A guide to capsule wardrobe packing, in praise of the humble T-Shirt…
There is a lot to be said for simplicity. It’s the foundation of all great wardrobes, especially wardrobes of the capsule kind. If you have a core selection of good quality basics in classic colours, you need only add a strong accessory or a bold makeup look to get an immaculate high fashion look.
The humble t-shirt is where you should begin because it’s one of the most versatile items you can have in your repertoire. It works as a dress, you can tuck it into trousers with a necklace for work or a night out, you can even wear it to the gym. You can change its proportions with ease; roll up the sleeves, belt it, tuck it in. Wear it over-sized, take a pair of scissors to it and wear it cropped, and who cares if you mess it up because you can buy another for one for under £10.
H&M t-shirt £7.99
You can create the backbone of a perfect capsule wardrobe from the following items:
• 1 x Cerise pink over size t-shirt (your party dress)
• 1 x Grey Marl over-size t-shirt
• 1 x Black over-size t-shirt
A selection of medium fit t-shirts in a range of weights (fine jersey for hot countries, heavier for cold) in navy blue, white, black and grey. You may also want to add a Breton stripe, always a winner.
Team these with:
• 1 x pair of black leggings
• 1 x pair of skinny jeans
• 1 x pair of black opaque tights
• 1 x pair of tailored trousers
• 1 x skirt of your choice
Then simply add a smattering of statement items like a showy necklace, a show-stopping shoe, a great cardigan or jazzy printed trousers and you’re sorted for an array of outfits that will look chic, but most importantly like you haven’t even tried.
TOPSHOP necklace £22.50
Office leather shoe £60
You will also be incredibly comfortable due to the sack like proportions of t-shirt dressing, and your wardrobe can usefully double up as gym gear and even pyjamas. It will be quick and easy to replace and update, as you can buy a T-Shirt pretty much anywhere.
Don’t be afraid to buy men’s ones for a bigger, longer shape – they make great dresses and the bigger you go the lower on your arm the sleeve will sit, so again offering you a quirky take on proportions.
Fashion is fast becoming a lover of a roomier silhouette too, from the catwalk at Victoria Beckham to the rails of COS on the high street – you’ll see this coming through more and more. So give it a go, and enjoy.
Words by Lola Ralph (@iamlolacola)
