Today's Women of Age

I shop for most of my clothes online and in the past when I’ve spotted something on sale that I just loved I might buy it without considering if the item went with anything else I owned or if it would be flattering on my figure. I’d tell myself “well, it’s a good deal and so cute.” Then I’d get it in the mail, try it on and realize it was wrong for me.

I think we’ve all been there–the sweater that looked great on the model, but makes us look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Or the color that washes us out.

Seventy percent of the time I’d send the piece back and get a refund, but thirty percent of the time I’d think, quite irrationally, that I could somehow make it work. So I’d cut off the tags and wear it once or twice and never again.

What a waste.

Sometimes I thought I should follow Steve Jobs example and create a signature style and just stick to that.

But I know I’d tire of wearing the same look every day!

Over the years I have gotten smarter with my clothes choices, still I’ll admit I could do better. I’ve been intrigued by the concept of creating a capsule wardrobe which is not necessarily having a small wardrobe but about having the best wardrobe by choosing pieces very intentionally. I like that.

In a nutshell, creating a capsule wardrobe puts the focus on planning and buying quality pieces that are essential, versatile (interchangeable) and timeless ensuring that you always have something to wear!

No more buying random pieces just because
they were on sale or so cute.
No more looking in despair at a packed closet.

And of course everything must fit beautifully, flatter our figure, coordinate with other items and cover every occasion!

Figure Out Your Needs

As we age our clothing needs will change. In my early working life I wore dresses, heels and nice pants. Eventually that gave way to a much more casual work wardrobe featuring jeans and blazers which were also appropriate for my non-work life. And nowadays I focus a little more on comfort. (Leggings and flannel shirts for home.)

Here are some questions to consider:

• What are do you like to wear?
• What styles are flattering on you?
• What do you need for your lifestyle?
• What do you need to cover all the seasons in your area?
• Do you have clothes for every occasion?

One huge hole in my current wardrobe is “dress up” clothes–you know, something to wear to a wedding, funeral or fundraiser. I was aghast a few years ago when I was preparing to attend the funeral of a friend’s father. As I pulled on the black pants that I thought still fit, I discovered they didn’t. And I literally did not have another pair of pants or a skirt or dress. I did not want to bail on going, so I resorted to my black denim jeans with a nice blazer and little boots. Of course she didn’t care what I wore and was just happy I came. Still I was slightly mortified.

Start Winnowing

Now assess what you already have. Empty your closet and dresser drawers of every item of clothing and lay them all out by category. Conduct an honest evaluation of each category and each piece in the category.

For example, sweaters. Do they all fit and flatter? Are they in good shape (no stains, holes, etc.)? Do you wear them? Are they good quality? Are they outdated? If the answer is no to any of these questions, put the item in the donate or throwaway pile.

Remove the chaff from each category till you have the best of the best. Be ruthless.

Plan What to Buy

A lot of standard capsule wardrobe lists written by fashionistas include these timeless basics: pair of jeans, trench coat, white T-shirt, black blazer and little black dress. And this seems a good start , but obviously has to be customized to what suits us and what we like to wear. For example, I do not wear T-shirts. Crew necklines are unflattering on large-busted women and I rarely wear pure white because it drains me of color. I wouldn’t mind owning a trench coat, but it’s not a necessity.

As you look at what’s left of your winnowed wardrobe, are they pieces that will work together? What’s missing? Is it a pair of tailored pants? An outfit for fancy occasions (like me)? A classic blazer?

Once you figure it out, they are the only pieces of clothing you should be buying. Focus on the best quality you can afford and on natural fibers–wool, cotton, silk, linen, etc.

I am particularly fond of the Eileen Fisher brand for their timeless styles, fabrics and sustainability though I wait for items to go on sale! Quince is another great option offering classic clothes in natural fabrics at reasonable prices. Peruvian Connection is my go-to for pretty knits, but again, I usually wait for things to go on sale. (I’m a thrifty girl at heart!)

Decide Your Colors

Neutrals are highly touted for the capsule wardrobe, which make for a good base, but for me, pops of color are needed too. I could never be just a white/black/beige gal.

I favor rich fall and winter colors so I have jackets and sweaters in rust, red and maroon and a few print pieces that I always receive compliments on. You can still be you with a capsule wardrobe. And of course once you add on a few accessories (a scarf, a belt or a statement necklace) you can dramatically change a look.

Reap the Benefits

There are a slew of benefits to creating a capsule wardrobe, but these are my favorites:

• You’ll always have something to wear for every occasion. No more stressing about not having something thing to wear.
• Timeless, quality pieces will last for years, so you’ll spend less money overall.
• No more wasting money on random pieces.
• Despite possibly having a smaller wardrobe you’ll have more choices because so many pieces will mix and match.

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Would love to hear if you have a capsule wardrobe and how it’s worked for you.