Hi! 🌸 Do you want to have a style consultation with me and work through your capsule wardrobe trauma? You can read more and view my calendar here: calendly.com/stylethoughtsbyrita/style-talk-with-rita 🌸Do you want to see daily updates from me and see my non-capsule outfits? You can find me on IG @stylethoughtsbyrita.
I feel in the upper echelons of careers, like working in IT or working in academia, it is seen as the optimal thing to have a uniform of clothes(capsule) everyday, since spending time on fashion is seen as time wasting and frivolous. Like the IT person who always wears a T-shirt and jeans or the professor who always wears Bikenstocks and a Hawaiian shirt. Nothing wrong with any of those clothing items either or if people choose to have a capsule. But I wish society would maybe let go of the idea that having a uniform makes you more of a smarter person.
Trueeeeee, I personally cycle thru phases of wearing only 4 dresses in an year to , wanting to experiment d next. . . As someone in the STEM field myself, I can tell u d looks I draw in, for both my phases
In my experience the capsule wardrobe can be a valuable tool against the very real decision fatigue and the equally real compulsive shopping. And as you said it has also been a beautiful tool to become more mindful and focused on my own style. I have other items besides the capsule that allow all the fun and experimentation I need. The only problem I see is that people takes the concept too far and talk too much about it.
I agree! I think the capsule wardrobe mindset is a great way to build your wardrobe and personal style. Some people just take it too far or make it too constricting or basic.
Only half of the video has passed, and here I am - writing my third comment 😅 13:00 I am getting to a conclusion that all (most of) the theorising around wardrobe is focused on the pragmatism. Like, “perfect capsule for cold winter”, “10 tips how to shop smart”, “1250 trends of 2021”, “how to declutter a wardrobe”… we needed more attention to emotional and psychological, even philosophical aspect of a costume. And I’m glad we have Rita among people to bring this to the spotlight
I grew up with the "mix & match" mentality, I was the kid that had 2 pairs of jeans, one jacket, two pair of shoes, and some tops to match these. My family already gave me the "quality over quantity" mindset, and I didn't really experiment with fashion. Now, I am getting more and more interested in systems IDs, essences and how to express myself through clothes. Before, I only thought clothes were just a distraction, and they weren't that important for my life, I had to focus more on talents, and with this approach to life I had very love self esteem regards to my appearance, and I honestly have to say that these months trying out new things have been so much fun and really helped with having a better relationship with myself. I want to say when this idea of "capsule wardrobe" started to spread all over the internet I was SUPER interested and attracted by It because of my background, It was like a comfort zone for me, and I tried It, I bought very simple basic pieces, but I suddenly realized how sad It was for me. I realized that even when I was a child, I had few clothes yes, but they were colorful, my parents still allowed me to wear 'bold' pieces, because that's what represented me the best, that's what people saw in me, that was my so called 'aura'. Right now I'm at a place where I still value a lot quality over quantity, and I'm not really comfortable having a lot of clothes in my wardrobe, I want to really use every single piece I own, but I'm allowing to create different 'moods' and 'aesthetics', I'm trying to understand who I am through fashion and this Is what makes me happy! Also, I've never thought how fun fashion could be, I'm slowly getting into makeup also (I've never wore It my whole life, again, conservative background hahah) and I'm slowly breaking the stereotypes, trying to process all the things that blocked me from experimenting more. Thank you so much for this video Rita, It really helped me open more my eyes and having a different perspective on fashion and our society ❤️
What a beautiful story 🌸 I've had a lot of clients who have had somewhat similar trajectories and I really made this video with this story in mind We all have our own "paths" in life and yeah for some people that path is realizing that they need less, that they don't really want to spend time with clothes etc etc But for many of us the path is to realize (as you shared) that there is fun and pleasure and joy to be found in clothes and in giving ourselves the permission to explore
@@StyleThoughtsbyRita as I mentioned in my other comment, I do think that the reduction of your clothes does only work if you have a lot of stuff to begin with (meaning you overconsumed and got lots of experience). What is there to reduce if your entire wardrobe already has less than the recommended capsule size?
First, your new dress is lovely. Second, I agree that a lot of capsule wardrobes seem boring, at least to me. However, the one situation in which I rely upon the capsule approach is when I'm packing for travel. Then it makes sense to have a limited number of items that will be worn in mix-and-match combos for a week or two (hand washing as needed). I just try to squeeze in a special top, dress, or accessories to make the travel capsule less boring.
Great point! Travel is a great reason to put together a mini capsule wardrobe. And capsule wardrobes don't have to be boring either! I see it more as a mindset when building your wardrobe.
I've got to the point where I think I have it sorted in terms of not ending up with "orphaned" separates that match nothing...but not going through the hell that is putting together and sticking to a capsule or going through the hell that is having fifty different outfits none of which seem quite right for the current situation. I call it a wardrobe spine. Work out colours for a theoretical separates outfit that is bland by your normal standards but in a comforting way. For me that is blue denim or khaki skirt or trousers, black shoes, cream or white top, cream sweater or cardigan, navy coat or blazer. That's the spine of my wardrobe. I may only wear it exactly like that a couple of times a year...but it is the spine that everything hangs off. And it is always there for me. I always make sure to keep plentiful items of those colours. Multiple different versions...for every season and occasion. When shopping if I must choose between two items of equal desirability...I choose the one that potentially hangs off the spine best (that is can just be swapped into the theoretical outfit without hassle) and cheerfully buy more spine items as needed to make that real. If I simply must buy an item that can't hang off the spine at all due to colour issues...I make sure the items I buy to make it work do hang off the spine. Eventually you can sort your wardrobe into four tiers...spine, things that connect to the spine, things that are one step further away from the spine....and stuff that just can't connect to the spine. The stuff that cannot connect...that stuff needs to be done outfit by outfit or abandoned. I've found that shopping is zero stress now. I want a colour fix of the latest colour or print? Or style fix of the latest cut of sleeve or whatever? It is usually pretty clear what type of item will just fit in perfectly and I am consistently buying stuff that works with my other stuff. About 20 percent of my wardrobe is spine, about 70 percent works very well with the spine, about 5 percent is one step further away from the spine and then about 5 percent is standalone outfits. I've calmed down on the need to keep shopping. Things in my wardrobe just spontaneously look good together. When I do shop I usually make a purchase I am happy with and can wear without making more purchases. I make fewer forced purchases just to be able to wear items I have bought. I think I have found the idea that people are looking for when they try to make capsules work and fail.
You have just put into words what I have been thinking about the capsule wardrobe. I have been thinking how I NEED to have one style and that’s it and less options so I can get dressed quickly and go. But I like having options and different moods and that is just fine by me
I completely understand but what a lot of people don’t mention is you can create more than one capsule. It can have a different look or theme. For example some create multiple capsules for seasons as well. You can get really creative. I think it doesn’t have to be bland at all. It allows for more structure if needed. Some people don’t need structure. Also some people create a trendy capsule, it’s all up to you. You are in control!
Love this video so much! What bugs me about capsule discourse, too, is how it’s so much about high-income people creating artificial scarcity for themselves. And then making high-handed hectoring videos about it to lecture the plebs.
So you kind of blew my mind... I have been feeling so guilty about having 3 different “capsule wardrobes” or 3 different style aesthetics, and have been feeling like I am doing it “wrong”; but I really, really love what I own and I haven’t wanted to get rid of 50% of my things to fit the capsule wardrobe guides. This was so liberating to hear. I love expressing my creativity in what I wear, and it helps a ton with my mental health to get dressed each day and make an outfit based on my mood and self-expression. I really find it fun to pick a color palette for a week, or a month, or a season, and challenge myself to pick pieces from my closet to put together a mini capsule wardrobe that’s a little separate from the rest of my clothes. I love different aesthetics and I took the Dressing Your Truth course years ago, and that really helped me to understand what I am drawn to and that knowledge is actually so much more empowering than capsule wardrobes. Love your advice! It’s so true that it’s important to have self-expression of who we are, and not just look like a bland, insipid, uninspired person with no character. I find that even influencers sho do very minimal basics tend to gravitate towards adding more character pieces in their wardrobes, anyways!
