What is “capsule dressing”, this method that allows you to create 1000 looks with only 9 pieces?

Every fall is the same story. On the one hand, these big sweaters that we wear when the weather is unpredictable. On the other hand, these sudden desires to completely revise our wardrobe make us buy clothes that are not always suitable for cold seasons. Result: our wardrobes are filled with pieces that don’t complement each other, giving that familiar feeling of having nothing to wear. And we end up with this impulse-bought shirt that we wear for a day and then forget about. It was based on this conundrum that 28-year-old fashion influencer Alice decided to share with her community the infallible Marie Kondo style technique of “capsule dressing.”

The idea is very simple. Instead of buying unnecessary new pieces every season, we empty out our wardrobes and choose 9, all of which we generally already have in our wardrobes. By choosing three neutral tops, three plain bottoms and three shoes in muted tones, capsule dressing proves that it’s possible to combine all these pieces to create multiple looks. For example, a plain blue shirt will go well with a gray skirt, while the same skirt will go well with an ecru turtleneck sweater. As proof, Alice manages to create more than twenty looks by mixing just nine pieces, namely two sweaters and a shirt, two skirts and pants, as well as a pair of ankle boots, heels and sneakers. Enough to last you through the winter without ever getting tired of it.

Especially since the influencer states that these combinations are just the basics and that they can be expanded with our coats, bags and accessories. “With this technique, we really get the most out of the pieces we buy,” Alice explains. Of course, if you are not comfortable with heels, you can replace small heels with moccasins, and heels with flat boots. In other words, the possibilities have no limits. More effective, one might say, than “333 dressing”, which consists of keeping 33 pieces with you for 3 months. “It also allows us to consume better, buy less pieces from microtrends.”

What about colors and patterns?

This fashion strategy seems to lend itself well to good basics, particularly simple clothes with simple cuts that usually go with anything, such as a white t-shirt, gray cardigan or blue jeans. But can we use this technique when developing a more fashionable, even eccentric style? It’s hard to imagine this fuchsia pink blazer given last Christmas going well with this red crocodile skirt bought at Vinted last week. “We can expand to more rooms, that’s even what the 333 dressing room method recommends,” Alice explains. As for the prints, you can choose them from the capsule wardrobe. You just have to choose timeless prints like stripes on shirts, sailor shirts, polka dots. The same with the leopard. On a beautiful, timeless piece, it can work.”

The goal is really for us to be able to carry all the pieces of our choice over the years.

Alice, fashion influencer

Bold pieces can totally work when paired with more subdued pieces. On the other hand, the more our selection of nine essential items includes clothes and shoes with bright colors and colorful patterns, the less obvious it will be to combine them with each other. “Capsule dressing” clearly continues to be a tactic quite suitable for lovers of “quiet luxury”, in other words, these clothes and accessories with honest materials, effective cuts and soft colors. “We still avoid colored patterns. The goal is really to be able to carry all the pieces in our selection over the years,” concludes Alice.

Which does not prevent a little extravagance. If your “capsule wardrobe” prefers sober clothes, focus on original accessories. a stack of colorful necklaces will revive a classic all-black look, while a leopard print jacket will add just the right touch of cool. Capsule dressing is about dressing with flair, making smart choices while adding a personal touch so you don’t look like anyone else.