Outfits 101

Source

Several years ago, when I was still doing "Beauty Without Within" seminars, I became aware of Diana Pemberton-Sikes and felt an immediate connection to her.  I ordered every resource she came out with and printed articles that I found online, and basically copied (with a lot of modifications of course) her materials for my classes.  I even asked for help for some of my upcoming audiences which she graciously answered.

Since that time, I have continued to stay in touch with Diana through emails, her newsletter and Facebook.

In a recent email newsletter, she posted some of the most basic steps for putting together what I call a "Capsule Wardrobe."

Because it makes so much sense and explains the concept of building a wardrobe with only a few items, I asked if I could share it here with you.

Diana called it crash course – Outfits 101, and the simple steps are as follows:  1. Start with classic pieces in neutral colors:

2. Add some color:

3. Or let your personality shine through with either clothing...

...or accessories:

4. Mix and match to your heart's content:

See how easy this is?  They're the same clothes worn in lots of different ways.  I counted at least 23 different outfits just from the pictures.  You could easily dress for a whole month from three basic outfits and several additional pieces. How many of us have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear?  Probably if the majority of us were to examine our closets closely we would realize that we bought much of what is there on impulse.  Or we saw an item on someone else or in an ad and thought we needed it too.  How many times have we needed a "last minute" outfit and rushed out and bought the first thing we saw, and have never put it on again. Using Diana's ideas for planning a wardrobe will either eliminate that problem in the future, or at the best, give you some ideas for using that conglomeration of clothes in your closet. You may want to follow her simple guidelines: 1. Start with classic pieces in neutral colors. 2. Add some color. 3. Or let your personality shine through with either clothing or accessories. 4. Mix and match to your heart's content. You have TONS more outfits sitting in your closet than you realize – you just haven't thought about the combinations yet. So play around. Experiment. Have some fun. You may be shocked by what you come up with. And if you need more help putting together outfits, check out this Link.  If you just want some inspiration, then you will enjoy following her on Pinterest. For more information, check out Diana's blog and Facebook pages. Fashion For Real Women Fashion For Real Women Facebook Thanks for the inspiration and information, Diana.

A Rerun

As I'm going to be in Dallas again this weekend to fetch my traveling Hubby from the airport and to also enjoy again Ava Grace's play, not to mention more time with our daughter and family, I am

re-posting a blog I did back in 2012.

This was one of the first blog posts I did and it remains one of the most visited.

This book was published back 1981 which explains the now outdated pictures; however, the concept has never changed and nor will it because it is basic to putting together a workable wardrobe for any lifestyle.

I hope you get some great ideas for planning your Wardrobe.

Image - Clothing Capsules

I first learned about clothing capsules from Janet Wallach's book "Working Wardrobe" many years ago.  In fact, her book was first published in 1981, and yet her ideas are still as applicable as ever, even if the fashions she illustrates are a bit dated.  I have used her information in all of my seminars and have tried to implement her concept in my own wardrobe.

 

Have you ever stood in front of or in your closet and thought, "I don't have a thing to wear?"  I think most of us have experienced this frustrating moment.  Our closet is full and yet, nothing really works.  I hope my introducing some of the basic concepts from this book will give you the principles for putting together a workable wardrobe of your own.

The basic premise of the Capsule Concept is really simple. To quote the author, "The Capsule is an extended set of mix and match pieces, created by you and for you.  It can consist of as little as five or as many as twenty pieces.  The purpose is to give you flexibility as your needs require."

 

The back cover gives a good summary of the book contents.

 Try to imagine how this Winter Capsule consisting of 12 pieces can make 48 different looks.

 This Gray/Brown color combination gives you an idea of color options.  Note that the beginning outfit may be the print skirt/blouse and all other pieces are taken from it.  This makes a great color inspiration from which to build.

Remember to always use the most appropriate color combinations from your Season.  For a Spring, this illustration would need to be the Primary Green and a true yellow or coral; Summers would use more pastel shades; Winters might want a Jewel-tone green with fushia or purple; Autumns would feel most comfortable in an olive with ginger, gold, or the new orange for the 2012 2018 season.

 

Remember your clothing personality when putting together your Clothing Capsule.  It doesn't matter whether the colors are perfect, if the style is not suited for you and your body, then it just won't work. 

 

This particular 12-piece capsule idea can have as many as 72 different looks. 

I hope these illustrations from Janet Wallach's book give you some ideas for going out and making your own Clothing Capsules.  There are other plans out there that you may find more useful, but the object is to realize that you can MIX AND MATCH your clothes.  This is how you expand your wardrobe and spend less at the same time. (Let me know if you have questions.)