I VERY much have struggled with having too many personal fashion aesthetics and having a wardrobe that is totally chaotic as a result... I realized that because of this, I was having trouble putting together outfits I felt good in, I wasn't wearing like 80% of my clothes, and what I was wearing never seemed to be practical for my daily lifestyle. I've spent the last literally 4-ish years trying to narrow down my style to encompass a bit of every aesthetic I like, in a color palette that I both like and find suits my complexion, with pieces that I will feel comfortable wearing in my every day life, and that I can easily pair together with the rest of my clothes. Lemme tell you, it has been a SERIOUS journey. After 4 years, I quite literally think I finally got it figured out just this week. The process of getting to this point was nothing short of disastrous, though...
I think the main point of a capsule wardroabe is sustainability, and that has been lost on a lot of style vloggers and Instagrams. The people I follow who promote capsules are all concerned with how sustainable the material it is and how ethically it's made, and when even that gets murky they default to a removal from consumerism. This doesn't have to mean a "minimal" style, but having less options is actually very healthy for some of us who have felt driven by consumerism and the need to have a huge wardroabe just for the sake of it. Ultimately it's good to take that major point away from the discussion about capsules. So if you do feel the need to have options for the sake of your particular style, do it in a way that doesn't contribute to high turnover, material and plastic waste, or unethical practices
I’ve struggled with downsizing my wardrobe because I thought it would be easier. But it’s no easier and my style was a lot more interesting before. Heading back, one outfit at a time!
Hiya! I'm somewhat new to your channel. Coming into all of these new topics at once capsule wardrobes, Kibbe types, McKinsey types, color seasons, glowups, oh my! I find it so refreshing to hear a new perspective here on putting ones own individual preferences first when embarking on this journey. I feel like a lot of people (myself included) have gotten carried away in this throw my personality out to have cohesion. I am loving your content, thanks so much for making it! 😊☕
Firstly, you look gorgeous in your new dress and eye make-up! So radiant! I definitely used to believe a capsule wardrobe was restrictive and boring, for the reasons you state. So many vloggers promote the same neutral palette. But I have really got into the concept this year, specifically for the two reasons you appreciate. Sustainability is my key style goal, as well as loving everything I wear and expressing this self-love in my clothing. I am completing my second 3-month seasonal capsule this month. It is an evolution, of course, as I am always learning about my essence and aesthetic. I feel a 'signature look' doesn't necessarily have to be the same combination of garment types, but something more like an Image ID -- it has essential qualities. For example, I am landing on FN. Which makes my capsule wardrobes anything but bland!! (Absolutely no beige. Or black or white.) I try to include different shapes as long as the lines complement my silhouette, and the colours are from my shaded summer palette and go with each other (this is actually easier if there are lots of colours in a patterned top -- it can then match multiple coloured bottoms). My current capsule (for hot and humid spring) has 9 tops, 4 bottoms, 4 dresses, 3 bags, 4 pairs of shoes, 1 hat. And a LOT of jewellery. I think that only about 5 items are 'basics'. I don't think 'capsule' has to equal 'minimalism'. I take a maximalist approach to mine! Also, I have not had so much fun with fashion before starting this capsule wardrobe lifestyle. I am ALWAYS thinking about creating outfits and searching for the magical piece to fill a gap and open up countless more possibilities. I work in a creative field, and it's often the case that parameters and constraints force you to come up with creative 'solutions'. For me, the capsule wardrobe has been a tool for exploring another creative outlet. I create a visual guide for each 3-month capsule, using powerpoint to mix and match outfits When I was a child, I LOVED playing with paper dolls, and made paper clothes with tabs, and mixed and matched all day. Now, I feel like a kid again! I haven't worn all the possible combinations in each 3-month season, so there are outfits to look forward to playing with and wearing next year. An unexpected benefit has been that I always have an outfit ready for any occasion. I used to be the person rushing from shop to shop the day of a major event, after weeks of searching. And then having to buy 'just anything'. I ended up with a lot of outfits I felt terrible or uncomfortable in, and never wore again. To plan ahead for the next capsule I use the scheduled and anticipated events in my calendar as the basis. I'm still learning, and haven't created a year's worth of capsules yet...which is so exciting!!! I cannot wait to see how they develop. Sorry for the long rant. 😁I'm a major convert to capsule wardrobing -- and yes, it won't suit some people. I just don't think that capsule wardrobes are necessarily an 'either/or', or have to be full of basics, or bland.
I am so glad that you found an approach that works for you!! I also definitely agree with you that a capsule wardrobe does NOT have to be bland/basic/boring -- I hear you on the "paper doll" aspect and completely recognize that for some people, "creativity under constraint" is really inspiring and freeing. I do think that it's a challenge to create a non-basic capsule wardrobe, and the challenge leads to many people creating bland/unfilfilling capsules, so that's who I'm mostly speaking to in the video.
I absolutely agree, who says capsule wardrobes have to be boring or neutral, or even represent just one aesthetic? What if your fashion goal is to mix several aesthetic inspirations in one outfit? Then you can have it all AND have capsule wardrobe as well. I don't have a capsule but I guess I own relatively few clothes and even less accessories which I'm happy to use with any outfit. All of my shoes, bags (I have 2) or coats don't necessarily 'match' the aesthetic of every possible outfit but I feel like they bring some extra meaning to the outfit by not matching, simply because that's the way I wear them. I just make sure they feel like 'me' and make my happy, that way they always bring my personality to any outfit. I guess body type and essence have an effect on how people feel about capsule wardrobes. For example gamine types can handle more contrasts and separates which don't match perfectly, so they might be better able to mix and match interesting pieces. That approach could also feel more comfortable for down essences than up? Because of the feeling or ease and effortlessness.
@@kaisa1476 well okay but I'm not taking about "minimal wardrobes" but specifically the capsule approach where a key part of it is a unified aesthetic Definitely agree that for some people it's fun to mix and match without worrying too much about how things go together! I support people doing whatever they want and whatever works with their closets 🌸
@@StyleThoughtsbyRita You're definitely right, and I realised that my approach is actually what you described at the end of the video. I have just come across capsule wardrobe content that emphasizes uniqueness rather than neutrality, so that in my mind capsule wardrobe has just come to mean a well-thought minimal sets of clothing that rotate every season, with no specific emphasis on aesthetic.
@@kaisa1476 yeah idk to me "minimal closet" is not the same as a capsule but these concepts are also really fluid, right? So one person's "minimal mix and match " is anothers "capsule"! I really didn't mean to suggest that capsules are unworkable or necessarily awful etc ..just that I don't like them and partially that many people do really struggle to create a playful, diverse, expressive capsule wardrobe (even though of course it's possible to do that) 🦋
OMG Rita. Way to blow capsules out the window for me! I do like the idea of a style aesthetic...mostly because I happen to have one. But I never was able to constrain myself to capsules. Signature outfits. Love it as one option or approach to my style
I think this is a really great video, because it explains why the predominant version of the capsule wardrobe is unhelpful, while leaving it open that there is some version of the concept (capsule wardrobe*) that could be helpful.
Only when you started talking about the outfit based wardrobe did I realise that since learning about Kibbe, I've been doing this naturally. As a TR I look great in outfits that are well thought through. Now I just finished knitting myself a delicate mohair-silk lace scarf to match my bright pink leather gloves. Next up, I'll make a hat with some flowers and lace on it. It's a good set I can wear with a couple of different jackets and purses. Maybe I don't only think of outfits, you see? I think of sets. Pink: gloves, hat, purse etc Violet: a cardigan, makeup (much like yours btw
The capsule wardrobe discourse from the late aughts! I was caught up in it too (thank you, Nina Garcia). The upshot: I wore the classic white shirt all right, but then I had outfits that were really funny and a hot mess. On top of this I was starting my love affair with vintage (women's and men's). All I had was an autumnal palette and a dress sense that was all over the place. I don't think I looked terribly chic until my late teens or early twenties. Nowadays I tango back and forth between Kibbe Dramatic and McJimsey Dramatic, Dark Autumn palette in hand, still with a slight vintage twist. I consider the usual staples (jeans, trousers, skirts, jackets, trench coats, crisp man-tailored shirts, cashmere turtlenecks, little black dresses, etc.) to be a foundation rather than an end goal. I also take my image ID and seasonal palette into account: Instead of the *classic* white shirt, which reads as bland and anyway makes me look like death warmed over, I might try cream shirts that play with plackets, cuffs, pleats, asymmetry. So my approach is something of a combo platter.
