Capsule wardrobe update
In October 2021 I decided to create a capsule wardrobe – following the curation of my closet – that sounds rather like a squirm inducing procedure, but it really wasn’t – it was cleansing both literally and figuratively! As Spring has now arrived, it’s time for the well-known practice of wardrobe switch-over – when you put away, not childish things, but super warm sweaters, woolly hats and that pair of two left handed gloves, and fish out the T-shirts, the cotton jumpers and the white trousers, only to realise that it’s not quite warm enough yet and have to put leggings on under the trousers to keep warm!
Still, it may be a triumph of hope over experience, at least in the UK, but as I write this, the sun has definitely got his hat and his sunnies on, and I feel the need to wear slightly brighter colours than deep black, pale black and very black indeed.
But before I do that, I’ve reviewed my capsule wardrobe to see what worked, what didn’t and what I can learn from curating my closet and having a prescribed list of clothing from which to get dressed – did it make it easier, did I stick to it, and would I do it again – a rhetorical question, as I think you know the answer – it worked brilliantly! Why – because I didn’t have to think too much every day – go to the clothes rail and pick out – well, basically leggings and a jumper!
What I wore
The successes, the items I turned to again and again over the winter months were the following:
A brown alpaca jumper from Arket – I love that brand so much I’d like to move into the Regent Street store!
A black cashmere hoodie from Lilysilk – so comfortable and good enough for Zoom!
A grey woollen cardigan also from Arket – soft, cosy and super warm.
And a black oversized cashmere jumper, also from – you guessed it – Arket – smart enough to wear out for dinner.
What I didn’t wear
I’m afraid contrary to many a fashionista’s suggestion, I didn’t reach for my white jeans over the winter months. When I did go out, in a taxi or on public transport, I was concerned about arriving at the restaurant with a pre-food stain on my thigh occasioned by a grubby tube seat or spec of makeup that might have fallen unseen before I left home. I also didn’t reach for my cardigans as much as I thought I would, except on very cold days when I shrugged them on over a jumper.
What I added in
I did, however, add in some items – consisting mostly of the same items as listed about only in different colours!
So…
An Arket grey alpaca oversized jumper – currently out of stock on the UK site but available in other colours.
I also added in some more leggings – from a brilliant, affordable brand called, appropriately enough, Love Leggings.
A beige cashmere hoodie from Lilysilk
An Arket Lilac oversized cashmere jumper
So here are my Five Tips on successful wardrobe planning:
- Look at your closet and pick out what you reach for regularly.
- Consider hanging your curated closet on a dedicated rail or closet so you stay focused.
- Don’t rush out and buy things before you’ve really considered whether you will wear them – or buy second hand to begin with – e.g. a second hand cardigan – to see if you like it and reach for it regularly. If you do, then you can splurge!
- If you really love something, do consider buying the same item in a different colour – I’ve done it with jumpers and silk shirts – and it has worked really well for me as I know the item will suit me and I know I’ll reach for them both depending on my mood. The only caveat is you could get bored – so think carefully – tbh do that for every purchase – although I know that’s not always easy!
- Consider colours that suit you – I like the lilac jumper but if I’m honest I don’t reach for it as much as I’m not sure it’s brilliant against my complexion.
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