Build a Capsule Wardrobe: 6 Staple Pieces

Build a Capsule Wardrobe: 6 Staple Pieces
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I did it!

I finally posted a video six years after my last one. I spent so long worrying about making everything ‘perfect’ that I ended up not posting anything for so long.

Self-doubt and the pursuit of perfection is a dangerous, unhealthy path. It took me longer than I’d like to admit to get off this self-destructive path but I have recovered and I now have to remind myself daily that done is better than perfect, and that I need to keep moving forward. And if I fail? I’ll just do better next time.

So while this video is short, and full of small things that make me cringe, I hit the publish button anyway because if I don’t take action and give myself a deadline, it’ll never be published and I’d never really get anything done.

My last post about building my capsule wardrobe was over a year ago but I’m happy to report that I have made some pretty significant changes since then and have stuck with them:

  • In the last 6 months, I’ve only bought two pieces of clothing - a jacket and top - as opposed to buying something new every week

  • My wardrobe is only 30% of what it used to be but it still feels like more than I need so I’m still in the process of downsizing and building my ideal capsule wardrobe

  • I’ve sold a lot of clothes and shoes on eBay (which does take some time)

In this post, I introduce the six go-to pieces in my wardrobe (you can watch the video at the end of the post). Comfort, low-maintenance and effortless are the key factors for me.

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1 & 2

blue jeans & ‘silk’ cami

As you’ll see, I’m wearing these jeans in every single outfit in this post. This pair is from Zara and is a light, muted blue colour that goes really well with neutral pieces. I was never really a denim person but I find myself always reaching for this pair because super stretchy and comfortable but I also love the little details like the frayed hems. I can’t recall the exact price of these jeans but they were around $80.

I write ‘silk’ cami but it’s actually 100% polyester and just has that silk-like look. This cami is my ultimate go-to top because it adds a little extra to casual outfits - with seriously minimal effort. This particular cami is from H&M and was $9.95.

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3.

tailored coat

This Zara coat always makes my outfits look more put together than they really are. Something about a structured black coat is so timeless. This is my most worn coat because it goes just as well with heels as it does with sneakers.

3 things I always look for in a good coat: deep pockets, appropriate arm length and how well I can move around in it.

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4.

knit cardigan

I’ve had this knit cardigan for over 10 years and it was one of my first online purchases (unfortunately I can’t remember where I got it from). The slouchy, relaxed fit makes it so comfortable and easy to wear that I actually wear it at home as much as I wear it out. I also adore the colour.

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5.

oversized knit

Not the warmest knit I own, but definitely my favourite! I picked this one up when I was in Japan for around $10. I love pairing oversized tops with fitted bottoms (and vice versa) for an easy, effortless silhouette that always works well.

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6.

boyfriend blazer

If you ask me, blazers are the universal piece that look great on everyone. It took me a while to find the right fit that I was looking for: soft material, relaxed ‘boyfriend’ fit and deep pockets but this blazer from Zara ticks all the boxes. I wear my blazer to dress up a casual outfit for meetings or a night out and I love how confident I feel when wearing it.

Watch the video below:


What are the staple pieces in your wardrobe? Do you agree or disagree with any of my choices?

J

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photographer + lifestyle blogger

i love adventures of all sizes, capturing little moments, daily coffees and kind, wholesome human beings