Creating a Closet Capsule
By Bridgette Raes
So what is a wardrobe capsule and why is it important?
A wardrobe capsule is a group of garments usually totaling about twelve garments in all. The twelve pieces that make up a capsule should have a relationship to one another so that when mixed and matched they can create multiple outfits. The concept of a capsule is important because the biggest mistake I see in a closet is the lack of relationship between any of the garments hanging there which is why so many of us have orphans hanging in there. What winds up happening when you don't think about clothing relationship is you wind up with a bunch of really great stand alone pieces that match with nothing else, or singular outfits without much interchangeability. This is why so many of us stare at a full closet and have nothing to wear, nothing matches. The concept of a wardrobe capsule is incredibly important when creating a successful wardrobe. Besides aren't you sick of staring at a closet full of clothes convinced that you have nothing to wear.
Here is an example of a capsule-
2 Suits equaling 4 pieces
These pieces should be neutral shades that compliment each other, for example black and grey or Tan and Brown. Remember what neutral shades are- black, grey, brown, tan, camel, olive and any other color that you don't mind wearing across your butt.
2 shirts or blouses
Choose two different colors that compliment the two neutral shades you choose as well as your face. These are the great face colors, choose colors that compliment your personal coloring.
2 knit tops
same rule as above.
2 Coordinates
This could be a novelty jacket, something a bit more flashy with intricate detail, but still coordinates back to the capsule. This is where your capsule gets its personality.
2 extra pieces
For example, two pants, two skirts or one of each that work with the group.
Accessories for the capsule-
If you are looking for a more casual capsule, you can toss out the two suits which gives you four extra pieces for your capsule. I would choose in place of these suits a great pair of jeans, a casual pair of pants, a great basic jacket and maybe one more slightly novelty jacket or another top.
Some more good tips-
So what is a wardrobe capsule and why is it important?
A wardrobe capsule is a group of garments usually totaling about twelve garments in all. The twelve pieces that make up a capsule should have a relationship to one another so that when mixed and matched they can create multiple outfits. The concept of a capsule is important because the biggest mistake I see in a closet is the lack of relationship between any of the garments hanging there which is why so many of us have orphans hanging in there. What winds up happening when you don't think about clothing relationship is you wind up with a bunch of really great stand alone pieces that match with nothing else, or singular outfits without much interchangeability. This is why so many of us stare at a full closet and have nothing to wear, nothing matches. The concept of a wardrobe capsule is incredibly important when creating a successful wardrobe. Besides aren't you sick of staring at a closet full of clothes convinced that you have nothing to wear.
Here is an example of a capsule-
2 Suits equaling 4 pieces
These pieces should be neutral shades that compliment each other, for example black and grey or Tan and Brown. Remember what neutral shades are- black, grey, brown, tan, camel, olive and any other color that you don't mind wearing across your butt.
2 shirts or blouses
Choose two different colors that compliment the two neutral shades you choose as well as your face. These are the great face colors, choose colors that compliment your personal coloring.
2 knit tops
same rule as above.
2 Coordinates
This could be a novelty jacket, something a bit more flashy with intricate detail, but still coordinates back to the capsule. This is where your capsule gets its personality.
2 extra pieces
For example, two pants, two skirts or one of each that work with the group.
Accessories for the capsule-
- 2 pair of shoes, one elegant pair and one sensible pair.
- 2 belts
- 2 scarves or other decorative accessories.
- 1 good bag
The test-If this capsule is successful you should be able to create 52 outfits!
If you are looking for a more casual capsule, you can toss out the two suits which gives you four extra pieces for your capsule. I would choose in place of these suits a great pair of jeans, a casual pair of pants, a great basic jacket and maybe one more slightly novelty jacket or another top.
Some more good tips-
- Solids match better than patterned ones.
- Simple under-trimmed styles as well as classic lines have more longevity.
- Year round fabrics get the most use
- Two items in a capsule should not be the same style.
- When adding to your capsule the new piece does not have to match everything. The new piece needs to match at least three pieces of the existing capsule.
- Lastly NEVER TAKE HOME AN ORPHAN! I have said this repeatedly. Before you buy something new think about what you are doing with that article of clothing. Do you have something in your closet that works with the piece you are considering? If you buy something make sure you have at least two things in your closet work with the piece. If you don't either put the piece back or find something in the store that can complete the outfit.
- Keep track of things. When I started out as a designer I was dirt-poor. A few years into my career I had gotten a job that required me to dress up. At that time I didn't have the right clothes in my wardrobe. When I finally had a little money I went shopping and came home with some basics. I integrated them into my closet and to save time I also started to keep a log of all the coordinating pieces and outfits I had in my closet to choose from. This way I could find a quick outfit during my rushed moments. This list was incredibly helpful for me and is also was what I used to create our "lookbook" service that we offer to our clients, only with the lookbook we use photographs. When you have restocked your wardrobe with some key pieces take some time to look through your closet and see how many outfits you can create, you would be surprised with all the options you actually do have in there.
(c) 2005 Bridgette Raes Style Group
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posted by Unknown @ 10:06 AM
