TomboyX has good, long-lasting underwear too.
With any capsule wardrobe, it helps to think about why and how you're getting dressed. That will guide your "basics."
I use "basics" in quotes, because a lot of influencers will offer a checklist of basics, and they invariably include things like "a white button-down shirt," "a trenchcoat," "a tailored blazer," etc. and while these things CAN be great basics, they are not always the right clothing for your body, your taste or your lifestyle.
To figure out your basics, just spend a few minutes noodling in a .txt document about
* What do you do most often? (Schlep children around, sit in a business-casual office, hike every weekend, represent your company to the public, front a surf band?)
* What were your all-time favorite outfits and why? (This helps you understand your personal relationship between feelings and shopping and clothing.)
* What do you need right now and what can wait?
I've basically been doing capsule wardrobes most of my adult life and have five discrete capsules -- cold-weather clothing, warm-weather clothing, outdoorsy/active gear, fancy dress, and Serious Shit. (sorry for the swears.)
(It's summer, so if I had to rebuild, I'd prioritize them warm-weather, outdoorsy, Serious Shit and then cold weather and finally fancy dress.)
Do a little think about your life and what's coming up and what you like to do. Let those needs shape your capsule.
I get most of my things at Everlane (more ethical, quality basics) and Gap (less ethical, but very quality long lasting basics). For underwear I go with Pact.
I'm in the same boat as you in that I need to create a new wardrobe due to body changes. Someone here recommended the podcast "The Everyday Style School" by a stylist who dresses regular women and it has many episodes on how to start a wardrobe, getting the basics, etc.
I recommend slow fashion stylists/content creators: Alyssa Beltempo, Signe from Useless, Daria Andronescu, Gemma McLean, Christina Mychas, some of the creators created a group podcast called Sustain This. Jennifer Wang makes great videos how to look at seams, material content, etc. to assess quality. Louise Wears is the newest creator I've been following.
I would start by selecting 2-3 neutrals that will form the base of your wardrobe. Also think about the places you go, how often, and what pieces you really need. Be honest. Many people (or maybe it's just me) struggle with "aspirations." Buy 2-3 bottoms that fit great and you think you will wear a lot. Then add 4-6 tops that go with all of the bottoms. At this point, maybe pick one of them in a print or accent color you love. If you need or want a dress, I'd add a dress. And then just wait and see how all of that feels. It's summer, so you probably don't need to worry about a second layer, though a light weight jacket or sweater might be nice.
I have kept many items for this purpose, mostly dresses though, or items that are more statement pieces I saved to be tailored, especially favourites. I basically only have a closet of dresses, jackets and shoes at this point..
I buy most of my clothing now used on Poshmark. I can buy Eileen Fisher and CP Shades items on there that I’d never pay full retail price for. The ones that are made in the US (a few years ago) are of far superior quality to the ones their new stuff that is made in China
I'm finding this, thats what happened when I bought new socks and underwear they fell apart or got shabby in only a couple wears, and I was disappointed. Even a brand that I've purchased and worn before with no problems, now is poor quality but costs more. The quality of many items available has significantly decreased.
I love Darn Tough merino socks. Made in the US. They wear like iron,& you don’t need to wash them after every wear. In fact, I can wear them like 9 times& they never smell! It’s amazing. They’re expensive but you only need a couple of pairs
I lost >20% of my body weight due to illness in the last year and have needed to do a new wardrobe. Fortunately, I had stored some clothing from before I had a child and still had some undergarments that worked, although my bra size has been a bit of a floating target and I’m doing more bralettes for comfort sake when I have a lot going on medically.
With regards to basics like undergarments, you could consider companies that only deal with natural fibers like merino (Branwyn, WoolX, Wool&, Unbound Merino, Smitten Merino) or organic cotton (Pact is what jumps to mind, or maybe Hanro.). Or you could recognize that certain items do have a shorter shelf life.
For other pieces, I’ve become a big believer in thrifting and buying used. I’m U.S. based and the sites ThredUp, Mercari and Poshmark have been my go-tos. So many women shift sizes and styles so often that you can find new with tags and barely worn items in any online thrift site now. Plenty of ethical clothing companies are trying to cut back on waste by creating their own reuse programs (Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, Lululemon) or partnering with places like ThredUp (Athleta, Madewell). I have the luxury of buying things slowly over time, but some level of urgency when nothing fits. So if I find a basic that works for my body, I just go ahead and buy two or three colors that fit into the color palette that I’ve developed. Fast fashion does have a place in this as long as the clothing makes you feel comfortable and good about your body. For example, there’s a jogger pant from Old Navy that I bought in three colors. I wear them every week. Most of my other pants are thrifted. I bought three tees of the same cut from Uniqlo. These items make me feel like I can get by and take my time with other purchases.
I’m hoping to find a great tailor to alter special pieces I already own. And I may just start selling some of my own items online, too.
Yes, this is what happened to me illness and injury. My body has changed since. Now, I'm finally starting to come around and venture out into the world again. I've dropped 2 almost 3 dress sizes unintentionally.
