Spring 2021 Capsule Wardrobe Try-On At 71

A capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated assortment of garments that seamlessly combine to create multiple, stylish outfit options suitable for the entire season and various daily activities. By leveraging color harmony and silhouettes, this streamlined approach yields a cohesive look that perfectly reflects your unique personal style and lifestyle.

Updates I’ve made to my wardrobe in 2021

As we transition from chilly winter days to sunny spring afternoons, I’ve been focusing on building a versatile wardrobe that can withstand the unpredictable French weather. With lockdown measures in place, I’ve had to rely more heavily on online shopping and my own styling expertise. This year’s fashion trends have brought back the comfort of bulkier clothing, reminiscent of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Big-shouldered tops with puffed sleeves are making a comeback, alongside wide-legged jeans that provide a comfortable silhouette. To add volume to outfits, I’ve been experimenting with pushed-up sleeves and belted waists. While this trend may not be the easiest to style, especially after years of slim-fit pants and straight-cut tops, I’ve managed to curate a Capsule Wardrobe that works for me. With a mix of online purchases from marksandspencer.com and quick in-store shopping before lockdown restrictions took hold, I’m pleased with my new wardrobe staples.

Doing more with less during the pandemic

As the creator of these try-on photo diaries, I’m committed to presenting my personal style as authentically as possible. Standing at just 62 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds, you won’t find any photo editing tricks here. My goal is to showcase how an average older woman can create a stylish wardrobe with minimal pieces, all while sharing the benefits of building a seasonal Capsule Wardrobe. This approach eliminates the daily ‘What can I wear today?’ dilemma and allows me to stay up-to-date without breaking the bank.To achieve this, I’ll be focusing on a limited color palette, a few versatile bottoms, and a multitude of tops. Simple accessories will then bring everything together. Although my current lifestyle doesn’t require dressy attire, I recognize that others may have different needs. As you follow along, remember to adapt this Capsule Wardrobe to your personal style and daily routine.If you’re unsure about your own personal style, take the 5-minute quiz to discover more about yourself. This will help you create a wardrobe that accurately reflects your unique taste and preferences. For some, that might mean embracing a more formal or avant-garde aesthetic, while others may prefer a classic, casual look like mine. The key is to find what works best for you.Now, let’s dive into the details of my Spring 2021 Capsule Wardrobe and explore why I’ve chosen each piece.

The base or neutral color

The foundation of my wardrobe is established by this timeless choice. Denim, specifically the pale to mid blue hue reminiscent of vintage jeans, has become ubiquitous this year. Its versatility in complementing a wide range of colors makes it an excellent option for transitioning from the dark tones often worn during winter to the brighter palette of Spring.

The secondary color

The harmonious relationship between the base color and the secondary color is what truly defines the essence of this Capsule. When these two colors are deliberately mismatched, it results in a one-of-a-kind and dramatic ensemble that demands attention. Conversely, when they blend seamlessly together, the outcome is a refined, elegant, or even minimalist wardrobe. I opted for navy as my secondary hue, which strikes a perfect chord with denim blue, forming a timeless and iconic pair.

The special color

Introducing highlights that bring vibrancy to your collection! You can inject a burst of energy with bold, bright colors or opt for understated elegance by selecting toning hues that add nuance and depth without overpowering the overall aesthetic. I chose orange, a color that has been subtly accumulating in my wardrobe over the past year. As I gazed at the denim alongside the orange, I felt an urgent need for a lift after months of quiet isolation – a nod to the revitalization that comes with embracing bold new additions.

The bottoms

For a harmonious wardrobe, I opt for three key bottoms per season. The latest addition is a pair of wider jeans in an old-school pale wash, which will set the tone for my Spring style. These jeans align with the base color of my Capsule Wardrobe and provide a foundation for future outfits.I’ve also brought back some dark navy Mom jeans from last year’s collection. Although narrower than the new pair, they still fit well into my wardrobe and serve as a secondary option. The slightly different silhouette adds diversity to my looks without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.To round out my trio of bottoms, I’m revisiting a trusty pair of stretchy white cropped pants that have been in my rotation for over five years. By June, the jeans may become too warm and heavy for daytime wear, making these lightweight options perfect for hot summer days. Plus, their comfort means I can focus on loose-fitting tops without worrying about belts or tucking them in – a joy for those with wider waists or bigger hips!

