CAPSULE WAROBE 101 WITH LUANN DIEZ AND GABE JAMES
Style /
January 2023
Lately, we’ve been hearing an awful lot about capsule wardrobes. And we're sure you have been too. They’re all over. Along with somewhat conflicting information on how to build them, when to wear them (always, right?) and why they’re so good for you and the environment. So in honor of demystifying this whole capsule wardrobe thing, we’re sitting down with power couple @luanndiez and @gabexjames–capsule wardrobe experts if you will—to discuss just that. They answer some of our key questions around the topic and help you decide if a capsule wardrobe is the right move for you. And, if you want to go for it, you can shop our timeless capsule wardrobe essentials (like denim, sweats, jackets and tees) to kick off your capsule wardrobe journey. Alright, enough about that. Let’s get to the good stuff.
Tell us about you! How would you describe/introduce yourself? What was your journey to get to where you are today?
Luann
I would describe myself as driven and creative. I am originally from Cancun, Mexico, currently based in Los Angeles, CA with my little dachshund, Cody. I moved around a lot growing up, went to eleven schools and during this time I started creating content on social media. I create lifestyle content in Spanish (or most time Spanglish) sharing fashion, travel and vlog content.
Gabe
I would describe myself as an artist, a huge fan of music and someone who's very passionate about chasing their dreams. I grew an interest in playing guitar when I was 7 and started writing songs in middle school. I discovered Ed Sheeran along with many other artists and started learning their songs. I was always very shy and secretive about singing. Not even my parents knew I sang. But as my interest in music grew, I began gaining confidence. I eventually started releasing my own music online and that brought me to signing with a record label and moving to LA!
Why a Capsule Wardrobe? What is so special about them and why should people build them?
Luann
A capsule wardrobe can be a time saver when choosing an outfit, can keep your style consistent as well as potentially being a space saver in your closet. I love that with a capsule wardrobe you can create so many different outfits or looks with fewer items. Although my wardrobe is definitely not within the item range of an average capsule wardrobe, I still implement a lot of the principles of a capsule wardrobe in my closet, including having pieces that can all match in order to create more outfits with the items I already have.
Gabe
Capsule wardrobes enable you to create many different outfits from just a few articles of clothing. I think what's special about having a capsule wardrobe is your ability to brand your look and the consistency of your style. If you have a few staple pieces that you love, and a wide variety of clothing to match them with, I think it helps solidify the way people recognize you for how you dress and the vibe you give off.
Tell us a little bit about your Levi’s® capsule wardrobe you created. What pieces did you choose and why?
Luann
I chose a lot of neutral, comfortable basics with a few staple pieces, I chose items that could all go together and could be worn for different occasions by dressing things up or down. I chose two pairs of denim pants in both blue and black and then more of a statement pair in corduroy with one of my favorite fits, the Baggy Dad. For tops and outerwear, I chose things that could be either layered or worn on their own.
Gabe
I feel like I tend to build outfits off of jackets that I love so I started by picking three of my favorite jackets (the Cypress Chore Coat, the Sherpa Trucker Jacket, and the Type I Trucker Jacket)! Once I chose those as my staple pieces, I wanted to find neutral-colored shirts and jeans that I felt didn't clash and could work interchangeably between each jacket! I ordered some black chino pants because you can never go wrong with black in my opinion, and I ordered some dark-colored jeans that I felt would match well with the Sherpa Trucker I ordered! I then ordered some simple plain white tees that were slim cut to go under the jackets as well as a black long sleeve. I tend to go pretty simple with whatever undershirt I'm wearing!
LET’S GET PERSONAL
Describe your personal style in 3 words or less
Neutral, Comfy, Denim.
Where do you find fashion inspo?
James Dean, Matty Healy, Role Model and other artists online.
What are your favorite 3 pieces you chose and why?
My three favorite pieces I chose were the Baggy Dad Corduroy Jeans, the Wool Baby Oversized Jacket and the Roonie Cropped Sweatshirt. I absolutely LOVE neutrals, and I feel like these three neutral items can be good and simple basics or statement items on their own.
Describe your personal style in 3 words or less
Blue Collar, Classic, Denim.
Where do you find fashion inspo?
Although I definitely look at the media for fashion inspo most of my closet is made up of pieces that I personally love without really worrying about whether or not it is in “trend” or not. I love looking at Pinterest for outfit inspo.
What are your favorite 3 pieces you chose and why?
I would say each of the jackets that I picked. I'm such a huge fan of jackets I feel like you can never have too many. I'm also super into denim right now and believe you can never have too many jeans (especially if they're Levi’s®).
What advice would you give to anyone trying to build a capsule wardrobe? Your go-to tips and tricks!
Luann
Start by choosing a color palette, then items you love, and then incorporate basics that can match to those clothing pieces and accessories! Try to find multi-functional clothing pieces that can either be dressed up or dressed down. Invest in good items, and although they say less is more don’t compare your capsule wardrobe to someone else’s because what may work for them may not work for you.
Gabe
Find your staple pieces (which can be anything, pants, shirts, jackets, shoes) and find cool easy neutrals to match your outfit and help your staple pieces stand out! You can never go wrong with a good pair of jeans.
Anything else you want people to know about yourself or your work?
Luann
You can find me on all social media platforms under @luanndiez! Thank you so much for reading, and good luck on building your capsule wardrobe!
Gabe
I'm currently working on a 3rd EP that I'll be releasing in the early new year :)! You can find me on Spotify under Gabe James, thanks for reading!!
Nailed the theory? Want to move on to practice? Get your capsule wardrobe going with essential tees, tops, jeans, jackets and more here.