Building a capsule wardrobe is one of the best ways to stay fashionable and sustainable, all at once. Read on to find out how you can create your own capsule wardrobe!
Minimalism may no longer have us in the chokehold it used to (gone are the days of us obsessively Marie Kondo-ing our flats) but sustainability never goes out of style! Whether it’s thrifting or recycling textiles, Singapore’s fashionistas are doing their best for the environment.
What we don’t talk about much, however, are capsule wardrobes (although one may argue the Singaporean men’s Uniqlo uniform is already a capsule wardrobe in itself ;)).
Eco-friendly and versatile, capsule wardrobes are the next step to staying fashionable and sustainable. So if you’re looking to up your eco fashion game, you’re in the right place.
what is a capsule wardrobe?
First coined by British fashion icon Susie Faux in the 1970s, the capsule wardrobe is a collection of 10-50 pieces of clothing put together, making up your entire wardrobe for the season. These pieces have to be flexible and interchangeable too, allowing you to build multiple different types of outfits each week.
Already, you can imagine how eco-friendly this must be. Not only will you be purchasing much less fabric (we’ll talk about the ecological horrors of fast fashion on another day), when you’re done with the item, you’re reducing the amount of textile waste you produce!
The best part? They’re not just great for the environment! When it comes to owning lesser pieces of clothing, chances are you’re reducing decision fatigue – something you might unknowingly be facing daily in a world that’s filled with options. Which ultimately means that creating a capsule wardrobe for yourself will create less clutter for your cupboards AND your mind!
building a capsule wardrobe for the Singapore heat.
But when you don’t have the luxury of seasons in sunny Singapore, capsule wardrobes can get a little bit of a bore… Which is why we’re here to help! We’ve listed down 5 ways to get started on your capsule wardrobe in Singapore.
1. take stock…
The first thing you’re going to want to do is take stock. Know what you have and don’t have, and figure out which ones belong in your capsule wardrobe and which don’t. The main thing to look out for is versatility. So if it looks like it would be as a layer, under a dress, or part of a larger ensemble (of many other ensembles), it probably belongs!
2. …and throw away the rest.
Okay, don’t throw them away. That definitely defeats the purpose of this entire sustainable exercise. Instead, donate your old fits to charities and thrift stores so someone else can benefit!
3. know your style, then make a list.
When it comes to curating your wardrobe, it’ll definitely help to have your style nailed down. Check out Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok for possible looks you’d like and create a moodboard. From there, you’ll be able to figure out the type of pieces you need to create your flexible capsule wardrobe.
4. light layers and pieces make all the difference.
When it comes to the basics, looks can get pretty boring. Let’s be honest, the black or white tee and blue jeans outfit is not all that bad. But not many of us would like to pull a Steve Jobs on the daily. Just because you have limited pieces doesn’t mean there’s no space for variety! So remember, beyond the basics, don’t forget your light layers, or opt for cooling pieces that match each other well (Singapore is hot. Beyond those freaky cold periods in February, it might be more comfortable to stay less delulu for this one!).
We recommend having only 30-50 pieces in your capsule wardrobe. That way, you can enjoy variety while still wearing the same items.
5. stay sustainable, but don’t be afraid to mix it up!
The main idea is to wear this set amount of clothing for a certain period of time before switching it up. Typically, capsule wardrobes are meant to be worn for 3 months before being switched up for more appropriate clothes for a change in seasons. So don’t be afraid to mix it up once in a while!
But of course, the longer you wear the same pieces, the more eco-friendly you’re being.
And since Singapore stays sunny most of the year round, it may not be so bad to stick with any pieces for just a little bit longer. 😉
There you have it! A start to your new capsule wardrobe!
P.S. If you’re looking for eco-friendly ways to get your new basics, check out these thrift stores in Singapore, or head to some of Singapore’s flea markets here!
