How to build a capsule wardrobe 

1) Start with elevated basics, think quality over quantity with this. Elevated basics are excellent basic items which elevate an outfit and go with many different outfit choices. 

 

Examples of elevated basics can include

• An elegant blouse such as a pussy bow or a dobby style blouse for example
• Little black dress
• Trench Coat
• Classic Leather loafers
• White Blouse
• Leather Jacket
• Jeans
• A leather belt which goes with many outfits
• Boots

2) Stick to a colour palette which works best for you, having a wardrobe full of versatile colours which suit you best means most outfits can already coordinate with one another by design.

• Colours which suit your skin, going to a personal stylist to get your colours done is a good way to know what suits you best.
• Your favourite colours
• Colours which are versatile and easy to go with everyone, a cohesive wardrobe makes travelling, packing and dressing yourself more convenient.

3) Invest more money into clothing as high quality pieces are more likely to last longer.

• Pay attention to the stitching
• How the garment is made.
• Avoid fast fashion especially when it comes to timeless classics, the more use you get out of your items, the more money you should be investing in it. (consider cost per wear ratios, I have another blog on this topic alone)

4) Think about the textiles, pay attention to what your garments are made of as the more deluxe the fabric is, the more refined it's going to look on it's own. Things to look out for

• Silk
• Cotton
• 100% wool
• Cashmere, a beautiful cashmere rollneck jumper is such an easy piece which will go with any bottoms. 

5) Be picky. Don't just buy things you like, invest in clothes you love and only purchase clothing that meets your standards. Ask yourself if you will get fed up of it, does it actually suit you, if it could be more flattering then it's best to leave it and look for something else.

6) Purchase versatile clothing such as layering pieces or outfits that can be dressed up or dressed down.

• Jumper Dress
• Maxi Skirt
• Wide Leg Trousers
• Blouses
• 100% Cotton T-shirts
• Blazers

7) Accept that it takes years to build a wardrobe you love, consider selling things you don't use and invest slowly but surely, there is no rush. You don't need to go out one day and buy everything all at once.

8) Have fun with it, it's great to have neutrals as these are a common favourite in a capsule wardrobe however neutrals can mean different things to each person. What are your neutrals also, do you even like muted colours or a neutral palette. A capsule wardrobe doesn't have to only consist of navy, black, shades of beige or grey. It can be as vibrant and as saturated as you want. 

9) Use accessories to elevate an outfit, don't underestimate the power of jazzing up an outfit with good shoes, a well-made handbag, a statement jacket, a bold belt or hair accessories. Jewellery can really transform an outfit