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HOW TO BUILD THE ULTIMATE CAPSULE WARDROBE
Words Millie Charles-Davies
CHAPTER ONE
A guide to shopping your own wardrobe
Capsule wardrobe is the biggest buzzword in fashion right now, perhaps this has been promoted by the pandemic as a lot of us are reconsidering our daily style and overconsumption. This concept is perfect for somebody who is wishing to build a wardrobe full of staple and timeless pieces.
When working closely with personal clients I like to start with the ‘Shop your own wardrobe’ strategy, it is the opportunity to revisit your wardrobe and categories everything into 3 sections:
‘Favourites’: it’s key to identify those pieces that make you feel good
‘Maybes’: perhaps these are items that you like but find difficult to style
‘Nevers’: pieces that you have not worn for years and do not plan to wear in the near future.
By finding the gaps in your wardrobe and mixing your ‘favourites’ with your ‘maybes’ you will be surprised by how many new outfits you have created without going out and buying new things. This wardrobe editing strategy highlights what is missing from your wardrobe, but I would recommend thinking strategically about what you’re going to purchase as you want to stick to a curated selection of garments that can be styled altogether in different ways.
“Before going out and purchasing anything new, - the best way to shop more sustainably is to revisit your wardrobe, repurpose and style what you already have”.
CHAPTER TWO
Seasonless Staples
The value of timeless yet chic pieces that work for countless occasions will transform your looks from season to season. Some go-to seasonless staples that you can wear all year round are:
BERMUDA SHORTS
I mean of course, shorts are a staple item in most people's wardrobes, but Bermuda shorts can work perfectly in both winter and summer due to the extra length.
Style Notes: To style these shorts in colder climates - simply add chunky boots, tights (monogram tights are fun) a tailored black blazer and oversized trench coat that can fit nicely over the blazer - making the lapels on both the blazer and trench coat visible will add the perfect layering effect.
Alternatively, for a spring summer off duty look, pair a basic halter neck, slouchy cream blazer and trainers together.
A SUIT
A versatile and transeasonal suit is a must-have for any wardrobe.
Style Notes: With designers experimenting with elongated silhouettes and cuts, for many seasons, the classic suit is being paired with almost anything - whether that be a hoodie, dress, trainers, knitwear etc. This is no longer a corporate piece that can only be worn to the office.
FLARES
The key to a timeless and classy outfit? Flares. Flared trousers are a core staple in my wardrobe, I style them with almost everything.
Style Notes: For a more casual look pair a white t-shirt and some chunky trainers but remember to tie a sweater around your shoulders to give you a casual yet put together look. Flares are easy to elevate and dress up, all you have to do is add a blouse and heels.
SLIP MIDI SKIRT
There really are no rules when it comes to styling a slip midi skirt.
Style Notes: This item is perfect for formal occasions, the light and body-skimming piece can be styled with your favourite blouse/camisole/bodysuit, statement earrings and heels. However, if you’re somebody who prefers a more casual look, this item is perfect for you too. Pairing a trusty t-shirt, chunky knits and trainers.
TRENCH COAT
I mean you really can't get a more versatile item; I strongly believe that this is a coat that every woman should have in their wardrobe. To ensure that you can wear this all year round, I would pick an oversized silhouette with light weight fabric. By sizing up it will allow you to layer your favourite sweats underneath and in the sunnier climate, having something lightweight will prevent you from overheating.
BODYSUIT
A neutral bodysuit is the perfect piece to add to your weekly rotation of outfits, depending on your mood, it can be dressed up or dressed down.
Style Note: To achieve a formal with a fashionable twist, pair your body suit with tailored smart blazer and flared trousers. Pairing this outfit with black boots is perfect for the colder seasons. Alternatively, pair it with trainers for ease & comfort, heels to elevate the look or mules to create more of an off-duty summer look. Alternatively, swap the blazer and trousers for a comfy pair of sweats.
CHAPTER THREE
Elevate your look
Despite not being able to go much further than your back garden at the moment - these post quarantine style tips are ones that you will want to keep in your journal for future reference. Here are five different ways to elevate an outfit:
IF IN DOUBT, ACCESSORISE: A good foundation to building up an outfit is to accessorise, I mean it’s no secret how jewellery can instantly transform an outfit and when working with a neutral colour palette wardrobe, it's always fun to experiment with bold colours and patterns through shoes, handbags and jewellery.
Want to make an outfit effortlessly chic with minimal effort? Add a bold accessory - a silk scarf always works when looking to add a pop of colour to your outfit. There are endless ways to style this item, in your hair, around your neck or on your handbag.
If in doubt add some height with your favourite strappy heels or cowboy boots. This can instantly add a very aesthetically pleasing look to your outfit.
To create the perfect layering look that is both polished and pulled together, stick to a tonal colour palette but experiment with different textures - add something shiny, matte, knit, leather - it works I promise.
A classic blazer is your new best friend - the ability it has to transform any outfit within seconds is why we love it so much. To elevate your look further, pair a bold belt around it to really cinch in your waist.
CHAPTER FOUR
Fashion, but make it sustainable
How to make a conscious wardrobe? A mix of vintage, pre-loved buys and purchasing items that you know you are going to wear for years to come.
A superb alternative to buying is to rent. This is a practical and sustainable way to wear your most desirable and on trend pieces without having to buy into items that you only plan to wear once. The accessibility of renting garments, accessories and shoes has become increasingly easy.
The new and more sustainable way to shop will be a great alternative for when we can all start going to events again. One of my favourite rental platforms is @hurr - they have recently launched an app which has made the whole process much faster. What I particularly love about @hurr is that you can rent the full outfit - accessories, shoes, bags and so on. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more relaxed approach you can rent loungewear and casual pieces. I am very excited to see the rental market evolve, I think it could be the next big thing in fashion.