How to solve your closet dilemmas? We asked the capsule wardrobe expert Louise Jansson
Louise, you’re a stylist, and have met a lot of people and their closets, you are now focusing on helping people to build their capsule wardrobe, how would you define a capsule wardrobe?
I would define it as the time saving, money saving, sustainable and stylish way to get dressed. In the mid 80’s Donna Karan launched ’7 easy pieces’, where she aimed at the hard working woman that needed an easy way to get dressed for the office without looking like a man. Her 7 pieces consisted of a bodysuit, wrap skirt, white shirt, tailored blazer, long jacket, slacks and a dress. I would say it still is the ultimate capsule wardrobe, maybe I would throw in a pair of jeans and a knitted sweater. I love the thought of having 6-8 high quality key items in your closet, all in neutral colors in order to make it as simple as possible to combine.
What would you say is the most common challenge people are facing in relation to their style and their closet?
The number one issue is that people have wardrobes full of clothes but nothing to wear just because they find it hard to mix and match. Many people often buy single pieces (myself included) and don’t really think of how that skirt or top will match with the rest of the wardrobe. That, together with not really knowing your style, can turn the routine of getting dressed into a real struggle. And the simple fact that there are too much clothes in your closet can make it even harder.
How can a capsule closet help with that?
A well chosen capsule wardrobe can give you endless combinations if you also take accessories such as jewellry, bags and shoes into account. Even a lipstick could turn an outfit from simple chic into smashing. And I also love the way how shoes can change a look. Let’s say you have a flowery dress and combine that with flat ballerinas, the look will probably become quite sweet and romantic. If you change the ballerinas for a chunky loafer the outcome will be much cooler. I love the way of mixing feminine and masculine items.
Are there some items of clothing or other items that you find to be very useful for most people?
Oooh, that’s a good question……One key to the ultimate piece of clothing is comfort. And there is hardly anything that beats the cozyness of a cashmere sweater. It goes to just about anything - jeans, a skirt, tied around the neck as a shawl, underneath a blazer. Quite expensive, but a versatile piece of clothing like that can be worth every penny. You can also look for cashmere at second hand stores.
What are your best advice for people to simplify their life and have a more sustainable closet?
Start to clean out your closet. Get rid of clothes that just takes up space. Clothes that have been good friends for a long time but seen better days or clothes that still have the price tag left and never been worn. You should also get rid of clothes that gives you a bad conscious. I’ve heard many people say ”I will wear these jeans when I’ve lost 5 kilos”. Every time you open your closet they will only give you a reminder of what you have not achieved. So get rid of that too! Keep the key items and make a list of what you need to build a capsule wardrobe. Search second hand sites, vintage stores or if you really want to make an investment, go to the tailor. Take some time and find out perfect combinations for differrent occasions and take a photo, write it down or use an app in order to make it simple to get dressed in the morning. If it feels overwhelming to clean out your closet, search for help.
How can people get in touch with you and how can you help?
You can contact me at louise@garderobsrensning.nu. I will help you to clean out and organize your closet. I will identify the keepers and also give you suggestions on new combinations. Together we make a list of pieces to invest in. I will also make a personal style guide just for you. The goal is to make it easy for you to dress in a stylish and sustainable way. You can also read more at www.garderobsrensning.nu
