A closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. Recognisable? According to style and colour consultant Laura de Jong of lauralagom.com, it is a common problem among women. Laura runs online courses to help women get started with a minimalist capsule wardrobe in 30 days. Her motto is ‘a closet that fits you’. In other words: less clothes, more yourself! How does that work?
Laura's capsule wardrobe: a sustainable alternative to fast-fashion
Laura trained in the field of fashion and found out during her studies that stories created around clothes are often not true. It's mainly about selling as many clothes as possible. Since then, she has had a mission: to help women with their clothing choices, making them feel better about themselves and it's better for the planet too.
Why did you find it difficult to see how the garment industry works?
‘I always had an interest in sustainability and was saddened that the whole industry was focused on seduction to sell and not so much in what really helps women. No one is taught how to wear or buy clothes, so you look very much at what's on offer. And that is very focused on what you should fit into. But no woman's body is the same of course and not every style or colour suits everyone. So why should you wear lilac this winter and orange in summer if those colours don't do anything for you at all? The fashion world is not about being unique, it's about insecurity.’
How come so many women actually argue with their wardrobes?
‘What often happens is that women look at the garment and not what something does for them. For example, if you see a cool dress on an Instagrammer you like and buy it for that reason, you skip a step. Because when you put it on, does it actually fit you? It's better to ask yourself that first, before buying something.’
What does capsule wardrobe mean?
‘The principle comes from a lady in London in the 1970s. You fill your closet with timeless items that really suit you and that you wear. Anything that doesn't make you happy, that you don't do anything with and just hangs around, goes. It is very strange to notice what a relief that gives. You used to open your closet every morning and see things you ‘had to’ get rid of. That one dress that was great, but unfortunately no longer fitted you. Or the heels you couldn't really walk in. When all that is gone and you open your wardrobe, you know that you can put on any item that is just lying there.
By the way, there are a lot of women who actually have too little, because they just don't know what to buy or what suits them. That's a shame too, because it's okay to take care of yourself. Clothes that really fit you can make you feel good and more confident.’
You graduated with a special fashion project, tell me?
‘I had devised the free fashion challenge: for a year I was not allowed to buy anything new. At first I thought it would be impossible. It was really super educational, at one point I actually found it so crazy that you always have the impulse to buy new things. By the way, two thousand people joined me at the time! After that, I started delving into the principle of capsule wardrobe.’
Laura getting started with the right colours for a capsule wardrobe. Which colours suit someone is super personal.
So with capsule wardrobe, how do you decide what is allowed in the closet?
‘It is very useful to know what your core is, what suits you. You can attend all kinds of workshops or just get to work yourself to see what makes you happy. What looks good, what colour do you feel you really radiate? Also, stop looking at what is in, because that says nothing about how it looks on you. So many women feel they are too thin or too fat or have too much or too little bosom. But there is no average. Look at yourself: who are you? At least you are not the woman in the advertisement.
The best and most durable are, of course, items that you wear often. For example, I bought a really good winter coat that may have cost more than I used to, but every time I take it out, I am so happy that it is wonderfully warm and winter-proof. I wear it every day in winter and for years. In that respect, it's ‘cheaper’ than a dress you buy especially for Christmas, wear once and then just stick around. I have about 35 garments and I wear them all. I never have to look at something again and think I still have something to do with it. Lovely is that!’
Want to know more? Follow Laura on Instagram!
Do you know a greener doer who deserves a stage?
Are you or do you know someone who is also engaging in some form of sustainable living in an inspiring way? And do you think he/she also deserves a stage on thegreenlist.nl? Feel free to send an e-mail!
More sustainable clothing tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Also see: how bad is eco fleece for the environment?
- Also see: This is how to find the most beautiful second-hand clothes for next to nothing at the thrift store.
- Also see: The nicest clothing libraries in the Netherlands.
- Also check out these styling tips: create new clothing combinations without spending a penny.
Photo credits: Laura de Jong.
