An Ethical Rule of 3 Fall Capsule
After introducing my Rule of 3 on Sunday, I wanted to actually see where it worked for my wardrobe, and where it didn’t. Since I mentioned that a big part of ethical fashion is actually slow fashion, I decided I would create a loose capsule for fall.
The thing with capsule wardrobes is that, if done well, they don’t require 4 distinct seasonal rotations. Transitional seasons like spring and fall should be able to incorporate core pieces from major Summer and Winter capsules with just a few adjustments made for light jackets and seasonal shoes. In the past, I’ve oriented capsules around Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer, but in terms of actual weather patterns, it makes more sense to think of the big picture as winter and summer, with transitional seasons simply playing around with what I already have.
My Rule of 3 is ultimately intended to help me make choices smarter and more quickly, without all the hand wringing, so I can focus in on my local community care efforts, other forms of activism, and, quite frankly, my schoolwork! Rather than making *the most ethical choice* I am striving to make *the best choice* i.e., the choice that will stay in my closet and serve me well for a long time.
What’s in My Slow Fashion Fall Capsule
The above graphic is certainly not everything I intend to wear this season. Rather, it’s meant to show the basic silhouettes, colors, and formulas. You’ll notice that the color palette is right on track with my Fall Inspiration post.
Keep in mind that these are things I actually own, not intended to be a reflection of the pinnacle of what’s possible in ethical fashion, but rather a reflection of what I can afford, what fits, and what works for me. I have included the Rule of 3 metrics for each item…
Items pictured are (left to right, top to bottom):
- Loft Tee – 2, 5, 6 ✓
- Everlane Organic Crewneck Tee – 2, 4, 5 ✓
- Everlane Organic V-neck Tee – 2, 4, 5 ✓
- Everlane Rib Knit Tee – 4, 5 x
- Loft Cardigan – 2, 5, 6 ✓
- Madewell Cardigan – 3, 5 x
- Loft Jacket – 2, 5, 6 ✓
- Madewell Cardigan – 3, 5 x
- Loft Boyfriend Jeans – 5, 6 x
- Loft Skirt – 5, 6 x
- Everlane Curvy Authentic Stretch Jeans – 2, 4, 5 ✓
- Everlane Soft Wide Leg Jeans – 2, 4, 5 ✓
- Frye Carson Lace-up Boots – 5, 8 x
- FILA Disruptor II – 5, 7, 8 ✓
- Nisolo Amalia Boots – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ✓
- Converse High-tops – 2, 5, 8 ✓
The additional items in my fall wardrobe are essentially duplicates of these items: a few more pairs of jeans, more cotton t-shirts, a couple extra skirts. I also have two spaghetti strap dresses to layer with crewneck t-shirts for some 90s (and comfort) vibes. As things cool down further, I’ll unpack my pullover sweaters.
I am dedicated to getting dressed for at least part of the day even though I’ll be on Zoom much of the time. I need to create some boundaries around my tasks so it doesn’t feel like one big sprawl. Maybe all this wardrobe planning is a kind of back-to-school nesting?
Let me know what you think!
This is so helpful, thank you. I’d love to see an article similar to this about purchasing animal products (meat). I think people get overwhelmed in that area too.
That would be a super helpful resource. I’ll have to find someone who can speak more authoritatively on the subject.
I love the rule of three! Right now, I am most concerned about the treatment of workers, but then worry about waste and sustainability. The rule of three helps me find what I need within my budget, and to focus on the aspect of ethical fashion that is tops for me now. It can just freeze you otherwise, or get you to throw in the towel and buy anything.
Thanks so much for this feedback, Susan. I’m glad it’s working for you. I agree – it can be tempting to just give up altogether when we’re overwhelmed; I’m guilty of that, too. This has really been helpful in giving me clarity.