So what is a CAPSULE WARDROBE? This is about keeping it minimal, but the items you do have working really hard for their space in your wardrobe to create a multitude of looks. It can be looks out of the items themselves or they work to add the finishing touch to the look. All in all it consists of items that work well together, whatever the occasion.
I've put together 5 KEY PIECES every wardrobe shouldn't be without. With these 5 items, you'll create some great looks and complete lots of different outfits, when you couldn't put your finger on what was missing. This is kind of a 'mini capsule', which fits even more into the world of chiconomy - looking fabulous for less!
KEY PIECE NO.1 - NUDE VEST/TANK TOPS
Basics are key in any wardrobe and sometimes can be the miming link. It is worth updating these each season to refresh the look and they don't have to cost the earth
Think of these as the next layer after your underwear, like a second skin. Every wardrobe should feature at least two nude vest/tank tops, the pic features a camel and a blush. These work well under anything a little see-through, particularly the chiffon blouse trend we are seeing at the moment or even if a top/dress is a little low
These can be picked up anywhere on the great British high street, some great examples can be found in Primark or H&M for pieces under a fiver or Zara (£6-£9) if you prefer a silkier finish. Avoid at all costs ribbed fabric or anything that looks like it may go baggy, as this will destroy the final look!
KEY PIECE NO.2 - FITTED CARDIS
We're not talking your granny's cardi or giving you licence to wear baggy jumpers out of the house ;) Think of the slim-fitting cardi as a key basic in your wardrobe, you'll be amazed how many looks they will add to and how many outfits this will finish off - work and play.
This basic, classic style works for ALL body shapes, believe me I've tried them on EVERY shape and size! They can be worn over a shift dress or with a pencil skirt, nipped in at the waist with a think belt for a smart work look, with no eighties power suit in sight!
They also add a layer when the temperatures drop over a blouse or thinner top, which means you get more wear out of summery items - increasing your cost per wear, the cross-functionality and trans-seasonality of a piece!
The two featured are from a fab brand, 'Abound', I discovered recently over in the US from the heaven that is Nordstrom Rack. Chiconomista picked these up from 'The Rack' for $15 each (about £10!!), they're normally about $30 (£20) which is still bargainista fashionista - chiconomista prices! The fabric is so soft, they are the comfiest, snuffliest slim-fitting items I think I now own (other than a cashmere version!)
Primark do a similar style in a multitude of colours and now stripy versions, with cute gold buttons for £6. They aren't quite as soft and need washing on a cool wash (I've become all practical in my chiconomista ways!) but they work nonetheless
KEY PIECE NO.3 - DARK DENIM SKINNY JEANS
Whatever your size or shape, I guarantee I'd get you in skinnies and get them looking fab on you! Bootcuts look dated and will add too much volume and ruin a look if you're wearing any volume on the top half. Now ladies, stick with me on this, it could honestly change your life! You may have read lots of style tips about boot cuts balancing out your shape, which his textbook styling tips, but think of the line of skinnies under long tops, blazers or tunic dresses as much more flattering.
In my last post, I mentioned the fantastic £9 Primark version (featured in the pic). They are a great version if you've never ventured into 'skinny territory' as they won't break the bank and you might just love them!
When you are looking for an investment pair, I can't recommend J Brand enough! Opt for Cigarette or Pencil Leg in Ink. I approve the cost of these from a chiconomics perspective, as I guarantee you'll pull them on time and time again!
Flattering, sexy, comfy and super stylish - your 'go-to' jean!
KEY PIECE NO.4 - BOYFRIEND BLAZER
I truly believe jackets / coats and shoes or bags can simultaneously ruin a look or outfit in one foul swoop. Pulling something out of the back of your wardrobe because it's warm or the only thing you've had will be a fashion faux-pas. Conversely, a great jacket (or coat) that works well with the look will add the finishing touch and mean you look 'pulled together'.
A key staple jacket in your wardrobe is a blazer. Opt for a more relaxed style for an up-to-date take, known as the 'Boyfriend Blazer'. This comes from the fact that it looks a little over-sized and as if you've borrowed it from your boyfriend.
