The first rule of curating a capsule wardrobe is to invest in timeless essential items that work with anything and that you can grab, eyes closed, from your closet. And yet, expectations don’t always match reality. How is that in the photos that paparazzi take, celebrities look effortlessly chic in baggy jeans and a white T-shirt, while we look disheveled?
Worry not; you too can look effortlessly stylish in basic items. Here are seven essential tricks to take your basics from zero to a hundred and look fancy in everything you wear.
1. You don’t need a massive collection of basics–a handful of quality pieces will do the trick.
Looking polished has nothing to do with hoarding. You don’t need to have an entire collection of white T-shirts. Just two will do the trick, as long as they’re made from high-quality fabric and fit you well.
Sometimes it can be hard to explain what’s wrong with an outfit because, on paper, you’re wearing the right things, but the problem is usually that the fabric and cut are low-quality. Impulse-buying is a hard-to-shake habit, but you’ll usually end up getting dozens of cheap items that start to look bad after just a few wears. Instead, invest in just a few high-quality bare essentials.
Choose neutral colors, such as black, navy, white, camel, and grey, and stick to no more than two accent colors. During sales, resist the impulse of buying piles of clothes from fast-fashion stores (it’s bad for the planet anyway), and, instead, take advantage of discounts to buy the premium items that are missing from your collection.
The same trick applies to the clothes you can’t see: wear high-quality underwear that fits you properly. You might not realize this, but one good bra can make a basic shirt fit perfectly, without weird lines and awkward slipping, improve your posture, and make you project confidence.
2. Invest in basic items that have an exciting twist.
Basics are supposed to be universally flattering, but if you have a unique sense of style, you might find them dull and uninspired. In this case, please give them a twist! If you hate plain white work shirts, get a cropped one or one with exciting embroidery on it.
A simple black T-shirt isn’t that plain if it has an attractive cut, delicate details along the neckline, or a positive slogan printed in a modern font. For example, the items from thegudlifer.com can be an excellent option for fans of sportswear and activewear who want to level up their wardrobe with timeless basics but still want to express who they are through empowering messages. Basic doesn’t have to be boring. The point of a capsule wardrobe isn’t to be a uniform for everyone, but to be a uniform for you.
3. Tuck in your shirt!
Do you want to look more stylish in five seconds? Tuck in your shirt! It’s that easy. No matter if you’re wearing a sweatshirt, T-shirt, or formal blouse, tucking it will emphasize your waist and avoid that baggy, underdressed look. Tucking in your shirt adds structure to the outfit, lengthens your legs, and makes you look more professional in a business setting. If you want to go for an urban look, you can always do the half-tuck; it’s more relaxed, and yet it has that little extra something.
4. Count on accessories.
Accessories can transform a basic outfit and give them a slight edge in just a few seconds. Plus, they can help you dress the outfit up or down, depending on the occasion. For example, you can dress up a jeans and white shirt outfit with a black leather belt, high heels, and a chunky gold necklace when going out for dinner, but if you’re going for a walk at the weekend and want to look more relaxed, dress it down with chunky white trainers and a small backpack.
5. Upgrade your buttons.
Every capsule wardrobe needs a good winter coat, but what if your coat lacks that extra something? Don’t worry; you don’t have to throw it away and buy a trendy one that will go out of style in two seasons. Instead, replace the buttons. It’s quick, easy, you don’t need to be particularly crafty, and it’s a great way to express yourself. For example, if you love vintage fashion, you can look for buttons at vintage thrift stores, and this way, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind coat. If you feel that your coat needs a pop of color, you can also replace your bottoms with colorful ones.
6. Care for your clothes.
No matter the designer or style, your clothes need a bit of love to look amazing for years to come. Granted, a pair of high-quality suit pants will keep its color and shape for longer, but you still need to care for it to extend its lifespan. Make sure you wash your clothes according to the instructions on the label (usually, hot water and hot dryer settings will ruin delicate clothes), and use a lint roller or fabric shaver to keep them looking new.
If you have items that wrinkle easily in your collection, make sure you iron them after taking them out of the washing machine. If they get a bit wrinkly in the closet, a steam iron is excellent for quick morning touch-ups.
7. Makeup and hair can be your best accessory.
Did you put together the perfect outfit, but it still looks like it’s missing something when you look in the mirror? It might need a few finishing touches – literally. Makeup can be a great way to complement your outfit and tie everything in nicely. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be an expert makeup artist here.
A lightweight foundation, a bit of eyeliner, and mascara can be enough to give you a chic, polished look and to turn an all-black outfit into a bold statement–a red lip is all you need. Your hairstyle matters too. If you haven’t had time to style or wash your hair, braids or a classic sleek ponytail will save the day.
