardrobes warrant a shift from the materialistic lifestyle into a minimalistic one.
Environment
Generally, the economy takes precedence over the environment; the same logic applies to the production and consumption of clothing. Fast fashion has contributed to excessive use of water, release of plastic microfibers into water sources, and increased contributions to landfill waste [3]. The discussion of fast fashion additionally expands to the social sector with the poor treatment of workers raising concerns about the ethics of the practice. A capsule wardrobe aims to remedy these problems by eliminating overconsumption and generating less waste for the environment.
Economy
A capsule wardrobe might appear costly in the short run since most consumers assume that they need to purchase new items specifically for their capsule wardrobe. However, it is a budget-friendly option in the long run. A capsule wardrobe allows the consumer to maximize the value of money invested into clothing and reduces the need for frequent purchases, instead focusing on the acquisition of long-lasting items. The frequency at which college students shop for new clothing, according to participants (from various universities including the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, Columbia University, etc., and a majority being underclassmen) in an online survey I conducted. 32.8% make a purchase once every few months, 50% purchase clothing every month, and 10.3% splurge once every week. With the creation of a capsule wardrobe, this frequency could be reduced.
Designing your College Capsule Wardrobe
The following procedure can be employed to develop one’s own college capsule wardrobe.
Step 1: Evaluation
The first step is to evaluate your current closet. Evaluate your personal style and daily habits/activities. Take into account what you wear on a regular basis or the pieces that you gravitate towards most. Consider your typical daily activities such as working out at the on-campus gym, studying in the libraries, attending multiple lectures/club meetings, etc.
Step 2: Selection
The selection process appears daunting, but a general guideline for selecting pieces of clothing involves a checklist of the following four components:
Versatility
The more versatile the pieces, the better. When selecting items, you should be able to dress these items up or down depending on the event or the situation. Considering how different pieces can be layered is another method to determine if you can utilize the same pieces all year round.
One example of a company that focuses greatly on versatility is VETTA. They specialize in creating varied capsule wardrobes, each with 5 pieces, based on different personal styles such as glam, classic, and edgy.
For certain outerwear pieces such as their blazer, the sleeves can be detached and reattached to create a vest or blazer look. In addition, many of their tops can be worn multiple ways with no distinction between the front and back.
While the definition of versatile varies for everyone, keep VETTA’s example in mind when selecting your pieces.
Comfort
One of the most valued attributes in clothing is comfort: 96.6% of survey participants regarded comfort as a factor to consider when getting dressed, more than the 86.2% who considered style to be important. Choose pieces which are stylish but do not neglect comfort. Emphasis on the importance of comfortable footwear should be noted here. The lives of college students consist of constant walking around campus and nearby areas, with a mean 10,000-12,000 step count during the week [8]. Selecting comfortable shoes and clothing in general will elicit a more positive college experience.
Functionality
The function of the pieces is also another component to take into consideration. Utilize what you learned about yourself in the evaluation phase of the procedure to determine what functionality your clothing pieces ideally need. For example, many students rely heavily on athleisure, clothing that can be worn during exercise or in everyday settings. Incorporating athleisure in neutral colors into your wardrobe can be a versatile way to replace your traditional tank tops and t-shirts. Also keep in mind the different events that you might need to attend. A suit for example is necessary for business professional attire when conducting formal interviews. Depending on what the function is, ensure that the pieces you select fulfill those criteria.
Accessorization
Accessories (these can include belts, hats, bags, jewelry, etc.) selected should have a functional as well as stylistic purpose. For example, a cap protects the face and scalp from the sun while adding a statement to an outfit. A belt secures bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts) to the waist while incorporating a unique color or texture. A watch provides effortless access to the time while showcasing distinct style. When executed well, accessories can completely transform an outfit. They are a subtle yet effective way to eliminate monotony and embrace individuality.
Step 3: Experimentation
This last and final step is arguably the most important. The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is its potential for a vast amount of outfit combinations. You want to maximize these combinations by experimenting with pieces not traditionally paired together.
Applying all these steps, I created my own year-round college capsule wardrobe using the current pieces in my dormitory.
Addressing Common Concerns
While a majority of students (65.5%) surveyed had not heard about a capsule wardrobe prior to participating in the survey, 82.8% of them claimed that they would use one after learning its basic definition. The main reasons that the remaining percentage of respondents claimed they would not use a capsule wardrobe were as follows:
Perceived Investment in Buying New Pieces
Note that new pieces do not necessarily need to be purchased. The main purpose of the wardrobe should be to formulate large quantities of outfits utilizing clothing items already present in one’s wardrobe. If you make the executive decision to purchase a new piece of clothing to fill in a gap in your wardrobe, examine the long-term return on investment associated with wearing that new item.
When deciding which companies to support, consider the Ecolibrium, which YouTube Influencer Levi Hildebrand describes as the balance between quality, branding, and sustainability that any forward-thinking company should follow.
According to the survey, respondents stated that quality is generally considered to be the most important factor of the three when purchasing clothing, which aligns with the original definition of a capsule wardrobe. Conducting additional research about the companies that one is supporting ultimately connects back to the original views of sustainability. Investigating a company’s values, social and sustainability initiatives, workers’ labor conditions, sourcing of materials, supply chain management, etc. before purchasing increases consumer awareness and encourages corporate social responsibility.
