On 24 April, the fashion world will take a good look at itself in the mirror. Fashion Revolution Day commemorates the victims of the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy. It’s a day for reflecting on the poor labour conditions that typify fast fashion production, as well as the effect the fashion industry has on the climate. It’s time for a revolution in our wardrobes.
So, what lights the spark? Making your own clothes is a great start. Another way to approach fashion sustainably, that’s environmentally conscious, is a capsule wardrobe. Wait... A what?
The minimalist wardrobe
Simply put, a capsule wardrobe is a wardrobe comprised of carefully selected garments with a set maximum. That includes shoes...
Underwear, socks, pyjamas, and accessories such as handbags, belts, and scarves don’t count. Yikes! Fortunately, there are a few things we can still hold onto from our currently overladen hangars –
true essentials that are easy to mix & match. For instance, how about that simple black dress, jeans that fit like a glove, a simple white t-shirt, a trench coat that goes with everything, and comfy shoes? Capsules can be arranged for a season or a whole year; you customise your capsule to suit your needs.
It’s actually a concept that’s been around for a while. Susie Faux launched the capsule wardrobe in the seventies, and it was a smashing success. Everyone wanted a simple, straightforward wardrobe. The famous fashion blogger, Caroline Rector, enthusiastically let everyone know that she’d reduced her wardrobe to a mere 37 items. Project 333 turned the idea into an accessible ‘challenge’ to pare wardrobes down to 33 essential items, good for three months at a time.
There is no strict code when it comes to simplifying your wardrobe. Do what makes you feel good. There’s sure to be a capsule that’s right for you. That said, the point isn’t to secretly score a new pair of shoes during sales – although you might be tempted. Having trouble making it work? Any time you acquire a new item, you have to remove one from the capsule. That’s the only rule. So, consider carefully before you buy... And no worries for our ‘sew bros’, the capsule wardrobe is for everyone. There’s no reason men can’t sustainably choose for less.
Getting started
Be honest
Honesty is the best policy. Haven’t worn those trousers for a whole year? Do you constantly avoid dealing with them with excuses like ‘I’m waiting for the right opportunity’? There’s a good chance that that time will never come. You need clothes that you can wear any time, whatever the occasion. Sorry! See you later trousers!
Choose basic items
Getting off on the right foot is key. And that counts for your capsule as well. Start with basics, a neutral-coloured jumper, white blouse, dressy trousers, a dress with a print that goes well with nearly everything, e.g. stripes or polka dots. What colours should you go for? Neutrals such as black, white, and grey are great base colours to start with. You could add olive green, different shades of brown (think camel, ecru, and taupe), as well as various shades of blue. You can’t go wrong with those colours.
With spring around the corner, light-coloured jeans, and a cheerful skirt are sure to come in handy. Keep that raincoat handy to make sure April showers don’t catch you off guard! And be sure to keep a few jumpers in the mix. Temperatures can be mercurial and, after the sun sets, it can definitely get pretty chilly. Having a pair of sandals at the ready is a great idea for when that glorious sun comes out. In short, make sure your limited wardrobe can handle the fickle weather.
Invest in quality
Your select garments need to be able to last the test of time. And that’s why you should look for clothing of impeccable quality. The better the quality, the longer you can enjoy your clothes.
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the type of fabric. For example, linen and hemp are quite durable, unlike silk, cotton, and polyester. To find out more about buying fabrics and how to choose from such a huge selection, click here.
Donate, sell, and recycle
Not sure what to do with clothes that don’t make the capsule cut? Easy! Just donate them to a charity shop or a pre-loved clothing shop. Obviously, you could also say goodbye to your clothes by selling them. Or you could recycle them.
Sew it your... SELF!
Is your imagination full and do you know how to sew your own clothes? Recycle your old garments by transforming them into something completely new! Those trousers you never wore? They just might be your new favourite as a skirt.
Can’t seem to find what you’re looking for in the shops? And have you emptied your whole wardrobe only to feel like nothing is worthy of your first capsule wardrobe?
There’s only one thing to do; sew your own clothes! You pick the fabric you like best and make it to measure.
Our gorgeous patterns are sure to help. For example, the Martha Trenchcoat and Paulette Blouse are garments you’re bound to wear due to their versatility and timelessness. For our Sewists, we’ve got a pack with 5 stylish patterns, each of which is a perfect basic.
Our premium fabrics and style advice for every body shape ensure that the garment you create is perfect and can be enjoyed for years to come.
A positive revolution
All that space in your wardrobe might freak you out a bit. But we promise, capsule wardrobes are absolutely worth it.
You don’t waste money on bad bargains, you get more space in the house and, no more decision-making anxiety! And by dressing sustainably, you help take care of our beloved Mother Nature. Let’s get started together – sewing + creativity for the win!
