About a month ago I got up to get ready for the day and found myself looking at the clothes in my closet for a good 10 minutes. I had lots of clothes but I couldn’t decide on what to wear. Shocking, right?
As I sat there I thought to myself, “I shouldn’t be spending this much time in the morning trying to decide what to wear.” On that morning I realised something had to change.
After doing much research, I decided to start editing my clothes to build my very own capsule wardrobe. Although it’s still a work in progress, here is a list of the wardrobe basics I have edited so far for my closet.
1. Button down shirt
Button down shirts are one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your capsule wardrobe. They work well for a casual smart look when paired with jeans or you can pull off a smart look with tailored trousers.
When it comes to colour, white shirts are versatile and can be worn with almost anything. Pick the colours and patterns you love that go with your skin tone and start creating different looks with your shirts.
2. Good fit jeans
Almost every woman has at least one pair of jeans in their closet. It’s one of the most popular capsule wardrobe staples that’s easy to throw on. I own different cuts of jeans but trimmed this down to 4 pairs.
I love jeans as I find them easy to style and the cut pictured above is one of my favourites from H&M. Jeans also works well in almost any setting when styled correctly.
The best way to wear jeans is to find a good fit. This may involve lots of trial and error as you shop around for the brand that will work for you.
Don’t despair when the size you usually wear feels tight in a particular brand. Different manufactures have different cuts. So no, you probably haven’t put on any weight. You also need to know that depending on the brand and build, some jeans, like brand new shoes may need breaking into before they fit comfortably.
3. Leather jacket
Leather jackets are one of those timeless pieces that you can never go wrong with. What’s there not to love?
They are versatile, durable and always bring casual looks together. They can also work in formal settings but just don’t be tempted to wear one to a black tie event.
Leather jackets are fashionable and you can create many looks with them. Go for a good timeless cut and design that suits your body shape. Wear over dresses, blouses or as outerwear over your formal wear. I’ve had the I’m wearing for over 5 years now.
4. Knit jumpers
Knit jumpers are a good all year rounder piece of clothing. They are great for layering during all seasons of the year.
During winter, they are great for keeping you warm over a shirt and under a coat. During the warmer months, you can use jumpers for the cool mornings and when the day starts to cool down in the evening.
If you can, invest in wool jumpers as they are luxurious and last longer when well taken care of. Cashmere wool is often stronger, lighter and keeps you warmer.
5. Blazer
Blazers come in different shapes and cuts. Depending on your style and shape, go with a classic timeless cut that works with most of your clothes. You should be able to switch it up in different ways.
Wear with your favourite skirt or trousers as well as over dresses. Oversized blazers are popular right now and always look great over jeans. I decided to keep 3 blazers for my capsule closet, all in neutral colours: grey, black and navy blue.
6. Smart/Tailored trousers
Smart/tailored trousers can be worn for work and as casual wear. For a formal work look, pair with a button down shirt or blouse of your choice.
During weekends or on your days off, one way you can wear your trousers is with a crisp white t-shirt and trainers or loafers. Throw a blazer or leather jacket over it depending on your mood. I am still on the hunt for a perfect black tailored smart trousers. I bought these in M&S but they didn’t have my size in black at the time.
7. Statement skirt
We all need a show-stopper skirt in our closet. What makes a statement skirt? It could be the colour, patterns or embellishments like sequins or glitter.
I love pleats and this is one of two of favourite pleated skirts. Whatever your taste is, make sure you have a statement skirt in your closet that you can wear to parties, lunches, dinner dates or special events.
I still have lots of work to do editing my closet so that it contains clothes that work for my current lifestyle. Remember, you can change your capsule wardrobe round every season. Just store the clothes you don’t need away to allow you to have space in your closet. This will make life much easier especially in the mornings when you are getting ready.
To help you build a capsule closet, you can start with basic pieces such as t-shirts, shirts and trousers for example. Make sure you can create several looks with these pieces without the need to fill your closet with too many clothes.
If you are committed to start working on a capsule closet, well done for taking the first step. It takes time and determination but it is not impossible. Discipline is key.
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