The tops

I’ve curated a collection of tops for both warm and cool days, featuring at least nine pieces with two additional dresses. The current cold weather has me envisioning lighter layers as well as a cozy woolly sweater for colder evenings later in the season. To accommodate these varying temperatures, I’ve included short-sleeved summer tops that can be layered under jackets or shirts if the sun dips below the horizon.My trusty jacket from last year’s sales is a versatile addition to my wardrobe, serving as both a base layer and a cover-up for town or sightseeing excursions. The scrunched sleeves give it a modern twist. Another layering piece is a navy cropped cardigan that works seamlessly over all my shirts, tees, and dresses. Its quick-drying synthetic material makes it easy to care for.The blue sweater I recently purchased is right on trend with its bulky design and relaxed sleeves that beg to be pushed up like an 80s revival. While it’s a new addition, I’m hoping it will wash well so I can incorporate it into my Fall or Winter wardrobe as well.My short-sleeved white tee with broderie detail was a Spring purchase last year, and despite being worn several times, it still retains its shape. The boxy cut is easy to wear, making it a reliable choice for casual occasions. The pale blue and orange Breton tees help tie in the color scheme while also serving as reminders that even older pieces can be refreshed with new styling approaches.I’ve had the opportunity to try on my new Brora Liberty print shirt, which features colors I often wear, including the unexpected addition of orange. This long-sleeved shirt can be layered under other pieces or worn alone with its sleeves turned back for warm weather. It’s a great example of how a sale find can become a valuable addition to one’s wardrobe.Last but not least, my new denim blue chambray shirt is another recent purchase that fits into this season’s trend of gathered seams and nice buttons. The gathered cuffs add a touch of sophistication without making the overall look feel too plain.

The dresses

My wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without including two dresses that have become staples in my warmer-weather rotation. The first, an orange number from Boden, is a vibrant splash of color that I’ve had the pleasure of wearing frequently since purchasing it last summer. Its loose fit and lack of fasteners make it easy to slip on, while its ability to be machine washed and dried only adds to its convenience.The second dress, a navy and white number that I picked up at a steal during a winter shopping trip to Sanary on the Cote d’Azur, has also become a trusted favorite. The fact that there were few tourists out and about meant that the boutiques were offering massive discounts, making it an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.One of my go-to dresses this year is a lightweight, wide-cut shirt dress that’s perfect for warm days and evenings when you want to keep your arms covered but not get too hot. It can be styled with a navy belt or left as-is, thanks to the drawstring at the waist, giving me plenty of options for dressing it up or down.

The shoes and accessories

While some accessories are designed to match specific outfits, there are a few versatile pieces that can complement a wide range of looks. For instance, the lightweight sneakers I purchased from marksandspencer.com pair well with my denim bucket hat, which is also on-trend this year. Additionally, the long pale blue scarf from the same online shop helps tie everything together. To add some contrast without buying new shoes, I opted to incorporate my pale pink sneakers from a local supermarket purchase a year ago. Although they’re not perfect, I prefer to wear them and decide whether to keep or donate/recycle them in June rather than relegating them to the back of the closet.In terms of belts, jeans look great with one this season, so I pulled out an old favorite from my collection. I also discovered an elasticated navy belt that can be used with my navy dress if needed. It’s been about 10 years or more since I last wore it, but I love how it fits into my Capsule wardrobe plan. If I didn’t create a planned wardrobe every season, I probably wouldn’t have worn this belt again for another decade, so I’m glad to have rediscovered it.

My one special item

The pièce de résistance of my capsule wardrobe is undoubtedly the vibrant orange woven cotton bag from Marks & Spencer. Its arrival alongside my jeans, hat, and sweater was a game-changer, instantly elevating each outfit with its bold and confident charm. While I typically reserve one special item for its uniqueness, this bag has surprised me by seamlessly pairing with every single piece in the capsule. It’s as if it was made to be worn daily. Alongside my winter capsule, I also added the two gold chains and hoop earrings I purchased during the holiday season – not an investment-worthy moment, but a practical choice given the current situation. Expect these accessories to make regular appearances throughout the year until we can venture out again, at which point I’ll upgrade to more statement-making pieces.