Ever wondered exactly what a capsule wardrobe is? Well, it’s a limited collection of clothes which you can easily mix and match. Ideally, you’ll include items that are versatile, "classic" and neutral so they won’t go out of fashion any time soon. Of course, you’ll need to love every piece of clothing too, because you’ll be wearing it multiple times.
The great news is that it’s perfect for mums because we neither have time for regular shopping trips nor for getting ready in the morning. And you can feel chuffed about the fact that if you hang onto clothes for longer and buy less, you’re benefiting the environment (and your bank balance). So, what should you include in your summer capsule wardrobe?
Well, first you need to work out what not to include! As de-clutter queen Marie Kondo famously said: "Discard everything that does not spark joy."
Now you don’t need to take this too literally; there’s no need to get rid of all your black socks because they don’t leave you beaming… But, if there are old dresses, jeans or tops that don’t fit or are unflattering, it’s time to pass them on via a charity shop, clothing bank or recycling box in your favourite high street store.
Now for the fun part; here are some must-have pieces for the season ahead.
Basic Tees
A few basic tees will be the hardest-working items in your wardrobe. Stick to neutral colours in plain or striped designs and they’ll go with everything! Fortunately, many brands now focus on styles that are long and loose so they’re flattering for us all.
A White Shirt
A white shirt is definitely something that won’t date, and it
stays in style all year round. Get one that’s good quality and you won’t regret
it.
Sweaters
Sweaters can be dressed up or down and because of our climate, they’re just as essential in summer as they are in winter. Stick to black if you want to look smart and pick a plain one if you want it to be versatile. Logo sweaters will also look stylish.
Jeans
While black leggings are a great comfy option, I still love my jeans. Include a smart black pair that will work for day or night, a pair of mom jeans for running around in and a cropped pair for sunny days.
Dresses
Dresses are great for your summer capsule wardrobe because they’re an outfit all on their own. Whether you like leopard print, floral or plain designs, they’ll work as well at home as they do on holidays.
Jackets
And for cooler days, get a denim jacket that you can wear over a dress, and you’ll look "put together" and on-trend. A black blazer is another wardrobe essential that will elevate a casual outfit instantly.
Shoes
Last but not least are shoes! While we’d all love a shoe collection like Carrie’s ('SATC'), when it comes to a capsule wardrobe, three pairs are sufficient. Choose a pair of runners that will look as good with dresses as they do with jeans, a pair of comfy, casual sandals, and a dressy pair for a night out with your mom friends.