Here’s my latest hot take: Capsule wardrobes are just grown-up Garanimals … And I’m here for it.
For those who didn’t grow up on Long Island in the 1970s, Garanimals was a brand of mix-and-match children’s clothing. The pieces were basic — pants, shorts, and tops in both long sleeves and short sleeves. Some long sleeved shirts had collars, some didn’t. Patterns were limited to solids and stripes in the standard ’70s hues: avocado green, gold, burnt orange, and brown, plus red and blue for good ol’ Americana. I remember plaid pants, too, which I guess was for fancy occasions.
The idea behind Garanimals was to offer affordable kids’ clothing that was quick and easy to put together (much like what is called a capsule wardrobe today). Parents loved Garanimals because kids could mix and match on their own, without looking like Punky Brewster in the end. (Yes, that’s an iconic 1980s reference — #IYKYK.)
Fast forward 5 decades (yikes!) and I’ve basically reverted back to a Garanimals way of dressing.
I crave comfort and ease — and pockets. Every fit’s got to have pockets. So it makes sense that I’m an atheisurewear girlie; I live in yoga pants, joggers, and sweats.
But my newest obsession is matching lounge sets — or as I call them, grown-up Garanimals.
What’s not to love? They’re comfortable, coordinated, and inexpensive. They’re like day pajamas but better because you can wear them outside without shame … And they have pockets!
Needless to say, I own multiple sets.
Work from home girlies like me don’t need a capsule wardrobe filled with blazers, blouses, and belts. We need comfort. We need ease. We need leggings, joggers, and lounge sets. Don’t agree? Fight me.
—LJDT
