Even if you don't have much space, would you like your small wardrobe to perform at its best? You would probably like to save money by taking advantage of every single item of clothing you own. Or you want to change your style, but spending money isn't exactly your top priority. Whatever the reason, there is an easy way to organize your wardrobe, called 'capsule dressing', which will help you make the most of your outfits. Read on and you will discover the right rules and advice for using this method.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Create Your Own Custom Color Variety
Step 1. Find the best color
Find out which color suits you best. It will depend on your skin tone, hair color and eye color. If you have light eyes, the color you are looking for is often that of your eyes. Yellow and green, on the other hand, give those with red hair, while blackberries look good dressed in purple, and red fits perfectly with black hair. Experiment or ask friends for advice.
Step 2. Choose the colors that match best
Once you've found your color, look for others that match it. Two is the perfect number. You can choose them based on your personal judgment, looking at color lists found in fashion magazines, or using programs like Abobe's Kuler.
Step 3. Choose a couple of neutral colors
Now that you've picked a few colors, it's best to balance your selection by picking a few neutral pieces. By wearing too many colors you would look like a person who just ran away from the circus. Taking into account the choices you have already made, add a little black, white, beige, brown or gray.
Method 2 of 3: Create Your Own Wardrobe
Step 1. Focus on the upper body
Now that you've chosen your colors, buy 3-5 shirts or t-shirts. The first choice should be a simple "button down", a shirt with a collar fastened by two buttons on the front, the second a short-sleeved shirt and the third a V-shirt, a shirt or a sleeveless shirt. The "button-down" should be solid color, preferably a neutral color among those you have chosen. The short-sleeved shirt or sleeveless shirt can have a pattern, although it's easier to match them with the rest if you avoid this alternative. However, only one of the two can be decorated, the other must be in a solid color.
Step 2. Focus on what to wear from the waist down
Once you've taken care of your upper body, focus on your pants and skirts. Choose a nice pair of dress pants and a pair of jeans. The third piece of clothing should be something that can be elegant or casual, depending on what you decide to match it with. For women, it could be a knee-length skirt. For men, khakis or something similar. All pants should be plain colored, unless all shirts and t-shirts already are (in this case women might choose a patterned skirt).
Step 3. Buy a little more
To complete the wardrobe, you will need a few more outfits. For women, it is imperative to have a short-sleeved or three-quarter-length knee-length dress that is not a neutral color (preferably it should be your ideal color) and that can be casual or elegant, depending on the accessories you choose. You also need 2 jackets: a “button down” sweater (simple or elaborate, as you like) and a blazer or an equally elegant jacket. The blazer should be a neutral color, preferably darker than the button down shirt you have chosen. The sweater can also be of a neutral color, but it is preferable that it is of another color (different from the one chosen for the dress).
Step 4. Buy strategic accessories
You will need 2-3 pairs of shoes in a neutral color. One pair should be elegant and one casual, while the third should be casual or elegant depending on the context (like a pair of boots). Also buy a scarf that can be used in formal or informal settings. For women, it may be useful to have jewelry to emphasize the distinction between smart and casual attire, as well as having an assortment of elegant accessories and some witty accessories.
Method 3 of 3: Have fun with Combinations
Step 1. Choose an elegant style
With these dresses in your wardrobe, you can create the right dress for any occasion. Combine elegant trousers with a "button down" shirt and blazer for the perfect workwear. Or, go for a semi-casual combination by wearing the sweater and sleeveless shirt with elegant trousers, shoes and accessories.
Step 2. Choose an informal style
Combine the V-shirt with jeans, or the sweater and sleeveless shirt with the skirt. Make your style a little more elegant by adding the blazer to the jeans-shirt combination: the perfect style for an informal date or for a lunch with a friend!
Step 3. Experiment
There are so many possible combinations with this type of wardrobe that you will have to experiment to discover the ones you like best and to know for sure on which occasions you will wear them. This can take some time and trying, but it will be worth it.
