New Year - new wardrobe? That does not necessarily have to be the case. To welcome the New Year, we thought in the usual way, by advocating for long-term investments in quality garments and highlight the benefits of the basic wardrobe, as well as explain the concept of a capsule wardrobe.
Text: Mimmi Ljungblad
Photos: Ted Olsson
Published
2022-01-01
We believe in long-term investments in quality that last over time and beyond trends, something that we often communicate. The concept of building a basic wardrobe is based on this very reasoning - to think quality before quantity, and to invest long-term. Today, however, we did not intend to talk about the basic wardrobe, but the capsule wardrobe. A way to structure your wardrobe that makes it easier to choose clothes in the morning, and at the same time it saves time and unnecessary purchases.
Time to explain the concept
A capsule wardrobe is a wardrobe that is limited in size to limit the number of possible combinations, and thus reducing the time to decide on the choice of clothing. An accepted number is 37 garments, but the important thing is to be selective. As the options become fewer, the focus shifts to matching options. A capsule wardrobe should thus contain garments that can be combined with each other and harmonise in terms of colour.
How do you create a wardrobe that lasts over time? Simply explained by investing in basic garments and a timeless design of good quality. Fit is a must, as well as garments that you appreciate and enjoy. Did you know that by using the garments 3 times longer, you reduce the environmental impact by about 68%? The quality of the garment, as well as the right garment care, is therefore extremely important.
Decide around your personal style
Trends come and go, and change with the seasons, style is completely different. Spend some time reflecting on your life and your personal style. What do you feel most comfortable in? Does your wardrobe reflect the life you actually live?
If you live high up in the north, it is realistic to think 5-10 degrees, rather than 20-25 degrees. If you alternate work with picking up and dropping off children, it may be more practical to think every day rather than festive.
Ensure matching
With that said, time to start building the capsule wardrobe. One piece of advice is to empty the wardrobe completely and select the garments that should be included in your capsule wardrobe, rather than picking out the garments that should be excluded. If you still find it difficult, the "hanger trick" is a tactic. Hang in all the garments that you have used so that the hook of the hanger points outwards instead of inwards, i.e. in the wrong direction. This way you see which garments you do not actually use regularly. When you feel ready, choose the following:
- 3-4 base colours: simple and neutral colours that harmonise well with most other colours, such as white, grey and black.
- 2-3 accent colours: bolder colours that are eye-catching and create interest, such as red and yellow. By investing in accent-coloured accessories, you can easily change your style, without having to update the entire wardrobe.
- Choose 1-2 patterns: chequered, striped or polka dot? But stick to the base and accent colours you have chosen.
Be selective
When you feel ready with the colour choices, it's time to choose the garments. Below we have listed suggestions for garments that can be included in a capsule wardrobe, however, these may vary based on your style. If you are a person who likes to dress more formally, this should be considered.
Shirts | Quantity | √ |
White Oxford shirt | 1 pair | |
Blue Oxford shirt | 1 pair | |
Blue denim shirt | 1 pair | |
White dress shirt | 1 pair | |
Blue-white striped shirt | 1 pair | |
T-shirts | Quantity
| √ |
White t-shirt | 1 pair | |
Grey t-shirt | 1 pair | |
Blue t-shirt | 1 pair | |
Black t-shirt | 1 pair | |
Sweaters | Quantity | √ |
Grey pullover | 1 pair | |
Blue pullover | 1 pair | |
Knitted polo | 1 pair | |
Turtleneck | 1 pair | |
Grey/blue sweatshirt | 1 pair | |
Cardigan | 1 pair | |
Knitted sweater | 1 pair | |
Trousers | Quantity | √ |
Grey flannel trousers | 1 pair | |
Khaki chinos | 1 pair | |
Blue chinos | 1 pair | |
Raw unwashed jeans | 1 pair | |
Blue jeans | 1 pair | |
|
Outerwear | Quantity | √ |
Overshirt | 1 pair | |
Blazer | 1 pair | |
Spring jacket | 1 pair | |
Coat | 1 pair | |
Parka | 1 pair | |
Vest | 1 pair | |
Shoes | Quantity | √ |
Black oxfords | 1 pair | |
Brown brogues | 1 pair | |
Boots | 1 pair | |
White sneakers | 1 pair | |
Accessories | Quantity | √ |
Scarf | 1 pair | |
Beanie | 1 pair | |
Gloves | 2 pair | |
Belt | 2 pair | |
Sort by season
When the most difficult decisions have been made, it is time to sort by season. You can put away the garments that are not relevant at the moment. We also recommend that you create a separate holiday capsule with shorts, swimming trunks and more that you store in a suitable place when the garments are not in use. Also valid garments for extra festive occasions.
Reflect on key garments
If you feel that your original wardrobe is not complete, and that you need to supplement with garments, there is definitely room for this. A cleaning in the existing wardrobe enables new investments in garments of good quality. You also get a good overview and discover which garments you are missing.
Applies to garments that did not fit in your capsule wardrobe. Do you belong to the group that has saved too many garments with affection value? The shirt from the first date with your partner, or the sweatshirt from the exchange semester on the other side of the Atlantic? We know how difficult it can be to get rid of clothes.
At the same time, we strongly believe in letting someone else rejoice in garments that you have grown out of, or lost your passion for. By donating or selling garments that you are no longer happy with, you can also reinvest the profits in high-quality garments, which you have longed for.