I have worked with amazing stylists and many you will be familiar with, one in particular was Nicky Hambleton-Jones of 10 Years Younger. All the stylist at NHJ Style are taught to carefully look at the clients wardrobe and break it down into sections.
The only way you will get the wardrobe you have always wanted is to do the same.
The Capsule Wardrobe is one phrase you must have heard of? If not its basically the main items everyone needs and should have to hand.Like a black biker jacket, a well fitting pair of jeans, black court shoes, a pencil skirt and a beautiful white fitted shirt. Along with an essential little dress for those nights out. All of these can be worked with in multiple ways.
A really good sort through of the things you own. You might feel inspired or the you feel a little flat. Either way you need to do this every few years.
I tend to advise my clients that any unworn items just hanging in the closset that haven’t been worn for more than 2 or 3 seasons need to either be revamped, refitted, sold or donated to a charity shop. There is a reason they haven’t have the pleasure of being worn by your beautiful self.Go through your wardrobe and anything that doesn’t fit either give away or have altered. If it makes you feel good for a particular reason then keep it as long as you know you will wear them again.
Sort out the clothing into 3 piles. The first pile should be clothing you love that makes you feel good and fits well. The second is for items you are not sure about that may need reworking or altering and the third pile will be for items you need to throw away, donate or even burn!! Now decide what suits you and what needs to change.
Fashion and style changes so chances are that you are holding onto unattractive and misshaped items, that could do with a bit of TLC. Now look at what you have left and decide if they work.
Time to make a list of what’s missing and what you would like to add.
Here is a list of what I think are the essentials for every wardrobe.
- Leather biker jacket
- Classic Pea coat
- Navy trench Coat
- Fitted Black Blazer
- White and black well fitting, good quality T-shirts
- Breton top or stripy top
- Black and white Vest tops
- Black Pencil skirt
- Leather shorts or leather mini skirt
- Cream or white shorts
- Black Maxi Skirt
- White Jeans
- Fitted white shirt
- Oversized jumper or Boyfriend cardigan
- A well fitting pair of jeans
- Cut of denim shorts
- Perfect LBD
- Black and nude ballet flats (French soles are perfect)
- Black court shoe
- Ankle boots
- Fedora hat
- A classic Scarf
- Sunglasses
- Waist belt
- Patent clutch
- Statement necklace
- Everyday handbag
- Red lipstick
Now Sort out and arrange your wardrobe so it’s really easy to find the things you are looking for. Almost merchandise it too, by this is mean colour coordinate it into sections. Place outfits that work well together and have things at hand like shoes in clear boxes to make your mornings easier. A little bit of preparation will go a long way.Now all you need to do is fill the gaps in the wardrobe with good quality items. Always quality over quantity.
Check out Vintage or thrift stores for classic items that have been well made, then have them altered as these will be far superior in quality…they don’t make them like they used to!For more Style and DIY Style advice visit
SLB Style for more information and follow Sarah on Twitter @
sarahbacchus
Boris Entrup is the resident make-up artist on Germany’s Next Top Model and is the exclusive make-up artist for Maybelline. It is fair to say that he knows his stuff.
