The other problem with the capsule wardrobe is that, while fashion magazines would have us believe that there is such a thing as a 'classic white shirt' or a 'classic blazer', the fashion industrial complex has other ideas. It's literally their job to make us believe items are 'old fashioned' and out of style a single season after we've bought them. What once seemed 'classic' now seems 'déclassé' - intentionally.
Absolutely true. I'm starting to become quite grouchily averse to being sold to - ie, every time I look at Instagram, etc. And tbh I do have some old faithful items (loose yoga type black trousers, birkenstocks, breton tops) and don't care whether they're ever deemed out of style. I can't imagine living without them!
The whole capsule wardrobe thing is a strange Western way of dressing and it’s very boring 🤣. I grew up in India, and what one had was outfits. Every outfit was distinct and had matching pieces. So my mum would wear a cream and maroon saree paired with a maroon blouse made for that saree. Sometimes she wore matching maroon earrings and sometimes something neutral like pearls. No one could copy this outfit because (if it was a handwoven saree) only one such existed in the whole world! The next day, another unique saree. People would compliment each other on the uniqueness of their sarees, the cool neckline on the blouse, etc. It was just so much fun! Let’s say I like green.
I’d buy unstitched fabric for a salwar kameez set, and the tailor would make me a tunic top, matching pants, and a long scarf as one distinct outfit. I’m telling you, have some fun with your clothes!
Loved this piece, surely a capsule wardrobe can be styles that suit you (definitely no blazers for me) in colours that you love? I wish "quiet luxury" would stop being a thing bring back joyous, clashing colour!
Yes absolutely - I guess it COULD simply mean a few very wearable pieces that you love. The things you're mostly drawn to. Perhaps we all have a certain type of capsule wardrobe in our wardrobes already - just not the 'classic' Vogue one!
I wonder that myself. I'm on hol in France with husband and daughter and daughter has a lovely very soft white shirt with her that's the opposite of crisp. The softest of light cottons. I think it's the 'crispness' that irks me!
My sympathies to you and all the ladies in the comments. Dressing is simple for me because I look like a shaggy old man no matter what I’m wearing. Nitey-nite, luv!
Hi luv! At 3:12 AM I’d say it consists of dark, worn, comfortable cottons and slip-in shoes that don’t have to be laced up. Definitely loose-fitting tops and elastic waist on the trousers. I don’t want people to see what shape I am, lol. Nitey-nite, luv!
I love this! Have you also noticed that capsule wardrobes are terrified of pattern and advocate a small-scale one in beige if you absolutely have to. Plus, I cannot ever get over the uselessness of a trench coat!
I used to think one would make me look sophisticated! 😄 I actually still own a (short length) hideous one bought in Hobbs sale a decade ago. Can't understand why I don't just charity it!
Apparently we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. I seem to pick things from the top layer of the drawer! I think my capsule would be quite big, the size of a grain silo?
I love your illustrations, complete with two little white tabs so you can cut out the shirt/sweater/trench, fold them round your cut-out doll and really see just how boring they are.
I’m currently in the middle of trying to sort out my wardrobe (it was desperate as I can’t actually fit anything else in never mind actually remove items) and I can so relate to this Fiona. So many things bought on a whim that I sort of like but don’t go with anything else… items that are thirty years old (and more) but the idea of navy ‘slacks’ and a camel coat… yuk! I live in jeans so not really sure why I have this problem!
I can relate to this!! I seem to always gravitate towards the same pieces in my closet, rotating them with a bit of color for the various seasons. But would my life be better with a capsule wardrobe? Hmm...
The other problem with the capsule wardrobe is that, while fashion magazines would have us believe that there is such a thing as a 'classic white shirt' or a 'classic blazer', the fashion industrial complex has other ideas. It's literally their job to make us believe items are 'old fashioned' and out of style a single season after we've bought them. What once seemed 'classic' now seems 'déclassé' - intentionally.
Absolutely true. I'm starting to become quite grouchily averse to being sold to - ie, every time I look at Instagram, etc. And tbh I do have some old faithful items (loose yoga type black trousers, birkenstocks, breton tops) and don't care whether they're ever deemed out of style. I can't imagine living without them!
Apparently we are all supposed to look like we work in a Toby carvery. (Much respect for everyone who does have to wear a work uniform) 💖
The whole capsule wardrobe thing is a strange Western way of dressing and it’s very boring 🤣. I grew up in India, and what one had was outfits. Every outfit was distinct and had matching pieces. So my mum would wear a cream and maroon saree paired with a maroon blouse made for that saree. Sometimes she wore matching maroon earrings and sometimes something neutral like pearls. No one could copy this outfit because (if it was a handwoven saree) only one such existed in the whole world! The next day, another unique saree. People would compliment each other on the uniqueness of their sarees, the cool neckline on the blouse, etc. It was just so much fun! Let’s say I like green.
