Back-to-school Capsule Wardrobes

by Sky Trombly , talkwalking.org – 

It is surprising to see that capsule wardrobes haven’t spread much beyond some adult women’s closets. The utility of these wardrobes for all ages and genders should be celebrated. Back-to-School preparations are a perfect time to do this.

A capsule wardrobe has specific benefits for school-aged children:

1) Tops and bottoms are bought with the entire collection in mind. Therefore, any combination a kid comes up with won’t garner outfits of questionable taste. This provides a chance for young children to have greater autonomy when it comes to getting dressed each morning.

2) Designing a wardrobe can reassure the parents that the child has enough clothing for the season. The planning stage also lets parents know where the gaps are. This makes for smarter shopping lists.

3) When parents consider what makes a good wardrobe, they also become aware of what they’re looking for in a garment. For example, I learned that elastic waist bands (without any finicky parts) are an excellent feature for pants when it comes to small children.

4) Culling the closet keeps kids from arriving at school wearing clothes that are too small or too damaged.

My son will be entering Kindergarten this fall and it falls to me to make sure he’ll have something to wear each morning. The following is a plan that will probably work until he becomes more interested in taking over his own closet or he develops his personal fashion sense.

Winter/Fall Capsule Example:

I’ve included my son’s fall/winter 2017 capsule as a guideline only.  Individual characteristics, such as climate, religion, family activities and laundry schedule will impact the make-up of another kid’s closet. I’ve also included in parentheses more feminine options for parents of school-aged girls.

Shoes:

− athletic shoes

− winter boots

− “nicer” shoes

Misc.:

− backpack

Hats:

− sun hat / baseball cap

− winter hat

Coats/Jackets:

− Light weight rain jacket

− Heavy weight winter coat

Snow Gear:

− snow pants

− snow gloves

School Clothes:

− 2 sweaters/hoodies (or cardigans)

− 5 long-sleeved shirts: button-downs or t-shirts (or blouses and “tops”)

− 1-2 long-sleeved shirts, plain for layering under short-sleeves

− 5 short-sleeved shirts:

t-shirts, polo, button-downs

− (1-2 dresses)

− 5 pairs of pants with elastic, simple waist bands (or skirts)

− 5 pairs socks

− 5 pairs underwear

Emergency Clothes:

For school:

− 1 pair of pants

− 1 t-shirt

− 1 pair of underwear

− 1 pair of socks

For diaper bag or car (out and about):

− 1 pair of pants

− 1 t-shirt

− 1 pair of underwear

− 1 pair of socks

Home:

− 7 pairs of pajamas

− 7 pairs of socks

− 7 pairs underwear

− 7 pairs “play” pants

− 7 pairs “play” shirts

The concept of “play” clothes for younger children allows for messy play with less parental anxiety. It also allows for a slightly extended lifespan that helps counteract the budget-destroying reality of rapid growth and destruction of clothes. Having at least 7, even with more frequent laundering, helps if children have extended pottying issues. I usually down-grade school clothes that get damaged.

“Rules” for a successful Capsule Wardrobe:

− Any top should be able to be worn with any bottom. As tops tend to have more patterns and designs, I like to have plain bottoms. Two bottoms can clash with each other as they’ll never be worn at the same time.

− Consider layering options: a button-down or cardigan over a t-shirt, a long-sleeved t-shirt under a short-sleeve. This allows for greater variety. A younger kid might need help when it comes to making more complicated combinations.

− Unlike an adult’s capsule, a kid’s will require at least the number that will get them through the week or between washes because they can seldom re-wear clothes. You know what I mean. These clothes look dirty by the end of the day.

Clothing your kid for back-to-school does not have to be the hit and miss minefield that I’ve experienced in the past. With a little forethought, the dressing stress of the new school year can be drastically decreased.

Happy Minimalist Parenting!