developing fashion capsules no.5

variations on a theme

Photo credit: Cleo Vermij Unsplash

Are you someone who has an eclectic collection of items that you just throw together and create exciting, and always different, looks? Or do you have the same jumper in three colours and the same jeans in various denim washes? If you are drawn to one approach, you probably don’t understand the other. Neither is right or wrong, it comes down to your personality, and how you approach your life and your image. If you have a wide variety of design choices in your wardrobe, then you have probably developed a way of dressing that thrives on unpredictability. Dresses one day, skinny jeans another, and tailored the next, can be different and exciting but it can also be very time consuming to pull together.

Sometimes having a recognisable recipe or ‘uniform’ is easier to manage because you have a strong idea of what your image is, and how you will achieve that with the least bother. This recipe concept doesn’t mean you only wear the same clothes day-in-day-out. Your recipe ‘ingredients’ will vary endlessly but your silhouette will probably remain much the same. Think about leggings and an oversized sweatshirt, skinny jeans and a jumper, or narrow velvet cigarette pants and a beautiful cashmere cardigan. Very different items, but a very similar recipe. Perhaps your recipe revolves around classic shift dresses, or flowing skirts and tops? The essentials will be unique to you, but the essential way you like to dress, and feel comfortable will be a constant theme.

However, sometimes you can also get stuck in a rut. Finding a balance between ‘predictable but thoughtful,’ and ‘almost dull’ is never easy. You don’t need to forego your chosen styling to ring the changes, with the addition of some clever accessories, you can make what is ostensibly the same outfit look very different. If we look back to the last example of narrow bottoms and different tops, can you add a scarf, some dramatic jewellery or some very funky footwear? Your jeans and trainers outfit will be transformed by some leopard print boots, a vibrant scarf, and some unexpected jewellery. These things don’t need to be new, you probably already have something similar in your collection, you just don’t normally wear them with this outfit. Why not see what works for you?

If you can find a way to create some wearable capsule looks that are your go-to favourites, then you can easily find space for a few outfits that don’t fit this model. This way you have the best of all worlds. A proven track record with your trusted recipe, and an injection of the unexpected when time, and your creativity, inspires you. If you normally live in leggings and sweatshirts, what better way to make a statement than arriving to meet friends in a fitted floral dress? Perhaps you spend your life in smart business suits? Where a sudden jump to ripped jeans might be a step too far, you can take your formal aesthetic into casual wear with some well fitting jeans, a white T-shirt and a colourful cardigan. You might also find that the same jewellery and shoes work well, a win win!

Continues in No.6…

All rights reserved. Milly Churchill asserts the right to be identified as the author of this work.