Capsule wardrobe: have you got one that works? Any tips?

[BogstandardBelle]

Since I had my colours done last year, I’m in an ideal position to create a capsule wardrobe. I’ve binned pretty much all my clothes except for a bare minimum to get me through the summer, and I’ve bought a few warmer layers for autumn. I don’t want to end up with huge piles of clothes: tbh I’m not that into clothes, I just want a set that go together, can be mixed and matched, and doesn’t require much thinking everyday! And we have very little storage space anyway. So a capsule wardrobe is the way to go!

Any tips? I’m trying to draw up a definitive list of what needs to be there... but trying to find those specific items in the right colour / size / style is proving very hard.

I’m trying to do this too. Try googling 4x4 wardrobe or sudoku wardrobe and look at images in your,colours? Maybe?

Personally, I think the key with a capsule wardrobe is having a load of classic basics, some fabulous accessories which reflect your personality and then the odd frivolous fashion piece if that's your thing. As well as knowing your colours, it's really important you understand your body shape and what cuts and styles work for you. Ignore fashion trends, I am a fat hourglass shape (what Trinny and Susannah refer to as a cello) and most "fashion" items look hideous on me, yet every year I can find the styles I need that suit my shape, it just takes a bit more hunting. Also make sure your items are workhorses, ie can me worn in different ways. I'm not a dress person, so trousers, jeans and jumpsuits are my staples. A typical casual look for me would be jeans, ballet flats, thin knit jumper and a blazer. I would then wear the jeans and blazer for an evening out with a cami style top and heels. And the thin knit jumper and ballets with trousers for work.

Stick to neutrals initially, so black, white, cream, navy, grey, camel (depending on your colours) and then introduce more colour gradually. Make sure any colour pieces you introduce will really work for you and will last more than one season. Oh and it can take time to build a capsule as you want the best fitting tops, bottoms etc as you will love them and be happy to wear them forever so you will need to shop around. Good luck!

Thanks both... Marmalade, you have pretty much nailed what I want to do. It's ironic that the supposedly 'simple' capsule wardrobe actually involves much more shopping / hunting / trying on / etc than just buying any old rubbish on a "that'll do" basis. I am a large Vase by T&S (wide shoulders and back, big boobs, narrower hips and skinny legs - an overweight inverted triangle - it's not a fashionable shape at all so I know to avoid trends and stick with the classics - though I don't always do it. I guess I worry that I will look like my mum in classics (which always makes me think of the Ladies at M&S) - we have very similar body shapes.

I've managed to find several tops / scarves in colours that are great, but I'm struggling most with the neutrals: I've never liked white, cream etc and feel like they emphasise every bump, bulge and wrinkle - or look massive in a size 16-18 with big boobs. My dark neutrals are bright navy and chocolate brown, dark dove grey and various camels / tan / cinnamon. I'll keep hunting.

For a capsule wardrobe all the hard work is in the planning and buying stages.
If you get these right then you never have to think about what to wear or what looks good together so you save loads of time and effort downstream.

I have 3 dresses and two Pairs of trousers plus tights and tops, short and long boots. The colours are navy, teal, mustard and burgundy with brown boots. I could manage with one pair of trousers and two dresses. I have also ordered a skirt and a scarf.

I feel your pain re body shape Belle but at least you've got good legs to show off. I've fully embraced shapewear (I really rate Primark's and unlike the majority of their clothes, it lasts for ages). I used to only wear it for special occasions, but now my waist is thicker and my belly is bigger I wear it most days. I need slim fitting, tailored clothes which skim rather than cling and I find wearing shapewear really helps. In an ideal world I'd hide all my lumps and bumps under a chunky oversized jumper, but with my broad shoulders and 36G boobs I'd look absolutely hideous!

I don't think classic has to equal old, I think it's about finding your own individual style and embracing it. I must admit I don't 100% stick to my colours, I avoid white and really bright colours as these drain me (I'm a soft summer) but I still wear black.

Thinking shoes, I tend to find I like to have
1 x longer boots (brown)
1 x trainers
1 x ankle boots (grey)
1 x black flats (eg DM Mary Janes)
3 x ballet flats in neutral, black and a colour
(Though that’s not particularly capsule!)

Look on Pinterest for ideas.

1. I buy less but spend more.

2. I don’t buy anything unless I really, really love it and it will work with things I already have.

3. check the washing instructions. If you have less clothes you have less time/inclination to be rushing off to the dry cleaner all the time eg for work wear I’m pretty brand loyal to Hobbs because they have a range of machine washable tailoring.

Number 1 really helps with number 2. I’m not going to spend £££ on a dress that I’ll only wear once or don’t feel really amazing in.

Have a look at Unfancy blog as she pulls together great capsules in the colours you want. She manages to look up-to date without being fashion victim.

She buys sustainable brands too-stuff like Madewell etc.