It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since we all moved from dressing up most days to feeling fancy in yoga pants and loungewear. After realizing how much more productive I am when I’m comfortable, I’ve taken a new look at my wardrobe. Like most moms, streamlining elements of my life has become a necessity. One way I’ve done this is by trimming down my closet, letting go of anything that’s uncomfortable and creating a way to get dressed in five minutes or less.
Enter the capsule wardrobe. Staple items that mix and match plus fun accessories and you are ready to go. Customize this for your personality and lifestyle. If you prefer dresses and skirts, load up on that area rather than adding in pants. If you feel comfortable wearing sandals over closed-toes shoes, add more of those. Do you like bright, spring colors or prefer a nice neutral palette? You get the basic idea.
So, where do you start?
Step 1: Shop your closet. Before you rush out to buy anything, shop in your closest. You might be surprised that when you are looking for specific items and pull them out by themselves how much you already own. Spring is a great opportunity to bust out the white on white with great jewelry or a bright cover layer. The recommendation is to have more tops than bottoms in your closet.
Step 2: Make a list. I’m also a big believer in the high/low wardrobe. Splurge on staples that will last you multiple seasons and years. For trendier pieces or pieces that might not last, try lower price points. Loft and J.Crew Factory are two of my favorites and often have fantastic sales.
Step 3: Create your outfits. I like to pair my outfits and then take photos. It reminds me how many ways I can mix and match a few items.
Here’s my take on a spring capsule wardrobe: With four tops and three bottoms, you can create 12 different looks.
Tops: White shell, bright colored shell, floral/print top, white button down. Then each of those tops should pair with at least three pairs of pants or skirts.
Bottoms: White jeans, light wash jeans, black pants/jeans. You also can’t go wrong with navy or olive green.
Dresses: Floral/print dress, solid jersey knit cap-sleeve/short-sleeve dress
Shoes: Sandals, neutral closed-toe kitten heel, neutral flats, stylish tennis shoe
Layers: Denim jacket, neutral cardigan/wrap, bright cardigan/wrap
Accessories: Big earrings, headbands, hats, scarves
Here’s to making life a little easier in the morning and looking good doing it!
