The capsule wardrobe movement continues to gain momentum.
Fast fashion deserves criticism. And our culture’s obsession with ever-changing fashion trends is an artificial pursuit manufactured by those who benefit from it.
The capsule wardrobe movement is far from mainstream. But, elevated in the social consciousness by some high-profile personalities, more and more people are applying minimalist principles to their fashion.
Many people outside the movement remain skeptical. They wonder why anybody would intentionally choose to wear the same outfit every day—especially when financial resources are not in question.
Evaluating my personal experience with a minimal wardrobe and studying recent profiles in various publications, I have created this list of reasons.
If you have ever wondered why some successful people choose to wear the same outfit everyday, or better yet, if you are considering adopting a more streamlined wardrobe yourself, here are 8 convincing reasons:
1. Fewer decisions. Decision fatigue refers to the deteriorating quality of decisions made by an individual after a long session of decision making. For people who make significant decisions every day, the removal of even one—choosing clothes in the morning—leaves them with more mental space and better productivity throughout the day.
This forms the basis for President Barack Obama’s limited fashion options, “You’ll see I wear only gray or blue suits. I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.” Mark Zuckerberg cites similar rationale. One less frivolous decision in the morning leads to better decisions on things that really matter.
2. Less time wasted. We have no idea how much of a burden our possessions have become until we begin to remove them. But when we do, we immediately discover a new life of freedom and opportunity. It was almost five years ago that I first experimented with Project 333—a personal challenge of wearing only 33 articles of clothing for a period of 3 months. The project is simple, life-changing, and wildly beneficial. I quickly discovered one of the greatest benefits of limiting my wardrobe: the gift of time. Getting ready in the morning became easier, quicker, and more efficient.
3. Less stress. Matilda Kahl, an art director in New York cites both decision fatigue and less time getting ready as her reason for wearing the same outfit everyday. But she adds another: less stress—specifically, less stress during the day over the decision she originally made in the morning. “Is this too formal? Is that too out there? Is this dress too short? Almost always, I’d choose something to wear I regretted as soon as I hit the subway platform.” But now, in her trademark silk white shirt and black trousers, she has one less source of anxiety during the day.
4. Less wasted energy. Christopher Nolan has created several of the most critically and commercially successful films of the early 21st century. But, according to New York Times Magazine, he decided long ago it was “a waste of energy to choose anew what to wear each day.” Now, he settles instead for a dark, narrow-lapeled jacket over a blue dress shirt with black trousers over sensible shoes to wear each day.
Christopher offers an important distinction when he refers to “wasted energy.” Not only do large wardrobes require more decision-making, they also require more maintenance, more organization, and more shuffling around. Additionally, while a capsule wardrobe may not result in less laundry, it does result in both easier laundry and storage.
5. Feeling put together. Denaye Barahona is a young mother in Dallas, TX. This spring, she exchanged her full, disorganized closet for a minimal wardrobe of versatile pieces she loves to wear. She summarizes the difference like this, “Pre-capsule, my wardrobe was like the Cheesecake Factory menu. It went on for days and was overwhelming. Most of my options didn’t fit right, didn’t look right, or I just plain didn’t like. On the other hand, my capsule wardrobe is like a fine-dining restaurant. I have fewer choices but I can be sure all of the choices will be amazing. Not only do I look better, I feel better.”
Easy, versatile, and always put together. This is the promise and opportunity of a capsule wardrobe—and just one more reason the movement continues to grow.
6. Iconic. Alice Gregory is a writer living in New York City. Last year, her piece for J. Crew magazine brought a new word into my reasoning for wearing a uniform. She called it “Iconic. A cheap and easy way to feel famous.” She continues, “A uniform can be a way of performing maturity or, less charitably, impersonating it. A uniform insinuates the sort of sober priorities that ossify with age, as well as a deliberate past of editing and improving.”
Alice points out that wearing the same outfit everyday is a way of asserting your status as a protagonist. “This is the reason why characters in picture books never change their clothes: Children—like adults, if they’d only admit it—crave continuity. Adopting the habit of wearing a uniform is not unstylish—this is a classification that no longer applies.”
7. Less expense. Our closets are full of clothes and shoes purchased, but rarely worn. The average American family spends $1,700 on clothes annually. Which may not seem like a lot—until you consider that most clothing purchases are not based on need at all. In 1930, the average American woman owned nine outfits. Today, that figure is 30—one for every day of the month.
Living with a capsule wardrobe or adopting an iconic uniform removes most of the waste and expense from trial-and-error clothing purchases—not to mention all the time wasted shopping for items only to return later.
8. More peace. Last month, Drew Barrymore wrote an article for Refinery 29 highlighting her new stage of life and relationship with clothes. “For starters, I’m almost 40, and the 20s clothes don’t make sense anymore. And, after two babies, the 30s clothes don’t fit anymore. I am at a clothing crossroads, and it’s a painful one at times.” To counter these feelings, Drew put herself on a closet diet limiting her wardrobe and only buying items thoughtfully. Months later, her closet is “sane and happy.” Getting dressed is no longer a battle. And her fashion sense is “now calmer and more peaceful.”
