The Beauty of Restraint: The Celebration of Capsule Pieces

By: Coco Corey

Apple’s first marketing brochure in 1977 read: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” While Steve Jobs’ obsession with simple design birthed the look of sleek Apple products, it is often perceived that in the fashion world, complexity is key. The advent of not only oversized but intense repetition in designer logos, as well as the celebration of maximization in street style fashion, can make us lose sight of the quiet elegance of staple pieces. For most, 20% of the closet probably does 80% of the work. While there are certain basics we all cannot live without — enter leggings, tees, and trainers — it is possible to curate a small capsule wardrobe that is anything but basic. Rather than ruminating over the same neutrals and structures, it is possible to streamline a wardrobe that is still unique and current. Sustainability is a focus of all labels right now whether that’s in monitoring the supply chain or creating resale programs. Ultimately, the easiest solution to fast fashion is for consumers to buy fewer pieces and more quality staples. If you’re not familiar with the “capsule wardrobe,” it refers to your clothing essentials rather than trendy pieces that elevate outfits.

This year’s Vogue World’s Fall Fashion Edit celebrates the 130th anniversary of Vogue. It showcases their editorial teams’ favorite looks from the Fall 2022 collections and spotlights five trends to look out for this season, including: “The Sport Couture Edit,” “The Retro-to-Wear Edit,” “The Forever Classic Edit,” “The Modern Boho Edit,” and “The Metallic Moments Edit.” While most visualize neutrals when picking classic, interchangeable pieces, the personalization of a capsule wardrobe involves choosing pieces from each edit, not just limited to “The Forever Classic.” While neutrals are typically viewed as more timeless, additions of color and texture can have a place in capsule wardrobes too. Below are some examples of pieces that are classic, recurring staples, but are timely to the fall season and unique to the individual.

Striped Sweater

A recurring fall trend that must be noted is the striped sweater, a timeless fall piece. With the recent popularity of the “coastal grandmother aesthetic”, the emphasis on stripes this year comes as no surprise. The striped sweater is essential and should be included in everyone's fall capsule wardrobe. Sweaters are sustainable if you make a quality purchase off the bat — Reformation makes a polo style, but striped sweaters can also be shopped for more affordable prices on sites such as Zara and H&M.

Mary Janes & Ballet Flats

Mary Janes have made a comeback this year. The Mary Jane style shoe is classic and a smart purchase considering that they pair well with everything from skirts, to dresses, and even to slacks. This year in particular, we are seeing them platformed, like most other shoes this fall. Fashion influencers have been photographed over and over again in these staple shoes, making them here to stay. Ballet flats are also making an appearance this fall, but unlike in past years, they are being accessorized with more modern pieces. Ballet flats are simple, classic, and feminine, no longer viewed as dated. The reintroduction of both of these shoes is yet another nod to timelessness and the recirculation of previous trends.

Knee-High Boot

Knee-high boots, not to be confused with thigh-high, are back and better than ever. Knee highs are so versatile, and in terms of wet fall weather, they’re also relatively practical. Many knee highs are appearing in the style of cowboy boots this year, paired specifically with slip dresses and silk midi-length skirts. These boots are definitely a good shoe to have in black or brown to pair with a variety of fall and winter outfits. While they perhaps have less longevity than other items, they do add a chic flair to a simpler outfit.

Suede

Suede boots, suede clogs, suede jackets, bombers, and heels: is anything suede missing here? Suede never really went out of style, but it is certainly center stage this year (and not leaving anytime soon). Beiges and browns rule in the roost and remain consistently timeless. However, suede’s close cousin leather remains ever present, especially in jackets, pants, and skirts this fall. Leather might be a better choice over suede for someone trying to streamline a wardrobe because of its ability to pair well with a variety of colors and textures.

Platform Loafers
The biggest breakthrough moment this fall must go to the platform loafer. With soles reminiscent of the 90s, the chunky classic black loafer is back in full force. Whether in the penny or tassel style, if you had forward-thinking or vintage-loving parents, you might still find a pair of these tucked away in an attic or basement.

Oxford Style Button-Up

Another staple that never left and continues to reinvent itself is the classic button-up. These gender-neutral workhorses can be worn every which way. Under vests and suits, as cover-ups, as pajamas, and more, button-downs can lead the way in building a variety of different outfits. Like a classic tee, button-downs are a necessary addition to a capsule wardrobe.

Essential Accessories

Utility created the tote bag, a staple that will forever be the most versatile. The tote continues to change style and structure with trends, so it is best to buy a classic. The classic black leather belt is also in this camp — as long as the Gucci belt is steered clear of —. A simple buckle is key for keeping it from trending out as metals tend to come and go less quickly.

Sets

Duo sets are the epitome of cute and comfy; a necessity for the tired, yet put-together college student. They’re sold in neutrals such as gray and white; however, there have been some adorable recent additions in pastels and even bright colors. The matching jogger-style sweatsuit is a quintessential addition to everyone’s closet. No one can go wrong with an outfit that feels as good as it looks. It may change in structure from year to year, but the wear that it gets from even one season makes the set worth it.

Celebrating the beauty and elegance of staple pieces in a capsule wardrobe is also a celebration of sustainability. At the heart of fighting fast fashion and striving towards a more sustainable society comes individual choices. Choices of quality over quantity are not only wise but good for the environment and society. Alexis Bennet from Vogue writes, “Even glorious fashion houses that are known for their maximalist approach to design are leaning into the minimalist magic of simplicity with understated luxury items rounding out their collections. After all, practicing self-restraint—while sometimes difficult—is one of the most luxurious things one can do.”