subject: How to Create A Capsule Wardrobe That Defines Your Personal Style While Saving You Money [print this page] How to Create A Capsule Wardrobe That Defines Your Personal Style While Saving You Money
Let's face it, shopping for clothes on a budget can be a major struggle sometimes--especially if you haven't yet defined your personal style. Then you end up dragging home fourteen pairs of burnt orange palazzo pants simply because they were on sale...okay, just checking if you were paying attention!
This is where the capsule wardrobe comes in handy. The idea is that you select about 15 to 25 must-have pieces that work for several situations in your life--relaxing on weekends, running errands, going to work, attending parties, dinners out, etc. The capsule includes your favorite basics, as well as some fun, stylish pieces that imbue your wardrobe with your personality. Any additional pieces that you add to your collection later on must jive with the feel of the capsule.
This is a great way to make the most of your budget, since you don't end up having to "emergency shop" for a job interview outfit, a date outfit, the right pair of shoes, etc. and spend too much cash because you don't have time to shop around.
Not only does this kind of planning help you to understand what type of clothes you want wear, it makes getting dressed every day so much simpler! Imagine reaching into your wardrobe and being able to pull out and wear just about any piece, because your collection of clothes only contains items that you want really want to wear and that look great on you. Sounds like a dream come true, doesn't it? No more sighing, "I have nothing to wear!" and fretting in front of the mirror when you get dressed.
With this kind of dressing, you avoid what you know doesn't work on your shape and don't give in to spending money on unflattering trends. For me, this means that in terms of pants, I always wear bootcut trousers and jeans because they work with my curvy hips. Skinny jeans definitely don't!
However, dresses with leggings or tights look great on me and are one of my favorite, most flattering looks, so I wear that kind of outfit quite a bit. Usually with boots or a pair of ballet flats, and some jewelry like bangle bracelets or chandelier earrings. Knowing the type of outfits I tend to wear most has also helped me to focus on only buying the best kind of jewelry for these looks, again saving me money when I don't buy things that don't suit my style!
Knowing your colors also comes in handy--for example, I have a pale, Irish complexion with light golden brown hair. That makes my complexion cool and means that off-white, silver, pastels, jewel tones and cool neutrals are the colors that look best on me. When I buy items in these colors, I know that they will get a lot of wear for the money I've invested in them.
And so, having put the capsule method into practice myself with great results, here are my rules for creating a uniquely stylish capsule wardrobe on budget.
Rule # 1: Shop by elimination. This refers to discarding colors, shapes and trends that are not flattering to you and don't represent your style or personality. To do this, look at "real people" fashion blogs or fashion groups on Flickr and find people who have a shape similar to yours. See what their go-to items are and try them on in stores to see what you think. Only then, after you know what you are looking for, do you start to consider prices, sales, etc. It's not a bargain if you have no need for it and it doesn't compliment your body.
Rule # 2: Inject personality into the everyday! Also consider what your core items should be, depending on your lifestyle (do you mostly wear dresses, or tees and jeans, or professional suits or a mix of different looks?) and think of how you would like to put your personal spin on them. This might mean choosing a basic like a trench coat in a bright color rather than in black, or adding a scarf to your tee and jeans look. This step is important and will help you avoid a bland wardrobe!
Rule # 3: Think occasions. Don't just buy pieces because they look good--make a list of the types of places or activities you need outfits for, and find the perfect, go-to looks for those occasions.
Rule # 4: Go for mix and match over multiple items. Look for items that are versatile enough to make several different outfits. For example, I own two short-sleeve draped tops (my alternative to plain tees) that can be with worn with jeans, with trousers, under a black blazer, with a long cardigan or with a fitted army jacket.
I really encourage you to give this kind of wardrobe planning a try. This approach is so simple and beneficial that once you experience it, you won't be able to believe that you ever shopped without it! Not only does it save time and money, it also ensures that you are always dressed to look your absolute best.
