Capsule Wardobes
I’m often asked about capsule wardrobes, so I’ve dedicated this blog to the subject! I hope that it’ll enthuse you to open your wardrobe(s) and ‘shop your wardrobe’ – there’s often no need to hit the shops at all, there are probably outfits hidden in there already that you just hadn’t thought to put together. So have fun creating your own capsule wardrobes …
The easiest and most economical way to build a wardrobe that works for you is by creating multiple capsule wardrobes; work, casual, winter, summer etc. Don’t forget that pieces can work within more than one capsule collection, for example finer knits from your summer capsule could be layered in the winter. Here are some top tips for creating a capsule wardrobe with examples for a casual collection which, if you simply add a smarter jacket, could be ‘work ready’ too.
Top tips for capsule wardrobes:
- Start with a neutral colour as a base – black, brown, grey or navy would be good options.
- Build your wardrobe in 3’s. For example if you have 3 skirts make one a neutral, the second a pattern which incorporates your neutral colour and the third a complementary colour. Then add 3 tops, again neutral pattern and colour that mix and match with the skirts.
- Spend the most money on the neutrals you will wear most often.
- Once you have the basics add in other colours that mix with your existing capsule – maybe a colour of the season if you love it and it suits you.
- Just because you are creating a capsule collection of clothes it doesn’t have to be boring. When you buy a new piece for your wardrobe ask yourself, “does it suit me, does it work with what I already have, and will I love wearing it and feel great in it?” If you can’t say yes to all of these move on and save your money for something that does.
- If you find something perfect consider buying it in two colours.
- Look after your investment. When you have spent hard earned money on your wardrobe make sure you follow the cleaning instructions, hang things on quality hangers, get shoes re-heeled when needed, fold knitwear so it doesn’t pull out of shape and give everything enough room in your wardrobe.
Examples – the pieces in 3’s
Every piece in this collection can be worn in a variety of ways. Once the basics are there another seasonal colour could be added, for example a red would work well in here.
Below are just some of the outfit combinations:
Hopefully this has given you food for thought. Try laying out your clothes in 3’s like this then mixing them up. You will then see what you are missing – take a note with you next time you go shopping to see if you can fill that gap.
Where you can find the pieces:
Tops:
Cowl neck Isabella Oliver
Knit top Pure Collection
Lime jersey top Boden
Knits:
Cropped cardigan Pure Collection
Patterned Cardigan Boden
Neutral cardigan Boden
Skirts & Trousers
Stone and Navy linen skirts Pure Collection
Print skirt Isabella Oliver
Drawstring Linen, Zip detail jeans and Slim leg jeans all Pure Collection
Dresses & Camis
Sand Maxi Dress Pure Collection
Broderie Jersey Dress and Lime every day summer dress Boden
Casual floral cotton top and woven trim camis Boden
The Accessories
Dip Dye scarf Pure Collection
Ladder stitch silver scarf The White Company
Flowerburst scarf Boden
All bags from Boden
All sandals from Boden
Have fun creating your capsule wardrobes!
Kerrie
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