Capsule Wardrobe: What To Wear In A Pinch Almost Anywhere
Tina, here.
It's time to rotate your closet. Winter clothes get put away, and spring/summer clothes come back out. If you have someone to help you with this laborious chore, lucky you. If you don't, while you're bemoaning all the mounds of clothes you apparently own but forgot about because they were hiding in the back of your closet all winter, this is a good time to grapple with the idea of a capsule wardrobe. Now, I could never have just a capsule wardrobe. Because I'm a collector, ya know. That's why I can have 12 pairs of white jeans and it's ok. But maybe you are one of those responsible consumers who love the idea of having just what you need, and only what you need, and wearing everything you have. Harrumph. Sounds very austere to me. Ok, maybe minimalist is a better term. We'd find no tags hanging in your closet. No mistakes or duplicates. Or worn-out, tired pieces. And hey, I know you minimalists are out there. I mean, as wardrobe consultants, we're actually trying to get more of you to pare down your wardrobes than add to them. And right now, during this weird in-between seasons, when the social calendar starts ramping up again with all new wardrobe requirements, it's a good time to reconsider how you buy and what you buy. So you'll have what you need to wear to anything, anywhere, any time of year.
I present to you a Capsule Wardrobe.
At least this would be my capsule wardrobe if I got put in wardrobe hell and were limited to just 6 pieces. But truly, these are the 6 pieces that you can wear anytime, anywhere, and pretty much all season long.
I chose to work with black, because most everyone already has a pair of black pants and a black dress. And black tends to dress up or down easier than other colors. But you could choose to work with grey or if you were a woman after my own heart, white. (But warning - you'd need 7 pieces if you go with white because you can't wear white to a wedding.) Oh, and we made a little video for everyone, A Capsule Wardrobe: What To Wear Anywhere, Anytime.
1. LBD, aka Little Black Dress (here's one with sleeves)
2. Black Jeans (or pants)
3. Black Top (mine is a surplice top)
4. Black Jacket or Blazer
For more blazer options, and to see how else you can style yours, check out our post on reinventing suits!
5. Black Patent Heels (comfortable heel height) or Flats
6. Animal-Print Heels or Flats
Be sure to scroll through all the shoe options!
Now let's see how this capsule wardrobe thing works. Heads up that these outfits are going to look strangely similar. But you change it up with accessories like jewelry. I did BARE minimum, because I'm really trying to impress upon you the minimalistic approach. But if you're looking for more options and maybe even some color, you'll find all that here where I'm shopping for special occasion dresses.
"I have an extra ticket to the Patron's Party tonight - can you come?"
Bring out all the stops. The dress. The jacket. And most importantly the black patent heels or flats. Black patent heels are the ONE pair of shoes I have always maintained are the ONLY pair you need if you are only going to have one. (Mercy! Can you imagine?)
Black patent flats are ok, too.
"My best guy friend just called and needs us to go with him and a friend to dinner with lots of big-wigs at our hottest restaurant in town - can you come?"
It's a dress and heels. Understated, because it's a semi-work ordeal, and there will be a lot of business-y people there. So don't overdo the accessories.
If it's cool, wear your jacket and pants. Still easy on the jewelry, dolls. Your "big girl pearls" should be the 7th addition to this capsule wardrobe.
"I just fell into great seats for the Adele concert tonight - can you come?"
Is the Pope Catholic?
Time for your classiest concert outfit. This is why I prefer black jeans to black pants, so you have something a little tough in your closet on top of the basic pieces. Same goes for your jewelry. No pearls, please. And wear your animal print heels or flats. Maybe flats so you can dance.
"Honey, the principal just called us in to meet with her. Meet me there in an hour."
Hair up. Jacket on (or off if hot), and flats say, "We're all ears."
"It's such a gorgeous evening; when you get home from work, let's walk into town for a bite."
Definitely flats. Might throw your jacket over your shoulders for when the sun goes down.
Here are a couple variations on the theme, with some extras you probably already have in your closet.
LBD + Nude Pumps
LBD + Denim Jacket
LBD + Pashmina
This look came from our post last spring on what to wear to a wedding when you have nothing to wear. We get loads and loads of requests for this - we'll repost it again soon!
Don't forget, check out our free video, A Capsule Wardrobe: What To Wear Anywhere, Anytime.
Thanks for reading. We'd looooove to see your capsule wardrobe if you have one. Send us pics!
Best,
Tina
