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During the last year of lockdowns, we’ve had plenty time to reflect. There’s been various trends from TikTok and Tiger King (which feels like forever ago) to banana bread and zoom quizzes. Aside from having more time to reflect or think about how I want to live life when we get out of this dark tunnel, I’ve also been considering how I can streamline my wardrobe and consume less.
Online shopping is one of the few things that has continued throughout and deliveries arriving may be the only thing to look forward to each week. Boredom has definitely increased my purchases and I’m trying to cut down on the number of impulsive buys. It’s unnecessary to be acquiring so much when I’m doing so little. I go to the supermarket once per week and that’s as exciting as it gets.
I’m shaking up my working from home attire and trying to wear as much as I can rather than opting for the same thing day in, day out. I packed some of my workwear away in a suitcase as I don’t believe I’ll step foot in the office in the next 6-9 months. I previously had a very specific separation of workwear and non-workwear, never to meet in the middle or cross over. Clearing out some of my workwear has given me a much more streamlined closet with space between hangers rather than everything being squashed together, hiding things and making it difficult to decide what to wear due to having far too much to choose from.
I’ve also been consciously trying to curate a capsule wardrobe of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched in various ways. Having a smaller collection of pieces that can be worn in many ways gives the illusion of a vast and diverse wardrobe. Furthermore, it reduces the chances of having lots of items that can only be worn in a specific or inflexible way. It’s been a slow and gradual process as I’m trying to be very cautious with each purchase to ensure it meets the criteria of a capsule collection. It doesn’t necessarily mean no prints, colours, patterns or designs, it’s more about focusing in on the ones which feature and are wearable year after year, season after season. Check and tweed are good examples as well as lace and broderie anglaise. I’ve got loads of these in my existing wardrobe and they are failsafe options.
Neutrals and black are alternative classic and timeless options to mention and a little black dress won’t ever go out of style. The one I’m wearing with the shirred waist and ruffle detail is simple yet effective. It’s not overwhelming or in your face, it’s subtle but oh so chic. It has movement and flows nicely as you walk and is a great all rounder in my collection. A little black dress is almost a comfort blanket and the one thing I reach for if I’m ever indecisive or not feeling my best. Opting for an all black outfit is something you don’t ever regret and it’s a great option if you’re unsure of the dress code or formality of an occasion.
Hopefully it won’t be too much longer before these key pieces see the light of day again.
xo!