37 Item Colourful Autumn Capsule Wardrobe, for Work
{That's a bit of a mouthful isn't it?}
I'm usually turned off by capsule wardrobes because they can seem desperately dull.
Loads of Black.
Maybe a little Navy.
If it's "Out-there" some Grey?
Mixed with White or Beige.
We're told to Keep it Classic.
Fallen asleep yet?
Zzzzzzz
{I'd be running to the shops on day one!}
In this Autumn Capsule Wardrobe each piece can be mixed and matched with the others for a total of (*attempts to calculate a number, and fails) ... let's just say PLENTY of potential outfits.
Please note that this Capsule does NOT include:
- Underwear, including thermals.
- Hosiery and socks.... this opens up a whole world of colour SEE HERE.
- Jewellery.
- Belts.
- Gloves & Hats.
- Waterproof coats, wellies or umbrellas (this is Scotland after all!)
Let's start with my favourites....
Shoes & Boots
Shoes are certainly a 'thing' of mine.
An accessory I love.
Shoes can make or break an outfit.
Show me a beautiful shoe and I just can't resist trying it on.
The fact that I managed to trim my footwear choices down to 5 pairs of shoes (and boots) was bordering on miraculous.
It did involve a lot of head scratching though... and A LOT of empty shoe boxes strewn around the house!
Culling shoes was the hardest part of this capsule process.
Only 5?!
I was seriously struggling.
How can anyone style multiple looks with only 5 choices of footwear?
After a little research I realised that many capsule wardrobes have as few at 3 pairs of shoes.
THREE!?
That would be torture for me.
Luckily, each pair I have chosen can be worn with (almost) all of the skirts, trousers and dresses so there is plenty (read:not enough in my book!) choice.
2 Pairs of Boots
2 pairs of ankle boots in Red & Leopard print.
Red and leopard are SO versatile and can be worn with everything in this capsule!
3 Pairs of Shoes
The navy booties are slightly more serious, and elegant, for days when it's needed.
The plum/burgundy t-bars are feminine, grown-up and very comfortable.
Tan brogues are a classic style that had to be included!
All of the shoes have a small to mid heel, and are comfortable all-day shoes.
Sore feet are not stylish!
Bottoms
3 Bottoms
Including 2 pairs of trousers and 1 pair of culottes.
None of which are dull, plain or 'classic'.
Yellow tapered trousers... yellow is surprisingly versatile and goes with ALL of the other items!
Navy patterned trousers are surprisingly versatile too, working with everything.
Black and White culottes practically make an outfit themselves and work with all tops (bar the leopard shirt... maybe?) and all shoes.
2 Dresses
1 red below-knee length dress.
This red dress is very versatile, and can be layered up with the tops and cardigans.
1 Charcoal grey (looks black here) mini-length dress, which can be worn over the trousers as a tunic (it's loose enough) or belted and worn with coloured tights.
In fact, both of the dresses can be worn alone or layered with under-tops (polo-necks and shirts) cardigans and/or coloured hosiery.
The world is your oyster!
2 Skirts
1 black, red and white striped pencil skirt.
Stripes are a great pattern for mixing with other patterns and muted (or colourful) plain items.
1 full-skirted red and navy striped skirt.
Again, great for mixing!
Both skirts look great with all of the tops and jumpers, layered together or on their own (the tops and jumpers, not the skirts!).
Tops
4 knitted tops
2 cashmere jumpers.1 classic v-necked camel jumper, in a fine knit.
This piece is great on it's own, or layered.
1 rust crew-neck jumper.
Perfect on it's own or layered over a shirt, or polo-neck.
2 fine knitted tops in grey and cream marl.
2 shirts
1 leopard print in black and camel... a classic in my book.1 shirt in pale blue, another classic that looks great with everything!
3 polo neck tops that look chic worn alone (but are also great for layering) in red, grey and cream/navy striped.
4 cardigans
1 wrap-over cardigan in black, which can also be worn alone as a wrap top.
2 classic crew-neck cardigans in jade green and cream... perfect over everything!
1 tobacco coloured sleeveless long cardigan, which is handy for changing the silhouette as well as adding extra warmth.
Jackets & Coats
Or, when you just fancy wearing a short coat!
2 long coats... one in red wool, one slightly heavier in light taupe.
1 classic trench, in navy.
{A capsule wardrobe wouldn't be a capsule wardrobe without a trench or Mac, would it?}
All of the coats look great with everything else.
Even the red coat over the red dress!
{Full-on red is going to be big news this AW17-18.}
Bags
{Not as hard as the shoe situation, but pretty close!}
1 large red bag with tan trim.
1 large snow leopard bag with patent trims.
1 medium bag in black patent with a grey hounds tooth design.
1 small quilted bag with chain strap.
1 navy grab bag.
Each of the bags can be mixed and match to work with numerous looks.
Scarves
2 lighter weight (but still warm) cotton scarves. 1 yellow, 1 multiple warm shades.
2 warmer wool scarves.
1 bold tartan in cream, red and blue.
1 larger and warmer wrap scarf in plain plum/burgundy.... which looks great with all of the coats and jackets, even the red!
All you need is to pull colours together and add a few carefully selected pieces of jewellery, belts and hosiery.
Examples of Accessories
Belts
Red narrow patent belt.Black wide patent belt.
Navy narrow belt.
Tan studded medium-width belt.
Hosiery
Navy tights.Plum tights.
Black tights.
Grey socks.
Lurex socks.
Fishnet or lace socks.
Any bold jewellery would work well with this bolder, and more colourful capsule.
Think big brooches, statement necklaces and asymmetric earrings... not all together of course!
{Or maybe?!... It's your capsule after all!}
What do you think of creating a Capsule Wardrobe?
Have you tried it?
Did it work?
Do you use a capsule for your work wardrobe?
What about when you're travelling?
Please let me know in the comments.
I would love to hear your opinion on this!
XXX