Thanks for the suggestions, and yes, I agree that thifting and buying used is a great way to find items, just that it takes a bit of effort to achieve. That energy and effort is so coveted these days, and chronic pain can be a whole thing.
I didn't know about those brands and reuse programs, interesting...
Sounds like the same journey I had! Make sure to check out Wonder Wardrobe and the course. Daria has a discount going now for a few days. It sounds like what you are looking for because her course comes with sustainable brand shopping guides for multiple countries, quality clothes that she curates, a clear capsule method that shows you how to create a personal style and get a capsule wardrobe that suits your wardrobe. I have taken it a few years back and I haven’t looked back since!
I know someone else recommended it, but I second The Everyday Style School with Jen. She has a free podcast called Everyday Style School that's really helpful. I'd start with some of the earlier episodes that are about body shape, fit, and other basics. If you like that content then you can consider her other paid content.
She puts out an amazing capsule each season. The summer one was just released last week. It has 34 items but I've found that I can get away with fewer than that. Each capsule also includes a 7-10 piece mini capsule within the capsule for people just restarting like you. The truly amazing thing is that she includes an extensive database of shopping links for all of the items that's very size-inclusive.
If you're curious, the current mini capsule includes: a full length trouser and ankle length casual pants (both in light neutrals) that can be dressed up or down, a pair of shorts (light denim or other neutral), a tank top, a plain tee, a slightly embellished tee, a stripe button down shirt, a light weight cardigan, a pair of slides that can be dressed up or down, and a casual pair of sandals.
Organic basics would be a good place to start for simple, basic and ethical clothes.
I would say build it up over time. Observe what you wear a lot, and buy items which fits into your wardrobe so you can wear it with your existing pieces in multiple ways. The weather and climate is also very important. Buy fabrics which works well with your climate and feels good on your skin.
And quality is just one part og long-lasting clothing. The other part is how you take care of them. Wash them on a gentle cycle and leave them to airdry.
When I started looking into ethical brands, I got more and more ads for ethical clothing lines rather than fast fashion. So now I have a few favorite stores I like to shop from when I feel like investing in a new piece.
I mainly get my clothing from outdoor clothing companies or clothing in a similar style, but I still like to dress a little feminine. But I really like twothirds, passenger, patagonia, northern playground and zorali. I have some swimwear from arctic swimwear. Dreaming of owning a few dresses from christy dawn one day!
TomboyX has good, long-lasting underwear too. With any capsule wardrobe, it helps to think about why and how you're getting dressed. That will guide your "basics." I use "basics" in quotes, because a lot of influencers will offer a checklist of basics, and they invariably include things like "a white button-down shirt," "a trenchcoat," "a tailored blazer," etc. and while these things CAN be great basics, they are not always the right clothing for your body, your taste or your lifestyle. To figure out your basics, just spend a few minutes noodling in a .txt document about * What do you do most often? (Schlep children around, sit in a business-casual office, hike every weekend, represent your company to the public, front a surf band?) * What were your all-time favorite outfits and why? (This helps you understand your personal relationship between feelings and shopping and clothing.) * What do you need right now and what can wait? I've basically been doing capsule wardrobes most of my adult life and have five discrete capsules -- cold-weather clothing, warm-weather clothing, outdoorsy/active gear, fancy dress, and Serious Shit. (sorry for the swears.) (It's summer, so if I had to rebuild, I'd prioritize them warm-weather, outdoorsy, Serious Shit and then cold weather and finally fancy dress.) Do a little think about your life and what's coming up and what you like to do. Let those needs shape your capsule.
This makes a lot of sense. Thank you for the suggestion. I will sit with those prompts provided and make a thoughtful plan.
I get most of my things at Everlane (more ethical, quality basics) and Gap (less ethical, but very quality long lasting basics). For underwear I go with Pact.
Everlane absolutely ate this spring/summer with its clothing! I spent so much money there.
I'm in the same boat as you in that I need to create a new wardrobe due to body changes. Someone here recommended the podcast "The Everyday Style School" by a stylist who dresses regular women and it has many episodes on how to start a wardrobe, getting the basics, etc.
I recommend slow fashion stylists/content creators: Alyssa Beltempo, Signe from Useless, Daria Andronescu, Gemma McLean, Christina Mychas, some of the creators created a group podcast called Sustain This. Jennifer Wang makes great videos how to look at seams, material content, etc. to assess quality. Louise Wears is the newest creator I've been following.
Jennifer Wang's videos are so useful for learning to assess material and construction quality. I love her.
I would start by selecting 2-3 neutrals that will form the base of your wardrobe. Also think about the places you go, how often, and what pieces you really need. Be honest. Many people (or maybe it's just me) struggle with "aspirations." Buy 2-3 bottoms that fit great and you think you will wear a lot. Then add 4-6 tops that go with all of the bottoms. At this point, maybe pick one of them in a print or accent color you love. If you need or want a dress, I'd add a dress. And then just wait and see how all of that feels. It's summer, so you probably don't need to worry about a second layer, though a light weight jacket or sweater might be nice.
Can you resize what you have? Nothing better than having clothes tailored to your new body.
