Building a Capsule Wardrobe: Fall Fashion Refresh
I have, for a while now, been in love with the idea of a capsule wardrobe. I love the idea of having a small, interchangeable set of clothing that is fashionable, well-fitted, and appropriate to my lifestyle.
The problem is, I really like variety. I also have Sewing Project ADD--I want to make ALL the pretty shiny things! I have a never-ending project list and an ever-growing fabric & pattern stash.
Enter the 5-Piece French Wardrobe. The concept has been around for some time, but I just discovered it super-recently. It was like something clicked into place. The concept is that you have a capsule wardrobe of basics in a neutral color, and that each season you add to it/ update it with 5 items. Now THIS I can almost manage.
So, what should be in a basic capsule wardrobe?
According to the website French Girl Daily "spring/summer basics include pieces like t-shirts, shorts, skirts, cropped pants, tank tops, camisoles, and wrap dresses. [While] fall/winter basics include items such as jeans, pants, long-sleeve shirts, button-up shirts, fitted sweaters, button-up sweaters, jackets and heavy coats."
Of course, this is a very general guideline and you'll need to alter the list to suit your personality & to fit your lifestyle. Personally, I don't often wear button-up shirts: they never fit me well and are generally uncomfortable to me. I have several in my closet, but they usually just sit there--so I wouldn't consider that a "basic" for me. Ditto with shorts & "cropped pants."
As far as "neutral colors" are concerned, most people stick with black, white, and blues--though I am seeing more browns & tans recently. Again, for me white doesn't work; I would most likely immediately stain it with coffee. This is experience speaking. Black also is not my favorite; I feel it ages me and just isn't flattering. I own the requisite black slacks/ dress/ t-shirt/ sweater, but they don't get used as often as my more colorful pieces.
For my Fall/Winter wardrobe I'm going to focus on Forest-y Colors: browns & deep greens, royal blue & black, with accents in maroon.
Ok, time to access my wardrobe for the basics:
Jeans--check. They are getting worn, but fine for now.
Pants--my black slacks need replacing. I will use the same Decades of Style Empire Waist Trousers' pattern I used for my green pants.
Long-sleeve Shirts--I have 1 in neon pink, 1 in teal, 1 in brown faux velvet. The colors are a little odd, dunno if they will work. However, last year I bought one with bishop's sleeves & a pink & tan stripe, I also made one with an evergreen & mustard stripe. Buying 1 in olive brown from Target
& a second 1 with bishop's sleeves in black.
If I have time and energy sometime this season (HA!), I'd like to make up this Simplicity blouse in this adorable 1930's inspired floral print cotton. I'm undecided as to whether I want the pattern featured or the short-sleeved version (C, E or D, E). What do y'all think?
Fitted Sweaters--I have more than I need. Last year I thrifted a nice chunky forest green one. This year, I bought a puffed sleeve version in cream. Incidentally, I'm loving the puffed and bishop's sleeve styles lately.
Button-up Sweaters--I was pleasantly reminded that I have a long-ish (it falls below my hips) 1 in black, as well as an open-weave black bolero, and a classic cardigan in rust. Bought a lovely soft chunky mint green version to add to the collection.
Jackets and heavy coats--last year my faux leather tan motorcycle died, but I think I will wait to replace it. I have a proper leather jacket in maroon & a trench in tan, both perfect for Southern California "Winter". Last year I added a heavy long black coat for the little bit of rain and cold we do get.
Skirts & Dresses--I'm going to add this category. They aren't just for summer, especially in Los Angeles. If it gets cold enough I will style it with tights and a button-down sweater or light jacket. I have my black dress w/ 3/4 length sleeves, but it is very thin. I also have two skirts: pleated navy blue w/ black chevron design & a tan wool. Maybe I will add one of these:
You see what I mean about Sewing Project ADD? That's 4 items bought and 4-6 on the sewing list.
What I have discovered from this exercise is that I have *way too many clothes. I'm having flashbacks to watching the Marie Kondo series--specifically the part where they pile all their clothes onto the bed and are horrified.
Stay tuned for further adventures in clutter-clearing and wardrobe curation.
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