Style Fashion Guides
The Perfect Capsule Wardrobe
Less is More
So what is Tessa's perfect capsule wardrobe? Two pairs of trousers - one light, one dark; two skirts - also light and dark, two plain blouses, 2 simple tops and a good jacket - which could be a cute little curvy tweed number from Zara or a beautiful leather jacket. The essential thing is to choose something that really suits your shape.
Tessa's other piece of advice is to keep the fabrics plain. "If you wear patterns or stripes, it really narrows down the times you can wear something. Best to add interest with jewellery and other patterned accessories," says Tessa, who is also a member of the Federation of Image Consultants.
Putting it into Practice
It is one thing to aspire to a capsule wardrobe, but how do you actually achieve it? The first chore is to pare down your existing clothes. Be harsh - if you haven't worn it for two years, chuck it out. Have a bin liner handy and chuck all rejects straight into it.
Once you can see the wood for the trees, identify the gaps. Do you have the perfect pair of trousers, or a great little jacket that you could wear all winter?
Then it's time for the fun bit - more shopping! But this time, you need to be disciplined. Department stores are a great place to start. You'll find many of the top designers in one place and it's far easier to put together a complete look that works well together. And if you're struggling, remember that most department stores also offer personal shopping services. Whilst they might not be experts in the area of the capsule wardrobe, they know their stock, and will be able to help you find good quality trousers or skirts that will really work for you.
The Proof is in the Pudding
Go on, stop wasting time in front of your dishevelled wardrobe and live a little. Step out in confidence knowing that what you are wearing is tried and tested and really suits you. In this war against clutter, less is definitely more 'hassle-free'.
So what is Tessa's perfect capsule wardrobe? Two pairs of trousers - one light, one dark; two skirts - also light and dark, two plain blouses, 2 simple tops and a good jacket - which could be a cute little curvy tweed number from Zara or a beautiful leather jacket. The essential thing is to choose something that really suits your shape.
Tessa's other piece of advice is to keep the fabrics plain. "If you wear patterns or stripes, it really narrows down the times you can wear something. Best to add interest with jewellery and other patterned accessories," says Tessa, who is also a member of the Federation of Image Consultants.
Putting it into Practice
It is one thing to aspire to a capsule wardrobe, but how do you actually achieve it? The first chore is to pare down your existing clothes. Be harsh - if you haven't worn it for two years, chuck it out. Have a bin liner handy and chuck all rejects straight into it.
Once you can see the wood for the trees, identify the gaps. Do you have the perfect pair of trousers, or a great little jacket that you could wear all winter?
Then it's time for the fun bit - more shopping! But this time, you need to be disciplined. Department stores are a great place to start. You'll find many of the top designers in one place and it's far easier to put together a complete look that works well together. And if you're struggling, remember that most department stores also offer personal shopping services. Whilst they might not be experts in the area of the capsule wardrobe, they know their stock, and will be able to help you find good quality trousers or skirts that will really work for you.
The Proof is in the Pudding
Go on, stop wasting time in front of your dishevelled wardrobe and live a little. Step out in confidence knowing that what you are wearing is tried and tested and really suits you. In this war against clutter, less is definitely more 'hassle-free'.
