Capsules: The Key to Wardrobe Magic

ABOUT CAPSULES

You read about capsule wardrobes, you see examples of them from different stylists and designers, and you may still be confused about how this is going to make getting dressed easier for you. The usual capsule is several pieces are designed to work together to make different looks, usually with a print or striped piece that pulls together the different colors in the capsule. This idea is fine so far as it goes – great for a trip or a season of looks. The problem is that the pieces can only stretch so far, and they may not integrate with other parts of your wardrobe. You end up with several “capsules” that don’t play well with each other. In other words, a mishmash.

A DIFFERENT SORT OF CAPSULE

How to plan a wardrobe that will always work for your Personal Style, your Body Type, take you to work, go out to play, and take you traveling for a weekend, a month, or a year? All without having to buy even one more item? I didn’t say you couldn’t buy another item, in fact, it will make shopping for, or finding through serendipity, unusual items to continually expand your delight in your wardrobe.

Here is my definition of a Capsule Wardrobe: one or more items of ALL types of clothing, ALL in the same color, and I do mean ALL, for each season, and for every conceivable event. Remember, your list will be completely individualized, based on your personality, lifestyle, and body type. For example: when I say pants, that could mean wide leg, straight leg, or skinnies, depending on you. That said, I like having different looks, and more to play with, so I have all three types of pants in one capsule.

HOW TO DO IT

If this capsule seems impossible, go to almost any closet and pull out all the black clothing items. See if you don’t find all or almost all the items on the list. If black is your color, you may already have your capsule. If black is NOT in your color palette or you are just tired of it, make it a project to begin collecting a capsule in a neutral that you love. Maybe navy is your thing or taupe, gray, or ivory. You just need to start thinking with the idea of building this capsule as the base for your wardrobe. If you will do this, and complete the task, you will then have the freedom to shop for accents and colorful items that bring you joy, knowing that you always have your basic capsule to coordinate the look.

THE BASICS

Once you have YOUR capsule, feel free to add more items of different styles in your color as you find them. As I said, I have three pant styles for different looks, all in my color. Something you will discover about this way of dressing: People will assume you really have it together, you will always look stylish, and getting dressed is so easy. Just choose from your capsule, add an accent if you are in that mood, and off you go.

If you already have a good start on your capsule, I encourage you to hang all those items together, make some outfits, and combine the items in different ways. Once you have made some basic outfits, then start adding a few accents in your most flattering colors. Maybe a printed blouse, a dress in your favorite color, or a bold scarf or wrap.

EXAMPLES MAKE IT EASY

BONUS TIPS/TRICKS

• This method of wardrobe planning changed my whole relationship with clothes when I started using it over forty years ago. In fact, it is so much a part of what I do for myself, and for my clients that I almost didn’t think to blog about it. Last week someone said I was a style magician and it came to me to share it with you. So now you know the technology I am applying to make the magic!
• When I travel, I take my capsule, plus 5-10 tees in my color and in accents. Depending on the weather, sometimes I layer them to get a color block look.
• I LOVE tees and wear them almost daily so I buy multiple tees in my color and best accents when I find a style I love.
• I buy long sleeve blouses and tees to wear year-round. I roll up the sleeves in hot weather and the cuff gives the shirt or tee some sass, also stretches my clothing budget.
• I never, ever pack without taking a V-neck cashmere sweater, even when I’m going to the tropics: the A/C is usually damp and dreadful. They make divine evening tops if you put the V to the back.
• If you are a shoe person and love adding to your collection, this concept was made for you. Simple clothes will allow your shoes to take center stage and you won’t need many clothes because you have SHOES!
• I have more than one capsule.

Share with me what will make up YOUR capsule. What is YOUR color? Has this post given you a new way of organizing your thoughts, your wardrobe, and your closet? Will this point of view help you be more confident and happy with your look? I hope so!