Ask The Expert
Funky Capsule Wardrobe
Keeping up your good looks every day is tough for any girl, especially if you've a unique style to maintain. But what if you're living out of a suitcase? Debbie explains how it can work...
Hi Debbie,
I'm looking for some fashion advice. I'm a freelance filmmaker, and have been living out of a suitcase this past year, and shall continue to do so. I enjoy my clothes, and looking quirky. I have a gothic/punk/1940's/50's style currently, and I'm struggling to make a capsule wardrobe that supports my style.
I love dressing up, but I have to cut down as I'm sick of exceeding luggage allowances! (My art supplies take up a good bulk of my suitcase). My next destination for work is LA in late June, so I'm looking for hot climate things, too.
Any help is welcome!
Klara
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi Klara,
Wow, a gothic/punk/40s/50s capsule - what a challenge! Let's see what we can do...
The key with any capsule wardrobe is that the pieces work together and it doesn't mean that you need to look like a middle-aged woman in taupe jersey! You may be too young to remember an actress called Linda Kozlowski, who starred in the first Crocodile Dundee movie. She wore a fabulous capsule wardrobe which took her from a 'high-powered journalist' in New York to the outback and back again. It appeared to consist of five pieces of clothing - a swimsuit, a sarong, a fabulous straw hat, a big bag, and a black dress!
So, on that basis, I would start any capsule wardrobe - punk or otherwise - with a fabulous swimsuit. Go for a bold colour that will work with anything, like black, white or even red. This will form the basis for plenty of outfits, working either as a swimsuit at an LA beach party, or as a sun top with other clothes. If you're a fan of 40s/50s fashion, try to find something quite structured with a halter neck and proper cups (so you won't need a bra), and not too low at the back. Think Jayne Mansfield or Marilyn Monroe. Team it with a skirt, jeans or a sarong and you're ready for anything.
You'll need something utterly glamorous for all those movie parties you're bound to be invited to! How about an off-the-shoulder structured dress or perhaps a corset? If the corset is boned, it will keep its shape even when it has been rolled up in your bag. Wear it with jeans for effortless glamour or perhaps a big skirt to create a real 50s 'new look' style. Little pump shoes would work well with this.
A leather biker jacket would be invaluable. It will work with all your clothes, even an evening dress, and will keep out the chill winds if you ended up somewhere a bit cooler. Fling in two or three T-shirts and one pair of trousers - something smarter than jeans for days when you need to look relaxed but impress.
Have fun and enjoy your trip!
Debbie
I'm looking for some fashion advice. I'm a freelance filmmaker, and have been living out of a suitcase this past year, and shall continue to do so. I enjoy my clothes, and looking quirky. I have a gothic/punk/1940's/50's style currently, and I'm struggling to make a capsule wardrobe that supports my style.
I love dressing up, but I have to cut down as I'm sick of exceeding luggage allowances! (My art supplies take up a good bulk of my suitcase). My next destination for work is LA in late June, so I'm looking for hot climate things, too.
Any help is welcome!
Klara
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi Klara,
Wow, a gothic/punk/40s/50s capsule - what a challenge! Let's see what we can do...
The key with any capsule wardrobe is that the pieces work together and it doesn't mean that you need to look like a middle-aged woman in taupe jersey! You may be too young to remember an actress called Linda Kozlowski, who starred in the first Crocodile Dundee movie. She wore a fabulous capsule wardrobe which took her from a 'high-powered journalist' in New York to the outback and back again. It appeared to consist of five pieces of clothing - a swimsuit, a sarong, a fabulous straw hat, a big bag, and a black dress!
So, on that basis, I would start any capsule wardrobe - punk or otherwise - with a fabulous swimsuit. Go for a bold colour that will work with anything, like black, white or even red. This will form the basis for plenty of outfits, working either as a swimsuit at an LA beach party, or as a sun top with other clothes. If you're a fan of 40s/50s fashion, try to find something quite structured with a halter neck and proper cups (so you won't need a bra), and not too low at the back. Think Jayne Mansfield or Marilyn Monroe. Team it with a skirt, jeans or a sarong and you're ready for anything.
You'll need something utterly glamorous for all those movie parties you're bound to be invited to! How about an off-the-shoulder structured dress or perhaps a corset? If the corset is boned, it will keep its shape even when it has been rolled up in your bag. Wear it with jeans for effortless glamour or perhaps a big skirt to create a real 50s 'new look' style. Little pump shoes would work well with this.
A leather biker jacket would be invaluable. It will work with all your clothes, even an evening dress, and will keep out the chill winds if you ended up somewhere a bit cooler. Fling in two or three T-shirts and one pair of trousers - something smarter than jeans for days when you need to look relaxed but impress.
Have fun and enjoy your trip!
Debbie
