Your Capsule Jewellery Collection

The ‘capsule wardrobe’ concept is back. Everyone from fashion editors to regular people have been singing it’s praises. The phrase, coined in the 1970s by boutique owner Susie Faux, is about minimising your clutter.

The idea is to trim your wardrobe down to the items you actually love and wear. It’s generally based on classics, with a few seasonal and fashionable touches. In some ways it’s not a new idea. Before ‘fast fashion’ it was usual to have a limited wardrobe of classics. This was because each dress or blazer had to be handmade. This represented a significant investment of time or money.

Utility Clothing

Ready-to-wear fashion debuted in pre-war department stores. However the fabric shortages and privations of WW2 led to a kind of mandatory capsule wardrobe. In some ways Utility Clothing was perfect. High fashion designers like Hardy Amies created the templates. The cut was minimalist and and the lines were elegant. Some of the pieces, particularly the suits, are sought after today. The government also kept hats off the ration. Their reasoning was that people needed a little lee way in their enforced frugality.

Value Before Price

Modern fashion designers such as Carin Mansfield are inspired by these frugal principles. Choosing a tight selection of exquisite pieces dovetails with the slow fashion movement and recessionista chic. People in these movements highlight value rather than cost. For example, they always consider cost per wear. Yes, a Georg Jensen Mobius bangle is much more expensive than the equivalent high street knock off. It’s also authentic, high quality and a design classic good enough to become a family heirloom. It won’t turn your wrist green, or go out of style, or end up looking past it.

Longevity

Like with a capsule wardrobe of clothing, consider colour, complexion, cut and material. Your capsule jewellery collection should include some fun, statement pieces. But the majority should be versatile, timeless and chosen to suit you. A multi colour cluster ring will age far less well than a diamond solitaire. A cheerful bracelet by Daisy is the perfect fun Spring piece, while a cuff will last the ages. A pair of simple silver drop earrings are versatile enough to be worn everywhere from work to a cocktail party, while a pair of Moonlight Grape Earrings make far more of a statement, and one which isn’t suitable for every occasion.

The Capsule

We believe there are four must have jewellery pieces for any woman; classic earrings, a versatile necklace, an elegant bangle and a professional looking watch. I would also add two fun pieces in this season’s colour or style. This will form a stylish and convenient base for any jewellery collection.

What do you have in your capsule jewellery collection?