How To Dress For Your Body Shape – A Body Shape Guide For Men
Male Body Types Choosing the right clothes that flatter your body shape can significantly enhance your appearance and confidence. To begin with, it’s essential to
So you are looking for a capsule wardrobe checklist? You have come to the right place. In this post, I give you all the tools you need to build your capsule wardrobe. I take you through what to consider before you start, ideas for your capsule, and then how to avoid impulse buys in the future. Each stage is essential to getting it right.
Below I have some ideas on what to include in your capsule. Whether you include them or not will be based on a series of factors;
Taste
Seasons
Environment
Lifestyle
Comfort
Size
Colouring
Budget
Before you go on, as I briefly mentioned above, you have lots to consider before you embark on building a capsule wardrobe that will work effectively.
Seasons: Do you live in a seasonal environment? If so, do you plan to create a wardrobe for all four seasons, two or one that covers them all? Most commonly, people choose autumn/winter and spring/summer with some items that transition through both.
Environment: When you plan to create this capsule, do you need to stay cool/warm? Does it rain or snow a lot? Do you need protection from the cold or heat?
Taste: Make a note of your taste preferences in style, colour, and fabric. Do you have a style you love? Do you love the French style capsule collections? If you are not sure, use Pinterest or Instagram for style inspiration.
Lifestyle: What do you do every week? Do you spend the majority of your time at work? If so, are you provided with a uniform, or do you have a dress code? Do you spend time with the kids? Do you go to a weekly yoga, art or fitness class? Do you like tending the garden or DIY?
Comfort: What fabrics do you find comfortable, and what materials do you find uncomfortable? Can you wear heels or shoes with a point? Do you have wide feet?
Body Shape: Do you know your body shape? Many women who come to me get it wrong. Do you know what can enhance your body shape?
Size: Do you know what size you are? I know this might sound like a crazy question, but you would be surprised by the number of people who get this wrong. If you are a woman, have you had a recent bra fitting? For a man, have you ever been measured for a suit? Many women are wearing the wrong bra size, and many men are wearing the wrong sized suits.
Colouring: What colours suit you? Have you ever had a colour analysis to determine your colours, or do you have an instinct and know what suits you? If you have a good idea, I suggest selecting seven or eight colours to build your capsule. Try to choose colours that are already common in your wardrobe.
Budget: Do you have a budget set for your wardrobe? It is common for people to take around a year to build a capsule wardrobe. Always choose quality over quantity, whatever your budget.
Below are some suggestions as to what to include in your capsule wardrobe. After answering the questions above, you may well find that some of these suggestions may not fit YOUR capsule. Everybody’s capsule will be different, and it has to be about you and what you love – nobody else. If you need more suits for work, or your environment predicts that you need warmer clothes, then adapt the suggestions below accordingly. The list is based on a simple capsule wardrobe to cover a seasonal climate. I have not included underwear, swimwear or heavy outer clothing.
Four T-shirts: two or three simple block colours and one or two striped.
Two Long-sleeved T-shirts: One plain and one striped with a round neck
Two V-Neck Jumpers: Try two different block colours. A V-neck will suit more people and sit better over a shirt or round neck T-shirt.
A suit with a skirt and trousers to match: By buying a suit with both a straight skirt and a pair of straight-leg trousers that match it, you can wear the suit in two different ways, or any one of the garments on their own with something else. Choose a standard block colour like navy, charcoal or black.
A leather/ pleather jacket: Choose a jacket in black or chocolate brown. Whichever you choose, make sure your accessories, for example, belts and bags, are the same shade. A bomber or biker style is more timeless than some of the other fashion fad styles available.
Two dresses: These could be in either a block colour or a print. If you choose a print, select a colour that will work well in your palette. An excellent way to accessorise a garment with a print is to use the colours in the print (not the background) to mix and match and accessorise. The classic tea dress style can be dressed up or down and suits all body shapes.
A Trench coat: Some of you may decide that a trench coat is not for you, but if you love that Parisien style in simple block colours, it serves very well to finish off an outfit and keep the chill out in autumn or spring. Choose a classic stone, black or navy.
A classic white shirt: You can not beat a classic white shirt with a standard collar. Dress it up or down for work with a suit or jeans for a more casual look.
A tracksuit: Perfect for workouts, a morning run, or lounging around the house on a Sunday afternoon. Choose a block colour.
A straight pair of jeans: A classic pair of straight leg, medium-waisted jeans in mid to dark indigo work better for everyone. If you can bear it, let those skinny jeans go.
A neck Scarf: Choose a bright colour that will highlight the rest of your wardrobe. A neck scarf can really finish off an outfit.
Matching jewellery: If you are warm skin toned, choose gold, and cool skin toned select silver. Look for a simple set that includes a necklace, bracelet and earrings that match. You can either wear them all together or as separate pieces in their own right.
Trainers: A simple pair of plain white or block colour trainers. Veja is great for those that are environmentally conscious.
A tote bag: Sometimes you just need to take everything with you. Whether it is because you have kids or you are planning a day out, a tote bag will be your friend. Choose a colour that compliments the rest of your wardrobe in black, charcoal, brown or navy.
Court Shoes: A simple pair of court shoes in a heel you find comfortable will be great to dress up any outfit for work or pleasure.
A handbag or clutch: Depending on how much you carry daily, will determine which type of bag suits you best. Choose a block colour that matches the court shoes and compliments the rest of your wardrobe.
Now that you have the start of your capsule, the last thing you want to do is to mess it up with impulse buys. Old habits die hard. If you are someone who wants to be more sustainable with a capsule wardrobe but has had problems in the past with impulse shopping, you need to be particularly careful.
It is challenging to avoid the temptation of a bargain at any time of the year, particularly when the sales are on. The best way to avoid an impulse buy is to repeat after me;
It is only a bargain if I use it. Otherwise, it is a waste of my hard-earned cash!
Take note of what you need and search for that only. Be very clear in the detailing. For example, instead of looking for a black pair of trousers for work, maybe you are looking for a black, woollen, lined, straight pair of trousers with a side fastening and pockets. Think about what suits your body shape, colouring, the rest of your wardrobe, the purpose, your budget and most of all, what looks and feels good on you. If it does not meet ALL of those requirements, leave it on the shelf.
A capsule wardrobe can work for anyone, whether you are a teenager, a working mom, over 40, or a stay at home mom.
The information given in the post is the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. If you are embarking on anything new get professional advice if required.
If you enjoyed this post and wish to create a capsule wardrobe, I can help you create one quickly and easily. Get started immediately with one of my personal styling services or book in for a complimentary consultation
The Capsule Closet Stylist Colour Analysis looks at the natural colouring in your hair, eyes and skin tone and shows how you can complement your natural colouring in your clothes. The Body Shape Style Guide teaches you how to make the most of your best assets, hide what you do not like, find clothes that complement your shape, and choose the perfect fit.
Book a discovery call with me where we can discuss colour, style, decluttering, body shapes and much, much more. I can identify where you most need help and point you in the right direction.
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