Capsule Wardrobe

How often have you opened the doors to your closet (or walked in if you have a walk-in) and you find yourself moaning and groaning that you have nothing to wear? You have decision fatigue. Please don’t make me make another decision. Been there. Done that. This may be the moment when you think…I’ll just buy something new. But that’s a quick fix and doesn’t always solve the ‘nothing to wear’ dilemma. Cue the capsule wardrobe.  

‘Capsule wardrobe’ was a term created by a British fashion icon back in the 70s. It’s all about these 30-40 practical pieces that can come together and create an interchangeable wardrobe for the season. The contents of your capsule wardrobe are going to vary depending on the season and your individual style as well as the temperature.

We’ve heard talk of the capsule wardrobe before but I think as a new year begins we access our style, our lives, our closets, our needs. We also get in these clean out and organize moments so why should we not do this with our wardrobe (our style)?

Let’s Get Started…

Some may tell you that you can create a capsule wardrobe with 10 pieces, some will say 25 is the magic number, there’s a whole movement happening around 33 pieces (Project 333). There isn’t really a magic number to a capsule wardrobe. You need to decide what works best for you. Make sure you have all the basics covered but also think about your lifestyle.

Warning: Since accessories are included in this, I feel that my number could grow tremendously with accessories alone. Shoes and bags have always been my weakness but I’ll try to reel myself in when it comes to the accessories. 

General Rules:

• Choose a color scheme
• Consider your body shape
• Consider your complexion
• Choose classic shapes & patterns
• Choose high-quality fabrics

Where to begin…ask yourself…

Start in your closet and ask yourself a few questions before you hit the stores or do a little online shopping.

• Have I worn it in the last year
• Does it fit my day-to-day lifestyle
• Does it go with my other clothing
• Do I LOVE it? This one is important. When you put your outfit on, you should look in the mirror and say nailed it and just feel good.

There really are no rules when creating your capsule wardrobe.

A few things to think about including are:

• Tops
• Bottoms (pants, jeans, skirts, shorts)
• Shoes
• Bags
• Jackets
• Dreses
• Jewelry

As I mentioned before, take a look at what you have. You may have some pieces that are the start of the perfect capsule wardrobe for you.

My Capsule Wardrobe:

I wanted to start with around 20 pieces and then slowly add additional pieces. Some would suggest that you don’t go shopping till the next season but the decision really is yours.

While I love classic style, I also love statement pieces so my capsule wardrobe might be a little bigger because I have to have those fun, statement pieces. I ultimately want a closet full of classic pieces but need to add a few interesting pieces here and there.

Fall/Winter:

These are all pieces that I think are great items to have in your closet. The style that I went with might not be right for you but this gives you a general idea. Maybe you don’t do bodysuits or your prefer everything to have sleeves…that’s ok…remember you have to find what works best for you and brings you joy when you put it on.

My List…

1. White T-shirt – Rag & Bone (fab find on a rack at Nordstrom Rack)
2. Chambray shirt – J.Crew Factory This one is super soft which is exactly what I wanted in a chambray shirt.
3. Button-down shirt (I decided to go with the J.Crew striped bodysuit.)
4. Black blazer – This one is old. I’ve had it forever, but I’m going to share some other options.
5. Graphic tee – Amazon – Chaser Bowie tee
6. Black pants – snagged these during the Zara sale but I also tried some on at H&M and I almost got these.
7. Jeans – Good America – Good Waist Cropped Raw hem
8. Skirt (midi or pencil. the choice is yours) – J.Crew Factory
9. Moto Jacket – old but there are so many options out there & at different price points
10. Black bag – I share two different ones…my Vintage Chanel and an old Prada bag.
11. Statement bag (pop of color is always fun) – I borrowed two different red bags from my mom.
12. Sneakers – P448 sneakers (These are a splurge but they are worth every penny. I wear these with some many different things and they are super comfy.) P.S. Currently on sale.
13. Heels – Coach Outlet – Willa 45 leather pum – beechwood
14. Flats – Old – Vince Darlington flat
15. Dressy Sandals – I wanted to go for a pop of color, but black or nude would also be good.
16. Lace cami – Abercrombie – Wrap front cami bodysuit
17. Sweater – Nordstrom Rack – puff sleeve sweater
18. Dress – Old from Club Monaco. I’ve had this one for a while but the silhouette is classic so there are others like this.
19. Necklace – Link necklace from The Treasured Accessory
20. Earrings – Link earrings from The Treasured Accessory

Everyone’s starting list will be different. Maybe accessories aren’t your thing or you don’t wear graphic tees. This is just an idea of where to get started. As I mentioned before, I’m going to add pieces here and there. So stay tuned for more. My capsule wardrobe is going to be an ongoing series.

A Few Outfits…

When I put this outfit on I was like, nailed it! I felt good and ready to take on the day which is exactly how you should feel. I think this Bowie tee may quickly become my new favorite.

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Blazer // Nude Heels // Black bag // Moto Jacket // Black pants

Make It Your Own:

If you work in a very professional office then you may have a work wardrobe and a weekend wardrobe. Your workwear capsule may need to consist of suits, pencil skirts, silk blouses, and button-downs.

Maybe you are a stay-at-home mom so maybe dressy pieces aren’t something that you need. Jeans and t-shirts might be your go-to. But you can add a great utility jacket or striped tee or even a knit blazer. (Knit blazers are the perfect way to look polished but still get that comfy look.)

Whatever your lifestyle is…you are basically going to need:

tops // bottoms // dress // 2nd layer // shoes // bag // accessories

And remember you want your capsule wardrobe to be filled with pieces that you love but they also need to be interchangeable. Think mix & match. That’s why sticking to a color scheme can be so helpful.

Don’t [let] fashion own you…you decide what you are and what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.

Gianni Versace

Decision Fatigue?

If you are still stumped and standing in front of your closet wondering what in the world you are going to wear…I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what you are looking for. I’d love to help you find those pieces that you love and feel good in.

I have several clients that work in a very professional work environment so when it comes to weekend wear they struggle. They want to still look put together but be a little more relaxed and comfy.

Whatever your struggles are. Whatever your needs. Let me help you. I love fashion challenges and solving fashion problems!!

Till Next Time…

Have a great Monday and be sure to check back and see what new looks and pieces I share!

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