Creating your own Capsule Wardrobe

Featuring products from Bernstein & Gold, located at 608 Yates Street, Victoria, BC.

Capsule wardrobe; noun "a small collection of clothes that can be put together in different ways and includes everything you would normally need to wear." -Cambridge Dictionary

Window display at Bernstein & Gold.

Have you ever stood in your walk-in thinking you have nothing to wear while it's filled to the brim with clothes? You don't need more clothes, you need the right clothes... It's not a one size fits all as to what are the right pieces but we can try to make it that bit simpler for you by suggesting pieces that are great staples or styles for your wardrobe. This will make it easier to pick your outfit in the morning.

Bloggers and fashion influencers have begun minimizing their wardrobes, some to 50 piece collections, and some to less. When you think about how much money we put into our wardrobes you have to consider the cost per wear of items, and if there is something else you'd rather have that would be more functional for your lifestyle and everyday use.

Let's get started with the process below and we'll get into the staples a little later on.

Step 1: Define your style

Start by taking a look at magazines, or your Pinterest board and figure out what your style is. Once you've done this, make of list of things that you like or don't like, the styles you like and the things that you feel confident in.

A great way to do this is to figure out if you have a style Icon, or someone who inspires the way you dress. Princess Diana has been my style icon since I was a child.

Senso Petra & Sol Sana Palma Mule in Ivory.

Step 2: Purge

Let's take a look at your current collection and decide what stays and what goes.

1. Does it fit your style?

2. Does it fit you?

3. Can you picture yourself wearing this?

4. Have you worn this in the last year?

5. Does it have sentimental value?

If you have answered no to any of these questions move it to your "to-go" pile.

The final piece of the purge is figuring out what goes where, consignment, donation, friends... It's just categorizing where it is most useful but also trying not to be afraid to part with the item.

I often find myself feel anxious about parting with things, no idea why but I found so much use in what Marie Kondo said about showing your appreciation and saying thank you... It may be a inanimate object but you're still showing your appreciation and remembering the use you got from it.

Richer & Poorer Dress; Mother, The Hustler Ankle Fray.

Step 3: Inventory and wants

Now that you've decluttered make a list of things that you would like to have and that you feel would have value in your closet.

If you buy a piece and you wear it 3-4 times a week you're using it to it's full potential whereas if you only wore it once every 3 months personally I would look at it as a bit of waste.

When planning for your capsule wardrobe you need to take into account whether it can be worn throughout the year or if it's a piece you will rotate out depending on the season. It's good to try to have things that are multi-purpose; something that you can wear casual but can also dress up and wear out to dinner. I find that ensuring you are going with quality over quantity is great, and this often comes back to the saying "buy once, buy right."

The Blazer

Blazers are a great piece because they can be used for business or play, and often can be worn throughout the year so getting a piece that lasts and goes with a lot of different colours is your best bet.

I find that Smythe offers a variety of great pieces like the 90's blazer, (more of an oversized or boyfriend fit allowing for the sleeves to be rolled up and worn casual as well as business with more layers underneath),or the Duchess Blazer, (more of a fitted piece, you can't layer this one as much but you can certainly pair it with a fitted button up, cami or light tee).

The Jeans

Having jeans that fit you and make you feel comfortable is important. I personally have always found that straight leg jeans are great option, especially if you're a little curvier like myself. You can wear them rolled up for a more casual look, or tucked/ half tucked for a slightly more polished look.

If you're in need of a brand suggestion give 7 for all Mankind, Paige, or Mother Denim a try. With a variety of styles from mom jeans (my personal favourite pair from 7), to straight legged and cropped frayed ankle you've got a wide selection to chose from.

Smythe 90's Oversized Blazer; Mother, The Looker in Not Guilty.

The Cami

Camis are a staple in my wardrobe for many reasons, they can be a layering piece under a button up shirt, or used as your primary top. My go to for years since I got my first one has been silk camis, a little bit of luxe goes a long way.

I first discovered Cami NYC through an app called COVET, (a dress up app where you can "buy" actual pieces for your model and battle others by entering styling matches where you can win prizes and vote on looks), when I was 12 or 13 years old and fell in love with the elegance and uniqueness of their pieces. There is still one piece from COVET that I am on the hunt for today, sadly it was discontinued several years ago and I've been unable to find it on any resale apps in my size.

Camis are a piece where it's great to have more than one, whether you decide to do a pop of colour like a lime green or an ombre dye. I must admit, I have a few of these but that's because I used to use them weekly, (not so much so now thanks to COVID and working from home). I have a white, caramel with black lace, black, charcoal with crystal straps, and a lime green one.

Silk camis can last you for years, and I mean years. My mum recently gave me one that she got from Holt Renfrew when my parents got married back in the 90's. So if you look after them they can last for years to come.

Cami NYC Racer Charmeuse, Richer & Poorer Dress.

The Dress

Not just one, but two. One casual and one more formal piece that you can see yourself wearing to events for years to come. The casual dress should be something that you feel comfortable in, walking around, going grocery shopping and just generally living your day to day life.

Now what are some other great pieces to have? I would suggest investing in a pair of comfortable walking shoes that you can wear out and about or that you can wear with jeans and a blazer, (look at those pieces coming to use!) A pair of boots, it's personal choice really whether you should get suede or leather, flat or heeled but there are a lot of really great quality brands out there and water/ weather proofing can help you make sure they last longer.

What would you suggest for starting your own capsule wardrobe?

Thanks for the read friends,

Check back in two weeks for the next post!

Hannah

All pieces featured can be found at Bernstein & Gold located downtown Victoria, BC.

Please note that this is not an advertisement, it is all personal opinion.