Stay At Home To Post Lockdown Perfect Capsule Wardrobe

With the few days of warm weather and a glimmer of hope that lockdown might be easing soon, I'm thinking about what investments to add to my wardrobe to wear now and later. Pieces that can go from casual to smart, with the change of a shoe or jacket.

One thing the lockdown has taught me, which of course I did already know, is that I need much less in my wardrobe. Having gone through a Spring Clean and then a second culling, I am left with pieces I love and want to wear. And it's the pieces I have really thought about (typically because of the investment) that have stayed put. 

As you know, I do plan my wardrobe carefully, but like everyone there are some spontaneous items that creep in. These are usually lower cost and often not such good quality, because I didn't have to think too hard about the price. With more of a focus on sustainability, these disposable pieces don't make me feel good. When I work out their cost per wear they end up being more costly than my investment pieces because I just haven't worn them as much.

This is not to say that I will stop buying and adding to my wardrobe. Like anyone, I love to update and refresh my wardrobe with new pieces and create new outfits. What I will be doing going forward though, is considering a few things before getting my debit card out.

Some of these I already do, but I have added a few more:

  • Do I really love it?
  • Do I instantly feel good in it?
  • As a stand alone piece does it work with what I already have in my wardrobe?
  • Is it a colour that already exists in my wardrobe (my tip is that if you add a piece in a new colour add at least 2 other pieces in that colour, this prevents "wardrobe orphans")
  • Am I happy with the fit or do I love it enough to have it altered so that the fit is perfect?
  • Is the quality such that it will wash and wear well for seasons to come?
  • Am I happy to hand over my card, rather than wincing when I look at the price tag? Meaning if it is a costly piece I know I will wear and wear it.
  • Thinking more sustainably, am I happy to buy from this brand? (As well as their sustainability credentials, how did they behave during the pandemic - not mentioning some brands whose staff were pressured into working in an unsafe environment - because this really matters to me now)

With all that in mind I have put together a capsule wardrobe of pieces I would love to add to my wardrobe. To give you an insight into how I plan a capsule I am sharing my thought process below.

Firstly the pieces (apart from shoes and bags) are all from the same brand - Baukjen. I started by picking a few items and the capsule expanded as I thought about how well all of these items would work together and how versatile they are.

Why Baukjen?

From continually striving to increase the amount of recycled, organic and sustainable fibres in their collections, to sourcing factories that are more sustainable, use less water, create less waste and release fewer chemicals into the world and working with factories who must adhere to the highest ethical standards, this is a brand that cares about the environment and people. Thinking about my desire to buy pieces that will last, Baukjen's ethos is to produce high quality, long lasting clothes and to encourage recycling. 

Their clothes are high quality, timeless pieces that you will want to wear on repeat and as a foundation to your wardrobe.

And with the current situation in mind, not only are they offering 40% off their collection to a selection of key workers, they are also involved in a #masks4all initiative. Using one of their suppliers in Portugal and left over soft cotton, they have created washable, non surgical masks from which they are not making a profit. With every pack bought, they will send you an additional pack of 5 masks, to share with your neighbours. Find out more here.

All good reasons to support this British brand now and going forward. PLUS Baukjen have very kindly given me a discount code for you. Use my code MARIA20 to get 20% off the collection!

So to the capsule pieces...

** Affiliate links Blazer // Jacket // Cream top // Shirt dress // Tiered dress // Trousers // Jeans // Skirt // Vest top // Blouse // Sandals // White bag // Necklace // Earrings // Tan sandals // Tan bag //

Blazer - A cream jacket is a wardrobe staple for Spring and Summer. Dress down jeans, wear to the office or dress up for a Summer event or with the trousers for an evening "tuxedo".

Jacket - A modern casual alternative to the blazer. Great on cooler Spring and Summer days and right through to Autumn. The neutral colour goes with everything too.

Cream top - goes with everything from casual to smart. The v detail back and fluted sleeves elevate it from a simple top to something more interesting.

Shirt dress - If you have watched my recent videos you will know I love a shirt dress. Wear this one to work with heels, casually with flat sandals or worn open over the trousers and vest top as a longline jacket.

Tiered dress - The perfect easy summer dress in a gorgeous muted print. Throw it on with simple tan accessories or pick out one of the colours for more accessory options.

Trousers - I always have a pair of cream, white or ivory trousers in my summer wardrobe. I love them for evenings with a pretty top and heels and their colour means they go with everything in your wardrobe.

Jeans - A pair of wide leg crop jeans is a modern classic. I would opt for a neutral or a white but as I already have the trousers in this capsule I've gone for this neutral. They go great with both heels and flats and worn with the jacket you have a relaxed "suit".

Skirt - A midi flowing skirt in a neutral print is multi-tasking. I would wear this one with the blazer for work or an event but it looks just as good with the vest top and flat sandals.

Vest top - layer under the jackets during a zoom call, a knit or with the shirt dress for maximum versatility. 

Blouse - this simple v neck option is a suits everyone style that can be tucked in or left loose with smart or casual trousers and skirts.

Necklace and Earrings - These simple pieces add interest and work with the casual or more dressy items and of course gold goes with everything and looks especially good with a tan in the summer.

Shoes and bags - Choose one pair of heels and one pair of flats. If you don't like a high heel my choice is a block heeled pair which are more comfortable and still stylish. A cross body bag and smarter version with a chain strap (match the chain colour to the jewellery) should do all occasions. For colours, if you are only going with 2 pairs of shoes and two bags, choose neutrals or a metallic that goes with everything.

Some of the outfits...

 

 

If you have enjoyed this more detailed post about creating a capsule wardrobe and are inspired to create your own, you may be interested in my Capsule Wardrobe Blueprint course. It takes you right through the process of creating your own capsule wardrobe, including creating colour schemes, what items to include as well as how many and so much more. Plus as we have time on our hands at the moment, while lockdown is on you can get 20% off the price of the course using the code LOCKDOWN.

** Afiliate links - I will earn a commission should you use my discount code. 

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