I love the intentionality of the capsule wardrobe. As a mom in college I just wanna grab and go. But I also like what you've said. It's also refreshing for me to realize the capsule isn't "THE WAY". I can still be intentional while nourishing my creativity. So I'm definitely gonna stop holding myself to curating the absolute perfect capsule, and instead start focusing on outfits and expressing how I feel and how I want to present myself. I definitely have differing moods and would love to play with that idea in expressing those through my outfits. Thanks so much for this!!! Capsule was certainly a lot of unnecessary pressure on my (when I still feel so young and inexperienced!) I'd love to give myself permission to experiment in an intentional way :) BTW I am a minimalist so that's why I like the capsule in the beginning. But also minimalism isn't just about getting rid of stuff. It's about being intentional and making room for what you care about, and for me that includes fashion and how I present myself :)
Hi Rita, I love you're a stylist who doesn't promote capsules like everyone else. I don't like them for all the points you mentioned, especially that I actually don't have enough clothes, so I hardly need to course correct by going for less. One point I do converge with capsule mentality is that I like a very definite aesthetic and that's probably why I can't always find enough clothes that fit into it. I think in the past when I tried to be self-expressive, I didn't know when to stop and ended up with people at work going 'are you part of the travelling circus?' Er, no.... !
Best analysis of capsule wardrobes I've heard. I find it far more useful to put together caplets of outfits for various activities, weather and situations rather than have a capsule of items that all has to mix and match.
Maaaaaaaaaaaaan. I love your whole channel and your approach. And this little video is a gem. I used to love dressing up, playing around with fashion, playing dress up. But I DID buy into this mix and match/signature style idea and since doing that, and also trying desperately for years to understand my kibbe type and strictly adhering to my pear shape style recommendations, style has become this stiff, frustrating thing. And I’m spending waaaaaaay more time now than ever trying to “solve” my style. I love the freeness of your system. And this particular talk just gets me feeling so much more free about the whole thing.
Your eyeshadow in this video is my favorite. I’m captivated. I’m inspired now to find the perfect brown to match my eye color and create this same enveloping cloud of color that you’ve done with yours. The darker color will probably read a bit more gravitational and less ethereal than yours, but no less interesting hopefully.
Personally I found the capsule wardrobe approach a fun mental exercise. By creating imaginary capsule wardrobes using different combinations of pieces from my wardrobe it helped me be more creative and identify combinations I hadn't thought of previously. It also help to me identify some gaps and be more mindful about not buying random things but be more intentional. These mental exercises really helped when travelling when I created literal capsule wardrobes! I enjoy being creative, so couldn't have a wardrobe of so called ' minimal basics', but I think staples and basics should be unique to each one of us! Currently I use a digital wardrobe to help me see what I have, and be more content with it, and help me be more experimental in the outfits 😊
Your perspective is a breath of fresh air! I love your creativity, openness, and celebration. Thank-you so much for making videos for us. I adore them!
I love this discussion we're having and it's interesting to see everyone's ideas on this in the comments. Now that I've seen your video and have come to the realization that I, for one, was trapped in the "puzzle mentality" for building my wardrobe (when that doesn't fit who I am!), I am comforted by the idea that everyone is allowed to hear all of the ideas, understand all of the concepts, and then decide for themselves what works for them.
I watched this video probably for the 3rd time now and every time I learn somthing new from it while exploring different quadrants and archetypes and then come back to this video. All of a sudden I just grabed a frilly lilac skirt and paired it with a red vintage fine knit sweater and it looks so me! I realized it is one of my not lived and executed style personas. With a classic capsule wardrobe these two pieces were probably not a part of it anymore ... which would be such a shame! So thank you Rita for the inspiration!
Loved this video! I especially enjoyed hearing your thoughts on not needing to commit to one coherent aesthetic. I found myself under the spell of that idea for quite a while, but have lately been thinking it is totally fine to have several distinct aesthetics. I need different looks for different moods, and I certainly don't have just one mood!
I totally get how a capsule wardrobe can simplify getting dressed & shopping for some people. If everything you own is Black, White, Grey or Taupe/Beige you only need black shoes, black coat, black bag & maybe nude/beige shoes, coat & bags. I use this strategy when packing to cut down on how many shoes & bags I must pack. I don't have A capsule wardrobe, I have a wardrobe made of capsules. By color, by season, by event, etc. Right now I have a lot of dark green, plum, & black plus white & peach/rust/coral. I am trying to incorporate more browns & tans as an alternative to black, plus more blue (teal specifically)I don't really have a "uniform" or signature look. Some seasons hit your sweet spot for style, cut & color. Othere times not so much. I try to only buy new stuff when my sweet spot is trending & available & not have to settle for something "good enough" or practical. Some of the fashion advice works for me but not always as fashion advisors intend since I don't want to look like a soccer mom or like I work in a bank. When they say : 10 Things Every Woman Needs In Her Closet & list a white blouse, a black skirt & black pants you can choose YOUR perfect white blouse -could be a poet's blouse or a high neck lacey Victorian blouse. No one said it had to be a boring plain white button down or crew neck tee(which I would never wear personally) The black skirt could be an asymetrical hi lo hem chiffon skirt, the black pants could be flowy coulottes or harem pants or leather. Your basics don't have to be boring is what I'm saying. Once upon a time people's lives were more compartmentalized & so were their clothes. Work clothes, play/leisure clothes, church clothes, special event clothes, etc. So having diff styles in your closet wasn't seen as weird, you had to dress for diff occassions. Nowadays everything is VERY casual, people wear sweats & shorts out to dinner & jeans everywhere with evrything. Have fun with & get joy from getting dressed. Wear the clothes that make you happy.
I have often felt like “the minimalist” and/or capsule wardrobe and the whole theme is just another switcher for this neurotic anxious state of mind. On the other hand, trying to be mindful and careful around “clothing” waste our dressing habits accumulate is a kind of remedy for one’s soul…
Totally agree with you, Rita. I’ve never liked the idea of a capsule for me, but certainly appreciate the idea of not over consuming. For me, I like the second option you proposed - “shopping my closet” with multiple options for HTTs. P.s. I love your new ensemble!
👏 I loved this. You bring up so many beliefs that I have about fashion that I never even considered challenging. It feels very liberating to let go of the ideal of a capsule wardrobe.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts as always. It’s great if a capsule wardrobe works for someone, but it does not work for me for practical reasons- one being the climate here, and two being my job. It was 23 C here for a high one day and then -7 C for a low the next, so I always like to wear layers and have options. I also just love the ability to express myself through my clothes on an everyday basis.
I use the capsule wardrobe approach when shopping. I'm looking for a cohesive color story and fits that match different tops/botttoms. As a Classic I don't look good in loud "wow" pieces anyway, so it's important for me that my clothes blend really well. I never strictly follow the rules, especially those about quantity :D Narrowing down a capsule for bags and shoes really helped me understand what I like and want - now I can branch out to something more special or crazy
So I have a capsule wardrobe and don't see it this way. I guess there are some capsule wardrobe rules that require those things that you mentioned. My capsule includes a yellow gingham shirt that can be paired with my denim skirts (I have a couple colors), my floral circle skirt, my jeans. I have an eyelet skirt, a few floral dresses, a couple lace tops, and a few cardigans. Capsules don't have to be boring, all of my items are special to me. Anyway, I think most style systems/approaches aren't inherently wrong. Just find the one that works for you. The others don't have to be wrong, they're just not for you.
I agree we all have different things that serve us, hence the title of the video "I'm not into them and here's why" I'm glad you like your capsule wardrobe and I'm sorry that my critique was irrelevant to your capsule + to the capsule ideologies which you subscribe 🌸
Thanks for making this video! I find the capsule wardrobe boring and unnecessarily rigid. I did use the concept after having my first son, to kind of build my basic wardrobe again when nothing pre-kids fit, but have spent the last 4 years slowly creating a wardrobe that is functional, yet allows for me to express my creativity while getting dressed.
