Photo by Alyssa Strohmann on Unsplash
In Part 1 of our capsule wardrobe series, we laid out how a capsule wardrobe will help support your eco-conscious lifestyle, and the questions you should ask yourself when paring down your overflowing closet to a functional wardrobe you’ll actually wear.
This week, we’re helping you get a jump start on your new style with five essential pieces to create a versatile capsule wardrobe that works for your life.
1. Tank Top
Photo by Claire Rush on Unsplash
Tank tops in basic neutrals like black, white or grey should be a staple in your capsule collection. They are great for layering, they go with everything, and they never go out of style.
2. Short-Sleeved T-Shirt
Photo by Md Salman on Unsplash
Like the tank, a t-shirt can be worn multiple ways. Think a white t-shirt with jeans for daytime, or a white t-shirt with a slim black skirt and gold chain for night. Invest in quality Ts that will stand the test of time. Keep the fabrics soft, the embellishments minimal and launder them carefully so they last.
3. Button-Down Shirt/Blouse
Photo by Anton Mislawsky on Unsplash
Button downs are great for layering. They can be worn over long- or short-sleeved tops, they can be tucked or untucked (or if you’re fashion-forward, french-tucked). And who can forget when Sharon Stone wore her Gap button-down with a luxe skirt to the Oscars? This was the pinnacle of capsule wardrobing - take an everyday piece and turn it into something fabulous!
4. Little Black Dress
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
A great LBD will go wherever you go, in style. Pair it with simple sneakers and layered under a button-down shirt for daytime. At night, remove the shirt and add a simple scarf, and swap the sneakers for heels or pretty flats. Jewellery will also dress your dress up or down. When looking for your perfect LBD, focus on two words: simple & flattering. You’re guaranteed to go back to it over and over again.
5. Blazer
Photo by Fernando Lavin on Unsplash
A blazer is a great way to bring colour to your capsule wardrobe. A red blazer with a white t-shirt and jeans is a classic running-errands-on-a-Saturday look. The same red blazer over your LBD and heels is a simple way to transition your dress from daytime to evening, while adding a great pop of colour to your look. If pops of colour aren’t your thing (or at least, not in a blazer - jewellery is a great way to make a colour statement in a smaller piece), go for a blazer in black, white or even cream, and wear it with everything.
This is just the start of your capsule wardrobe. Throw in a tweed skirt, a great pair of jeans, some slacks and some versatile shoes, and you’ve got a simple mix-and-match wardrobe that will save you money, save you time getting dressed, and support your eco-friendly commitment to avoid fast fashion trends. If you’re looking for inspiration for your capsule wardrobe, check out Daria Andronescu’s Wonder Wardrobe, Courtney Carver’s Project 333 or Verena Erin’s Green Closet.
Tell us in the comments or on our social media what you consider essentials for your own capsule wardrobe.
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki