Little Miss Honey

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MY CAPSULE WARDROBE LIST

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I previously wrote a blog post on How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe. Some wonder how much items they should have to comprise a capsule wardrobe. Some suggested it should be around 25-50 items. Some suggested it should be lower those mentioned numbers considering capsule wardrobe idea sprung from the minimalist movement. Some mentioned there is no exact number for it. I agree with last one.

Credit: Teresa Laucar Instagram

I prefer to have a wardrobe of basic things for me to mix and match. I will put a list below for my capsule wardrobe.

OUTER WEAR

  • 2 cardigans (different monochromatic colour)
  • 1 sporty jacket
  • 1 dressy jacket (for special occasions)
  • 1 leather jacket *optional
  • 1 trenchcoat *optional

SPECIAL OCCASION

  • long gown
  • cocktail dress
  • little black dress
  • formal white dress

CASUAL UPPER WEAR

  • 3 plain t-shirt
  • 1 Breton Mariniere striped 3/4 shirt or long sleeves
  • 1 striped t-shirt
  • 2 monochromatic polo shirt
  • 2 monochoromatic spaghetti strap shirt
  • (2 monochromatic casual sleeveless top)
  • 1 graphic tshirt

DRESSY UPPER WEAR

  • 2 dressy tops
  • 2 monochromatic button down shirts
  • 1 white button down shirt (preferable oversize – own preference)
  • 2 3/4 or long sleeves monochromatic tops

BOTTOMS

  • 2 skinny jeans
  • 1 baggy jeans
  • 1 black jeans
  • 1 cropped jeans
  • 1 tattered jeans *optional
  • 1 coloured or patterned jeans
  • 2 slacks (preferable black and brown)
  • 1 culottes

SKIRTS

  • 2 A-line skirts
  • 1 pleated skirt
  • 1 short pattern skirt
  • 1 bohemian long skirt
  • 1 sequinned skirt *optional
  • 1 leather skirt *optional

SHORTS

  • 1 denim shorts
  • 2 coloured/pattern shorts
  • 2 cotton shorts
  • 1 textured shorts *optional

DRESSES

  • 3 work dress (to include a wrap dress)
  • 1 sundress
  • 1 sleeveless long dress
  • 2 short-sleeve short dresses
  • 1 sleeveless dress
  • 1 bandage dress

SWIMWEAR

  • 1 two piece bikini (preferable high waisted)
  • 1 one piece
  • 1 cover-up

SHOES

  • 2 pair of ballet flats in different colour
  • 1 pair of stilettos (preferable black)
  • 1 pair of work heels
  • 1 pair of topsiders
  • 1 platform slippers
  • 1 dressy thongs
  • 2 rubber beach slipper (one basic and one with straps)
  • 1 sneakers
  • 1 dressy slippers (glittery would be nice)

BAGS

  • 1 tote bag
  • 1 casual bag
  • 1 hand bag
  • 1 crossbody bag
  • 1 wristlet
  • 1 canvas bag
  • 1 beach bag
  • 1 work bag *optional
  • 1 backpack
  • 1 party clutch

ACCESSORIES

  • pearl stud earrings
  • diamond earrings
  • 2 chandelier earrings (one with pure gold)
  • 1 beach earrings
  • 1 silver hoops
  • pearl necklace
  • pendant necklace
  • layer necklace
  • statement necklace
  • gold stud earrings
  • 1 straight long earrings
  • 1 quirky earrings
  • 1 casual watch
  • 1 work/fancy watch
  • 2 bangles (gold and silver)
  • 1 bracelets with charms

I know this list looks exhaustive. But some people don’t realised how much dresses they have or dressy tops they have accumulating their closet. This list are most basics that are perfect for mix and match. All are well-thought of for specific occasions. Once I complete my capsule wardrobe, if I want to buy more from my list, I must either replace the one on my wardrobe or wait for it to be worn-out. This list are more for my own preference and lifestyle. If you create your own, it should reflect your own lifestyle. It may be shorter or longer than my list here.

