Fashion

How to Create A Relaxed Capsule Wardrobe

Posted on February 26, 2020

*** This post is in collaboration with a brand. All thoughts and opinions are forever my own.***

I’ve long been attracted to the idea of a capsule wardrobe. I’ve mentioned it before and I’ve frequently blogged about minimalism and sustainability. But I will fully admit that a pure capsule wardrobe does not work for everyone. What I wear on a day to day basis is a lot more formal than I prefer to dress on weekends and term breaks so I essentially have two slightly small capsule wardrobes. One for work, one for every other time.

Purest would say that that defeats the point of a capsule wardrobe, but I’ve also noticed that a lot of capsule wardrobe proponents seem to not work in industries with quite a strict and traditional every day dress code. But my work capsule wardrobe is for a different post. Today let’s focus on something a bit more fun.

The casual capsule wardrobe.

>>> Jeans.
The base of all my capsule outfits is a good pair of mom jeans. I find the cut of them flattering, but most importantly, they are super comfortable. 9 times of of 10, if you see me running around town, I’ll be in these. I love styling them with a simple tucked in tee, but a boxy jumper and jacket look lovely too. They are surprisingly versatile. Yet another reason, other than comfort, that they are my most worn jeans.

However, I also love a good pair of high waisted jeans. As someone with wide hips but a small waist, I often struggle to find a pair that fits, and going jean shopping can really knock my confidence, but once you find the right pair of high-waisted jeans, it is blissful.

Ripped jeans aren’t something that I’m traditionally drawn to because they are a bit more ‘Rock ‘n Roll’ than my usual look, but done in a washed blue, straight-legged pair, they have a relaxed, comfortable vibe that’s more me.

You can get other styling ideas from Very’s Denim Zone. I’m very drawn to some of the Boyfriend jeans, personally.

>>> Simple v-neck tee
I find that v-necks look better on me, but that is a personal preference. I also prefer a Breton stripe, but I’m basic like that. If you don’t go with a stripe, I’d caution you to stick to a great white tee for your capsule wardrobe purposes.

>>> Slouchy jumper
I prefer my knits quite loose (I’m weird about things feeling too tight) and I think there’s something really sexy about a slouchy, relaxed jumper that potentially shows a bit of shoulder. They are just super comfortable, warm and all-around highly versatile. I have two jumpers that tick this box. They are exactly the same but one is in grey, the other black.

>>> Linen dress
I love a linen dress. The texture is so breathable in the summertime and in the winter you can just layer on tights and a jumper, or a shirt underneath. Linen is also one of the most sustainable fabrics that there is – a huge plus.

>>> Oversized Oxford shirt.
This could potential transition into the work capsule wardrobe, but I think the oversize nature of the shirt prevents that from happening. I love the polished yet relaxed vibes of an oversized white button-down paired with mom jeans and a simple gold necklace. Plus you can layer it under the linen dress for warmth, or underneath a jumper with your jeans.

Check out Very’s Women’s Zone for some other great layering ideas.

>>> Trainers
I always opt for comfort when it comes to shoes, which is why I only usually wear trainers, ankle boots or sandals depending on the season. I have a pair of AllBirds at the moment which are both sustainable and supremely comfortable, but I admire the simplicity of white Superga’s as well.

>>> Sandals
I live in sandals in the summer. Birkenstocks are my personal favourite and once you break them in they will be comfortable for life. You can wear them easily with a dress or with jeans.

>>> Minimal jewellery.
I limit myself to either simple stud/huggie earrings and 1 necklace or the same earring pairing and 1 bracelet. Basically, I follow the Coco Chanel oft mis-quoted directive to always take one accessory off.