I think I’m on to my seventh season of the capsule. My earlier approach of regimenting to 37 items was very contrived and didn’t really work for me. Last year I adopted more of a flexible approach, ditching the shoes and the coats from the quota and allowing a mid-season shuffle. My approach to the capsule is definitely less structured now and the concept still seems to be en vogue I wanted to share a few pros and cons to a minimal wardrobe.

In the red corner, the pros:

I don’t buy things on a whim anymore

All (well most of) my purchases are thought through and considered rather than impulse buys. I don’t buy anything if I can’t construct two or maybe three outfits from it. I have been known to ask myself if an item does indeed ‘spark joy’ and then have a word with myself. It’s a T-shirt not a pair of Louboutins

Getting ready is a doddle

With less items to choose from getting ready in the morning is far easier. Providing the washing and ironing fairy has been it’s also less painless packing for a trip away. I’m pushing myself to be a bit more creative too. You know really daring – layering up my necklaces and the like. Yes I’m still working on that one but to avoid outfit fatigue it’s essential.

More room

It’s debatable whether I’m saving any money with the capsule approach, but one thing I am saving is space. In the new house, James and I are sharing the rail that used to reside in the man cave (which you can see in the image above). All the rest of my clothes, underwear, socks and pjs are in a simple chest of drawers. I have a few out-of-season boxes stashed in the spare room with thick jumpers and flimsy beachwear but purging the rest of my garb has made-way for much more steamlined living.

And then in the blue corner, the cons.

If an item ‘fails’ it’s devastating

Last week the washing machine destroyed my new warehouse shirt dress (who knew you had to wash as wool?), I found an oil stain on my favourite pleated skirt and my brand spanking new La Redoute tee got three pulls in it on the very first wear. Toys were thrown out of the pram. When you don’t have a lot of clobber you can be left practically outfitless and I’ve had to shop mid-season.

You don’t plan ahead

Throughout the spring I’ve had a lot of wear over a slogan jumper I bought in the Zara sale several years ago. I hardly wore it at the time but seem to have seen it in a whole new light this year. Same with the New Look fringe sandals that I picked up about seven years ago. They hardly saw the light of day when I first owned them but several years later and they have a new lease of life. I worry with the capsule approach I won’t purchase such fanciful items and unearth gems a few seasons down the line.
To combat this I am on the lookout for pieces I really liked last winter and didn’t buy and stocking up on some sale bargains to put away for autumn.

The post office know you by name

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve visited my local post office to pick up and return items. Let me tell you, sellotape stocks have diminished since I started the capsule. The idea of having a complete collection of clothes for three months at the start of the season makes for a lot of internet shopping and a whole heap of returns.

What’s your experience of the capsule wardrobe so far? Have you tried and ditched or are you a convert? What have you found to be the pros and cons of a more minimal closet?