I have a love/hate affair with the capsule wardrobe. On one hand, I love the tangram-like possibilities of mixing and matching different outfits from a set group of pieces. The promise of both saving money and simplifying your wardrobe are as enticing and they are enchanting. On the other hand, I find it next to impossible to make the capsule wardrobe work in real life. First, as an apple-shaped person, I find it difficult to get matching tops and bottoms. If something fits my top, it won’t fit my waist and hips and vice-versa. Second, I find a limited selection of anything boring. I enjoy the new and the different. Three, as a denizen of the Far North, I require different seasonal pieces for the change in weather. Just in terms of coats, I have early fall, early winter, deep winter, late spring, and summer jackets.
My solution has been to pick those clothing items that can play a number of different roles as possible in my wardrobe. Below are my go-to pieces in hopes that you will find them helpful when building a multi-purpose closet of your own.
Tunics: I love tunics and I cannot lie/You other fashionistas can’t deny/that when a top hangs down past your waist ….well, you get the idea. As a long-waisted apple, tunics are my go-to piece. They work as a top, as a night gown, as a swimsuit cover up, and, if they are long enough, as a dress.
Leggings: I heart leggings. They work as exercise wear, as long underwear (a must for winter in a Northern climate), for dressy occasions under a tunic (see above), as casual pants, and, depending on your workplace, as workwear.
Waterfall sweater/jackets: I have two lightweight rayon open front “waterfall” sweater/jackets and I have become a complete convert to this style. The key is to find one in a fabric that is fluid enough for a flattering drape, but still easy to tie into a midriff top. This piece works as a lightweight jacket, a robe, a workout top, and a dance costume piece (if you’re a belly dancer like I am). You can wear it to work or for everyday, it works as well for formal as casual events.
Blazers: I’m a newcomer to the idea of “third” pieces, but I have become a blazer enthusiast. I really like how just adding a blazer gives any outfit a more pulled together look. The key here is to pick one that is both cool enough to wear indoors, but warm enough to function as a light jacket outdoors. I have several different blazers in different styles, but my favorite is the tie front blazer I got from Torrid. Made from stretchy material, it’s kind of like a heavy duty sweater.
Clothesmonaut 