In this day and age, creating a capsule wardrobe is one of the easiest ways to get started in sustainable and ethical fashion. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of a capsule wardrobe, Unfancy’s Caroline Rector describes the concept as a practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favorite clothes (clothes that fit your lifestyle + body), remixing them regularly, and shopping less often and more intentionally.
Instead of getting carried away by the latest trends, try your best to limit your consumption and shop sustainably. Here’s our list of suggested clothes to start off your capsule wardrobe:
A perfect tee for all occasions
If you don’t already own a white t-shirt, you should. It’s one of the basic foundations of your capsule wardrobe and you can always put it on when you don’t know what to wear. With all the white t-shirts on the market, it can be hard to make a good decision. We suggest choosing one that comes in a thicker material, so it can withstand numerous cycles in your washing machine. Uniqlo’s range of Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirts fits the bill perfectly and provides the ideal balance between form-fitting and not overly baggy. In short, it’s the perfect addition to your closet, whether it’s tucked into your favorite pair of jeans or dressed up with a blazer.
A pair of sleek white sneakers
As we previously covered in our article on ‘the Top 3 Minimalist White Sneakers’, white sneakers are your basic footwear essential. They’re clean, sleek, and can literally be styled with everything. If you’re on a budget, we recommended Adidas Stan Smiths that come in a vast array of colors, but if you’re willing to splurge, the luxurious Common Projects Achilles are a wonderful option. Whether it’s leggings and a t-shirt, or a maxi dress with a denim jacket, white sneakers are sure to complete your outfit. Plus, they’re comfortable and practical for the perpetual traveler, so they definitely deserve a place in your capsule wardrobe.
A comfortable, stylish lingerie
Following the recent buzz around Victoria’s Secret’s unsustainability, more and more people are growing conscious of the kinds of undergarments and lingerie they buy and use. And this trend is not going unnoticed by brands. The lingerie brands featured on PrettyMe not only promise figure-flattering pieces that prioritize comfort, quality and inclusivity. Some of them are also made through eco-friendly processes that monitor water consumption and make full use of recycled material, like Reformation’s Tencell Lyocell thongs, which are made of recycled nylon. When picking out lingerie, the most important thing you have to consider is size, because the right one can ensure adequate support and comfort. Lingerie that’s too has no breathability and can cause rashes, while lingerie that’s too loose can look unflattering. That’s why it’s essential that you pick out lingerie that’s comfortable and sustainable — after all, when you have good underwear you can rely on, there’s no point in buying more.
An effortless black dress
Although everyone’s a fan of the little black dress (LBD), times are changing and your black dress doesn’t necessarily have to be short to be a closet staple. The Nili Lotan black maxi slip dress is a gorgeous alternative that can take you from afternoon cocktails to a wedding, depending on how you style it. During the day, pair it with a pair of leather sandals and layered necklaces. At night, a pair of your trusty high heels and red lipstick is all you need for a show-stopping look. If you’re not a fan of slip dresses, try a sleeveless black maxi dress in a modern cut. No matter what cut or length you prefer, it’s a no-brainer that this wardrobe item will also pair perfectly with the white sneakers we mentioned above.
If you’re a fashionista, you’re probably well aware of the environmental consequences of buying fast fashion. Sure it may be cheap, but you’re also enabling the poor working conditions and inadequate wages at sweatshop factories around the globe. When you’re creating your capsule wardrobe, try to shop secondhand and only buy brand new if you really need to.
This post was contributed by James Richardson