Really interesting capsule wardrobe article- plus do you have any advice for me?

[Tweet2tweet]

Okay, I know that a capsule wardrobe isn't for everyone. However I'm really trying to create a look that I'm comfortable with that will last. DC2 due in spring meaning I'll have virtually no disposable income so I want to stock up on 'the look' with quality now and not feel like I have nothing to wear and no cash!

I came across this article which I thought was really good and well structured. So thought I'd share!

Anyone managed to get the capsule wardrobe cracked? If so what are your staples and recommendations? I'm 5ft 8", usually a size 10/12 and long limbed. Have dark blonde hair and pale complexion. I'm trying for the classic French/mixing masculine with feminine look to try and get a bit of an edgy but sophisticated style. Should also add am in mid 30's.

[mirpuppet]

Haven't read the article.

Personally I wouldn't be stocking up now if DC is due in spring.

Save the money and see what is in the shops when you are back to a size you like.

Also the best capsule revolve around your lifestyle. Will be a SAHM, going back to work? All of that could change.

[libertychick]

Tweet2tweet that is a fantastic article on capsule wardrobe - in fact I like her spring plan so much I am tempted to just copy it entirely! I have been writing down what I wear every day for a few weeks now and going through my stuff for half an hour every weekend to clear it out (haven't the time or energy for a mass purge). What I find difficult is that I effectively need two capsules - one for work and one for weekends. I reviewed today what I have worn to work for 15 days and it came to 18 items which is low I think, 3 skirts, 2 trousers, 2 dresses, 2 jumpers, 3 cardigans, 3 shirts, 2 tops and 1 blazer. Was useful to do though as it made me realise I really need a new blazer, possibly 2 and more top half items.

I agree with mirpuppet that lifestyle is crucial and I would be tempted to wait until you have had DC2 before you shop - can you put money aside now into an account that you just don't touch? Internet shopping is your friend when you are at home all day post birth.

[mummybare]

I agree with mirpuppet - DD is nearly 9mo and I am only just thinking about restocking my wardrobe and ditching the maternity jeans now. I put on a lot more weight than I thought I would and am now slightly larger than I was pre-pregnancy but it is a size I'm happy with. My shape has changed too. There is just no way I could have picked anything halfway through my pregnancy that would work for me now.

Oh and congratulations :)

[Tweet2tweet]

Thanks for tips! I will def be going back to work, no option not to.

I've bought a few things with money that I made selling things on ebay. Hopefully haven't been too soon in getting but it's all classic things like a blazer, wool coat and boots.

Glad you enjoyed article liberty chick, I too have taken a lot of inspiration from it.

[QueenCadbury]

Great article tweet. Over the past year since giving up work and becoming a SAHM I've thought lots about my wardrobe and what I really need and sold/gave to charity all my work stuff.

I basically have a uniform of jeans (bootcut or straight leg), blouse or tshirt in neutral colour ( usually navy or grey) and a coloured cardigan. It has made getting dressed easier as everything pretty much goes together and I can look slightly different each day depending on which cardigan. I guess it may sound dull to others but it definaely works for me.

[mirpuppet]

I have now read the article and I enjoyed it.

I have done similar things like the 333 Project and I do find it helpful to look at my lifestyle, personal style and then pare down my wardrobe.

My wardrobe is still not minimalist because I have tried to buy quality and I so keep items for longer than average and I like variety. I am trying to wear everything in my closet and do the hanger trick where you turn hangers the wrong way and after a month or three or so you see what you don't wear and then can pass them on.

[HanneHolm]

Christ that blog post is dull. And long

[HanneHolm]

Lol at pops of colour

[Emo76]

I quite like that blog, thanks for sharing! There's a book called "Practical Princess" along similar lines which might interest you.

[daisie4]

Thanks for this article tweet, I found the idea of uniforms really helpful and counting outfits over 3 weeks. Off to do som planning...

[PretzelTime]

Yes that's an interesting article OP. It seems like a lot of work to do what the blogger describes, but perhaps it pays off and then you don't have to think so much about your clothing?

[HyvaPaiva]

Much as it will make me sound a bit intense and like a character in that 90s film Clueless, I have just bought the Stylebook app. You upload photos of all your clothes and accessories. It's about creating outfits and your 'signature' look.

As you'll see from my link, it creates:
A photo library of your wardrobe
Looks/outfits
Packing lists for trips
Calendar to note when you wore which items
Inspiration (for 'moodboard' creation)
Size chart

It pretty much puts into action the hints from that capsule wardrobe, OP.

[PretzelTime]

Daymn that seems like a lot of work and info to put in, it almost makes me envy your average jane of the past who didn't have to think so much about what she wore. Just put on your 1 out of 2 dresses. If it was a wedding/funeral/Sunday, put on the nicest one.

[BabCNesbitt]

Tweet, thanks for posting that link! Great article, and I'm enjoying the rest of the blog too. I'm trying to rebuild my wardrobe after getting rid of lots of pre-DD clothes that just no longer worked for me (didn't feel like "me" anymore), but I've had difficulty figuring out where to start. Something programmatic like that is actually very helpful for the clueless like me.