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Lover of fashion, passionate about personal image, and former fashion executive now dedicated to assisting professional women level up!
As a stylist – I’ve seen a lot of closets. And want to know what I’ve seen more of than anything? Overstuffed closets. I see shirts stuffed in with belts stuffed in with off-season hats, items all over the floor – just so much randomness that you don’t even know where to start. (Now before we get any further: this is no damn organize-your-closet manifesto. You can go to the Container Store for that!) What I’m talking about is a closet full of things that you MAY wear… but probably never do. A closet that you are constantly adding to and never taking anything out of. A closet full of stuff collecting dust that you’re waiting to wear for the right occasion. The right weight. The right moment. And to all of that I say: just STOP. As a busy woman, you are wasting precious time with a closet that has zero through line. You, my friend, are in need of the year-round capsule wardrobe!
Not familiar with the term? A capsule wardrobe is comprised of a limited number of items that all work together to create infinite outfit possibilities. And a year-round one is one that works, well, year-round! The best way to describe it is a wardrobe with intention. Instead of spending endless time trying to throw an outfit together with clothes from endless shopping trips, you’re putting in the effort up front by crafting the wardrobe FIRST… and then getting dressed with ease! You’ve got too much to take care of every morning, so stop wasting your energy on what could be a breeze.
There are a handful of pillars for the Polished woman’s capsule wardrobe: basics, tailoring, colors, accessories, and retailers. And I’m going to walk you through it all. Let’s get into it!
The foundation of any successful capsule wardrobe starts with high-quality basics. Think of classic items that can be mixed and matched effortlessly: well-fitted jeans, simple white tees, pullover sweaters, and neutral colored blazers. These pieces are versatile enough to wear on their own or layer as needed!
PRO TIP: When choosing your basics, don’t skimp on quality. A durable fabric and well-made construction are worth the investment!
Fit is everything. Even the most beautiful, high-quality clothes won’t look their best if they don’t fit you well. This is where a tailor comes in. Investing in tailoring can completely transform the way your clothes look and feel! Tailoring doesn’t just apply to new clothes either—it’s a great way to breathe new life into older pieces, giving them a fresh, more modern fit! If you’re a big fan of thrifting or vintage shopping… your tailor will be your best friend!
PRO TIP: Know yourself well enough to know whether you will actually take things to a tailor. Don’t let your items collect dust! If you think you’d be more unlikely to – then make a commitment to doing this just for higher-ticket items in your closet! They deserve it. (All of your items do… but if you’re a procrastinator, stick to a reachable goal!)
While a capsule wardrobe is primarily built around neutrals, pops of color are where you can ensure your personality shines! Don’t feel pressured to go overboard, though. Subtle color additions – like a light blue cardigan, an emerald green scarf, or a soft pink blouse – can elevate an otherwise simple outfit. You can also bring in seasonal colors that align with each time of year (think burgundy for fall and yellow for spring!). The key is to find shades that complement your skin tone and integrate effortlessly with your basic pieces, so they feel intentional, not random or haphazard.
PRO TIP: I offer a custom color palette as a part of many of my services – click HERE to book a Style Chat!
Accessories are your secret weapon when it comes to making your capsule wardrobe feel more dynamic and personal. A great pair of shoes, a stylish scarf, or a leather bag can completely change the look of an outfit, even if you’re wearing the same basics! When building your accessory collection, aim for versatility. Don’t forget jewelry, too – simple gold or silver pieces can add a touch of sophistication to even the most casual look!
PRO TIP: Need a little direction? Opt for a few key items that can transition from day to night, or from season to season. A pair of ankle booties, a neutral tote bag, and quality scarves can be worn in countless ways, creating new outfits without requiring you to shop!
Building a capsule wardrobe is all about curating your closet with the best pieces for your body and your style, and part of that is knowing where to shop. Invest your time in retailers known for their quality and longevity, where classic styles and timeless pieces are a staple! Click HERE to see a curated list of retailers for professional women!
PRO TIP: Consider resale shops or vintage stores, too – sometimes, the best pieces are found when you’re willing to search for them!
A year-round capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for practicality. By focusing on these pillars, you can build a wardrobe that’s functional, stylish, and effortlessly chic. With a bit of strategy and a lot of intention, your capsule wardrobe will carry you through every season! Style versatility + longevity are yours for the taking. And better yet – I can curate capsule wardrobe just for you, if you contact me today! Let’s level up how you show up!
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