Capsule Wardrobe

becky170

I'm fed up of looking in my wardrobe and going....'I've got nothing to wear'. I've always brought cheap and cheerful stuff, and never considered outfit choices before I've gone out and brought anything. My wardrobe currently consists of some things I've worn to death, others that I wear on special occassions, and others that frankly don't fit properly (I always seem to have a problem with buying trousers that fit properly!). I'm just about to start my first job after years (lots and lots of years....undergrad and then postgrad) and I really want a change as I've worn the same things for years. So I'm after some advice from people who have put together a capsule wardrobe........what items have you got in yours? What colours did you go for? How often do you add extra pieces?

Thanks xx

Barneysmom

Hi, well done on your new job.

I've got 6 pairs of trousers for work - 2 each of navy, black and brown.
Then shirts I've amassed loads of them, about 30 but that's over a couple of years or more.
5 white
5 black
3 brown
3 blue.
3 pink (goes well with navy or black)
Plus some stripey and check ones that go with any trousers.

Shoes I get through as I'm quick at wearing them out.
1 black
1 brown.
I wear crocs to drive to save wear on my shoes.

vixarooni

Vest tops in an array of colours is a good starting point.
Good pair of jeans
Cardigans - long or short depending on your style.
White linen trousers
Couple of skirts
a pretty shirt is something that lasts
a few summer dresses
flip flops
pumps, in all colours.
couple of big handbags. Makes you look smaller according to gokky.
a mac, i have three in bright green, black and stone.

The rest i have is all quite random!

becky170

Thanks for the tips, I think the first thing I need to do is go through my wardrobe and have a sort out of what to keep and what to give to the charity shop. Then I have to think of a colour theme! I've been going through a red phase for the past year or two, but I quite fancy blue now.

becky170

Right I'm back from sorting out my clothes. I've managed to fill two bags with clothes to take to the charity shop, although I probably haven't been as ruthless as I should have been! At least my boyfriend has room to put his clothes in the wardrobe now. I've been reading up about what types of things I should have to make up a capsule wardrobe:

1. Basic high quality staples
2. Disposable items which you replace regularly
3. Statement items
4. Evening wear

I have three summer skirts which can be my 'statement items'. They are red, red and cream and purple, green and blue. I think I'm going to get a couple of basic tops to go with them, which can also go with trousers/jeans for work. I also need to get a new black cardigan (mine is rather faded) to go with my summer dresses/tops for when it's a bit chilly, and a new lightweight jacket. I'm also going treat myself some new black trousers and jeans if I can find any that actually fit me properly. Trouser shopping is always very depressing, size 10s are slightly tight and size 12s seem to be really loose.....I wish there was a size 11!

After I've got my basic clothes together then I just have to accessorize. I like the tip about big bags making you smaller I like jewellery and bag shopping, I don't do it often enough though as I always feel gulity about spending the money on things like that.

Wish me luck, whenever I go clothes shopping for something I can never find anything I like, so I'll probably come back empty handed!

nicalodian

A few of the larger stores/dept stores have a free personal shopping service now. Great if you have trouble with trousers etc so someone else is fetching instead of you having to get changed again and again to get other styles.

Barneysmom

Can I stress the importance of good socks ?
Black socks with brown trousers in a big no-no.
The only place I've found decent plain brown socks is M&S.
Next have brown but they are more for a child, they are strangely patterned, ok if you are about 12 years old.

lollol

watch Goks faxhion fix on 4od. Might get a few ideas. Good luck I have the same problem as you. full wardrobe but nothing to wear................
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/goks-fashion-fix/episode-guide/series-2

skyepark

get stuff amended, embroidered, add on broaches buy new accessories, scarves can brighten up an outfit.

becky170

Watching Gok has inspired me to accessorize more. I think I've got to try and be a bit more creative as I've been stuck in a rut for a while. I like the idea of adjusting clothes to personnalise them.....might have to practice my sewing skills first I really liked the flowers he added to the dress on tuesday....might see if I can find where he got them from and whether you can order online

loveabargain13

Gok is a master at work, I studied Fashion Styling at LCF, it is so important to know what styles suits your body, as there may be the latest trend of say this season Harem Pants, but there are only some who can pull of this look, so its not worth buying into a trend if it doesn't suit.

I'd love to have a capsule wardrobe, but 24 items to me seems so small, I have over 50 bags and could no way edit them to just 2!

To start a new job, if your into trousers 2/3 pairs or 2/3 skirts, 1 suit and 1 jacket, alternate the looks, if you have simple detail then you can kinda get away with once, twice a week but if you have a statement detail suit or jacket, then you don't want to seem as though you only have one suit.

Add a corsage to anything this season, I love necklaces (even pearls) and jewellery can really make an outfit, if your wearing a plain black dress add layers.

Clothes are an expression, they are there to play with, customise, dye and even bleach!! Have fun Enjoy and be happy!