Concise History of the Capsule Wardrobe – 40’s to Now

The concept of a capsule wardrobe has been around for decades, and it has been embraced by those seeking a more minimalist lifestyle. Its popularity is definitely on the rise as people seek to simplify their lives and make more sustainable choices. But where did the idea of a capsule wardrobe come from? In this article, we will explore the concise history of the capsule wardrobe, from its early beginnings to its current status as an increasingly popular trend.

History of the Capsule Wardrobe

Who started the capsule wardrobe? This is the most asked question given the popularity of the capsule wardrobe in the age of Google and this will be the starting point for this article.

The term “capsule wardrobe” was first coined by London boutique owner Susie Faux in the 1970s. She described it as a collection of essential clothing items that would never go out of style and could be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. This was a departure from the trend-driven fashion industry that encouraged people to constantly update their wardrobes with new items.

Faux believed that a capsule wardrobe was not only practical but also sustainable, as it reduced the need for excessive clothing consumption. She suggested that a capsule wardrobe should consist of around 30-40 items that could be worn for an entire season.

World War 2 and the Capsule Wardrobe

While the term “capsule wardrobe” wasn’t officially coined until the 1970s, the concept of a minimal wardrobe with interchangeable pieces can be traced back to the 1940s. During World War II, there were clothing rationing programs in many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. This meant that people had to make do with limited clothing options and were encouraged to be resourceful with what they had.

In response to the rationing, many people created capsule wardrobes consisting of a few essential pieces that could be mixed and matched to create different outfits. This allowed people to make the most of their limited clothing options and create a sense of variety without breaking the rationing rules.

Women’s fashion during this time also saw a shift towards more practical and functional clothing, as women took on roles in the workforce previously dominated by men. This meant that clothing had to be durable and versatile, which further reinforced the idea of a capsule wardrobe.

Overall, while the term “capsule wardrobe” wasn’t used at the time, the concept of a minimal wardrobe with interchangeable pieces was present during the 1940s due to the practicality and resourcefulness required during wartime rationing programs.

1980’s

This idea was further popularized by Donna Karan in the 1980s, who created a capsule wardrobe for women consisting of seven interchangeable pieces that could be worn in various combinations.

Donna Karan’s 1985 collection was a turning point for the capsule wardrobe. Karan, a designer who was known for creating versatile and functional pieces for working women, introduced the concept of the “7 Easy Pieces”. Her collection consisted of seven essential pieces, including a jacket, skirt, pants, blouse, dress, bodysuit, and tights, that could be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.

The idea was that these seven pieces could create a complete wardrobe for a busy woman who needed to transition from day to night without changing clothes. This collection was an instant success and helped to cement the concept of the capsule wardrobe as a practical and stylish approach to dressing.

Now

In recent years, the concept of a capsule wardrobe has gained even more popularity as people seek a simpler, more intentional lifestyle. The rise of minimalism, a movement focused on reducing material possessions and clutter, has contributed to the increased interest in the capsule wardrobe.

How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide in 2023

How do you create a capsule wardrobe ☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻

If you are inspired while reading the history of the capsule wardrobe and perhaps you want some inspiration but cannot even begin to figure out what goes with what and what needs to be done. Well then jump on the link below and check out these curation examples on Pinterest for men. We hope they spark the fires you need

Capsule Collection Examples

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Looking at what others have done with their wardrobe can be inspiring and it helps to spark creativity. Visual representations are always best and these days there are tons of collection examples online that you can draw inspiration from.

The above examples are for men, so here are a few inspired examples of capsule wardrobe outfits for women that you can draw inspiration from.

Capsule Collection Examples for Women

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The benefits of a capsule wardrobe are numerous. For one, it simplifies the process of getting dressed in the morning, as all items in the wardrobe are versatile and can be worn together. It also saves time and money, as there is no need to constantly purchase new items or spend time deciding what to wear.

From an environmental perspective, a capsule wardrobe can reduce clothing waste and the carbon footprint associated with producing and transporting clothing. By investing in high-quality pieces that can be worn for years, rather than disposable fast fashion, we can reduce our impact on the environment.

If you do not know where to start and love the idea of simplifying your wardrobe then you can try our 30-day decluttering challenge. It will provide you with some practical tips that you can follow.

This will help you to get one step closer to the wardrobe you’d love to have. Remember, be honest, be ruthless, and do not hesitate when making decisions. To change your wardrobe habits, you need to check sentiment, maybe, and what if’s at the door. The link below will take you to our challenge.

30-Day Decluttering Challenge: Tips to Transform Your Wardrobe for Minimalist Living

Declutter your wardrobe ☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻

Summary

In conclusion, the history of the capsule wardrobe dates back to the 1970s, when Susie Faux first coined the term to describe a collection of essential clothing items that could be mixed and matched. It has since gained popularity as a sustainable and practical approach to fashion, with the rise of minimalism contributing to its continued success.

By investing in high-quality, versatile pieces, we can simplify our wardrobes, save time and money, and reduce our impact on the environment. For you perhaps the concept of the capsule wardrobe may seem a little extreme although you want to reduce your impact on the environment, reduce clutter, and live a more intentional life. You may enjoy and find the article below interesting and useful.

5 Practical Ways to Achieve a Minimalist Lifestyle Without Becoming a Minimalist