Capsule wardrobe

Do you ever open up your wardrobe, bursting at the seams and just feel like collapsing into a heap on the floor as you have nothing to wear?  Do you feel a tad silly having those words come out of your mouth when your partner simply replies with a roll of the eye?  Yep, don't worry you are not alone, we all do it.

A capsule wardrobe might be the answer to your prayers but where do you start and what exactly does a capsule wardrobe consist of?  I always thought it was a bit of mythical term, a phrase that stylists used but actually meant spending hundreds of pounds to fill your wardrobe with a few 'classic' black and white pieces.

Well, lets break it down a tad.  The term was coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique back in the 1970's.  According to her a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that do not go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and blouses, which can then be teamed with numerous other seasonal pieces.  In the mid 80's Donna Karan released an influential capsule collection of seven interchangeable work wear pieces, and the rest as they say is history.  

The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing.  So where do you start?  Well, there is no right or wrong when it comes to a capsule wardrobe, some say it can consist of 50 pieces, other 7!  I always recommend 10 as your key pieces.  It's always a good start to know your body shape and colour palette, only because it will make dressing soooooo much easier.  Once you know these 2 crucial pieces of information the world is your oyster.  I must stress your body shape is of no relevance in any other area, the only time it is of any significance is so you know how to dress it and flatter your wonderful shape.

So what do you need in this mysterious capsule wardrobe?  

• Well a classic black dress is right up there, it's timeless and can be dressed up or down. 
• Trench coats are flattering on almost all shapes, and whilst being a classic style, they can also feature fashionable details.
• A pair of classic black trousers.  Although they don't have to be black, this is generally the most adaptable and flattering colour.  
• A tailored white shirt is an absolute must have.
• The perfect pair of jeans.  Perfect can be hard to find but once you do my goodness you will never look back!
• A cashmere or good quality Merino sweater should be in your capsule wardrobe as they really are a key piece.  
• A good fitting skirt, even if you are not a skirt person you should try them every now and then as they can make you feel super special.  Whether it be a classic pencil, maxi or mini, every capsule wardrobe should include one.
• A causal day dress, one that can be teamed with trainers and heels, and one that can be worn to do the weekly food shop and take you out for dinner and drinks.
• A classic blazer.  I can't stress this enough, they go with most pieces in your wardrobe and can transform any outfit.
• Stylish leisurewear.  Even when you are at home doing the housework, our leisure wear should be well fitted, flattering and help us feel good.

Once you have a capsule wardrobe you have a fully functioning place to go to every morning.  It means you can adapt each of the pieces to suit your day.  It means you have more choice-crazy right?!  But think about it, if you have these key items that go with so many things then you have actually opened your choices up.  It allows you to get more creative and think outside of the box.  Most importantly it leaves you feeling calm getting dressed each day as opposed to seeing chaos when you open up your wardrobe.  

Of course you will need to add shoes and accessories into the mix, and some would say they should be included in your capsule wardrobe, but there is no right or wrong here.  If you are absolutely a no dress or skirt kind of girl, that is fine, adapt it to your needs.  

What do you think?  Are you going to give a capsule wardrobe a go?