Jennifer Skinner used to write about a concept she came up with called “A Very Small Closet”. She since took down her blog saying she was writing a book. I’ve searched for it repeatedly (she made that announcement in April, 2009) as I would buy her book in a heartbeat.
In the meantime, I’d love to explain her concept. She felt that buying everything in the same basic color or two made all your outfits look the same. If you google “wardrobe capsule”, tons of images will come up proving her point.
Instead, Skinner says to build a wardrobe around six bottom pieces with two coordinating tops for each bottom. Include fabulous shoes, a sweater or jacket, and all the accessories you need for a great looking outfit. You’ll end up with 12 complete outfits for your weekday wear. This works out to wearing the same outfit about twice a month. The bottoms can be skirts, pants, or both. I found darker neutrals worked well for me and it was easy to find two different tops to make each look like a totally different outfit.
She suggests you round out your wardrobe with true wardrobe capsules (coordinating tops and bottoms that mix to make different outfits) for evening wear, the beach, weekends, and the gym.
It’s amazing how well you can dress with fewer clothes.
What do you think? Would this work for you?
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3 comments ↓
Sounds like a very sensible idea.
Pat recently posted..Madeline’s quilt
I did it when I worked outside the home and it worked well for me Pat. I need to start again pulling some cuter work at home outfits – I’ve let myself go!!
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This is my basic strategy, too. I used to buy everything black and tan (bottoms). So, I had brown and black shoes, shades of black or grey bottoms, and tan/brown bottoms. Then I would mix up the tops. I’ve pared that down even more—for frugality’s sake more than anything. I have all black/gray bottoms and then various blouses, sweaters and tops in my favorite colors. Deep turquoise, dark blue-greens, red, burgundy, plum, etc. They all go with black or grey. I only have to buy black shoes this way, too, and I just have a couple of pairs. It works!
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