Now, in true 'chiconomics' style, you can pick up fantastic versions of these for under £20. The one featured is £19.99 from H&M and fantastic in colour and style in that it goes with EVERYTHING! H&M have a plethora of this style in every neutral colour going every season, as do Forever 21, Zara and of course Primark are hot off the press with blazers as we speak (I bought a fab Apricot colour one recently for £21)
I'm also guessing you may just have something similar in your wardrobe, which with a little tweak here and there we can resurrect and re-style into a fab, essential gem you never knew you had!
My 'wardrobe staple resurrection' started only a few months into my Styling work, when I visited a fantastic client for a full re-style, starting with a complete Wardrobe Audit. She pulled out a Calvin Klein suit which she'd had for her son's Christening (then 10) and she was adamant she couldn't throw out. So, I worked some magic and she was delighted with the outcome!
The suit was a neutral, taupe colour with a loose-fitting 80s style jacket and a shift dress. Worn together, it did look like something out of 'Working Girl' costume closet (as claimed by the client!) However, split the two items up and you had two fantastic, key pieces - timeless, effortless and proving investment pieces really can be worth it! 'Cost per wear' well and truly ACHIEVED!
We took the blazer, rolled the sleeves back and team with jeans and tees, added an accessory, et voila a fab blazer! We took the shift dress, layered it over a work shirt, added a thin red belt and red heels and she was office-ready with a new style! Client A was thrilled beyond belief and exclaimed that I had to use this example to sell the wonders of my Styling, so here I am, thank you Client A!
So there you have it. Dig through your old suits, take the jacket away and get sleeve-rolling and skinny-jeans adding :)
KEY PIECE NO.5 - ACCESSORIES, ACCESSORIES, ACCESSORIES!
Featuring a mini capsule wardrobes is challenging in terms of which pieces we should select. So I couldn't include the 5 pieces, without a mention of accessories.
Accessories will single-handedly change an outfit in an instant. Lift it with colour, change the style, bring it from day-to-night with one powerful addition!
I hear regularly from ladies who struggle with how to wear accessories and which ones to go for. I think it's because there are so many out there and ladies don't want to wear something which looks 'statement' and end up making the wrong statement.
My advice would be to opt for at least one simple gold or silver (depending on which works best with your skin tone) which you can literally 'throw on' with any outfit to add more interest. Work up to selecting more pieces in different colours, as accessories really are a great way of adding some colour, and also to pieces which express your personality.
Other great accessories are scarves, which I believe you can really never have too many of. Even if the whole outfit is neutral, a scarf will add colour and style. The three featured in the left pic are Primark specials, £4 each! These are the best Primark has to offer, as the fabric is a soft matt silk style, they are oversized so 'poof' up nicely to look fab ('poof' up was a term I used recently with my mom, helping her with her scarf when she said how hers never looked the same as mine! I told her she needed to get more air into them and 'poof' them up to which we now laugh so much when 'poof' up our scarves!)
I always get asked HOW TO WEAR SCARVES and will write a specific feature on this, as I think it's important. My advice is always, they look better when they are less try-hard and perfect.
Don't forget belts in your accessories collection. Thin belts work for everyone, even if you don't like drawing attention to your waist, as they add the line which creates a waist but don't feel too 'invasive'. I never thought I'd see the day when I felt wide waist cinch belts didn't work in the same way, but I feel like it's coming! I think thin belts look more stylish and edgier!
Unless you fact a treat or a timeless piece, I would recommend trying Primark for thin belts. Their versions look expensive and are always £2-£3. Nowhere else has the colour and style range and with their selection, you can buy a few and create even more outfits!
So here's a finished look, a great colour combo, chic and effortless look using one of each of the 5 pieces above
CAMEL NUDE VEST (£2) + PALE TEAL FITTED CARDI ($15/£10) + BROWN SLIM BELT (£2)+ CAMEL BOYF BLAZER (£19.99) + BLUE FLORAL OVERSIZED SCARF (£4) + SKINNY JEANS (£9)
TOTAL COST = UNDER £50!!! (£46.99)
So you know what that means girls? More money to spend on the shoes to wear with the outfit!!!!
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