Shellie Bowdoin blogs at The Fabulous Journey. See Shellie’s complete bio and contact info below the post.
Capsule wardrobes are all the rage! Stroll through Pinterest and you’re likely to find your pick of capsulized inspiration for every color palette. I never really thought much about the concept until I started to see it popping up again and again.
The capsule wardrobe operates on the idea that you can create an endless array of looks built from a unified collection of foundation pieces. This concept is especially useful for the woman who finds herself in a rut of purchasing only completed, stylized outfits and then feels stunted because she’s only confident to wear the one outfit, one way.
Today, I am styling multiple looks using a simple 6-piece capsule:
- button-up blouse
- black tank
- white boyfriend jeans
- black slacks
- blue skinny jeans
- black pencil skirt
I intentionally chose these items because I feel they are essential foundation pieces for every woman’s wardrobe.
Mixing and matching does not have to be scary. If you start out with this 6 piece capsule of foundation pieces, you can then begin branching out to find newer, bolder pieces to add to your wardrobe while following a basic style formula.
As your confidence grows, try experimenting by adding a skirt or blouse in a different shape to see if it works for you. Before long you will develop an increased confidence to buy single items instead of sticking only to the mannequin.
Fantastic, Shellie. For the Indian style wardrobe, we always have a plain black or white chudidhar (leggings) or a pyjama and plain coloured dupattas (stoles).
Corinne, I love the Indian style with the tunic over leggings!
Fun! I enjoyed seeing the poses in all the different looks.
It’s always fun to play dress-up! 😉
Yes! There are very few capsule wardrobes that speak to me but this one does. Core pieces, simple lines, a little pattern in the shirt. Give me a scarf and a white v neck t and I might be done forever. But in a good way!
Anna, the core of my wardrobe is made of pieces with neutral colors and simple lines. This makes it super easy to mix and match.
So well done, Shellie! You know I adore these “minimal” wardrobes, although I am a long way from having one : > Thanks for sharing, xox
Patti
Sandy, I get you on that! I can explain a “minimal” wardrobe even though I don’t have one myself 😉
This is really the 1st time I’ve seen how a necklace or accessory can really really change it up. Women have been putting these kinds of capsules together forever, just not by that name. Now you’ve given me some ideas for my own current wardrobe. thanks!
Carol, I am all about the accessories. Changing up the shoes and jewelry makes all the difference.
Love this post! Very inspirational. I’ve always found that I make a beeline for the bright, patterned, glittery, colourful items when I’m out shopping – have to make a conscious effort to make sure I buy the more boring basics needed to make it all work!
Janet, you just said that perfectly! We all need those “boring” pieces that make all the other fun stuff work! I may have to quote you on that sometime
Ah, the simplicity! I need to go shopping in my own closet and organize my clothes around capsules like this. It makes such sense–and looks so pulled together. Thanks for the inspiration!
You are so welcome, Roxanne! It’s amazing how much potential awaits us in our closets.