How to create your own Fashion Capsule

I have a friend named Meagan. She is the most awesome friend I can ask for, always making me laugh and teaching me new words. Anyways, Meagan was recently in need of some new clothes and since we live far, far away from each other - okay, maybe a couple of hours by car, but still pretty far, we couldn't possibly go shopping together. So to help her a little bit, I created a fashion capsule for her.

Are you familiar with the term capsule? According to Wikipedia, "the term has come to refer to a collection of clothing which is designed using only interchangeable items, in order to maximize the number of outfits which can be created. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. This is usually achieved by buying what are considered to be "key" or "staple" items in coordinating colors."

Perfect for people on the budget, with small closets, or just girls who don't like to spend their precious time in stores and rather get a couple of great pieces they can combine FOREVER. 

It needs to fit your personality and lifestyle. Pick up a couple of key pieces, that you love and want to wear forever, and base your capsule around them. Meagan told me she was in love with a leather jacket and biker boots and because I know where she works, I was thinking rock business casual with basic skinny pants and edgy tops.

1. I suggested three pants, one more dressy, grey or shimmery black, maybe a little flared on the bottom for those days when she has to look more polished at work. Second pair would be black skinny pants that she can tuck in her motorcycle boots or wear with flats. Third pair are printed pants for casual Fridays or more whimsical days.

2. Combine these pants with printed tops, I would suggest one colorful, one black and one white. You can already wear each top with each of the pants. 

3. Next step is to add a jacket, I like the faux leather or real leather motorcycle jacket to make it more fresh and young. I would also recommend a cotton blazer/cardigan/throw in neutral color. Now you can wear each outfit with each jacket/blazer!

3. Second round of outfits will be dress/longer tunic with printed leggings and motorcycle boots. The dress should be black/grey, so it will be the same color as your boots and you can experiment with different types of leggings, prints, colors, studs... You can totally be yourself with these clothes, customize the print on the leggings or the tops. For example, black dress with black cardigan and black boots can be worn with red plaid leggings, blue snakeskin leggings, black studded leggings... Leggings are generally cheaper to buy then the rest of the clothes so you can buy more for less. Two dresses and two printed leggings make four outfits, with switching the jackets you will get eight outfits.

4. Next, we have printed tops and leggings. Why not combine them with a simple black skirt? You can just buy a pair of simple black leggings, simple black hip hugging skirt and you are good to go! Each of your tops, either patterned one or solid color one will look good with black knee length skirt and leggings. Add ballet flats to soften the look or motorcycle boots to be a bad-ass chick! In the winter skirt and leggings are great for layering, since you can wear them with an array of wider looser sweaters and look edgy. Solid color tops with black skirt will also look good with patterned leggings.

5. If you want to go sexier, forget the leggings and wear the shirt with the skirt, add a jacket on top. Simple, yet effective.

In the end, you have three tops, one sweater, one jacket, three pairs of pants, two dresses, two leggings and one skirt. From thirteen pieces you can create more than 40 different outfits, from casual to formal, from polished business look for work to sexy. And the best part is - you can do all this without spending a dime :) Just look in your closet for things that you already own and create your own capsule. Mix and match colors and prints to get the most of them. Start simple and add items to your rotation. Usually, people wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time. Make the 20% count!

XOXO,
The European Redhead