I have the feeling that the capsule wardrobe is good for people who already have too much and want to reduce and focus on what they really like. I never had many clothes to begin with and am in the process of figuring out what I really like. A capsule wardrobe that starts with: reduce all your clothes to amount X does not work for me, because I already have so little. Currently, I'd rather have even more in order to experiment and find out what suits me. The mixing and matching does not really work for me as well, since I tend to have one or two super favorite combinations (aka outfits) that I repeat over and over. Why should I mix and match if I could wear my favorite combo instead?! I will try to incorporate the capsule approach into making outfits though. Its like I have tiny capsules for every style mood then ^^
Thank you so much for this! Such a refreshing perspective. Much appreciated. Speaking of non-capsule wardrobes, I loved your “And Just Like That” Insta analysis of Miranda’s style. Such a accessible way to get to know your essence system. I would love if you could do a video analysing all the characters. 🙏🙏🙏
I was so happy until I started to think about style and what my style was and what was its name and all of that!, In all honesty I have a huge closet, and I change my style like I change my mood. So what I did was that I find pieces in my closet and I made a tiny space in it so I can make a "capsule wardrobe" of the clothing I want to wear.. is like right now I'm liking the dark academia style, so I found some pieces in my wardrobe that can work and I'm buying some others so that I can make a dark academia capsule, and then when I get tired I'll just put all of them back into my closet and make a new capsule ;)
Even tho I have for the first time a capsule wardrobe that is working perfectly for me, I agree with you. I feel like people think generally that capsule wardrobe means to have 33 pieces of clothing and all of them are minimalist and neutral. That's not it at all, and that certainly does not correspond to most peoples style and expectations. But I do agree, to make a capsule wardrobe that actually portrays who you are is difficult... but it is easier in a way... because having things that work well together is the key and that makes everything sooooo easy.🙃
I feel you and support you 100%. My thinking on this has kind of evolved and I think generally there are "pieces people" and "outfits people". Pieces people love to mix and match and move the flexibility. There's still the danger of ending up too bland but ultimately having a capsule helps you get really creative I myself though do not enjoy mix and match at all, I'm such an outfit person. It's like I organize my closet into outfit capsules, like "here are my 8 work outfits" "here are my 4 fun fancy outfits"
Oh that's so funny,@@StyleThoughtsbyRita ! I've never thought about it like that... that's true, I like having pieces, and creating 100.000.000 new outifits and iscovering new combinations... I never think about outfits like that, like outfits make my wardrobe! 😅
I only “capsule” my wardrobe when I travel😂. Otherwise, I shop color stories for new purchases, which can also be styled with what I already have in my closet. I love “statement” pieces and have found they are timeless. They get styled in new ways to be “updated”. I’ve learned to shop quality over quantity. If you only wear a great outfit once, I think you are doing something wrong with your styling and your fashion strategy. Thank you for another great video!💋💋
I think its very helpful to have a sort of a capsule wardrobe for a certain function (a capsule for trips, for work...). That'll make a couple of mini capsules. Then to have additional outfits for certain occasions. Bothe system combine well with eachother actually.
I love having a huge wardrobe that I can pull mini-capsules out of for a week, a month, a season, travel, whatever. Sometimes I’ll just start craving a certain color and build a little capsule around it, or an item will spark inspiration for a mini-collection. But I can’t imagine paring down my whole wardrobe to meet some arbitrary number of items. And I really don’t understand including jewelry and accessories in the capsule count! If you’re only going to have a few items of clothing, you’re going to add interest with jewelry and accessories, so why put artificial limits on them? That being said, I love Daria Andronescue’s Wonder Wardrobe capsules, especially the ones she creates from paintings. She’s so creative and really embraces unique, stand-out pieces within a curated collection. I still can’t go more than a month or 2 with just one capsule before I have to change it up, but her system is the best I’ve found for capsules.
I made a video last year that encompassed this whole idea. The basic pieces definitely have a place but I felt sad and boxed in when I was trying to emulate a “classic” style that wasn’t my true essence
Oh let me rant about the CULT “investment in cashmere sweater”. Why, why… it is so expensive. Does it never get lumpy and stretched or what? 😕 Not to mention that cashmere wool is made in… Afghanistan? Well, at least the region Cashmere is over there. I’m not sure it is the right kind of attention that place needs…
It's pretty hard to get good cashmere under $300, even with men's clothing. Imo if you're not willing to spend that type of coin, that's okay--go for a different fibre, like merino wool, lambswool, or even a high-thread-count cotton that can be found at lower price points but can still feel good. The best cashmere comes from goats in inner Mongolia, but it is true that unfortunately the industry of "affordable" and not very quality cashmere has taken over a large land area. If you want good quality cashmere that is somewhat affordable, looking for vintage or high-end secondhand cashmere is your best bet, but it will likely be difficult to find and take some time.
I’m an illuminatrix & love the mix & match/intentional/capsule wardrobe. I think of it as a capsule, but compared to a true capsule… it doesn’t stack up. But I’ve been doing the capsule earlobe concept for almost 10 years, so maybe that’s why it feels like a capsule that still flows with creative expression? Maybe. But I do bounce around with it a lot, which you don’t do in 90%+ of capsules I’ve seen. So, maybe I’m just lying to myself 😆
The capsule always relies on like “the perfect white shirt””the perfect black pants etc”. Which is super unattainable. I can never find a white shirt that is PERFECT
I tried the project 333 capsule collection. Which is 33 pieces every three months. I hated it and it lasted five minutes. Before I was hunting for items outside of the 33 pieces. Because I forgot that I shouldn't wear them and I couldn't stand being so restricted. I thought why am I bothering to do this? So I just gave up.
I used to be very interested in capsule wardrobe concept around 5 years ago. But apart from constant decluttering I was upset that my wardrobe doesn’t look like those on instagram and CZcams. I still had a lot of colourful clothes and well it didn’t look like those black, white beige stuff which for me was SUPER BORING. I tried plain outfits and I really didn’t feel like myself. What opened my eyes wide open, was another YT channel - Daria Andronescu Wonder Wardrobe. She is creating the capsule wardrobe system based on our feelings towards certain clothes and to choose those that we are drawn to, and encourages to mix and match clothing that we already own and really think through our new purchases. She also creates fun capsule wardrobes inspired by some paintings and moods. If you are more interested, check it out. It helped me to be more open to matching clothes in my wardrobe which I wasn’t drawn to with the ones I wear most often, and to think about new clothes in a way that I want to have an idea how to pair it with clothes I already own. Now I am more creative with my outfits and when I look at my wardrobe don’t see particular clothes but rather whole outfits or interesting combinations. For me, the best approach is to take just the best elements (for me) from: seasonal type analysis, kibbe, capsule wardrobe, kitcheners essence. And recently I’ve discovered your essence system. I’ve been binge watching your videos and each and every one gave me chills and some excitement for further exploration. Well if it’s not excitement and experiencing, and trying different systems, well what’s still fun in style? Thank you Rita for your sweet messages and thoughts about essences and different ways to express ourselves
Hi!
🌸 Do you want to have a style consultation with me and work through your capsule wardrobe trauma? You can read more and view my calendar here: calendly.com/stylethoughtsbyrita/style-talk-with-rita
🌸Do you want to see daily updates from me and see my non-capsule outfits? You can find me on IG @stylethoughtsbyrita.
I feel in the upper echelons of careers, like working in IT or working in academia, it is seen as the optimal thing to have a uniform of clothes(capsule) everyday, since spending time on fashion is seen as time wasting and frivolous. Like the IT person who always wears a T-shirt and jeans or the professor who always wears Bikenstocks and a Hawaiian shirt. Nothing wrong with any of those clothing items either or if people choose to have a capsule. But I wish society would maybe let go of the idea that having a uniform makes you more of a smarter person.