If you are still hesitant to invest in newer items, there are alternatives to fill in the necessary gaps. The first of these is to thrift for high-quality items, which is an affordable alternative to purchasing new pieces. Thrifting also benefits the evaluation phase, since you can better express your personal style with the wide array of unique items for sale - including vintage pieces you might not be able to find in traditional stores. Another option is to ask friends and family for clothing items they no longer use.
Limited Options
Capsule wardrobes are generally switched out every season, or every three months. This enables the limited options debacle to be mitigated. In the first place, the notion of limited options is a fallacy, given that individuals wear only 50% of the clothing in their closets [4]. The experimentation phase of the procedure detailed above will allow for what may seem like limited options to be expanded to include a wider array of clothing combinations.
Too Boring
While the general outline for creating these wardrobes consists of a streamlined color palette and basic pieces, a functional capsule wardrobe can still possess its own personality with the inclusion of statement pieces and pops of color. A capsule wardrobe lends itself to be tailored to one’s personal style. The “rules” stated indicate that the pieces must be timeless, high-quality pieces; however, for most college students that condition may not be plausible, as mentioned above with the limited budget. To resolve this issue, so-called “trendy” pieces can still be incorporated into the wardrobe to work well with the existing basics.
If you are still not convinced to try creating your own capsule wardrobe, I curated one for my brother to demonstrate how anyone can do it if they follow the aforementioned procedure and put in the effort.
Key Takeaway
Implementing all of these steps will enable college students to curate a capsule wardrobe that match their habits and become a component of their new lifestyle. The value of a college capsule wardrobe is more prevalent than its fusion of consumer values (accessibility, productivity, and creativity) with sustainability principles (society, environment, and economy); creating a college capsule wardrobe embraces living with intentionality. Translate the mindset of less is more into your closet and your everyday life. Let’s save the world one college capsule wardrobe at a time.
APA Citations
Websites
[1]. Brass. (2016, April 8). A Brief History of the Capsule Wardrobe. WordPress.Com. Retrieved April 10, 2022, from https://thatsbrass.wordpress.com/2016/01/10/a-brief-history-of-the-capsule-wardrobe/
[2]. Oxford English Dictionary. (2002, March). Oxford English Dictionary. Retrieved April 10, 2022, from https://www.oed.com:443/start;jsessionid=BD664F01535C56811FDABC47C247B69A?authRejection=true&url=%2Fview%2FEntry%2F234084%3FredirectedFrom%3Dminimalism#eid
[3]. Le, P. (2020, July 20). The Impact of Fast Fashion On the Environment. PSCI. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://psci.princeton.edu/tips/2020/7/20/the-impact-of-fast-fashion-on-the-environment
[4]. van Elven, M. (2021, March 9). People do not wear at least 50 percent of their wardrobes, says study. FashionUnited. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/people-do-not-wear-at-least-50-percent-of-their-wardrobes-according-to-study/2018081638356
[5]. Learn About Sustainability. (2021, December 2). US EPA. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://www.epa.gov/sustainability/learn-about-sustainability
[6]. Family Health Team. (2022, March 7). Why Retail “Therapy” Makes You Feel Happier. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/retail-therapy-shopping-compulsion/
Journal Articles
[7]. Bardey, A., Booth, M., Heger, G., & Larsson, J. (2022). Finding yourself in your wardrobe: An exploratory study of lived experiences with a capsule wardrobe. International Journal of Market Research, 64(1), 113–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470785321993743
[8]. Behrens, T. K., & Dinger, M. K. (2005). Ambulatory Physical Activity Patterns of College Students. American Journal of Health Education, 36(4), 221–227. https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2005.10608188
Graphics
[9]. Sustainability Practices. (2009). [Digital Graphic]. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Sustainability-practices-at-the-intersection-between-the-three-pillars-allow-for_fig10_307925209
[10]. Hildebrand. (2020). The Ecolibrium Pyramid [Digital Graphic]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M9Zjth04ME&t=298s
Images
[11]. The City Capsule. (n.d.). [Photograph]. VETTA. https://www.vettacapsule.com/collections/the-city-capsule
[12]. The T-Shirt Dress. (n.d.). [Photograph]. VETTA. https://www.vettacapsule.com/collections/the-city-capsule/products/the-t-shirt-dress
[13]. The Poplin Shirt. (n.d.). [Photograph]. VETTA. https://www.vettacapsule.com/collections/the-city-capsule/products/the-poplin-shirt
[14]. The Cutout Juniper Dress. (n.d.). [Photograph]. VETTA. https://www.vettacapsule.com/collections/the-city-capsule/products/the-cutout-jumper-dress
[15]. The Wide Leg Trouser. (n.d.). [Photograph]. VETTA. https://www.vettacapsule.com/collections/the-city-capsule/products/the-wide-leg-trouser-1
[16]. The Crop Top + Short Set. (n.d.). [Photograph]. VETTA. https://www.vettacapsule.com/collections/the-city-capsule/products/the-crop-top-short-set
[17]. The Blazer Dress. (n.d.). [Photograph]. VETTA. https://www.vettacapsule.com/collections/the-edgy-capsule/products/the-blazer-dress
[18]. The Convertible Tie Tank. (n.d.). [Photograph]. VETTA. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1402/3573/products/vetta-the-convertible-tie-tank-capsule-wardrobe-29932313477252.jpg?v=1648833435
[19]. The Flutter Sleeve Wrap Top. (n.d.). [Photograph]. VETTA. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1402/3573/products/vetta-apparel-the-flutter-sleeve-wrap-top-limited-edition-capsule-wardrobe-29169233035396.jpg?v=1637598514
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