We are a society drowning in our possessions. People are looking for freedom and rescue. They are searching for new solutions. No wonder the capsule wardrobe movement continues to grow.
Those who adopt minimalist principles in their wardrobe choices are discovering more productivity, less stress, less distraction, less expense, and more peace.
Emily Fang says
Thank you very much for your sharing, and I have learned a lot from your article.
Theresa says
Good info. I’m working on decluttering. Since March 2020 (Covid-19) I’m teleworking more. I have decided to wear about 3 different pants (some variation of black), 3-5 shirts/tops and 1-2 pairs of shoes on days I go to office. While home I finally recognized I didn’t need all the things I have accumulated. Its still challenging to let go but I’m making progress slowly. I haven’t purchased any clothing in a few months.
Maria Pinto says
Yes I have been buying 2nd hand clothing for 40 years plus. I like to layer clothing and then wear different things together, mix it up. I have never gone with any so called fashion trends except maybe in the late 60’s and 70’s when tye dye was in and cool. Come to think of it I still love those styles, no two things were alike. My motto is to wear what I like and not worry about what others may think. Be yourself and be comfortable doing it.
Tina says
My kids are in their forties. I have tried to suggest these ideas somewhere. If the earnings ceiling for FICA (social security deduction) were $500k instead of the low amount of income it is currently, the fund would be larger.
I know ROTC or the military will help with college costs. Young people can learn a trade in the Navy, for example. My son joined the Navy and a cousin went to medical school paid for by the army. I
Third, never pay a medical bill with a credit card. Ever. Work out a plan with a hospital social worker if you need to do that.
Md Arif says
It is amzing fashion and trused fashion blog. Really it is very helpful for people.
We are the latest design collection for worldwide people. Bergdorf Goodman is the best Fashion design shop in the USA. It has the latest collection and high-quality lady clothes. It also has a fast delivery. You can win 40% up to a discount of any clothing.All types of fashion clothing and all size available here.
Kim Peterson says
That’s just it. I no longer care if I’m trendy or not, just that I am comfortable and clean & neat. I would wear blue jeans and a shirt for casual and a skirt suit with choice of 2-3 shirts. Clutter is drowning me. 3 pair of shoes should work as well, one sneakers, one mid heel pumps, and one pr. Slippers.
Tina says
There were T shirts on sale at Wal-Mart for a dollar but I wear my husband ‘s old ones. I have my winter clothes from last year put away in a suitcase. I gave my daughter a few old sweaters. I have three sweatshirts and two sweaters. Lots of T shirts and a few shirts with collars. I have three pairs of shoes. There are three pairs of jeans that fit and some nice clothes that will fit when I lose the weight I gained from the stupid virus.
Carolynn Thompson says
I am intrigued by this article and concept. And would live to give it a shot. Today I start the purge of what I don’t need. Let’s see what is left!
Joe says
When you say wearing the clothes everyday do you mean wearing the same shirt for a few days then washing it, or having many of the same shirt?
joshua becker says
Having multiples of the same shirt.
Leah says
it means wearing the same items more frequently, and owning fewer of them. You wouldn’t literally have only one shirt, you’d want to own enough to have something clean and weather-appropriate to wear when some need to be laundered
Andrew Radford says
One thing I do every evening before bed is to is pick out my clothes for the next day. It’s empowering to remove that decision from my morning routine and think of something more important instead.
Plus like many, I now have a ‘uniform’. V Neck Jumper, simple shirt, blue jeans or dark grey trousers, pumps.
As a huge perfume lover I have even simplified my fragrance collection. By using ‘perfume layering’ to wear two or more of my existing perfumes at the same I can create a brand new scent. I buy way less fragrance now, and reduce my clutter too.
Linda Johnson says
Challenge with even being more minimalist by utilizing pure scents of therapeutic grade essential oils which we can use to create customized blends that not only smell wonderful but address health issues from supporting body systems and cellular health. I use it instead of synthetic cleaners, synthetic medications, and synthetic odor masking things even like candles. It’s been so effective that it’s been fun educating others in my health coaching and classes, too. When ya know better we choose better. We’ve been lied to for way too long about the harmful roots of our big industries.
Christine says
I’ve discovered the freedom of having less in my closet. I feel more confident by wearing just grey, black, and white. I am in the process of donating my shoes now.
Marilyn J. Henricks says
What size shoes do you wear, and style’s. I’m a shoe freak, go to second hand store run by churches .I walked in one day and found a brand new pr. in the box, For $3.00,Camel color suede with light gum soles. Love them, so comfy,deal.
aiteeyah says
I personally am frustrated at times when trying to pick clothes to wear. It is really time consuming to mix and match things.
That is why I usually go with tshirts and pants for malls and slacks and blouse at work.
I agree that it saves time, energy and emotions. ?
Marj Stark says
I have dressed this way for periods of my life. It’s particularly helpful when traveling. I change shirts and underwear everyday, but the rest can be worn over and over. It certainly saves luggage space and laundry cares. I wish my husband would learn this!