Hope this will guide you when you create your own capsule wardrobe list.

HOW TO BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE

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I have always been wanting to build a capsule wardrobe ever since I learned about Minimalism. I have always love wearing basic classic clothes rather than trendy ones. I also love monochrome clothes than pattern so I can mix and match them easily.

Capsule Wardrobe is essentially a mini collection of clothes made up of really versatile pieces that you totally love to wear that are interchangeable to complement each other. Some have different rules how to create a capsule wardrobe. Some have a specific number in mind. Some would narrow it down to 27 or 37. A lifestyle Youtuber of The Daily Connoisseur and writer of the Madame Chic book series, Jennifer L. Scott, has the 10 Item Capsule Wardrobe per season. Author, Dominique Loreau of L’arte De Simplicete How To Live More With Less advised to have:

• 7 outdoor pieces (jacket, raincoat, coat)

• 7 tops (sweater, t-shirts, shirts)

• 7 other items ( trousers, jeans, skirt, dresses)

• 7 pairs of shoes

• a few of accessories (scarves, belts, gloves)

When I moved to Oman, I was sort of forced into sort-of a capsule wardrobe because I have to make sure all my clothes and essential items fit in my luggage not exceeding 30 kg for my plane ride. I only got 4 work tops, 4 casual t-shirt, 2 jeans, 1 slacks, 4 skirts, 2 dresses, 2 shorts, night clothes and one swimsuit. I been rotating those clothes up until now. I bought a few new ones to add to my wardrobe but some clothes I do have to replace because of wear and tear. And I also realised clothes here in Oman gets worn out easily. Maybe it is our semi-automatic washing machine or the scorching heat when we sun-dry our clothes or the water we use here.

Capsule wardrobe

Steps in Creating a Capsule Wardrobe

  1. Identify your style as well as your lifestyle
  • Classic
  • Bohemian/Gypsy
  • Vintage
  • Sophisticated
  • Preppy
  • Romantic
  • Sporty
  • Trendy

Incorporate your work and normal activity in creating the choices of clothes for your wardrobe

2. Clean out your closet and keep only the ones that resonates with your style

  • Make sure to keep the clothes that you can wear again & again and you can mix & match. For the rest of the clothes, donate or sell it.

3. Have your signature color.

  • Choose a basic colour like navy or black or neutral colours. Find a complimentary colour and add a bit of pattern into the mix.

4. Make a final inventory of your capsule wardrobe and list missing items that would complete your wardrobe

5. Mix & match your clothes and rewire them. Once completed your capsule wardrobe, if there is a need to add an item in the clothes, replace it with one item in the wardrobe.

Essential Things To Include In Your Capsule Wardrobe

I remember when I used to hang out at this cafe when I was in med school, I found this article that got me interested in having essential items you must own. These are versatile pieces that will always be used. Owning one would be enough and replaced once worn out.

  1. Basic White T-shirt / Basic Black T-shirt
  2. Jeans
  3. Black Slacks
  4. White Button-Down Long-Sleeves Shirt
  5. The Little Black Dress
  6. Pearl or Diamond Stud Earrings
  7. Black High-Heels or Pumps
  8. Flat Shoes or Ballet Flats
  9. Black or Grey Turtleneck
  10. Black or Navy Skirt
  11. White Cotton Dress / Sundress
  12. Workdress
  13. Dressy Top
  14. Sneakers
  15. Statement necklace
  16. Classy Jacket or Trench Coat
  17. Cardigan
  18. Bathing Suit that flatters your figure
  19. Gown for special occasions
  20. Flip flops or sandals

I am still in a process of completing my capsule wardrobe. I love this capsule wardrobe concept because it helps me streamline the clothes I own, lessen anxiety, helps me save and make my wardrobe clutter-free.

Are you ready to create your capsule wardrobe too?