Capsule Closets

With an influx of information coming to us from all directions, many of us face decision fatigue. This might be especially apparent at six in the morning while standing in front of your closet.

The term “capsule wardrobe” came into heavy rotation during the pandemic as people needed to streamline their lives—including their clothing. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential pieces that can be mixed and matched. These buying practices decrease textile waste, promote versatility, and help us develop our fashion identity. 

“Creating a capsule wardrobe is important because it simplifies your life while elevating your style,” says Maris Fortinberry, co-owner of Kiki Risa in Destin. “A capsule wardrobe has many benefits, including eliminating decision fatigue, ultimately spending less money buying quality over quantity because you are now buying with intention, giving you a timeless wardrobe with everything having a purpose.” 

Capsule wardrobes are often confused with drab colors and monotonous styling. This image is only a myth. A capsule wardrobe is meant as a foundation, a means to reinvent classic pieces and add trending finishes every now and then.

Depending on your age and stage, profession, and pastimes, your definition of a capsule wardrobe may vary. The following categories have been recognized as common Emerald Coast identities: the professional, the active, and the traveler.  

Photos Courtesy of Veronica Beard

Professional

While the definition of professional may vary—you may have a work uniform, for instance, or work from home—for the sake of ideation, let’s talk about office wear. 

“A professional capsule wardrobe is about quality and versatility,” says Fortinberry. “Key pieces for an elevated look would be a blazer in black or navy, tailored trousers, beautiful button-downs, and high-quality knits. A tailored dress is always an easy ‘one-and-done’ option.” 

For women and men, start with a tailored pair of slacks in a couple of different silhouettes: slim, bootcut, flare, and so on. Purchase dependable hues like black, navy, or khaki. 

For tops, select neutral-colored pieces that can be layered and added to with accessories, such as your favorite jewelry or a scarf. 

For women, a silk blouse or cashmere sweater will be a quality, timeless investment that can be styled in new ways for years. Men should own a few crisp, long-sleeve button-down shirts and classic polos. 

A pair of flats or loafers, a heeled shoe or a kitten heel, and a boot (heeled or flat) are wise additions. For men, add a leather loafer and a pair of boots for cooler months.

“Veronica Beard, L’Agence, and Simkhai are just a few fashion labels we carry that align with a polished and professional look,” says Fortinberry.

Photo Courtesy of Lululemon

Active

From Pilates class to a run on one of the region’s countless outdoor trails, those always in motion need clothing that can keep up. 

“We invest a lot of time in the development and manufacturing of our products and have pieces that not only look good but have incredible technical and functional attributes to achieve high performance,” says Arlease Ciatto, store manager of Lululemon in Destin. “Exercising without distractions is what makes a workout fulfilling. Having the right clothing for the right activity—that fits perfectly—creates the space for you to feel and look phenomenal.”

Lululemon is often synonymous with its leggings. Ciatto recommends the Wunder Train leggings for women. With light compression and fast-drying fabric, they are versatile enough to wear from workout class to running errands. For men, try the liner-less Zeroed In shorts, available in three inseam options. 

In a workout top, you want something easy and breezy. Ciatto advises the Jersey line for women and the Metal Vent Tech product line for men. Whether a full-length tee or a cropped tank, the combination of performance and ultra-soft feel makes the Jersey line a go-to. The Metal Vent Tech line harnesses Silverescent™ technology to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

For a chilly evening walk—or to elevate your workout wear for an evening with friends—consider investing in a jacket. Whether a track jacket or a hooded zip-up, the Define collection is classic yet cool. The Steady State men’s jacket is a cotton-blend fleece fabric that promotes ultimate coziness. 

Traveler 

Many call the Emerald Coast their second home or are regular travelers for business or pleasure. Wherever your travels take you, you desire an outfit at the ready. 

“Choose dependable, polished pieces that work just as well for traveling as they do for living and working in a coastal town,” says Ginny Bartlum, manager and buyer for Pish Posh Patchouli’s in Rosemary Beach. “We’re always on the lookout for timeless, well-crafted, eco-conscious pieces that can be styled in multiple ways and loved for years to come.” 

For this capsule, think luxurious loungewear and comfortable classics, like the perfect white T-shirt and linen-blend pants. 

Bartlum suggests perfectly fitted denim, soft cotton pullovers, the ultimate white tee, unique summer dresses, and elevated loungewear. 

“All of these are great for traveling and can be styled various ways,” says Bartlum. 

Invest in timeless jewelry and accessories such as a pair of pearl earrings, a gold or silver wristwatch, a leather handbag, or a fashionable pair of sneakers—items that can be effortlessly paired with any outfit. 

Whether jet-setting or settling in at your second home for the season, these brands should be on your shopping list: It Is Well L.A., Erin Gray, DL1961, Stateside, Alashan Cashmere, and Able.