Is a Capsule Wardrobe Still Relevant in 2020?
When I first published this post in 2017, capsule wardrobes had gone viral. Whether you were a longtime mommy blogger or newly-minted Instagram influencer, it was all anyone could talk about.
Of course, it was unclear what exactly a capsule wardrobe was. For some, like arguably the most significant blogger in the capsule movement, Un-fancy, it was a way of “encapsulating” seasonal aesthetics into micro-wardrobes. For others, it was a way to get a handle on out-of-control purchasing, if not in actuality, at least in the way clothing was stored. For others who were more sustainability-minded, it represented a way forward, out of the realm of fast fashion and into the light of a pared-down closet.
Sustainable fashion costs more, so maybe a capsule is what is needed for the majority of consumers. We can’t buy as much, but we can, perhaps, buy better.
While I am skeptical of the ways “capsule wardrobes” have been used to marketing overconsumption, I can get behind the idea of careful analysis of lifestyle and personal style in order to make considered choices in our wardrobes. With that in mind, I have updated my Ethical Capsule Wardrobe list, below, for a new year of sustainable shopping.
An Ethical Capsule Wardrobe: 20 Essential Pieces
WHERE TO FIND…
1. The Tee
Everlane | Cotton essentials in easy fits
Elegantees | Feminine tees in stretch cotton
American Giant | Classic, longer line v-necks, u-necks, and more
Miakoda | Easy lounge fits in soft sustainable fabrics
Fair Indigo | Soft, thick pima cotton tees and tanks
2. The LBD
Maven Women | Professional and classic fits for all body types
Reformation | Sleek, trend-forward and vintage-inspired pieces in deadstock fabrics
Everlane | Modern and minimalist cuts
Victoria Road | Feminine and embroidered pieces
3. The Jacket
ABLE | Americana, modern cuts
Eileen Fisher | Looser, longer cuts
Ode to Sunday | The perfect blend of tailored and drapey
4. The Jeans
Everlane | Made in a fair trade and sustainable factory in lots of classic cuts
ABLE | Made in a fair trade factory with more modern fits
Levi’s Waterless | Sustainable processes, American classics
5. The Statement Skirt
People Tree | Classic, custom prints, British
Ash & Rose | Flowy and feminine
Mata Traders | Vintage-inspired with hand done details
Mayamiko | Artisan fabrics and mod cuts
6. The Blazer
Everlane | Modern, menswear-inspired
People Tree | Classic cuts
Mm. Lafleur | Versatile, for the modern professional woman
Connecticut Country Clothing | A classic tailored fit
7. The Drapey Cardigan
Miakoda | Lounge-inspired in soft fabrics
Soul Flower | Hippie-inspired
EcoVibe Apparel | Flowy and easy
Synergy Organic Clothing | Stretchy, soft organic cotton
8. The Sandals
Nisolo | Classic and minimalist
Fortress of Inca | Sturdy and beautiful
Birkenstock | Comfortable and classic
Po-zu (vegan options) | European made with European flair
9. The Sneakers
All Birds | Super sustainable sneakers made with wool and bamboo
Saola (vegan) | Skater inspired
OESH (made in Charlottesville!) | Ethically made in China, suitable for athletic activity
Everlane Tread | Sustainably made fashion sneakers
Adidas Parley Collection | Made with ocean plastic, suitable for athletic activity
10. The Versatile Flats
Nisolo | Feminine and office appropriate
The Root Collective | Fun details, artisan made
Fortress of Inca | Menswear-inspired
Po-zu | Vegan options
11. Boots
LL Bean (made in Maine varieties) | Bean boots!
Po-zu | My favorite
Bhava (vegan) | Beautiful sustainable vegan leather alternatives
12. The Cotton Undies
PACT Apparel | Classic cuts in organic cotton
Organic Basics | A simple collection in organic cotton and Tencel
Everlane | Pima cotton, very soft
13. The Leggings
PACT Apparel | Classic cotton leggings
Maggie’s Organics | Thicker cut, sustainably made
Fair Indigo | Full coverage
Miakoda | Soft fabrics
14. The Party Dress
Accompany | Artisan made luxury
Victoria Road | Beautiful embroidered pieces
Passion Lilie | Block printed, lots of summer styles
EcoVibe Apparel | Flowy and “younger” pieces
Reformation | Sleek and sexy styles made with deadstock fabric
15. The Black Pants
Brass Clothing | Ponte pants
Mm. Lafleur | Versatile
Everlane | Lots of nice essentials
16. The Socks
PACT Apparel | A variety of cuts and patterns
Maggie’s Organics | Classic socks, including wool hiking socks
19. The Button Down
The Fable | It’s their specialty
Kowtow | Tailored pieces with modern fits
Eileen Fisher | Flowy and artistic
Tradlands ($25 off with this link) | Menswear-inspired classics
20. The Cold Weather Coat
Patagonia | Technical fabrics made sustainably
United By Blue | Sustainable and organic
Everlane | Made with recycled plastic
21. Classic Jewelry
Hannah Naomi | Super minimalist
Thicket | Nature-inspired
Fair Anita | Artisan made
See more Shopping Guides here.
Suggestions or questions?
Let me know in the comments.
A note on selection: I judged items by ethical labor standards, transparency, and eco-friendly advances while prioritizing fit, quality, price, and versatility. Many of these items are things I own myself.
