Creating my Spring Capsule Wardrobe

There's something about Spring that raises the spirits and gives us hope. We've been through a bleak and dreary winter, confined to our homes and unable to see loved ones. It's time to be positive, to look forward to a brighter future - and so I decided to create my Spring Capsule Wardrobe, in the hope that it will be warm enough to wear it when I can meet up with my friends!

I've been watching many Youtube videos about capsule wardrobes (it beats doing housework!) and these have inspired me to create my own version. I have particularly enjoyed the videos of Marie-Anne Lecoeur, who is the epitome of French chic. However a word of caution: do follow the principles of bloggers, youtubers and authors when they talk about capsule wardrobes, but don't lose sight of your own style.

Capsule wardrobes tend to be based on classic pieces of clothing in neutral colours, which is great if that's what suits you. A little black dress, a classic white shirt, a beige trench coat: do you own these? More importantly, must you include them in your capsule? The correct answer is "it depends"! How many women, particularly those of us who are over 60, truly look amazing in black? If you do, and if you enjoy wearing dresses, then a little black dress is a must item. However I don't own any, though I do have one navy dress in my winter wardrobe.  

When it came to creating this Spring capsule I was determined to start with neutrals, as it gives me more options. I went for warm colours, so no bright white or black. My best neutrals are ivory, camel, brown and navy. I also included khaki and other dark greens. This is how my capsule evolved.

First of all, a selection of light coloured tops and blouses. Then I added navy and white stripes plus a couple of green tops.

Next I've included a hazelnut midi skirt, camel trousers, dark brown trousers and 2 pairs of jeans. I then added a dark green cardigan, a brown cardigan, a dark brown jacket and a cream tweed jacket.

The final neutral piece of clothing in the capsule was my copper trench coat. This isn't a traditional capsule wardrobe but I felt that it ticked most of the boxes. There is a mix of light and dark neutrals, the pieces of clothing aren't trendy so won't date and I've had many of them for several years. They will mix and match with each other, creating lots of different outfits. However, there's one thing that this capsule lacks. Can you guess what that is? 

Yes, you're correct: I need some colour! I've added seven further items to complete the capsule, as shown below, and now I have a capsule that I love. I know that I will enjoy wearing all the outfits this Spring.