Has anyone successfully implemented a capsule wardrobe, and can tell me how to do it?!

[patrollingpaws]

I have a wardrobe and chest of drawers overflowing with clothes I mostly don't wear. I've put on a bit of weight, haven't slept properly for 2 years (kids) and generally just feel crap!

I've always liked the idea of a capsule wardrobe, to try to take away a bit of the stress, but how do I got about it?

I don't feel that many of my clothes actually suit me. How do I figure that out?

Any advice gratefully received!

I haven't managed that but with a few exceptions I do tend to stick to a colour palette using navy (and indigo denim), grey, white, black and leopard print for key quality basics that mix and match really well with accent colours for a t shirt or an accessory bag/scarf/shoes (I love bright/jewel/citrus colours - yellow, orange, green) that I feel suit me and brighten my skin tone and I try to very consciously, before buying anything on an impulse, think through what outfits I would wear an item with. For me to buy something it's got to work as part of at least 4 or 5 overall outfits that I'd be happy to wear for work or socialising (for lounging about it tends to be items in my basic palette anyway). I'm not big on floral/abstract patterns other than classic Breton stripes or polka dots (I consider my beloved leopard print a neutral) as I can mix and match those with my basics. I am trying to buy less and buy better quality (happy for this to be second hand) in natural fabrics as much as possible (though do seek a bit if stretch in denim) and love wool, denim, etc and can't wait for autumn and winter as these are my favourite seasons to dress in.

Pressed reply too soon . I've figured out what I think suits me through trial and error over the years but if I was in a position to I would maybe go and see a John Lewis stylist or similar if you can afford it or take a friend whose style/eye you trust out for the day or suggest to friends you have a clothes swap/try on afternoon to try different looks you might not have considered before and take photos to see how you look. I think some good fitting, flattering basics are key - trousers, jeans, coat, jacket, t shirts, well fitted/cut dress. Keep a note of items you try on that you love to follow on eBay or Vinted to save ££ and be ruthless - if there's stuff in your own wardrobe you haven't worn/will never wear, donate or sell to help fund your quality basics

I have work uniform - favourite cut jeans, black and navy, with a blazer. Blazer is also neutral, I want more option. Under blazer is usually a cami as I do not take the blazer off or a sleeveless blouse. These undergarments I have in neutral and bold colours, so it feels like a change. Always kitten heels or higher.

Would also like to add a bias slip skirt or pleated interwar of jeans.

And honestly dispose ethically of anything that makes you feels urgh, life is imply to short to do this to yourself.

With the addition of khaki green, I could have written this post! I also consider leopard a neutral. There’s a great app called style book which I find really helpful.

Was coming on to recommend the style book app too! Is a bit of a faff to load all the pics when you start but once you have all your clothes listed there the “style stats” section lets you see how often you wear each item and works out a cost per wear etc. it’s really helped me whittle down the things that don’t work. I can also see at a glance just how many eg summer skirts I already own (which stops me buying more).
anyway it’s one of the few paid for apps I have but I think it’s definitely worth the few pounds it cost me

I've made the following up completely! I don't know if it's a thing but this is what I've evolved over a decade of kids:

Whatever suits you colour wise and matches jeans and leggings. Then some good sturdy boots that can do the distance but also look cool (the re surgance of DMs I think is good there, though I've got some solid campers that k love and will last aaagggees) some nice trainers.

Blue and silver suit my skin tone so I go for navy/ grey/ yellow cardigans, pale blue tops and shirts, grey, deeper blue and white tees, stripy tops with navy blue lines, and I've started to include a very little bit of olive green.

Winter jumpers are similar but I seem to include more cream and white. I don't tend to do shirts but would go for pale blue or white.

I have a couple of denim or pale blue dresses that all that goes over.

I then like light tan or blue leather bags or other shoes and light tan belts - the light / orange / yellow tan leather contrasts with the blues.

(Orange is a complementary colour to blue, so yellows, oranges and tans contrast with greys, blues and navy and both go well on black or white.)

Another capsule wardrobe idea I sometimes like but don't really do is just black but nice shapes and cut to things. That can look fab with blue jeans and whatever colour bags and trainers you want.

I definitely stick to natural materials that will biodegrade as much as possible. It means that I choose clothes that might be a little bit more expensive but then means I think very carefully about buying them.

My work trousers and bras are pretty much the only things made of non natural materials now.

I also realised recently that wooly jumpers hide all manner of splashes and spillages and don't need washing very much 🤣

Also worth looking in charity shops for anything outside your capsule wardrobe for one off "dos" that you can give back.

You need a plan op. There’s no point buying until you’ve worked out what you have, what you are missing and what your lifestyle requires . I’m forever recommending a book called The Curated Closet which will help answer these questions for you if you’re prepared to do the work. Style Book is a good app for recording everything once it’s sorted. ( im very lazy about it but do rate it ) There is a slow fashion influencer who I also like who is quite middle of the road style wise who has the IG account Use Less DK who might be good for some advice. There’s also an Aussie who has a slightly artier minimal wardrobe but I’ll need to check her name and get back to you.

I have an app called stylebook. Someone on here recommended it and it's changed my wardrobe.

You photograph all of your clothes and assign them to your online closet. Ie tops, jeans etc etc.

Then it lets you create outfits with what you have. If you are limited to space like I am it really helps sort out your crap from what you are just hoarding.

I have about 50% less than I did. I'm still whittling it down as I've lost some weight so I am being ruthless.

Thank you all so much!

I think I need to start by tackling the dross in my wardrobe, and sell/donate anything that leaves me feeling like a slug.

Then start on some good quality basics. I'm generally a supermarket/lower end high street type of person (I just don't really allow myself to spend much on myself) so where are the good places to start for these? I'm a pear shape, 12-14 on bottom and 10-12 on top of that makes a difference.

I'll also check out the app and book recommendations 👍

Personally, I'd go and try some items on - John Lewis if there's one nearby so you can get a good range of brands as sizes vary so much. Make a note of brands and their sizes that you feel good in, try the sizes either side of what you think you are - surprising how much we get stuck on what size we think we are and actually buy going up or down you might see that that dress looks so much better when it fits you properly. If you're near one, Uniqlo do good basics that are not too ££ and I think you can get a tenner off your first purchase. Might be worth starting with getting a tailor's tape measure and noting your measurements especially if you're buying online. Personally, I tend to buy affordable basics from Uniqlo (t shirts, trousers, dresses) and set up alerts for higher end items/brands on eBay/Vinted and carefully check measurements/materials etc. I think a good supportive bra and knickers really helps at the foundation of feeling good in your clothes, too. If you do make it to a department store, try to get measured if you do go for a new bra and also, if you like/wear make up, see if you can have a makeover for free (don't feel pressured to buy - you can always say, "thank you, but before I buy anything I want to see how it lasts on my face for the day". Having a makeover might feel nice when you're trying some new things on, too.

The Curated Closet by Anoushka Rees is excellent.