You see for the past 5 years, I’ve been struggling with a poorly designed, 35 year old wardrobe.
I’ll set the scene for you… in order for me to see what’s on a shelf I needed to literally don a miner’s head torch and do a deep dive to find what I was after… it hasn’t been fun.
So as the cooler months began to roll around and I embarked on the annual “out with the shorts and tee’s, in with the jeans and knits” ritual, I decided this year was going to be different.
I googled wardrobe design, watched as many Marie Kondo YouTubes as I could and finally found a set-up that would suit our oddly shaped room. After approximately 2 weeks of teeny tiny screws being assembled into multiple IKEA flatpacks, my new wardrobe was ready!
And what a transformation it has been, on so many levels.
When I was first approached to contribute an article each month for this magazine, I surveyed friends and family as to what they would like to read about. To my surprise, so many people said “Tell us how to create the ultimate capsule wardrobe”.
Now if you’ve read my articles to date you will know that I have touched on lots of topics, but capsule wardrobes have never made an appearance, yet. Like with anything I decide to write about, I need to feel it first. It’s funny how things snowball isn’t it?
After our wardrobe renovation, it was time to fill it! Now this is the fun part, you might think… “Imagine what Lusanna’s wardrobe looks like, it would be amazing?”
And don’t get me wrong, it is amazing, but it was how I filled it that got me thinking about capsule wardrobes, why people are intrigued by them, and what makes one successful.
The reason I have hesitated talking about capsule wardrobes for so long, is that in reality the best capsule wardrobe looks different for everyone. Do you have a day job? Are you office based or home based? Are you a mum of young children? Perhaps you are on grandma duties 3 days a week, or you might lunch with the ladies 3 times a week? Can you see how each lifestyle calls for a completely different capsule?
Having said that, there are rules that can apply across the board. My key considerations when compiling a capsule wardrobe are:- Identify your favourite (most often reached for) items. Start with well fitting pants for both casual and smart casual events, classic high quality basic tops including a shirt (in both neutrals and your most flattering colour).
If your lifestyle calls for it, a tailored jacket in a neutral colour and one in your ‘go to’ colour, or a well cut flattering denim jacket for casual events.
Accessories can really elevate a classic capsule wardrobe. Think colourful scarves, necklaces, earrings as well as a fun handbag or two. We really do get to have all the fun don’t we?
Footwear really needs to suit your lifestyle. White joggers are all the rage at the moment, so run with that (just make sure they are white still… no-one likes a dirty runner!). Loafers are also a comfortable, chic option which can work back with so many looks in your wardrobe. My favourites are timeless neutrals and my leopard print ones from Aussie brand Millwoods. Finally, we all need a good set of heels that we can actually stand in (height to your preference, just find a good go to!)
For me, the biggest key element of a successful capsule wardrobe is making considered choices and buying the very best quality you can afford. Cost per wear is a great way to think about value when it comes to buying wardrobe staples.
Invest in the pieces you will wear the most and they are guaranteed to stand the test of time.
If you’d like to elevate your wardrobe staples, feel free to visit us in store, we’d love to help!
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