Everyday Creativity Practiced through a Capsule Wardrobe

Haeun Bang and Marilyn DeLong
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Haeun Bang: Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies, Bryan School of Business and Economics, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
Marilyn DeLong: Department of Design, Housing, and Apparel, College of Design, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-23

Abstract: This case study examines how practicing a capsule wardrobe can influence one’s creativity and how this daily activity can contribute to sustainability at the level of the individual users. The focus is on little-c creativity, which highlights everyday creativity practiced through everyday activities, such as dressing. Various capsule wardrobe projects that focus on voluntary simplicity are emerging in the U.S. This study begins with the premise that capsule wardrobes can provide individuals with an opportunity to enhance their creativity by experiencing a limited wardrobe. In addition, such a limited wardrobe could help contribute to a circular fashion economy by reducing the overconsumption of clothing. Seven female volunteers participated in the eight-week capsule wardrobe project. The multiple data collection methods included an online survey, creativity tests, in-depth interviews, and daily journals. In eight weeks, the participants learned about wardrobe strategies and developed innovative dressing habits through creating and managing their capsule wardrobes. The findings show that intrinsic motives, including satisfaction and enjoyment, play important roles in enhancing creativity. Moreover, this project helped the participants to recognize what to purchase, how to wear and care, and how to discard clothes, which can result in a reduction in thoughtless overspending on clothing.

Keywords: capsule wardrobe; wardrobe management; creativity; sustainability; voluntary simplicity; circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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