Trueeeeee, I personally cycle thru phases of wearing only 4 dresses in an year to , wanting to experiment d next. . . As someone in the STEM field myself, I can tell u d looks I draw in, for both my phases
They say Obama does this to prevent decision fatigue. I think that is where this came from
In my experience the capsule wardrobe can be a valuable tool against the very real decision fatigue and the equally real compulsive shopping. And as you said it has also been a beautiful tool to become more mindful and focused on my own style. I have other items besides the capsule that allow all the fun and experimentation I need. The only problem I see is that people takes the concept too far and talk too much about it.
I agree! I think the capsule wardrobe mindset is a great way to build your wardrobe and personal style. Some people just take it too far or make it too constricting or basic.
Only half of the video has passed, and here I am - writing my third comment 😅
13:00 I am getting to a conclusion that all (most of) the theorising around wardrobe is focused on the pragmatism. Like, “perfect capsule for cold winter”, “10 tips how to shop smart”, “1250 trends of 2021”, “how to declutter a wardrobe”… we needed more attention to emotional and psychological, even philosophical aspect of a costume. And I’m glad we have Rita among people to bring this to the spotlight
I grew up with the "mix & match" mentality, I was the kid that had 2 pairs of jeans, one jacket, two pair of shoes, and some tops to match these. My family already gave me the "quality over quantity" mindset, and I didn't really experiment with fashion. Now, I am getting more and more interested in systems IDs, essences and how to express myself through clothes. Before, I only thought clothes were just a distraction, and they weren't that important for my life, I had to focus more on talents, and with this approach to life I had very love self esteem regards to my appearance, and I honestly have to say that these months trying out new things have been so much fun and really helped with having a better relationship with myself. I want to say when this idea of "capsule wardrobe" started to spread all over the internet I was SUPER interested and attracted by It because of my background, It was like a comfort zone for me, and I tried It, I bought very simple basic pieces, but I suddenly realized how sad It was for me. I realized that even when I was a child, I had few clothes yes, but they were colorful, my parents still allowed me to wear 'bold' pieces, because that's what represented me the best, that's what people saw in me, that was my so called 'aura'. Right now I'm at a place where I still value a lot quality over quantity, and I'm not really comfortable having a lot of clothes in my wardrobe, I want to really use every single piece I own, but I'm allowing to create different 'moods' and 'aesthetics', I'm trying to understand who I am through fashion and this Is what makes me happy! Also, I've never thought how fun fashion could be, I'm slowly getting into makeup also (I've never wore It my whole life, again, conservative background hahah) and I'm slowly breaking the stereotypes, trying to process all the things that blocked me from experimenting more. Thank you so much for this video Rita, It really helped me open more my eyes and having a different perspective on fashion and our society ❤️
What a beautiful story 🌸 I've had a lot of clients who have had somewhat similar trajectories and I really made this video with this story in mind
We all have our own "paths" in life and yeah for some people that path is realizing that they need less, that they don't really want to spend time with clothes etc etc
But for many of us the path is to realize (as you shared) that there is fun and pleasure and joy to be found in clothes and in giving ourselves the permission to explore
@@StyleThoughtsbyRita as I mentioned in my other comment, I do think that the reduction of your clothes does only work if you have a lot of stuff to begin with (meaning you overconsumed and got lots of experience). What is there to reduce if your entire wardrobe already has less than the recommended capsule size?
First, your new dress is lovely. Second, I agree that a lot of capsule wardrobes seem boring, at least to me. However, the one situation in which I rely upon the capsule approach is when I'm packing for travel. Then it makes sense to have a limited number of items that will be worn in mix-and-match combos for a week or two (hand washing as needed). I just try to squeeze in a special top, dress, or accessories to make the travel capsule less boring.
Great point! Travel is a great reason to put together a mini capsule wardrobe. And capsule wardrobes don't have to be boring either! I see it more as a mindset when building your wardrobe.
I've got to the point where I think I have it sorted in terms of not ending up with "orphaned" separates that match nothing...but not going through the hell that is putting together and sticking to a capsule or going through the hell that is having fifty different outfits none of which seem quite right for the current situation. I call it a wardrobe spine.
Work out colours for a theoretical separates outfit that is bland by your normal standards but in a comforting way. For me that is blue denim or khaki skirt or trousers, black shoes, cream or white top, cream sweater or cardigan, navy coat or blazer. That's the spine of my wardrobe. I may only wear it exactly like that a couple of times a year...but it is the spine that everything hangs off. And it is always there for me. I always make sure to keep plentiful items of those colours. Multiple different versions...for every season and occasion.
When shopping if I must choose between two items of equal desirability...I choose the one that potentially hangs off the spine best (that is can just be swapped into the theoretical outfit without hassle) and cheerfully buy more spine items as needed to make that real. If I simply must buy an item that can't hang off the spine at all due to colour issues...I make sure the items I buy to make it work do hang off the spine.
Eventually you can sort your wardrobe into four tiers...spine, things that connect to the spine, things that are one step further away from the spine....and stuff that just can't connect to the spine. The stuff that cannot connect...that stuff needs to be done outfit by outfit or abandoned.
I've found that shopping is zero stress now. I want a colour fix of the latest colour or print? Or style fix of the latest cut of sleeve or whatever? It is usually pretty clear what type of item will just fit in perfectly and I am consistently buying stuff that works with my other stuff.
About 20 percent of my wardrobe is spine, about 70 percent works very well with the spine, about 5 percent is one step further away from the spine and then about 5 percent is standalone outfits.
I've calmed down on the need to keep shopping. Things in my wardrobe just spontaneously look good together. When I do shop I usually make a purchase I am happy with and can wear without making more purchases. I make fewer forced purchases just to be able to wear items I have bought.
I think I have found the idea that people are looking for when they try to make capsules work and fail.
Love this! I think this is what I've been doing, but you've put it beautifully into words 😊
You have just put into words what I have been thinking about the capsule wardrobe. I have been thinking how I NEED to have one style and that’s it and less options so I can get dressed quickly and go. But I like having options and different moods and that is just fine by me
I completely understand but what a lot of people don’t mention is you can create more than one capsule. It can have a different look or theme. For example some create multiple capsules for seasons as well. You can get really creative. I think it doesn’t have to be bland at all. It allows for more structure if needed. Some people don’t need structure. Also some people create a trendy capsule, it’s all up to you. You are in control!
Love this video so much! What bugs me about capsule discourse, too, is how it’s so much about high-income people creating artificial scarcity for themselves. And then making high-handed hectoring videos about it to lecture the plebs.
aka romanticizing of poverty
You look radiant Rita!
I love that you’ve made a distinction between “problems” and “experiences”. That’s a good thing to apply to a lot of things in life.
Hi Rita! As a person who has been unfruitfully obsessed with building a capsule wardrobe, this is a relief! Thank you & greetings from Peru! 🥰
So you kind of blew my mind... I have been feeling so guilty about having 3 different “capsule wardrobes” or 3 different style aesthetics, and have been feeling like I am doing it “wrong”; but I really, really love what I own and I haven’t wanted to get rid of 50% of my things to fit the capsule wardrobe guides. This was so liberating to hear. I love expressing my creativity in what I wear, and it helps a ton with my mental health to get dressed each day and make an outfit based on my mood and self-expression. I really find it fun to pick a color palette for a week, or a month, or a season, and challenge myself to pick pieces from my closet to put together a mini capsule wardrobe that’s a little separate from the rest of my clothes. I love different aesthetics and I took the Dressing Your Truth course years ago, and that really helped me to understand what I am drawn to and that knowledge is actually so much more empowering than capsule wardrobes.
Love your advice! It’s so true that it’s important to have self-expression of who we are, and not just look like a bland, insipid, uninspired person with no character. I find that even influencers sho do very minimal basics tend to gravitate towards adding more character pieces in their wardrobes, anyways!