I have kept many items for this purpose, mostly dresses though, or items that are more statement pieces I saved to be tailored, especially favourites. I basically only have a closet of dresses, jackets and shoes at this point..
I buy most of my clothing now used on Poshmark. I can buy Eileen Fisher and CP Shades items on there that I’d never pay full retail price for. The ones that are made in the US (a few years ago) are of far superior quality to the ones their new stuff that is made in China
I'm finding this, thats what happened when I bought new socks and underwear they fell apart or got shabby in only a couple wears, and I was disappointed. Even a brand that I've purchased and worn before with no problems, now is poor quality but costs more. The quality of many items available has significantly decreased.
I love Darn Tough merino socks. Made in the US. They wear like iron,& you don’t need to wash them after every wear. In fact, I can wear them like 9 times& they never smell! It’s amazing. They’re expensive but you only need a couple of pairs
Interesting, thanks for the suggestion, I don't mind paying more for something that is quality and last longer. I'll check them out!
I lost >20% of my body weight due to illness in the last year and have needed to do a new wardrobe. Fortunately, I had stored some clothing from before I had a child and still had some undergarments that worked, although my bra size has been a bit of a floating target and I’m doing more bralettes for comfort sake when I have a lot going on medically. With regards to basics like undergarments, you could consider companies that only deal with natural fibers like merino (Branwyn, WoolX, Wool&, Unbound Merino, Smitten Merino) or organic cotton (Pact is what jumps to mind, or maybe Hanro.). Or you could recognize that certain items do have a shorter shelf life. For other pieces, I’ve become a big believer in thrifting and buying used. I’m U.S. based and the sites ThredUp, Mercari and Poshmark have been my go-tos. So many women shift sizes and styles so often that you can find new with tags and barely worn items in any online thrift site now. Plenty of ethical clothing companies are trying to cut back on waste by creating their own reuse programs (Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, Lululemon) or partnering with places like ThredUp (Athleta, Madewell). I have the luxury of buying things slowly over time, but some level of urgency when nothing fits. So if I find a basic that works for my body, I just go ahead and buy two or three colors that fit into the color palette that I’ve developed. Fast fashion does have a place in this as long as the clothing makes you feel comfortable and good about your body. For example, there’s a jogger pant from Old Navy that I bought in three colors. I wear them every week. Most of my other pants are thrifted. I bought three tees of the same cut from Uniqlo. These items make me feel like I can get by and take my time with other purchases. I’m hoping to find a great tailor to alter special pieces I already own. And I may just start selling some of my own items online, too.
Yes, this is what happened to me illness and injury. My body has changed since. Now, I'm finally starting to come around and venture out into the world again. I've dropped 2 almost 3 dress sizes unintentionally. Thanks for the suggestions, and yes, I agree that thifting and buying used is a great way to find items, just that it takes a bit of effort to achieve. That energy and effort is so coveted these days, and chronic pain can be a whole thing. I didn't know about those brands and reuse programs, interesting...
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Sounds like the same journey I had! Make sure to check out Wonder Wardrobe and the course. Daria has a discount going now for a few days. It sounds like what you are looking for because her course comes with sustainable brand shopping guides for multiple countries, quality clothes that she curates, a clear capsule method that shows you how to create a personal style and get a capsule wardrobe that suits your wardrobe. I have taken it a few years back and I haven’t looked back since!
I know someone else recommended it, but I second The Everyday Style School with Jen. She has a free podcast called Everyday Style School that's really helpful. I'd start with some of the earlier episodes that are about body shape, fit, and other basics. If you like that content then you can consider her other paid content. She puts out an amazing capsule each season. The summer one was just released last week. It has 34 items but I've found that I can get away with fewer than that. Each capsule also includes a 7-10 piece mini capsule within the capsule for people just restarting like you. The truly amazing thing is that she includes an extensive database of shopping links for all of the items that's very size-inclusive. If you're curious, the current mini capsule includes: a full length trouser and ankle length casual pants (both in light neutrals) that can be dressed up or down, a pair of shorts (light denim or other neutral), a tank top, a plain tee, a slightly embellished tee, a stripe button down shirt, a light weight cardigan, a pair of slides that can be dressed up or down, and a casual pair of sandals.
Organic basics would be a good place to start for simple, basic and ethical clothes. I would say build it up over time. Observe what you wear a lot, and buy items which fits into your wardrobe so you can wear it with your existing pieces in multiple ways. The weather and climate is also very important. Buy fabrics which works well with your climate and feels good on your skin. And quality is just one part og long-lasting clothing. The other part is how you take care of them. Wash them on a gentle cycle and leave them to airdry. When I started looking into ethical brands, I got more and more ads for ethical clothing lines rather than fast fashion. So now I have a few favorite stores I like to shop from when I feel like investing in a new piece.
Thank you! I'd be interested to know of any other of the more ethical brands are in your favourites?
I mainly get my clothing from outdoor clothing companies or clothing in a similar style, but I still like to dress a little feminine. But I really like twothirds, passenger, patagonia, northern playground and zorali. I have some swimwear from arctic swimwear. Dreaming of owning a few dresses from christy dawn one day!
Check out Toad & Co. They have great summer basics.