Guide

Capsule Wardrobe 101: Working with Monochromatic Basics

Katherine Sullivan July 24, 2020
Capsule Wardrobe 101: Working with Monochromatic Basics

By:  Heather Bien

How many times have you stared at your clothes thinking, “I have NOTHING to wear!”?

And, when you daydream about your ideal wardrobe, what does it look like? Is it a minimalist wardrobe made up of perfectly organised neutral tops and bottoms? Or do you imagine a base of monochromatic layers serving as the foundation for your collection of statement pieces?

Whether your style is simple and sleek or bold and playful, a capsule wardrobe full of monochromatic basics allows you to do more with less. It’s your go-to jumping off point for a closet that makes it easy and, dare we say, fun to get dressed every day. 

We know that shifting your wardrobe can be an intimidating process. Culling or adding––it all requires a bit of planning and know-how. That’s why we’re here to walk you through Capsule Wardrobe 101: Working with Monochromatic Basics.

First of all, what is a capsule wardrobe? It’s a streamlined collection of timeless classics that you can mix and match to create all the outfits you need to carry you from your most casual occasions to your most glamorous. Headed to the farmers market on Saturday morning? Throw on a bodysuit and jean shorts. Date night that evening? With a capsule wardrobe, that same bodysuit will do double duty when you pair it with a maxi skirt and bright earrings. It’s all about investing in quality items that you’ll be excited to wear again and again––and coming up with new and different ways to wear those throughout the seasons.

Second, a capsule wardrobe expands, rather than restricts, your options. You’ve probably heard the theory that we make decisions best when given fewer quality options. Now, apply that to your wardrobe. You could have drawers filled to the brim with a random assortment of 60 items, but you’ll still have fewer options than if you had an array of 30 intentionally chosen pieces that are high-quality basics ready to mix and match for endless outfit combinations. 

Lastly, a capsule wardrobe can save you time and money. When you concentrate on creating a closet full of high-quality items and monochromatic basics that give you the ability to mix, match, and mix again, you’ll not only save money by avoiding pieces that just don’t work for your lifestyle, you’ll also save time by no longer wondering, “What on earth do I wear today?!” You’ll find a pop of fun and colour in your accessories and statement pieces, while sticking to the same reliable classics each and every day.

So, where do you start with building your own capsule wardrobe? Made from a viscose manufactured from bamboo, these sustainable clothing options from Boody are the base pieces that will serve as the foundation for your capsule wardrobe. With these durable monochromatic pieces in place, you’ll then pepper in a few statement items along with fun accessories. Soon you’ll start discovering new outfit possibilities and establishing favorite go-tos each time you open your closet doors.

Cami Bodysuit: Everything from high-rise jeans to ball gown skirts look right with an elegant bodysuit. 

Tank Top: Your everyday workhorse, you’ll layer this timeless tank under a blazer, wear it on its own with shorts, or pair it with jeans and a gauzy scarf for a breezy spring day.

Cami Top: Need something a bit more flirty than the iconic tank? Reach for this cami whether you’re pulling on yoga pants or a summer skirt.

Long Sleeve Top: Lounging around on a Saturday? Long sleeve top. Headed to a brewery happy hour on Tuesday? Long sleeve top. Need a layer under that chunky knit sweater? Long sleeve top. 

Three-Quarter Sleeve Scoop Top: The long sleeve top’s feminine counterpart, this shirt is just as versatile, but with a pretty scoop neck and delicate ¾ sleeve length.

V-Neck T-Shirt: There’s no look that’s more effortless than a simple v-neck, a blazer, and jeans, but your v-neck will be your go-to for both work and weekend all year long.

Full Leggings: Yes, leggings are totally pants. And that’s why they’re a must in any capsule wardrobe. Forget the rules and wear leggings with abandon––and ballets flats and boots.

 

 

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