It's good to know that throw-away fashion is finally on the way out, replaced by a growing trend for better quality clothing designed to last. That's why the big fashion thing right now is to buy clothes that'll have a lasting impact and form a key part of something called a 'capsule wardrobe'. We thought we'd borrow some ideas from the world of catwalk fashion and apply them back to our beautiful alternative clothes. Here goes!
What is a capsule wardrobe?
According to Wikipedia, a capsule wardrobe is
'a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe" in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that do not go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces'. That sounds cool to us: you buy a few classic basics that you'll always wear because they never go out of style, then you have fun with seasonal extras.
What's on the catwalk for 2020?
Apparently this year's spring-summer 2020 catwalk collections were noted for being more commercial than in recent years, with a focus on classic buys rather than artistic creations. It looks like catwalk fashion – which is ultimately watered down into high street fashion that people can actually wear - is becoming more practical and more realistic, less about fantasy and more about wearability. So what's in style right now? Basics like suits, boxy jackets, shorts, plain white or blue shirts, and tank tops are all hot, but sustainability is the buzzword. The fashion industry's impact on the planet used to be shameful, now it is improving, as revealed during fashion month. The news on the streets is that sustainability will have a significant impact on fashion trends during the current decade. At the same time the boundaries between seasonal fashions are less defined than ever. It makes sense, when you're trying your best to be more sustainable, to buy clothing that has a longer shelf life than just the one season. And that's why the capsule wardrobe is making such a strong come-back.
Choose sustainable alternative clothing
Wicked Dragon isn't about fashion. As our customers know, we're all about sourcing beautiful alternative fashion so timeless you can wear it year after year. We love sustainable fabrics, hand-dyed clothing, embroidered clothes, gypsy clothing and hippy clothes. We love 100% cotton. And our clothes are so well made they last and last.
How to make our alternative clothing even more sustainable
All clothing eventually wears out. But that doesn't mean its useful life has come to an end. We've heard from customers who make separate skirts and tops out of old Wicked Dragon dresses, patch their silk pixie dresses with fresh squares of real silk, or cut then up to make gorgeous silk tops and scarves. Our customers cut the sleeves off long sleeved tops, transform worn harem trousers into funky harem shorts, and embellish our clothes even more than they're embellished already. You can turn a long skirt into a short skirt, full length trousers to three quarters length ones, you name it.
What does a Wicked Dragon capsule wardrobe look like?
If you fancy creating your own 'capsule wardrobe' with lovely quality items that won't fall apart after a few wears, how about this for some ideas? Three skirts: one short, one medium, one maxi Three dresses: one short, one medium, one maxi A jump suit, some dungarees, and a pair of harem pants A sleeveless top, a long sleeve top, and a short sleeve top Two hats and two bags Your favourite items from your current wardrobe A stash of plain long and short sleeved T shirts in different colours to go with everything!
Feel-good wardrobe rationalisation for summer!
If your wardrobe is driving you nuts, full of old stuff on its last legs or things you haven't worn for ages – if ever – take some time to get it back under control. It's surprising how good it feels to get your clothes organised and in good order! And recycle/re-purpose/re-use your throw-aways if you can – make patchwork curtains, cushions, bed throws, settee covers and more.