I VERY much have struggled with having too many personal fashion aesthetics and having a wardrobe that is totally chaotic as a result... I realized that because of this, I was having trouble putting together outfits I felt good in, I wasn't wearing like 80% of my clothes, and what I was wearing never seemed to be practical for my daily lifestyle. I've spent the last literally 4-ish years trying to narrow down my style to encompass a bit of every aesthetic I like, in a color palette that I both like and find suits my complexion, with pieces that I will feel comfortable wearing in my every day life, and that I can easily pair together with the rest of my clothes. Lemme tell you, it has been a SERIOUS journey. After 4 years, I quite literally think I finally got it figured out just this week. The process of getting to this point was nothing short of disastrous, though...
I think the main point of a capsule wardroabe is sustainability, and that has been lost on a lot of style vloggers and Instagrams. The people I follow who promote capsules are all concerned with how sustainable the material it is and how ethically it's made, and when even that gets murky they default to a removal from consumerism. This doesn't have to mean a "minimal" style, but having less options is actually very healthy for some of us who have felt driven by consumerism and the need to have a huge wardroabe just for the sake of it.
Ultimately it's good to take that major point away from the discussion about capsules. So if you do feel the need to have options for the sake of your particular style, do it in a way that doesn't contribute to high turnover, material and plastic waste, or unethical practices
I’ve struggled with downsizing my wardrobe because I thought it would be easier. But it’s no easier and my style was a lot more interesting before. Heading back, one outfit at a time!
i loooooove blue eyeshadow on you!
Hiya! I'm somewhat new to your channel. Coming into all of these new topics at once capsule wardrobes, Kibbe types, McKinsey types, color seasons, glowups, oh my! I find it so refreshing to hear a new perspective here on putting ones own individual preferences first when embarking on this journey. I feel like a lot of people (myself included) have gotten carried away in this throw my personality out to have cohesion. I am loving your content, thanks so much for making it! 😊☕
Firstly, you look gorgeous in your new dress and eye make-up! So radiant!
I definitely used to believe a capsule wardrobe was restrictive and boring, for the reasons you state. So many vloggers promote the same neutral palette. But I have really got into the concept this year, specifically for the two reasons you appreciate. Sustainability is my key style goal, as well as loving everything I wear and expressing this self-love in my clothing.
I am completing my second 3-month seasonal capsule this month. It is an evolution, of course, as I am always learning about my essence and aesthetic. I feel a 'signature look' doesn't necessarily have to be the same combination of garment types, but something more like an Image ID -- it has essential qualities. For example, I am landing on FN. Which makes my capsule wardrobes anything but bland!! (Absolutely no beige. Or black or white.) I try to include different shapes as long as the lines complement my silhouette, and the colours are from my shaded summer palette and go with each other (this is actually easier if there are lots of colours in a patterned top -- it can then match multiple coloured bottoms). My current capsule (for hot and humid spring) has 9 tops, 4 bottoms, 4 dresses, 3 bags, 4 pairs of shoes, 1 hat. And a LOT of jewellery. I think that only about 5 items are 'basics'. I don't think 'capsule' has to equal 'minimalism'. I take a maximalist approach to mine!
Also, I have not had so much fun with fashion before starting this capsule wardrobe lifestyle. I am ALWAYS thinking about creating outfits and searching for the magical piece to fill a gap and open up countless more possibilities. I work in a creative field, and it's often the case that parameters and constraints force you to come up with creative 'solutions'. For me, the capsule wardrobe has been a tool for exploring another creative outlet.
I create a visual guide for each 3-month capsule, using powerpoint to mix and match outfits When I was a child, I LOVED playing with paper dolls, and made paper clothes with tabs, and mixed and matched all day. Now, I feel like a kid again!
I haven't worn all the possible combinations in each 3-month season, so there are outfits to look forward to playing with and wearing next year.
An unexpected benefit has been that I always have an outfit ready for any occasion. I used to be the person rushing from shop to shop the day of a major event, after weeks of searching. And then having to buy 'just anything'. I ended up with a lot of outfits I felt terrible or uncomfortable in, and never wore again. To plan ahead for the next capsule I use the scheduled and anticipated events in my calendar as the basis.
I'm still learning, and haven't created a year's worth of capsules yet...which is so exciting!!! I cannot wait to see how they develop.
Sorry for the long rant. 😁I'm a major convert to capsule wardrobing -- and yes, it won't suit some people. I just don't think that capsule wardrobes are necessarily an 'either/or', or have to be full of basics, or bland.
I am so glad that you found an approach that works for you!! I also definitely agree with you that a capsule wardrobe does NOT have to be bland/basic/boring -- I hear you on the "paper doll" aspect and completely recognize that for some people, "creativity under constraint" is really inspiring and freeing.
I do think that it's a challenge to create a non-basic capsule wardrobe, and the challenge leads to many people creating bland/unfilfilling capsules, so that's who I'm mostly speaking to in the video.
I absolutely agree, who says capsule wardrobes have to be boring or neutral, or even represent just one aesthetic? What if your fashion goal is to mix several aesthetic inspirations in one outfit? Then you can have it all AND have capsule wardrobe as well.
I don't have a capsule but I guess I own relatively few clothes and even less accessories which I'm happy to use with any outfit. All of my shoes, bags (I have 2) or coats don't necessarily 'match' the aesthetic of every possible outfit but I feel like they bring some extra meaning to the outfit by not matching, simply because that's the way I wear them. I just make sure they feel like 'me' and make my happy, that way they always bring my personality to any outfit.
I guess body type and essence have an effect on how people feel about capsule wardrobes. For example gamine types can handle more contrasts and separates which don't match perfectly, so they might be better able to mix and match interesting pieces. That approach could also feel more comfortable for down essences than up? Because of the feeling or ease and effortlessness.
@@kaisa1476 well okay but I'm not taking about "minimal wardrobes" but specifically the capsule approach where a key part of it is a unified aesthetic
Definitely agree that for some people it's fun to mix and match without worrying too much about how things go together!
I support people doing whatever they want and whatever works with their closets 🌸
@@StyleThoughtsbyRita You're definitely right, and I realised that my approach is actually what you described at the end of the video. I have just come across capsule wardrobe content that emphasizes uniqueness rather than neutrality, so that in my mind capsule wardrobe has just come to mean a well-thought minimal sets of clothing that rotate every season, with no specific emphasis on aesthetic.
@@kaisa1476 yeah idk to me "minimal closet" is not the same as a capsule but these concepts are also really fluid, right? So one person's "minimal mix and match " is anothers "capsule"!
I really didn't mean to suggest that capsules are unworkable or necessarily awful etc ..just that I don't like them and partially that many people do really struggle to create a playful, diverse, expressive capsule wardrobe (even though of course it's possible to do that) 🦋
OMG Rita. Way to blow capsules out the window for me! I do like the idea of a style aesthetic...mostly because I happen to have one. But I never was able to constrain myself to capsules. Signature outfits. Love it as one option or approach to my style
I think this is a really great video, because it explains why the predominant version of the capsule wardrobe is unhelpful, while leaving it open that there is some version of the concept (capsule wardrobe*) that could be helpful.
Only when you started talking about the outfit based wardrobe did I realise that since learning about Kibbe, I've been doing this naturally. As a TR I look great in outfits that are well thought through.
Now I just finished knitting myself a delicate mohair-silk lace scarf to match my bright pink leather gloves. Next up, I'll make a hat with some flowers and lace on it. It's a good set I can wear with a couple of different jackets and purses.
Maybe I don't only think of outfits, you see? I think of sets.
Pink: gloves, hat, purse etc
Violet: a cardigan, makeup (much like yours btw
The capsule wardrobe discourse from the late aughts! I was caught up in it too (thank you, Nina Garcia). The upshot: I wore the classic white shirt all right, but then I had outfits that were really funny and a hot mess. On top of this I was starting my love affair with vintage (women's and men's). All I had was an autumnal palette and a dress sense that was all over the place. I don't think I looked terribly chic until my late teens or early twenties.
Nowadays I tango back and forth between Kibbe Dramatic and McJimsey Dramatic, Dark Autumn palette in hand, still with a slight vintage twist. I consider the usual staples (jeans, trousers, skirts, jackets, trench coats, crisp man-tailored shirts, cashmere turtlenecks, little black dresses, etc.) to be a foundation rather than an end goal. I also take my image ID and seasonal palette into account: Instead of the *classic* white shirt, which reads as bland and anyway makes me look like death warmed over, I might try cream shirts that play with plackets, cuffs, pleats, asymmetry. So my approach is something of a combo platter.
