Capsule Closets

With an influx of information coming  to us from all directions, many of us face decision fatigue. This might be especially apparent at six in the morning, standing in front of your  closet.

The term “capsule wardrobe” came into heavy rotation during the pandemic as people started to simplify and streamline their lives—especially their clothing. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential pieces that can be mixed and matched. While this promotes versatility, it also decreases textile waste and excessive purchasing. Rather than indulging in fast fashion, a capsule wardrobe emphasizes investing in quality pieces meant to last many years. 

“Creating a capsule wardrobe enables you to save time, save money, and helps reduce fashion fatigue,” says Elizabeth Kienzle, owner of Monkee’s of Tallahassee. “Additionally, it helps to create a consistent, personal style.”

A common misinterpretation of a capsule wardrobe is drab colors and monotonous styling. This is not the case. A capsule wardrobe is meant as a foundation, a means to reinvent classic pieces and add trending finishes every now and then. 

“It’s all about getting the most mileage out of your pieces when you can mix and match to create endless outfits,” says Sarah Villella, manager and buyer at Narcissus boutique. “This makes shopping for new pieces even easier, since you’ll always have something to pair it with.” 

Depending on your age and stage, profession, and pastimes, your definition of a capsule wardrobe may vary. The following categories have been recognized as common Tallahassee “identities”: the professional, the parent, and the student.  

Photo by Abby Warnock

Professional

While the definition of professional may vary—you may have a work uniform, for instance, or work from home—for the sake of ideation, let’s talk about office wear. 

“We think it’s easy to start with an equation: two tailored pieces, a tailored dress, plus a personality piece to create an effortless, functional look,” says Villella. 

Begin with a tailored pair of slacks in a couple of different silhouettes, a straight leg, and a wide leg.  

“We advise finding a style you like and purchasing it in several colors, so you can mix and match and feel comfortable,” says Kienzle. 

“Having neutral blazers makes everyday professional dressing so much easier,” says Villella. “Layer with a blouse or shell underneath, and style with slacks or a silk skirt. Blazers also layer well over dresses; try adding a belt on top of your buttoned-up blazer for a feminine touch.” 

For tops, select neutral-colored pieces that connect with your favorite jewelry or scarves. For women, a silk blouse or cashmere sweater is a quality, timeless investment that can be styled in new ways for years. 

Photo by Abby Warnock

When dressing for the office, men should consider being fitted and outfitted by Nic’s Toggery, a locally owned clothier specializing in menswear. They will direct you toward high-quality button-downs, a tailored coat or jacket, and pants that align with your profession. 

While Lululemon is known for its athletic wear, the men’s ABC pants are a smart casual option. 

“We’ve had lawyers, legislators, and every profession in between purchase the ABC pants because they perform well, are comfortable, and look good,” says Danielle Miller, store manager of Lululemon in Tallahassee. 

A pair of flats (ballet or loafers) and a heeled shoe, or a kitten heel or heeled boot, are wise footwear additions for women. For men, choose a leather loafer and a pair of boots for cool months.

Professional-centric brands that Narcissus carries in-store include Generation Love, Joseph Ribkoff, L’Agence, Tory Burch, and Staud. 

Photo courtesy of Lululemon

Parent

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, juggling multiple after-school activities, or managing activity-filled weekends, parents need clothing that moves with them and their little ones. Multiple pockets are a plus. 

Whatever your needs are, Lululemon has changed the game for athleisure wear. 

“Busy parents don’t want to have to think about replacing or buying new clothes,” says Miller. “Our fabrics hold up for years and years without any sheerness, all while holding things in and allowing us to operate distraction-free. Lululemon looks good on your body, which directly correlates with feeling good.” 

Miller always recommends Lululemon’s famous Align leggings, which she calls “buttery soft, tried and true, and transitional.”

For moms, she suggests the Align waist-length top, which provides a bit more coverage while still being fashionable, comfortable, and colorful. Complete the outfit with the iconic Define jacket, which is structured yet cozy and versatile enough to transition from the park to dinner. 

For dads, the Pace Breaker Jogger is key coming in a lightweight, breathable fabric providing ventilation. They come with an additional plus for parents: secure front pockets and a hidden phone sleeve. The License to Train hoodie is sleek and sweat wicking. While it performs well in the heat of the Little League game, it also wears well to a dinner out. 

Photo courtesy of The Otherside Vintage

College Student

While college is a great time to begin investing in forever pieces, it’s also a unique slice of life revolving around social and academic gatherings. In many ways, your closet will mirror this life stage. 

Brianna Bledsoe, marketing director for Barefoot Campus Outfitters, suggests the following: “A hoodie you’ll basically live in, a couple of fun graphic tees, a classic crewneck for layering, a cap for game days, a quarter-zip that works for just about everything, and polos sharp enough for presentations yet casual enough for tailgates.”

Barefoot Campus Outfitters specializes in campus gear and game day wear, pieces that will transition into college memorabilia when worn as an alumnus. 

For those on a budget and seeking an eco-friendly option, thrifting and vintage shopping are always great  ideas.  

“Thrifting is ideal for college students as you can save tons of money buying secondhand. It encourages being more mindful of overconsumption as each piece is unique, and there aren’t 10 different copies of the same shirt, like most big-box retailers,” says Brooklyn Croy, co-owner of The Other Side Vintage. “It’s also a great way to meet new people and creatives in the community.”

When sifting and searching, Croy  recommends looking for a  nice  denim jacket, a leather jacket, oversized comfy tees, leather boots, a cool DIY or vintage school pride tee, a good pair of Levi’s jeans and jorts, and  a quality leather belt.