Both Mags & I are going through transitions this upcoming Fall, so I thought I’ll share mine: I’ll be relocating to the New Jersey/New York area for a year of research at the Weatherhead Institute of East Asian Studies at Columbia, and that means leaving our new home – that we just moved into for 3 months this summer – to stay with some family so that I could work on my book manuscript. When you have a family and you are not the only one implicated in a decision, these kinds of career choices are difficult to make. Often, it seems there isn’t much in your control except what you bring with you, both literally and metaphorically speaking.
This is why this week & next, we’ll be talking about capsules, moves, and life transitions.
As academics, or those who travel a lot for work, we are used to living out of suitcases, or what seems like suitcases anyway. My perpetual moves, whether they are actual relocations across cities, summer research trips, or conference “work/play” trips, have prompted me to be pragmatic and intentional about what goes into my closet and travels around with me. This makes capsule wardrobes and sustainability go hand-in-hand. But the capsule I’m talking about is not one that we rotate every season, it’s the kind that gets you through any kind of situation, thick or thin.
Capsule, modifier: shortened but retaining the essence of the original; condensed.
A capsule wardrobe isn’t just a portable version of your closet, it’s a set of key items that capture the essence of your style, and therefore you. Obviously there are compromises in quantity but the limited items don’t really undermine what is important to you, they can actually accentuate those values.
little black dress styled five ways
These are a few principles I go by when I am preparing for my next move/trip, including this upcoming move for 9 months:
1. One of every item. This is mostly true, except for white button-up shirts. I’ll be bringing *two* of those! For me, variety is important and is what defines my style, so that’s what I try to preserve in my capsule wardrobe. Much of my closet pieces are singular (i.e. I rarely buy two of the same thing, even in different colors), which is also something I personally value in people. Funny how that translates, no? It makes packing especially hard because there are decisions to be made, but when in doubt, air for the thing that goes with more pants!
2. Higher quality, timeless staples – a good wool coat, a pair of beige suede boots, nice fitting jeans in a good, dark wash. This is an important one for me, and it gets at the topic of following trends. Because I’m very wary of partaking in trends, some might say that makes my style too conservative, and not very fashionable. But if I buy something mostly because everyone else has it, I find myself feeling like my adolescent self: awkward for trying too hard. We should ask ourselves what kind of satisfaction we get in consumption, and if it’s something that won’t last or won’t make you feel comfortable, then maybe it’s okay to not spend that time and money. Sometimes, things are toward the end of their life, and I’ll pack that item so that I won’t have to bring it back.
3. Accessories are my friends. Some don’t like accessories because they prefer minimalist styles, or just don’t have time to figure out how to style them. I’ll be packing lots of scarves that double as headbands because these have the ability to change the look of a white tee from basic to bohemian to elevated.
4. A few statement pieces – the indulgences. These are the items that make you feel good, even if you don’t get to wear them every day. My statement pieces are going to be a pleated yellow floral skirt and my Leona Doc Martens that make me feel badass. (Yes, they’re heavy, but they are soooo good.)
5. Neutrals that go with everything. As with anything built to last, you need a strong foundation. Neutrals – your navys, beiges, whites and blacks – are the canvas for you to add color, but they can also stand alone. Except for my statement pieces, I don’t pack anything that can’t match with at least three other things, so good thing for neutrals!
6. Items that make you comfortable. Sometimes you don’t want to wear “normal clothes.” Sometimes you don’t want to see other human beings. Lounge wear is one of the few trends that I am advocating to stay, because even though work from home is a new thing for many, it’s been the case for academics all along.
I'll be packing this little black dress (& other stories; similar here ) because it's one of my favorite staples. What are yours??
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