As a personal stylist, I can take many avenues to help my clients create the style they feel most comfortable, confident and empowered in. Some clients need organization – we go through their clothing and weed out the pieces no longer needed, and then choose styles to add into their current wardrobe. And then there are cases where the client has needed to create a wardrobe because they no longer enjoy the clothing they have.
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When a client decides on a total “refresh,” I introduce them to the concept of the Capsule Wardrobe. The basic idea is to create a group of pieces (about 12-20 styles altogether) that can all work together to create multiple outfits. By choosing a color scheme and an idea of the type of clothing that is most comfortable for you, a capsule wardrobe can feel manageable as well as give confidence that whatever you put together is a great outfit.
First Thing First…
Choosing your color scheme is the starting point to building a collection you feel can create the looks you love. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to choose exact colors like blue or orange. Think more along the line of using shades of colors and considering what other colors can be used to contrast. Also, you can have a number of capsules as you build out your wardrobe.
Think along the lines of what colors and looks you gravitate to. Do you tend towards more neutral colors? Do you buy mostly black and shades of gray? This is the time to look around online and see what grabs your eye. Once you have your color choice, it’s time to think about what pieces you may need in the capsule.
Next, it’s time to take a moment to understand your body type. What types of clothing feel comfortable on you and that you feel looks great. I’m a pear shape, so I tend to buy curvier bottoms like pencil skirts and darker colors. I love high waists and my tops aren’t long because I want to show off those curves! If you have a larger bust, some necklines look better than others.
There are many guides on how to shop for your body type – or we can work together to put together a guideline to how to style your clothing.
I say this a lot to my clients – you want higher quality fabrics and construction. These capsules are based on basics which you will always build looks off of. You don’t want to buy cheaper pieces as your base. That said, of course buy within your spending cap, so try to think more along the lines of less pieces that can work well together.
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The Basics…
Since I’m talking about 12-20 pieces for one capsule, let’s break down what to consider as your base pieces.
Tops
You will want a few different style tops on the lighter side of your color scheme. For example, if you chose a warm tone such as shades of brown, you would want a few white and cream color tops.
These basic tops would include:
1-2 t-shirts, 1 buttondown shirt, 2-3 camis or tanks (preferable different styles such as a seamless microfiber tank which clings to your shape and a few loose camis with different necklines).
Darker colors for tops would be for a pullover sweater, a cardigan and a blazer.
Bottoms
Depending on your own personal comfort with your style, there are many pieces that you could not add and use that count to add to the pieces you do like to wear.
These include: a pair or two of skinny jeans (dark wash would be a good start!) a pair of trousers, a pencil skirt and black fashion leggings (not workout or yoga).
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Dresses and/or Skirts
If you are a dress kind of gal, then get a bunch! They are easy to style with the above tops such as the blazer or cardigan and you can get a variety of styles/colors/prints.
For instance, if you were to get a simple wrap dress with a print in your color scheme, you could use the solid blazer or cardigan with it in colder weather and alone in warmer. Printed or solid color skirts are also great to add to a capsule because they work the same as the dress. You can use all the tops with it for different styles and looks.
Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash
Footwear
This is really up to what style of shoes/boots you feel most comfortable in. If you like wearing heels, I suggest one pair of black pumps and one pair of nude pumps. If you prefer flats, a few pairs of different color ballerina shoes are best to have. If you love boots, a pair or two of ankle booties and a knee high boots for the Fall/Winter will always carry you throughout the seasons. Summer styles include sandals and sneakers such as a low converse or running sneakers.
Outerwear
This depends on your weather – if you have 4 seasons, you will want to think differently about your outerwear, namely your coats and jackets. I always suggest a denim jacket in a medium wash because denim really goes with so many color schemes. For winter – it’s great to have a coat that will go with all your outfits and that would be a long coat in black or camel.
Accessories
You can have a lot of fun with your accessories – here is where you want to bring in colors that compliment the color scheme you have chosen. It’s good to have a neutral color purse or bag. If you are working with black tones, a few silver jewelry pieces such as necklaces, earrings or bracelets would compliment your capsule. Browns and nudes – try some gold jewelry. And I love scarves as a color accent – grab yourself a few colorful scarves to play with. It’s really a great way to show your playful side. And don’t forget your sunglasses!
As you can see, there is no strict set of styles you have to purchase when creating a capsule wardrobe. It really is up to your comfort – some women don’t feel comfortable in dresses, so take that piece and replace it with something you feel better wearing. Mix it up! Have fun with creating the capsule. You may get a taste for creating them and create new ones over time. Just enjoy the process!
Jennifer Ginty is a certified image consultant and personal stylist with years of experience helping women and men define their own style with wardrobe organization and personal shopping. Jen has consulted with everything from casual wear such as jeans and tops to styling for the corporate world.
“I love what I do. Some may see my career as a luxury for other people, or maybe as “extra.” But it’s so much more than what you see on the outside. For my clients and for me.”
Style is a form of self care – a way to express yourself without even speaking. Through self-introspection and just having fun, you can bring out your true self effortlessly.
It’s about dressing for the way you live and feeling great about it.
Ever feel like you just need to make a few changes in your wardrobe or maybe you feel lost when it comes to what to wear? Jen is a certified image consultant and personal stylist with years of experience helping women and men define their own style with wardrobe organization and personal shopping.
