Help me with my wardrobe/style overhaul, brilliant fashionistas! Minimalist? Eclectic?

[Starfish83]

Good morning, wonderful stylish folk!

I've decided my whole wardrobe needs a huuuge sort, overhaul, and a new direction! PLEASE HELP ME. Would love to 'go capsule', but just not sure my pattern, colour loving sensibilities could cope. Please give me some ideas for the items I might need in my wardrobe and some colour ideas too. I know that some people think all the florals around are hideous, but I've always adored a floral print and have lots in my wardrobe. I like a bit of an arty/vintage/boho mixed with modern. I like things that are cut well but I'm petite so can deal with that 'hang' without looking like I'm trying to hide anything.

Some colours I think I'd have to have in my wardrobe: neutrals - beige, black, grey, blue (jeans mostly). Others - red, shades of yellow, and perhaps colours(?). (I love brights.)

My other, extreme option would be to really cut down on all the pattern in my wardrobe - to go cold turkey and embrace a much more minimalist style - I do think there's something really beautiful about plain and that it can look very classy indeed. (I've always worked in the arts sector though and always get pulled back to pattern and bright colour somehow.) I do think that if I keep on with the pattern, etc. I can always find something to buy and that, really, we can only wear one outfit at once, so maybe I should simplify my wardrobe? Either way, I've gotta get rid of some stuff. How do I decide what I keep and what I get rid of? (And do I sell it on eBay?!)

ALL THE QUESTIONS for you, lovely people!

Overhaul me! Can't wait for your responses and ideas.

Thank you! 💐⭐️🌹☀️ x

The three rules I try to stick to when sorting wardrobe & adding new things to it are.

1. Does it suit me & am comfortable in it? If you like prints, wear them. Cultivate your own style as opposed to wearing the latest trends.

2. Does it go with other items in my wadrobe (more useful when buying, I’ve spent far too much on individual pieces that I’ve never worn because I’ve never got around to finding the trousers etc I need to wear with it).

3. Does it make me happy, I think everyone needs a few fun, glamourous pieces in their wardrobe be it a leopard print coat, loud top, etc.

Thanks, Linky - great and helpful rules! Any more words of wisdom, dear readers? xx

I don't think minimal/capsule would make you happy

Thanks, Brogue. It's a tricky one - some of me absolutely agrees what you and another part thinks that, actually, by simplifying and minimising my wardrobe I'd make life easier and be happier. (Don't get me wrong, I'm a very content person in life - not looking for 'true happiness' via my wardrobe! 😜) 😀 x

Thanks, Brogue. It's a tricky one - some of me absolutely agrees with you and another part thinks that, actually, by simplifying and minimising my wardrobe I'd make life easier and be happier. (Don't get me wrong, I'm a very content person in life - not looking for 'true happiness' via my wardrobe! 😜) 😀 x

You could try having a capsule wardrobe for a month. You could pick out 2 pairs of trousers, 1 skirt, 1 dress, 3 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves, 2 jumpers, 1 pair of of boots, 2 pairs of shoes accessories and ant kit you need and put it on a hanging rail. Then just see how that suits you.

Great idea, Panticles - thank you!

Plan it first. Great resources to do this are on the Un-fancy blog. You can print them off and they look at lifestyle v fantasy so you can see what you actually need.

One solution might be to be ruthless, develop a capsule with the quirk you like and add individuality with accessories-which you can regularly update.

Charity everything that you don’t love unless designer- flog that instead and use it for the stuff you complete the overhaul.

PaulHollywood, this is genius, thank you. I’m actually quite delighted that you have posted on my thread as I’ve loved reading your comments on some of the other threads. Even though I love the florals/sometimes even things with stars and don’t think I can quit my Anthropologie habit, please do indulge me with any other appropriate style advice - you have done very wise words! 😊

Try reading Marie Kondo and then clear out your wardrobe.

After doing this - which can take a whole weekend or a week depending on how large it is - wear what you already have and love for a month. Unless you only left yourself with one outfit!!

After that's start looking into what you need to add.

By looking at what you have kept and what you love to wear, you will find your own style.

I did this 2 years ago and now I only buy what I love but my style is minimalist but evolving so I have moved on this year from skinny trousers to wide leg and have now added some new colours - it is really so much easier when you only buy things that you love and that go with things you already own.

My rule is:
Capsule stuff is good quality (Jaeger usually as they are very cheap for what they do: cashmere sweaters, wool blazers, fitted dresses and trouser etc.) Leather jacket and coats too.

Basics: linen tees, white shirts and tees, shell tops etc - these from small local stores and high street.

Cheap and cheerful seasonal and colourful stuff - botanical print maxi dresses and shirts, tea dresses and skirts etc.

Linkylink's list is good. Don't go minimal because you think you should. Buy clothes that you love but make sure you have the basics that make them shine. And don't worry about having lots of something, I have 40 pairs of shoes but far fewer and less interesting trousers because I love shoes with a passion. I think it's impossible to be minimal in everything without ending up in a boring wardrobe. You need variety somewhere and you need to be true to yourself.

You could try project 333 you choose 33 items ( not including undies) and only wear these items for 3 months. If you cannot do it you're not a capsule wardrobe person

Gooses suggestion is a great one. Project 333 is a fun try out of a capsule wardrobe without having to actually throw stuff out.

Great minds think alike CountFosco! I too have so many beautiful shoes & not that many trousers. I never understand how capsule wardrobes suggest one black heel or boot. For me depending on whether your wearing a skirt, dress or trouser & then depending on what length they are & the fabric weight/style you need different black heels, ankle straps, peep toe, pointed, suede etc & the one shoe I don’t actually own is a plain black leather court shoe although I’ve never had to wear suits for work.