What are Capsule Wardrobes?

I found myself asking this question after seeing a few advertisements and posts promoting Capsule Wardrobes.  The quick answer is: they are simply wardrobes that are made up of a minimal amount of pieces.  The term was coined by Susie Faux in the 1970s.  Ms. Faux wrote in her blog, Confidence Tricks, "the principle is that less is more so really what you’re trying to do is to make the most of your budget to create a working wardrobe with high quality clothes that will be sufficient for your lifestyle" (June 2010).  For a bit of perspective, Kelly Dougher's article is also a good read: "You're doing the 'capsule wardrobe' all wrong," (Fashion, Sept. 2015).


The idea of a capsule wardrobe is appealing for many because I think we can all understand the feeling of simply having too much stuff in our home, and the ensuing stress caused by having so much clutter.  The more stuff we have, the more crowded our homes, and the more work it is to organize things.  On the other hand, when we minimize, our homes are effortlessly cleaner, and this helps promote a feeling of calmness and satisfaction.   Valuing a more minimal wardrobes also encourages us to shop less often, which in turn saves us both time and money.

The clothes chosen for a capsule wardrobe should be high quality, classic in style, and versatile.  These features will allow a few simple pieces to be mixed and matched, worn rather often, and to last a long time.  I would add that they should also be flattering, and something you will want to wear often - otherwise, what's the point?  

Although I was not familiar with the term, "capsule wardrobe" at the time, when I set out to create the signature dresses for Dress Purely, these qualities were exactly what I had in mind.  The dresses from Dress Purely are everything you could wish for in your capsule wardrobe: 

• High quality – They are Made in the USA, including the fabric and all aspects of design and manufacture.  So you are not only assured that they are excellent quality, but you can also feel great knowing that the people making your clothes are working in a clean, safe environment, and earning a living wage, and that all US environmental and labor laws are being adhered to.  (Being located in California, specifically, the environmental and labor laws are actually even stricter than many other parts of the US.)  Bonus: Unlike many other Made in USA apparel, we don’t charge a crazy amount for our clothes!  I think you will find the prices very reasonable.  More about how we accomplish that some other time!
• Classic in style - The dresses have a classic design that transcends seasonal trends.  Wear these dresses this year, next year, even five or ten years from now.  They will not look dated.
• Versatile - The solid colors were deliberately chosen for versatility.  You can completely change the look simply by pairing them with accessories such as scarves or statement jewelry.  They can also be worn throughout the year by layering with tights or leggings and boots during colder weather, or just with a pair of sandals during the warmer months.  
• Ultra comfortable – The fabric is so soft and breathable that you might want to wear them every day.  They also fit every day.  Weight fluctuations are no problem at all, and you won't even notice them when wearing these dresses.  I actually set aside a couple to wear as nightwear because they are that comfortable!   I hesitated because they seemed too pretty to sleep in, but they are just truly the most comfortable apparel I own, so I finally gave in!
• Flattering - The fit is nearly miraculous.  Although they are not specifically maternity dresses, they actually fit beautifully during maternity, and are designed to allow for easy breastfeeding as well.  The comfortable and flattering fit will certainly make these your favorite dresses to wear postpartum as well.  

Dress Purely's signature line of dresses really go above and beyond the current capsule wardrobe advice, and back to Susie Faux's wise guidance.  That is, creating a capsule wardrobe that will take you throughout the year, and even year to year, whereas much of the current capsule wardrobe advice is for a separate capsule wardrobe for each season.  That adds up to a lot of clothes!  

You can read my previous blog post to learn more about how Dress Purely dresses also help create an Easy and Affordable Before During and After Pregnancy Wardrobe.  If you like the idea of capsule wardrobes, and if you are expecting, you will definitely want to check that article out.  The article, "4 Secrets for an Easy and Affordable Before During and After Pregnancy Wardrobe," takes things to an ultra-minimalist level by focusing on clothes that can be worn not only during pregnancy, but also postpartum/during breastfeeding, and ideally, pieces that you will want to wear even longer than that.  

You can check out these essential dresses at the Dress Purely Store Front, or on Amazon (sleeveless here), Amazon (short sleeved here).
​