The Capsule Wardrobe Killed My Style
PC: Florré
You and I have probably read about five dozen stories on wardrobe basics. Even before the CBKC (Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Craze), every article’s motive was to capture that timeless appeal of a capsule wardrobe. I was recently commissioned to write a story summarizing the best capsule wardrobe pieces, and while I understand the publisher’s need to adhere to Google’s search terms, I figured this is the perfect place for me to throw all the bureaucracy out the window and let my thoughts fly.
It’s not that I don’t love a good capsule wardrobe. I, too, rely on my white Tees and denim. But everyone is starting to look the same. I think we forget the part where a capsule wardrobe should feel personal. It should contain items that serve you, not necessarily the masses.
I regrettably bought into the standard capsule wardrobe, only to remember that beige trench coats and straight-leg jeans don’t look good on me. Instead, I should have been buying floor-length wool coats and low-rise baggy jeans. Still capsule wardrobe pieces, but in my own taste.
I feel like the capsule wardrobe killed my style. I look at my closet and feel no pull, despite being led to believe that, with the right capsule items, I’ll always have something to wear. And when I manage to get dressed, my own reflection looks pathetically uninspiring—a copy & paste of what’s trending on Instagram.
At this point, everybody already owns a black crewneck and a loafer, so let’s finally move on to the personality pieces! Give me stand-out works of art and unique conversation starters. Where is the whimsy??
This is not to say we should all become maximalists. I’m someone who leans towards minimalist styles, too. I don’t like overtly flashy looks and take comfort in an all-black ensemble. But this and basics are completely different.
Minimalist pieces that aren’t basic:
There was a time in my life when I would daydream about outfits I would wear. I would picture my face, my body, my hair… and add clothes onto the figure in my head. I didn’t know this back then, but doing so helped shape my style identity. It let me know what I gravitate toward with no outside influence.
It’s really my own fault for having stopped this exercise. Instead of looking inward, I turned to the magazines I work for and the influencers I save for inspo. I even stopped going shopping IRL, trusting the images portrayed on the web.
But seldom does something look as good on me as it does on a model or an influencer. Even if the fit is right, the aura might be off. Just because they can pull it off doesn’t mean it’s meant for me.
This post is meant to encourage us all to go back to finding pieces that excite. You’ve got your bread and butter (read: white Tee and jeans), now go find the peach compote, honey, and mint leaves for garnish.