I’d buy unstitched fabric for a salwar kameez set, and the tailor would make me a tunic top, matching pants, and a long scarf as one distinct outfit. I’m telling you, have some fun with your clothes!
Love your description of your mum's outfit, and also the notion of being guided by the colours that appeal to you. Makes absolute sense!
Loved this piece, surely a capsule wardrobe can be styles that suit you (definitely no blazers for me) in colours that you love? I wish "quiet luxury" would stop being a thing bring back joyous, clashing colour!
Yes absolutely - I guess it COULD simply mean a few very wearable pieces that you love. The things you're mostly drawn to. Perhaps we all have a certain type of capsule wardrobe in our wardrobes already - just not the 'classic' Vogue one!
We are separated at birth. As I get older I have decided if I can’t wear harem pants and a slogan t shirt to it, I don’t want to go.
That's an excellent rule for life!
Why are white shirts always ‘crisp’?
I wonder that myself. I'm on hol in France with husband and daughter and daughter has a lovely very soft white shirt with her that's the opposite of crisp. The softest of light cottons. I think it's the 'crispness' that irks me!
Absolutely! A nice drapy muslin or voile or linen is a thing of beauty. ‘Crisp’ poplin an abomination.
Inspired to create the antithesis of a capsule wardrobe:
Theme - dressing up box
I like that! A LOT more fun...
My sympathies to you and all the ladies in the comments. Dressing is simple for me because I look like a shaggy old man no matter what I’m wearing. Nitey-nite, luv!
Hi luv! At 3:12 AM I’d say it consists of dark, worn, comfortable cottons and slip-in shoes that don’t have to be laced up. Definitely loose-fitting tops and elastic waist on the trousers. I don’t want people to see what shape I am, lol. Nitey-nite, luv!
I'm picturing the shaggy old man capsule wardrobe!
very definitely
I love this! Have you also noticed that capsule wardrobes are terrified of pattern and advocate a small-scale one in beige if you absolutely have to. Plus, I cannot ever get over the uselessness of a trench coat!
Utterly useless hateful item
Trench coats, what are they FOR? What are you supposed to do with all those flaps? They take ages to put on, which is the last thing I want at 6.30am.
I used to think one would make me look sophisticated! 😄 I actually still own a (short length) hideous one bought in Hobbs sale a decade ago. Can't understand why I don't just charity it!
Give it to a good cause. Whenever I bought something hideous my mother used to say "Dr Barnardo would look nice in that".
Me too! Not drawing my own, that is, but doing all the cutting out.
Blissful pastime!
Apparently we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. I seem to pick things from the top layer of the drawer! I think my capsule would be quite big, the size of a grain silo?
Thanks for making me laugh as always 😆👍🥰
Mine is not a capsule wardrobe. It's the entire pharmacy.
Haha - wish I'd thought of that line Maggy! 😄
Haha yes that could work - a vast capsule, where nothing goes with anything else! Xx
I love your illustrations, complete with two little white tabs so you can cut out the shirt/sweater/trench, fold them round your cut-out doll and really see just how boring they are.
Thanks Gillian - I loved those paper dolls. Used to draw my own with extremely non capsule outfits! X
I’m currently in the middle of trying to sort out my wardrobe (it was desperate as I can’t actually fit anything else in never mind actually remove items) and I can so relate to this Fiona. So many things bought on a whim that I sort of like but don’t go with anything else… items that are thirty years old (and more) but the idea of navy ‘slacks’ and a camel coat… yuk! I live in jeans so not really sure why I have this problem!
I think dressing gets trickier as we grow older… finally Uniqulo is coming to Glasgow. Rejoice! Opening day should be a city-wide holiday! 🎉 x
I can relate to this!! I seem to always gravitate towards the same pieces in my closet, rotating them with a bit of color for the various seasons. But would my life be better with a capsule wardrobe? Hmm...
In theory yes but you might resent its rigidity and lack of fun? I know I would x
Haha. Me illustrate it! I forgot you are a brilliant illustrator yourself! You\ve got it covered!
You’re very kind Annie! Could the Totterings have a capsule wardrobe conundrum? X
Utterly relatable and brilliant as always...This is me entirely! I hope these will be collected into a book which I will illustrate for you!
I’d love that! Xx