In a world where we’re constantly expected to stay on-trend and relevant, it can be easy to fall into the never-ending cycle of fast fashion.
While fast fashion might look harmless from a consumer’s point of view, it has many negative effects on the environment, as well as plenty of ethical issues that affect individuals all around the world.
According to Barnardo’s, 25% of people would be embarrassed to wear an outfit more than once, with that number increasing to 37% when it comes to 16 to 24-year-olds. This creates a demand for endless streams of fast fashion, with the UK buying 38 million items of clothing a week, while 13 million items end up in UK landfill*.
It’s also been found the average item of clothing in the UK has a lifespan of 2.2 years, worn an average of just 7 times*. Not only does this worsen the climate change crisis by adding an unnecessary amount of clothing to landfill, but constantly takes from your pocket with no positive return.
To combat this, Livia Firth (Eco-Age) launched the ‘#30wears challenge’ back in 2016 to encourage people to only purchase items they know they’ll wear 30 times.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
In the 1970s, fashion icon Susie Faux coined the term ‘capsule wardrobe’, referring to a compact and minimal wardrobe featuring 30-50 seasonal items that can be worn together. Helping minimise the amount of clothing bought and thrown away, as well as helping you get more life out of your clothes, capsule wardrobes feature staple pieces that suit individual lifestyles.
How to get started with creating a capsule wardrobe
A perfect place to start when creating an autumn/winter capsule wardrobe is by getting out all your current autumn/winter pieces, and sorting through which ones you want to keep or recycle.
While minimal wardrobes are healthier for the planet and your wallet, it can be tough to get rid. If you are finding it difficult, it’s good to ask yourself the following questions about each piece:
- Have I worn this in the last year?
- Will I wear this more than once?
- Does it fit my lifestyle?
- Does it work well with other pieces of my clothing?
- Do I actually like it?
These are also good questions to ask yourself when buying new pieces!
Although capsule wardrobes regularly have 30-50 pieces in, you can choose to create a small wardrobe with less, or keep more than this number if you’re not ready to part with too much clothing just yet.
Staple capsule wardrobe pieces for autumn/winter
If you’re looking to make new season investments and take inspiration from autumn/winter trends for your capsule wardrobe, we recommend asking yourself the above questions and choosing eco-friendly fashion over fast fashion that’s less sustainable.
When it comes to autumn and winter fashion, there are plenty of staple pieces that can be worn in a variety of different ways. From a classic boot to a cosy jacket, autumn pieces like this are relevant each year, making keeping them as constant parts of your wardrobe easy.
Here are 5 of our favourite staple items for autumn/winter that are perfect for your new capsule wardrobe:
Barbour jacket
Barbour women’s jackets have been a staple designer piece for years, offering an element of sophistication and style.
Ideal for capsule wardrobes, Barbour jackets are great for working outdoors in as well as perfect for evenings out.
Take a look at our full range of womens designer jackets today for more options.
Knitwear
Whether you dress it up with a jacket and jeans or wear it casually around the house, a good piece of knitwear goes a long way in the colder months.
For unique yet comfortable styles, take a look at our range of VILA knitwear.
UGG boots
Another classic autumn/winter piece, UGG boots are warm, comfortable and can be worn both outdoor and indoors as slippers.
Including the iconic ankle boot designs that can be worn inside as well as outside, as well as more formal heeled designs, our range of UGG boots is versatile and suitable for a variety of different tastes.
Vivienne Westwood holdall
Vivienne Westwood is known for being environmentally conscious, creating sustainable products to combat climate change as well as create eco-friendly practices.
This vegan Vivienne Westwood holdall is made from recycled nylon and is ideal for a multitude of different uses due to its spacious interior and strong design.
Jeans
Having a go-to pair of jeans is pretty much necessary in the autumn and winter months.
From dressing them up for evenings out to wearing them to pop to the supermarket, jeans are versatile and the perfect item for any capsule wardrobe.
Take a look at our BOSS jeans today, or browse our range of classic Levi’s jeans.
For more capsule wardrobe examples and ideas, a simple Instagram search will bring up thousands of wardrobes full of inspiration. Keep an eye on our blog for more outfit ideas and style must-haves.
Take a look at our full range of women’s designer clothing today, and help combat the unsustainability of fast fashion.
*Data Sources –
- https://eco-age.com/magazine/removing-the-stigma-around-outfit-repeating/
- https://www.barnardos.org.uk/news/barnardos-calls-people-think-pre-loved-buying-new-clothes
- https://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/VoC%20FINAL%20online%202012%2007%2011.pdf
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/what-to-wear/a41158/how-to-be-sustainable-fashion/