How to build a capsule wardrobe
When I published my spring capsule wardrobe post a few weeks ago, Emily asked if I could do a post on how to build a capsule wardrobe. (By which I mean how to create one from scratch, obviously, not how to physically BUILD a wardrobe. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’m afraid you’re in the wrong place… ) I’d been intending to put together one of these posts for each season, but before I get to that, it makes sense to not only show you the absolute basics – my capsule wardrobe essentials, which form the building blocks for each season – but to also talk a bit about the process of choosing your capsule and creating a wardrobe from scratch.
This is something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately: I love clothes far too much to ever want to live with an ACTUAL capsule wardrobe, but this year I’ve made it my goal to work on creating a “capsule” of basics which will work for any and every situation. As I mentioned in this post on Forever Amber, I have a tendency to have my head turned by the “stand-out” pieces – the fabulous dress or the amazing pair of shoes – and to run out and buy them, ignoring the fact that they won’t work with anything else I own, and I probably won’t have many opportunities to wear them, anyway.
When you shop like that, you end up with a closet full of amazing individual pieces, but absolutely nothing to wear for the type of activities that fill most of our days. That’s where the capsule wardrobe comes in. By building a capsule wardrobe of basic, stylish pieces, you can then start to add in those show-stopper dresses if you want to, safe in the knowledge that you’ll ALWAYS have something to wear that looks good, and is appropriate for the situation. Read on for my tips on how to build a capsule wardrobe…
I like classics with a twist: a beige trench coat with contrast piping, a color-blocked work tote like this http://www.mypurseparty.net/assets/images/20121238185108.jpg – they will keep the wardrobe more fun and interesting than just straight up classic pieces in classic colors.
I completely agree that thinking of your capsule wardrobe as the same as packing really helps: this means having clothes that compliment each other but also that can transform outfits so you don’t end up looking like you’re wearing the same thing over and over again. So for me it’s accessories and fun details:)
Also if you find something that’s perfect buying it in multiple colorways (I don’t usually do this because of budget reasons byt would love to in the future).
I also agree about the trends. While they are fun and adding one or two trendy pieces can be good for the wardrobe, it’s good to go for timeless pieces. But mostly for me it’s about having fun with fashion and expressing my personality. Having clothes that have options and that you can style various ways. Can’t wait to see more of these posts:)
I want so desperately to build a Caseable wardrobe, but my “Buy all the things” impulse keeps making me buy all the things.
Mana
Fashion and Happy Things
I need one of the kind