I’m all for having a relatively small collection of clothes for each season that can be mixed and matched so your look is varied. The “Capsule Wardrobe” of just 33 pieces is the current iteration of this minimalist approach to dressing.
But many of these capsule wardrobes are so BORING, like this one on the left, from Caroline Rector. All neutrals, from white to gray to denim to black. Yawn.
Of course we could go total minimalist (three pieces), to reduce all necessity for decisions when getting dressed in the morning. Examples: Steve Jobs (black turtleneck, Mom jeans, sneakers) or Mark Zuckerberg (gray t-shirt, jeans, sneakers). Or Matilda Kahl at Saatchi and Saatchi, whose daily uniform is a white silk blouse, black slacks, black shoes. Unfortunately white does nothing for her.
Colors are powerful communicators. Do you want to always send the same blah message? I don’t think so.
Create your ideal capsule wardrobe
Think about what you would pack in just one suitcase for a month-long trip. You would pack three or four neutral bottoms (slacks, skirts, jeans), a few neutral jackets or sweaters that coordinate in different ways with your bottoms, and a selection of more colorful shirts, blouses, scarves, etc make everything go together. Except here’s the catch: imagine packing it for a “trip” to your current life (home, work etc). You will be amazed by how many looks you can get from this limited selection, and how much more creative you can get when you’re constrained.
How your personal color palette can help
If you’d had a ColorStyle analysis your capsule wardrobe would go together effortlessly because you’re the common denominator in your color scheme, making it easy to mix and match. Also, you’d know how to use specific colors to send particular messages to other people: “I’m credible and trustworthy,” “I’m strong and competent,” I’m playful…practical… romantic… etc.
If you don’t like making decisions in the morning rush, create a list of combinations ahead of time. Here’s an example I found on Pinterest. Of course it would be more wonderful if they were YOUR pieces in YOUR personal colors…
If you’d like to know more about getting your colors analyzed by a professional who’s been working with color palettes for decades, here’s how to connect with me:
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