BUT first, you want to start with what you have!!!!

So, next time, we will talk about how to SHOP IN YOUR OWN CLOSET! 

Have a great week and I'll see you on Wednesday for "Wellness Wednesday!"

My Travel Wardrobe Plan

I mentioned a few weeks ago that we have two major trips planned for late summer.

I also mentioned that I have been planning my travel wardrobe for these trips.

As we will be driving in our Avalon and not a big SUV, space is of the essence.  I must keep that in mind when doing my planning.

My goal is to get by with as few clothes as possible and yet have what I need.

The Plan!

1.  Make a Plan

Yep, that's the first step of the plan!  Make one!

1st Trip:

Where?  Breckenridge, Colorado

When?   August 1 - 10

Weather?  Range from 72 - 46 or lower

Culture/Level of Formality?  Casual

Activities?   Walking and driving scenic tours; evening concerts, spending time with family

2nd Trip:

Where?  A month-long trip involving stops in Alabama, South Carolina, Maryland, Ontario, Michigan and an extended stay in northern Indiana

When?  August 25 - Sept. 24

Weather?  Extremely varied!

Culture/Level of Formality?  Casual/Business Casual/Dress

Activities?  Visiting friends, touring D.C. area, wedding, boat tour of Niagara Falls, driving scenic tours, touring Henry Ford Museum and grounds, soccer and college football games, Pilates, church

2.  Decide on a Color Scheme

Plan clothing capsules!

This plan will give me 32+ DIFFERENT outfits!

Pants 

I based my color scheme around 4 pairs of pants:  Blue Jeans, Chocolate Brown, Khaki, Black stretch pants.  I have also added a couple pair of black leggings and a pair of white capris.

With these basic 4 pairs of pants I will have more than enough choices and alternatives for mixing and matching for both of the trips.  Needless to say, I won't be taking everything for the 1 week trip that I will take for the longer one.

Tops

I selected loose, long tunics of similar style that will mix and match with all the pants.  They are all solid color so I will have plenty of options for changing a look without tiring of a particular pattern.

Since all are knits, they will roll up and pack easily without wrinkling. 

 This brown-on-brown will be a basic outfit and can be worn so many different ways.

Dressn' Gawdy

  One option.

 For those cool mornings and evenings, I will add a light-weight cardi.
This flowing cardigan will go with all the tops and the blue jeans, brown and khaki pants.

 

 Each top can be easily mixed with any of the pants and are long enough to wear over leggings.

Coral - Soft Surroundings

Olive - Soft Surroundings

This sheer cinnamon cardi can add another layer when necessary and be left open or knotted.  It can be worn over all of the tops with different affects.

Soft Surroundings

 When something light is needed over the shoulders or around the neck for day or evening, scarves are a great option.

Dressn' Gawdy

  This multicolored cardi incorporates all the colors I will be wearing.

Dressn' Gawdy

 A red tunic will be fun to play with.  Can you see multiple-length strands of pearls, black wedge sandals and a bit of extra make-up for an evening on the town?

Tunic - Dressn' Gawdy

 I absolutely love this orange tunic.  The only jewelry required is a pair of dangling earrings and bracelets.
It looks amazing with the chocolate pants as well. With my short hair I will wear a heavier earring than shown here for balance.

Tunic - Dressn' Gawdy; Capris - Marshalls; Flats - Macy's

 This gauze tunic with intricate beading will take me from day

to evening.

Tunic - Soft Surroundings; Pants - Macy's

DON'T FORGET!

Don't buy an item unless it will go with at least 3 other items in your closet.

3.  Limit the Shoes and Accessories

Shoes 

I know it is tempting to take a separate pair of shoes for every outfit.  REFRAIN!

With the outfits I have shown, I will be taking a maximum of 4 pairs!

 Boots

Black Wedge Sandals

Brown Wedge Sandals
Vionic ortho Sandals

Accessories

 I will take a very small assortment of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and scarves, most of which are shown in pictures above.

4.  Plan for the Unexpected

Take a coat or jacket and rain apparel.

Have a plan for dressing up an outfit for a nice evening out.

5.  Don't take anything that is not necessary for a particular trip

 I will not be taking 32+ outfit options for a 1-week trip.

6.  Go in Confidence!

If you like to check off things in order not to forget anything, you may want to make a checklist.

There are plenty of choices online.

 

See how easy this is?  You have everything planned!

NO SURPRISES!

You have done your homework and can be confident you will look your best for every occasion.

I am joining Visible Monday  today.