I love the intentionality of the capsule wardrobe. As a mom in college I just wanna grab and go. But I also like what you've said. It's also refreshing for me to realize the capsule isn't "THE WAY". I can still be intentional while nourishing my creativity. So I'm definitely gonna stop holding myself to curating the absolute perfect capsule, and instead start focusing on outfits and expressing how I feel and how I want to present myself. I definitely have differing moods and would love to play with that idea in expressing those through my outfits. Thanks so much for this!!! Capsule was certainly a lot of unnecessary pressure on my (when I still feel so young and inexperienced!) I'd love to give myself permission to experiment in an intentional way :)
BTW I am a minimalist so that's why I like the capsule in the beginning. But also minimalism isn't just about getting rid of stuff. It's about being intentional and making room for what you care about, and for me that includes fashion and how I present myself :)
Hi Rita, I love you're a stylist who doesn't promote capsules like everyone else. I don't like them for all the points you mentioned, especially that I actually don't have enough clothes, so I hardly need to course correct by going for less. One point I do converge with capsule mentality is that I like a very definite aesthetic and that's probably why I can't always find enough clothes that fit into it. I think in the past when I tried to be self-expressive, I didn't know when to stop and ended up with people at work going 'are you part of the travelling circus?' Er, no.... !
Best analysis of capsule wardrobes I've heard. I find it far more useful to put together caplets of outfits for various activities, weather and situations rather than have a capsule of items that all has to mix and match.
Maaaaaaaaaaaaan. I love your whole channel and your approach. And this little video is a gem. I used to love dressing up, playing around with fashion, playing dress up. But I DID buy into this mix and match/signature style idea and since doing that, and also trying desperately for years to understand my kibbe type and strictly adhering to my pear shape style recommendations, style has become this stiff, frustrating thing. And I’m spending waaaaaaay more time now than ever trying to “solve” my style. I love the freeness of your system. And this particular talk just gets me feeling so much more free about the whole thing.
Your eyeshadow in this video is my favorite. I’m captivated. I’m inspired now to find the perfect brown to match my eye color and create this same enveloping cloud of color that you’ve done with yours. The darker color will probably read a bit more gravitational and less ethereal than yours, but no less interesting hopefully.
Personally I found the capsule wardrobe approach a fun mental exercise. By creating imaginary capsule wardrobes using different combinations of pieces from my wardrobe it helped me be more creative and identify combinations I hadn't thought of previously. It also help to me identify some gaps and be more mindful about not buying random things but be more intentional. These mental exercises really helped when travelling when I created literal capsule wardrobes! I enjoy being creative, so couldn't have a wardrobe of so called ' minimal basics', but I think staples and basics should be unique to each one of us! Currently I use a digital wardrobe to help me see what I have, and be more content with it, and help me be more experimental in the outfits 😊
Your perspective is a breath of fresh air! I love your creativity, openness, and celebration. Thank-you so much for making videos for us. I adore them!
Thank you so much!
I love my large chaotic wardrobe. I do like to play with mini capsules taken from my wardrobe. :)
I love this discussion we're having and it's interesting to see everyone's ideas on this in the comments. Now that I've seen your video and have come to the realization that I, for one, was trapped in the "puzzle mentality" for building my wardrobe (when that doesn't fit who I am!), I am comforted by the idea that everyone is allowed to hear all of the ideas, understand all of the concepts, and then decide for themselves what works for them.
I love this video. 'Dressing for mini moods' spoke to me. I can feel like a different woman on different days, sometimes in the same day.
I watched this video probably for the 3rd time now and every time I learn somthing new from it while exploring different quadrants and archetypes and then come back to this video. All of a sudden I just grabed a frilly lilac skirt and paired it with a red vintage fine knit sweater and it looks so me! I realized it is one of my not lived and executed style personas. With a classic capsule wardrobe these two pieces were probably not a part of it anymore ... which would be such a shame! So thank you Rita for the inspiration!
Loved this video! I especially enjoyed hearing your thoughts on not needing to commit to one coherent aesthetic. I found myself under the spell of that idea for quite a while, but have lately been thinking it is totally fine to have several distinct aesthetics. I need different looks for different moods, and I certainly don't have just one mood!
I totally get how a capsule wardrobe can simplify getting dressed & shopping for some people. If everything you own is Black, White, Grey or Taupe/Beige you only need black shoes, black coat, black bag & maybe nude/beige shoes, coat & bags. I use this strategy when packing to cut down on how many shoes & bags I must pack. I don't have A capsule wardrobe, I have a wardrobe made of capsules. By color, by season, by event, etc. Right now I have a lot of dark green, plum, & black plus white & peach/rust/coral. I am trying to incorporate more browns & tans as an alternative to black, plus more blue (teal specifically)I don't really have a "uniform" or signature look. Some seasons hit your sweet spot for style, cut & color. Othere times not so much. I try to only buy new stuff when my sweet spot is trending & available & not have to settle for something "good enough" or practical. Some of the fashion advice works for me but not always as fashion advisors intend since I don't want to look like a soccer mom or like I work in a bank. When they say : 10 Things Every Woman Needs In Her Closet & list a white blouse, a black skirt & black pants you can choose YOUR perfect white blouse -could be a poet's blouse or a high neck lacey Victorian blouse. No one said it had to be a boring plain white button down or crew neck tee(which I would never wear personally) The black skirt could be an asymetrical hi lo hem chiffon skirt, the black pants could be flowy coulottes or harem pants or leather. Your basics don't have to be boring is what I'm saying. Once upon a time people's lives were more compartmentalized & so were their clothes. Work clothes, play/leisure clothes, church clothes, special event clothes, etc. So having diff styles in your closet wasn't seen as weird, you had to dress for diff occassions. Nowadays everything is VERY casual, people wear sweats & shorts out to dinner & jeans everywhere with evrything. Have fun with & get joy from getting dressed. Wear the clothes that make you happy.
I have often felt like “the minimalist” and/or capsule wardrobe and the whole theme is just another switcher for this neurotic anxious state of mind.
On the other hand, trying to be mindful and careful around “clothing” waste our dressing habits accumulate is a kind of remedy for one’s soul…
Totally agree with you, Rita. I’ve never liked the idea of a capsule for me, but certainly appreciate the idea of not over consuming. For me, I like the second option you proposed - “shopping my closet” with multiple options for HTTs. P.s. I love your new ensemble!
👏 I loved this. You bring up so many beliefs that I have about fashion that I never even considered challenging. It feels very liberating to let go of the ideal of a capsule wardrobe.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts as always. It’s great if a capsule wardrobe works for someone, but it does not work for me for practical reasons- one being the climate here, and two being my job. It was 23 C here for a high one day and then -7 C for a low the next, so I always like to wear layers and have options. I also just love the ability to express myself through my clothes on an everyday basis.
I think you really nailed it here! Completely agree with you! So glad you covered this topic :)
I use the capsule wardrobe approach when shopping. I'm looking for a cohesive color story and fits that match different tops/botttoms. As a Classic I don't look good in loud "wow" pieces anyway, so it's important for me that my clothes blend really well. I never strictly follow the rules, especially those about quantity :D
Narrowing down a capsule for bags and shoes really helped me understand what I like and want - now I can branch out to something more special or crazy
Yessss... thank you for freeing me, Rita!!
Great eye makeup!
So I have a capsule wardrobe and don't see it this way. I guess there are some capsule wardrobe rules that require those things that you mentioned. My capsule includes a yellow gingham shirt that can be paired with my denim skirts (I have a couple colors), my floral circle skirt, my jeans. I have an eyelet skirt, a few floral dresses, a couple lace tops, and a few cardigans. Capsules don't have to be boring, all of my items are special to me.
Anyway, I think most style systems/approaches aren't inherently wrong. Just find the one that works for you. The others don't have to be wrong, they're just not for you.
