Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe

What is a capsule wardrobe?

Is it a wardrobe that consists of 30 pieces? Or maybe 10?

I don’t know, and I don’t count. I use term “capsule wardrobe” very loosely because I don’t like to be restricted by numbers or rules. However, in my wardrobe, I only have clothes that I wear.

To me capsule wardrobe means no surprises because the clothes are carefully curated by me. I know what to expect in terms of colour, pattern and style. In a good capsule wardrobe most things work together. Everything that doesn’t deserve to be there, doesn’t get a place (something I’ve learned from @_ifitstuesday_).

For years I struggled to describe my personal style. I always felt my best wearing something smart but one step too far, like heels or silky blouse and I would be out of my comfort zone. That’s where I discovered term “smart casual” which is my style in an essence. It could be described as casual, comfortable wear with smart elements, often considered office appropriate.

Once I identified clothes and combinations I felt great in, my life became much easier. I wear jeans and t-shirt combination occasionally, yet my wardrobe is very practical and comfortable. How do I achieve it and why is it so great?

My clothes reflect my lifestyle

It’s all about being honest with yourself and analysing exactly what activities you have on a day to day basis. It took me some time to understand that I don’t have the fancy life I imagined. I used to shop too many colours and styles, but what’s worse, things that were too fancy and inappropriate for my casual life. Now my clothes are not too dressy so I could wear them to a school run or a playground with my daughters, but dressy enough that I could style them to a nice dinner with my husband. 

My clothes are comfortable, not sloppy

I don’t have anything too stiff or see through, too short or too tight. I don’t own anything itchy (wool, except for trousers and coats which are bearable) or too revealing. I don’t own any polyester jumpers that would cause me to sweat. I don’t have heels and prefer to choose flat shoes since I walk almost everywhere (except for my weekly grocery shopping which I have to drive to).

I know my colours

First of all, I have my neutral favourite hues like: beige, grey, white and black. My pop of colour is usually blue or green.
Another, maybe more important thing is, I know I’m a cool tone (Winter as @heybeautiful.eu helped me to analyse). I used to have different shades of brown in my wardrobe and didn’t know why they wouldn’t create a cohesive clean look (for example warm cognac brown and cool taupe). Ever since I’ve learned I suit cool shades, putting outfit together or shopping has become much quicker and more fun. Of course, I still have some of my old clothes in warm tones, but I wear them away from my face in a form of skirt, trousers or accessories.

I invest in good quality core pieces

It can be different for you, but for me these are things like: a white t-shirt, classic blazer, pair of jeans, well fitted pair of trousers, cashmere jumper, shirt, coat etc., and I don’t let too many statement or trendy pieces in.

I know my signature pieces

These are my basic items I absolutely love, but they don’t have to be in a classic cut or style. For example, I like wide cropped or full length trousers and oversized shirts and jumpers. I love loose summer dresses and midaxi skirts. I know, they may not be to everyone’s taste, but that’s the beauty of it. Everyone should have something unique to their style, something that represents their personality and makes them happy.

I keep my wardrobe organised and tidy

I like to hang my t-shirts and shirts in a colour-code order, from lightest to darkest. My outerwear has its separate corner, jeans and jumpers are folded where I can see them. I try to keep everything neat and aesthetically pleasing, adding some perfume and candles for decoration as it inspires me when I pick my clothes. I know from my own experience that you can’t create beautiful, organised wardrobe when you have too many clothes piling up.

I follow two simple fashion rules

“One item of clothing in my outfit should be dressy”. So it could be a shirt, pair of trousers, skirt or even a dress or jumpsuit. One such item paired with casual components will create a chic and comfortable outfit. Even if my outfit feels a bit too casual I can always dress it up with a trench coat, blazer or pair of loafers.

Another rule that I use, but never really treated as a rule, more of an aesthetic, is that “I wear maximum of 3 colours at a time”, e.g. white shirt, blue jeans and beige trench. For accessories I’d choose a beige bag and snake print beige sneakers.
To switch colours for the same shirt+jeans base I would pair it with a black coat or blazer and pair of loafers.

I choose smart casual because I feel comfortable and confident in it, but there are other more practical reasons. Having balance of casual and dressy in your wardrobe means you are prepared for most social occasions. You will always look put together, even on your school run or walking your dog.

It also reduces the “getting dressed anxiety” because your clothes will be carefully selected and adjusted to your individual preferences.
The beauty of smart casual capsule is that it can be implemented into any style direction. Wether you are classic, minimal, romantic or androgynous.

But the best part is that it’s practical. If you are like me and you don’t have time to plan your outfits or (again like me) you’re lazy, that’s your perfect capsule.