As part of the fight against overconsumption, you have probably seen a trend emerge on social media lately: that of the capsule wardrobe (capsule wardrobe in English). A capsule wardrobe means having few clothes, but well-chosen. The idea is to only keep pieces that you love, that you wear often and that go well together. This allows you to save time, save money and consume less but better.
@sarahsorgelle So, are you up for it ??! #garderobecapsule#capsulewardrobe#capsulewardrobestyle#secondemain♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim
This concept is not new, but as the minimalism movement gains momentum, trends such as those of slow fashion or the capsule wardrobe are gathering more and more followers, in opposition to fast fashion.
The history of the capsule wardrobe
While the first capsule wardrobes emerged as early as the 1940s in the United States, the term « capsule wardrobe » was popularized in the 1970s by Susie Faux, a British stylist and owner of the "Wardrobe" boutique in London.
She advocated for a wardrobe composed of a few essential and quality pieces that can be completed from time to time with more seasonal or trendy items.
The concept was revived and popularized in the 1980s by American designer Donna Karan, notably with her "Seven Easy Pieces" collection (1985), which offered seven interchangeable garments allowing you to create a multitude of elegant and functional outfits.
But since then, the fashion industry has radically changed with the rise of fast fashion. The latter floods the market with thousands of new pieces every day, betting on quantity rather than quality, with the consequence of overflowing closets full of hardly worn clothes, often poorly made, and adisastrous environmental impact.
The concept of the capsule wardrobe for sustainable fashion
If you are considering doing a major clear-out of your wardrobe during a major Marie Kondo-style eco-friendly spring cleaning and donating the clothes you no longer wear, why not start fresh with a capsule wardrobe? Well thought out and sustainable, it will accompany you for a long time without ever boring you.
To contribute to more responsible fashion, we offer you a selection of essential and eco-responsible pieces.
How many pieces for a capsule wardrobe?
Several rules are emerging to create an effective wardrobe with few pieces. The 3x3 rule (3 pants, 3 tops) or the 10x10 rule (10 pieces to create 10 outfits) encourage creativity with the essentials.
Another renowned approach is that of the sets of 7: 7 pants, 7 tops, 7 jackets and 7 pairs of shoes. To refine your choices, the BISOU method (an acronym for Need, Immediacy, Similar, Origin and Utility) allows you to question each textile purchase before validating it, by placing it in a conscious, reasoned and minimalist approach.
These different methods, to be adapted according to your needs, remind us of the importance of prioritizing classic and well-coordinated pieces, in shades designed to combine easily.
Even though it is recommended to create two capsule wardrobes (one for summer, one for winter), certain so-called “basic” pieces remain essential and form the common foundation of any wardrobe, regardless of the season.
A 100% eco-responsible capsule wardrobe: The Guide
Here is the 100% Meanwhile Boutique guide to creating a capsule wardrobe with ethical and sustainable clothes and accessories.
The essentials for a capsule wardrobe
The must-haves to include in your wardrobe to easily create a multitude of looks with a reduced number of pieces.
White T-shirt: the ultimate basic piece
It goes with everything and brings a touch of chic simplicity to any outfit.
Black T-shirt: an essential piece…
… Unless you have a cat! But don't worry, several colors are available in organic cotton or recycled cotton, it's a durable piece of great quality.
Patterned T-shirt: a little fun in your wardrobe!
Perfect for expressing your personality while staying true to a responsible approach.
The shirt: at work as on vacation, it's the essential
In cotton, linen, or Tencel*, it structures the silhouette and can be worn both in a dressed-up and casual way.
*ecological material produced from wood pulp and a non-toxic solvent
Well-tailored pants: The great classic
Timeless and versatile, elegant and comfortable, a good pair of pants instantly elevates an outfit while remaining easy to match, provided it fits perfectly (and is eco-responsible)!
An ideal... and eco-responsible summer capsule wardrobe!
When temperatures rise, it is essential to have light, comfortable and versatile pieces. Here is our summer selection for a capsule wardrobe that is both stylish and environmentally friendly.
The skirt and the shorts
The skirt, whether flowing or structured, adds a feminine touch and can be worn in summer as well as winter depending on the material. The shorts, meanwhile, are ideal both for beach outings and for a relaxed and elegant look
The dress
A unique and easy-to-wear piece, which on its own makes up a complete outfit, from the beach to evening parties.
A perfect capsule wardrobe for the mid-season
It is always complicated to dress in the mid-season, here is our selection to simplify this task for you!
Light jackets
A casual classic that crosses seasons and layers easily over any outfit.
The perfect sweatshirt
Whether with or without a hood, the sweatshirt is always ideal for staying comfortable:
A capsule wardrobe adapted to winter
When winter settles in, bet on a few key pieces, warm, practical and eco-responsible, to face the season without compromising on style or your values.
The raincoat: the essential
Absolutely essential to brave the rain in a sustainable way
The coat: a capsule wardrobe to brave the cold
The ideal companion for layering in autumn/winter
Eco-responsible outfit: the details that matter
Accessories are the final touch that makes all the difference. Well chosen, they bring character to your outfits while respecting the minimalist and sustainable spirit of the capsule wardrobe.
A belt:
A cap and a bucket hat:
Socks:
Organic cotton socks and ankle socks for maximum comfort.
The perfect shoes for a complete capsule wardrobe
Shoes are often the great forgotten of capsule wardrobes, yet they play a key role in building versatile looks. By betting on a few well-thought-out, comfortable, durable and easy-to-match pairs, you can create outfits adapted to all seasons and occasions (while stomping on overconsumption).
Comfortable sneakers:
Heels for more elegant evenings:
Summer shoes:
Vegan leather boots:
Jewelry, the final touch of the capsule wardrobe
To keep elegance while simplicity, the choice of jewelry is essential to shine without overdoing it. Few pieces, a lot of effect!
The necklace:
The bracelet:
Earrings:
Rings:
Well-chosen bags to accompany every capsule outfit
At Meanwhile Boutique, we love bags. That is why we offer you a selection of bags to combine style, functionality, and eco-responsibility?
The tote bag:
The handbag:
The fanny pack:
The capsule wardrobe: much more than a trend
Adopting a capsule wardrobe is a real commitment to a more thoughtful and responsible consumption. By betting on timeless, quality and easy-to-match pieces, we save time every morning, we save by avoiding impulsive purchases and we reduce our impact on the environment. It is a simple way to say no to overconsumption, while building a solid foundation for stylish outfits in every season.
At Meanwhile Boutique, we believe that fashion can be beautiful, sustainable and accessible - one essential piece at a time. Discover our eco-responsible collection and create your ideal capsule wardrobe right now!
