Starting a capsule wardrobe

[LisaAYarrow]

I'm so fed up with my whole wardrobe after giving birth that I'd like to throw everything out and start again. I realised I've been keeping clothes that no longer fit me and are dead old and would like to buy some new things to boost my confidence a bit. :)

Has anyone here done the capsule wardrobe thing and how much do you think it will cost? Has it worked out for you?

QueenC speaks sense on the coat/footwear front. You don't have to get something boring (my main coat is a pure wool felted biker jacket - surprisingly warm - and my boots are nice biker ones) but they do need to last - so many shoes now aren't designed to be actually walked in, and can't be properly resolved, and coats full of polyester/acrylic/nylon won't keep you warm.

I wish there was a 'like' button on here!

Yes a clear out is totally required - I honestly have things in my wardrobe over 10 years old. The 'bad memories' suggestion is excellent. I'm sure there is a big fug hanging over my wardrobe.

Even my old office work blouses are too wee and I'm still going about in maternity jeans and yoga pants, just cause they're so comfy! (For shame). So far all I want to keep is:

1 black tube skirt
1 pair of skinny burgundy cords
1 long sleeved black t-shirt
1 burgundy lace top
2 black lace dresses
1 black hoodie
1 french style black and white top with ties
1 pair of burgundy fake docs from Primark

(can you tell I like black and red?)

And I really need a proper bra fitting! And to invest in decent shoes rather than £15 dodgy boots from Diechmanns, lol.

recoveringshopaholic.com/building-a-workable-wardrobe-part-one/

I read this today which covers the basics in terms of approach

i think the very words capsule wardrobe suck the fun out of clothes

LordPalmerston I'm the opposite - having an extensive wardrobe sucks the fun out for me! I can't cope with the choice and end up wearing the same five things over and over again.

I am sometimes tempted by features on capsule wardrobes but I always switch off when they start recommending black, white and navy - probably my three worst colours.
Memo to fashion writers: there are other colours that work together!

I mentally substitute black or navy for petrol navy/mink, white for cream and the inevitable bright pink/blue pops of colour for orange/green. Black is basically death on me, no amount of make up can save me.

Black is dreadful on me too, Hopefully. In fact the only so-called neutral that really works well is charcoal grey. (I also like a very dark brown but can't find it anywhere at the moment). I look best in plums, purples, deep greens and pinks so, for me, a dress or skirt or top in a print with a couple of those colours is a really versatile, 'capsule' piece.

So I guess I've worked it out for myself but I do get frustrated when it's assumed that we all suit 'crisp white shirts' etc. I don't mean posters on S&B - we're just sharing our own experiences but when bloggers and fashion writers do it, I get a bit pissed off. I just think it's lazy.

Oops sorry for the rant - I feel much better now