I agree we all have different things that serve us, hence the title of the video "I'm not into them and here's why"
I'm glad you like your capsule wardrobe and I'm sorry that my critique was irrelevant to your capsule + to the capsule ideologies which you subscribe 🌸
Thanks for making this video! I find the capsule wardrobe boring and unnecessarily rigid. I did use the concept after having my first son, to kind of build my basic wardrobe again when nothing pre-kids fit, but have spent the last 4 years slowly creating a wardrobe that is functional, yet allows for me to express my creativity while getting dressed.
You Look good, very harmonius colours....
I have the feeling that the capsule wardrobe is good for people who already have too much and want to reduce and focus on what they really like. I never had many clothes to begin with and am in the process of figuring out what I really like. A capsule wardrobe that starts with: reduce all your clothes to amount X does not work for me, because I already have so little. Currently, I'd rather have even more in order to experiment and find out what suits me. The mixing and matching does not really work for me as well, since I tend to have one or two super favorite combinations (aka outfits) that I repeat over and over. Why should I mix and match if I could wear my favorite combo instead?! I will try to incorporate the capsule approach into making outfits though. Its like I have tiny capsules for every style mood then ^^
Thank you so much for this! Such a refreshing perspective. Much appreciated. Speaking of non-capsule wardrobes, I loved your “And Just Like That” Insta analysis of Miranda’s style. Such a accessible way to get to know your essence system. I would love if you could do a video analysing all the characters. 🙏🙏🙏
Yeah, I'd love to do a video about their styling, will probably wait until the end of the season 💃
I was so happy until I started to think about style and what my style was and what was its name and all of that!, In all honesty I have a huge closet, and I change my style like I change my mood. So what I did was that I find pieces in my closet and I made a tiny space in it so I can make a "capsule wardrobe" of the clothing I want to wear.. is like right now I'm liking the dark academia style, so I found some pieces in my wardrobe that can work and I'm buying some others so that I can make a dark academia capsule, and then when I get tired I'll just put all of them back into my closet and make a new capsule ;)
That's so fun! What a great idea!
I love your hair parted this way! I haven't been able to comment somehow on CZcams to help with the algorithm before
Thank you 🌞 had to go back to the video to see how it was parted lol
Even tho I have for the first time a capsule wardrobe that is working perfectly for me, I agree with you. I feel like people think generally that capsule wardrobe means to have 33 pieces of clothing and all of them are minimalist and neutral. That's not it at all, and that certainly does not correspond to most peoples style and expectations. But I do agree, to make a capsule wardrobe that actually portrays who you are is difficult... but it is easier in a way... because having things that work well together is the key and that makes everything sooooo easy.🙃
I feel you and support you 100%. My thinking on this has kind of evolved and I think generally there are "pieces people" and "outfits people". Pieces people love to mix and match and move the flexibility. There's still the danger of ending up too bland but ultimately having a capsule helps you get really creative
I myself though do not enjoy mix and match at all, I'm such an outfit person. It's like I organize my closet into outfit capsules, like "here are my 8 work outfits" "here are my 4 fun fancy outfits"
Oh that's so funny,@@StyleThoughtsbyRita ! I've never thought about it like that... that's true, I like having pieces, and creating 100.000.000 new outifits and iscovering new combinations... I never think about outfits like that, like outfits make my wardrobe! 😅
I only “capsule” my wardrobe when I travel😂. Otherwise, I shop color stories for new purchases, which can also be styled with what I already have in my closet. I love “statement” pieces and have found they are timeless. They get styled in new ways to be “updated”. I’ve learned to shop quality over quantity. If you only wear a great outfit once, I think you are doing something wrong with your styling and your fashion strategy. Thank you for another great video!💋💋
Yes! The statement pieces are my faves... like wearable art.
Excellent critical analysis. Thank you...
Hi, Rita!
You look amazing!
Thank you for this video. ❤️
Thank you 🥰
I think its very helpful to have a sort of a capsule wardrobe for a certain function (a capsule for trips, for work...). That'll make a couple of mini capsules. Then to have additional outfits for certain occasions. Bothe system combine well with eachother actually.
I love having a huge wardrobe that I can pull mini-capsules out of for a week, a month, a season, travel, whatever. Sometimes I’ll just start craving a certain color and build a little capsule around it, or an item will spark inspiration for a mini-collection. But I can’t imagine paring down my whole wardrobe to meet some arbitrary number of items. And I really don’t understand including jewelry and accessories in the capsule count! If you’re only going to have a few items of clothing, you’re going to add interest with jewelry and accessories, so why put artificial limits on them?
That being said, I love Daria Andronescue’s Wonder Wardrobe capsules, especially the ones she creates from paintings. She’s so creative and really embraces unique, stand-out pieces within a curated collection. I still can’t go more than a month or 2 with just one capsule before I have to change it up, but her system is the best I’ve found for capsules.
You look great (hair ,make-up ,colour ,look great on your eyes ) i dont like a capsule wardrobe ,more is more :)
I made a video last year that encompassed this whole idea. The basic pieces definitely have a place but I felt sad and boxed in when I was trying to emulate a “classic” style that wasn’t my true essence
Oh let me rant about the CULT “investment in cashmere sweater”. Why, why… it is so expensive. Does it never get lumpy and stretched or what? 😕
Not to mention that cashmere wool is made in… Afghanistan? Well, at least the region Cashmere is over there. I’m not sure it is the right kind of attention that place needs…
It's pretty hard to get good cashmere under $300, even with men's clothing. Imo if you're not willing to spend that type of coin, that's okay--go for a different fibre, like merino wool, lambswool, or even a high-thread-count cotton that can be found at lower price points but can still feel good. The best cashmere comes from goats in inner Mongolia, but it is true that unfortunately the industry of "affordable" and not very quality cashmere has taken over a large land area. If you want good quality cashmere that is somewhat affordable, looking for vintage or high-end secondhand cashmere is your best bet, but it will likely be difficult to find and take some time.
You are looking😍😍😍😍💫🕊. Thank you for this lovely video.
😊 thank you
I’m an illuminatrix & love the mix & match/intentional/capsule wardrobe. I think of it as a capsule, but compared to a true capsule… it doesn’t stack up. But I’ve been doing the capsule earlobe concept for almost 10 years, so maybe that’s why it feels like a capsule that still flows with creative expression? Maybe. But I do bounce around with it a lot, which you don’t do in 90%+ of capsules I’ve seen. So, maybe I’m just lying to myself 😆
The capsule always relies on like “the perfect white shirt””the perfect black pants etc”. Which is super unattainable. I can never find a white shirt that is PERFECT
Completely agree! Excellent video!
I tried the project 333 capsule collection. Which is 33 pieces every three months. I hated it and it lasted five minutes. Before I was hunting for items outside of the 33 pieces. Because I forgot that I shouldn't wear them and I couldn't stand being so restricted. I thought why am I bothering to do this? So I just gave up.
I used to be very interested in capsule wardrobe concept around 5 years ago. But apart from constant decluttering I was upset that my wardrobe doesn’t look like those on instagram and CZcams. I still had a lot of colourful clothes and well it didn’t look like those black, white beige stuff which for me was SUPER BORING. I tried plain outfits and I really didn’t feel like myself. What opened my eyes wide open, was another YT channel - Daria Andronescu Wonder Wardrobe. She is creating the capsule wardrobe system based on our feelings towards certain clothes and to choose those that we are drawn to, and encourages to mix and match clothing that we already own and really think through our new purchases. She also creates fun capsule wardrobes inspired by some paintings and moods. If you are more interested, check it out. It helped me to be more open to matching clothes in my wardrobe which I wasn’t drawn to with the ones I wear most often, and to think about new clothes in a way that I want to have an idea how to pair it with clothes I already own. Now I am more creative with my outfits and when I look at my wardrobe don’t see particular clothes but rather whole outfits or interesting combinations. For me, the best approach is to take just the best elements (for me) from: seasonal type analysis, kibbe, capsule wardrobe, kitcheners essence. And recently I’ve discovered your essence system. I’ve been binge watching your videos and each and every one gave me chills and some excitement for further exploration. Well if it’s not excitement and experiencing, and trying different systems, well what’s still fun in style? Thank you Rita for your sweet messages and thoughts about essences and different ways to express ourselves