What’s in YOUR Wardrobe, Pt. 2: Hot Fun in the Summertime

Putting a summer wardrobe together is a snap–with a little planning.

For a capsule summer wardrobe, consider silk T-shirts in neutrals, with perhaps one with the color you love, whether it’s acid green or raspberry or aqua. My T-shirts are V-neck, to elongate my neck, and I have them in black, white, and cream. But if navy or camel float your boat, then go for it. I also have camisoles in black, white, and cream which I wear under sheer tops in summer, and under lower cut tops in winter.

For summer, two or three fitted jackets in neutral colors should suffice. I love linen with a hint of man-made fiber to make it less wrinkled–it’s breathable and durable, and looks so crisp in the wilting summer heat. I have jackets in cream, caramel, and black, plus one in bright green for something a bit different.

A sleeveless Little Black Dress (LBD) is a must have for summer, but if you are really loathe to wear black, then opt for navy or cream, or white if you’re brave! A black and white print dress is also a fresh option for summertime, and will take you anywhere when paired with strappy black sandals and a bright wrap.

A capsule shoe collection is tricky, because many of us love shoes and have quite a few stuffed into our closets. But what will give you the best wear? At a minimum, year round, you need a great pair of black heels, a pair of nude heels in a color close to your skin tone (it elongates your leg, darling), and a wonderful pair of ballet flats. For winter, add in a pair of knee-high boots in brown or black (or both, depending on your wardrobe color preference), and ankle boots in black or brown (once again, depending on your color preference). I also have a good pair of walking shoes (NOT big white sneakers, please), and a pair of walking sandals (NOT flip-flops, pretty please–they make you waddle when you walk, which is very unattractive from the front or the back). This, at a minimum, should suffice. More will not hurt, however.

For a capsule jewelry collection, once again, add anything you really love. But, at a minimum, you need a good watch (don’t skimp–buy the best you can, because it is a statement piece), a chunky chain necklace in gold or silver, a few chunky bangle bracelets, gold hoop earrings, and diamond stud earrings, if you can afford them. Buy the best you can afford, because these items are investment pieces that will last you a long while and add a luxe element to your look. For belts, think black, silver, and gold, which will take to any outfit.

Our final considerations for our capsule wardrobe are tights and handbags. For winter, you can’t go wrong with opaque tights in neutral colors to match your skirts; mine are in black, charcoal, navy, and brown. Good brands could last for years of wear, if you hand wash. For handbags, get one fabulous leather bag for day, a sparkly clutch to go with evening wear, and a quality tote bag to schlep your things from home to office to elsewhere. If you are a summer/winter bag person, then go for two good handbags, one for each season. But one great bag can take you from season to season to season.

Good luck with building that wardrobe. And if you need help, you know where we are.

What’s In YOUR Wardrobe 1: Winter Wonder-clothes

A suede Chanel suit–definitely the icing on the cake!

A number of customers often express confusion about what pieces they should own to have a fashionable wardrobe. There are many books written on this subject, and many different opinions. I’ve read many of these books, from Clinton Kelly and Stacey London to Tim Gunn, and I’m going to offer a consolidated view of a capsule wardrobe.

Over the next two weeks, we’ll examine the pieces that should form the core (think of them as the cake) of your wardrobe. This is not to say that you can’t add additional pieces. However, if your budget is limited, and for long wearing and stylish appearance, core pieces in classic styles and the best fabrics you can afford are a fabulous investment that will serve you well. The great news is that many of these pieces are available at your friendly consignment shop for a fraction of the original price, if you’re patient and willing to hunt them down. Are you ready to get started? Well, let’s go!

For our ideal wardrobe, let’s look at tops first. For winter, you should have one great cardigan and one great turtleneck, preferably in two-ply cashmere. Don’t like something around your neck? Then look for a V-neck or scoop neck sweater. I have a black cardigan, black, white, and camel turtlenecks, and cashmere V-necks in red and cream. I tend to go for neutrals because I can mix and match them super easily, and add wonderful scarves and accessories.

For jackets, you should have two fitted jackets in neutral colors and one in color. I have fitted suit jackets in navy and black, and an olive green jacket, for some pizzazz. When buying your jackets, consider the skirts and trousers you have and find ones that will best complement your skin tone and preferences. Also, look for a great fitted leather jacket which will go great with jeans.

Your capsule wardrobe should contain several pairs of fitted trousers in versatile, neutral colors. Consider black and navy, of course, but don’t forget camel, chocolate, and charcoal. I tend to steer clear of white or cream trousers because I usually spill something or get the hems dirty, but if you are neat and fastidious, go for it!

Every wardrobe needs one fabulous fitted black skirt that hits mid-kneecap in the front and dips just below the knee crease in the back. Pair this with a crisp white shirt, and you will be styling. This pairing is classic and sexy, especially when you add a wonderful pair of heels and some chunky gold jewelry. No wardrobe should be without these two items.

A winter wardrobe also needs a classic trench coat in a great color, a warm woolen car coat, and a black sheath dress for special occasions. Remember, you can have other color dresses, but every woman should have an LBD.

One final winter note: buy the best jeans you can afford, in dark wash. These are a versatile element for fall, winter, spring, and the cooler days of summer, and can be dressed up and dressed down. You will need to mind the hems, depending on whether you wear heels, boots, or flats with them–that’s why you need several.

The Incredible Shrinking Wardrobe

Every one I speak with nowadays is downsizing, or helping someone else downsize. Some people are just fed up with drowning in possessions. Some are moving to smaller quarters and needing to rid themselves of stuff that they can no longer afford to keep or store. Some are just tired of dusting and moving and caring for collectibles or furniture or clothes.

That’s why I am embracing the concept of a “capsule” wardrobe. Rather than owning lots of haphazard pieces (no matter how unique or beautiful or expensive), I want a wardrobe with pieces that mesh and play off one another. One where I can reach in the closet and find pieces that go together, rather than pulling out two dozen items before I find ones that match. Of course, I could always organize my closets, but the idea of one closet to hold my go-to clothes thrills my time-challenged heart.

So, how do you build a capsule wardrobe? You select four or five colors to be the basis–no more. Two of these colors should be neutrals that you love and that flatter you, and two brighter accent colors that speak to your sense of style. My neutrals are black and khaki and white (ok, I have three neutrals), and red.

Next, I went through my closet and picked the highest quality items in these colors, and of the best fabrics, for summer and winter. I was looking for cashmere cardigans and turtlenecks, and v-necks; a fitted leather jacket; fitted jackets for winter and summer in my neutrals; crisp blouses and tailored slacks; a good fitted skirt that hits me at mid-knee, a fitted sheath dress for summer and one for winter; and dark denim jeans. With this wardrobe, I can conquer the world.

I then inventoried my accessories–good tights in neutral colors; leather belts in black and brown, and metal belts in silver or gold; ankle and knee-high boots in black and brown; a good day bag for summer and winter; and fabulous heeled pumps in black, tan, and nude tones.

With these items identified, tried on, checked over, and put in a corner of the closet, I was then able to go through what was left–did it fit and did I love it, or did it need to go? I was severe in editing my closet, and ended up with eight bags of clothes for charity; and a number for consignment at Doris’ Closet Consignment, naturally.

Now, I have a list of what I need to fill in my capsule wardrobe by shopping consignment. And I have set a budget to buy other, up to the moment purchases to keep me up to date, but not break the bank. My go-to wardrobe keeps me going day-to-day, so I can indulge in a new silk scarf or pointy toed flats, or a bright color ruffled blouse without buyer’s remorse. As long as I try them on first, and love how I look in them. And shop consignment!