Nifty 50 Fabulous

Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle blog for women over 50

Categories: Fashion

Column Of Color- Create Using The Outside Method

Hello, Darlings! Today’s topic is Column Of Color- Create Using The Outside Method. Column of Color is a useful tool to create outfits that are slimming. Yes, Column of Color is your friend, a best friend. There are two methods to create an outfit using Column of Color, inside and outside. Today we are creating an outfit using the outside method.

Column Of Color- Create Using The Outside Method

Column Of Color- How To Create A Column Of Color Using Outside Method

Column Of Color- Start With The Outfit Building Formula

The Outfit Building Formula is the building block for each outfit. Each piece of the formula must work with your body type and best colors. For me, I will refer to the Rules For Petite Pears as I add each piece to the formula. Remembering, it is doesn’t look good on your body type, it will never work in an outfit and you will NOT wear it. Body Type Rules trump all other elements!

Column Of Color- Start With The Outfit Building Formula

Column Of Color- Analyize The Outfit For Body Type Rules And Color

This outfit showcases the principle of Column Of Color because the outside layering piece and pants are the same color, black. Because of this, your eye is drawn only to the top. The front seams of the cardigan create a straight line and the illusion of a slimmer silhouette. This method does not create the illusion of height that the inside method does.

Column Of Color-Evaluate Your Outfit for Color And Body Type Rules

Fashion Trick- Use A Sports Bra As A Camisole

Layering is a great way to make an outfit interesting. But, layering adds bulk and bulk can equal uncomfortable. Using a sports bra instead of a camisole is a great way to “kill two birds with one stone”. Many Pear Body Types struggle with bras anyway due to smaller, narrower shoulders. Most sports bras are a racerback style which alleviates the bra strap problem. Plus sports bras come in a wide range of colors and great neutrals. It is another way to add color to an outfit to keep it interesting and to make sure you follow the Rule Of Fours.

Fashion Trick- Use Sports Bra As A Camisole

Is It Interesting?- Rule Of Fours

Column Of Color- Make Sure Outfit Is Interesting By Using The Rule Of Fours

Does It Work With My Soft Classic Style?

Does This Outfit Reflect My Soft Classic Style?

Lifestyle? Will I Wear It ?

After you put together your outfit, take a selfie, and evaluate it, you need to ask the question “Will I wear this outfit?” If yes, when. The goal with a Capsule Wardrobe is to have a closet full of clothes you will wear. I have struggled with having a wardrobe for a life I do not live. My closet does not reflect my lifestyle, but I am working on changing that.

So as I am planning outfits, I think of all the possible places to wear them. This outfit is great for Sunday morning church, as our service is much more casual. I could also wear this outfit for appointments. It is a leveled-up casual look.

Shop Some Of My Items Used In This Post

Unfortunately stock is low this time of year. Here are some of the items used in this post or similar. Almost all my colorful tops will be found at Kettlewell Colours. Stock is limited but the new Spring/Summer Collection should drop in March.

Categories: Fashion

How To Create An Outfit Using Column Of Color

Hello, Darlings! Today’s topic is How To Create An Outfit Using Column Of Color. Color is a great tool to give the illusion of weight loss and height. When using “Column Of Color”, you wear one color from head to toe. But at the same time, you don’t want your outfit to be boring.

How To Create An Outfit Using Column Of Color

How To Create An Outfit Using Column Of Color

Benefits Of Column Of Color

Column of Color is a great tool for creating an outfit that is slimming. It can create the illusion of weight loss and height. Thinner and taller are the benefits. There are two ways to create a “column of color” outfit, inside and outside

Inside column of color outfit means that the base layers-top, pants, and shoes match. So it is one color from head to toe. Outside method mean that the outside layer piece and bottoms are the same color. Both methods will create the illusion of a more slimmer, taller silhouete.

Start With The Outfit Building Formula

Column Of Color- Outfit Building Formula For Inside Method

Outfit Check List For Body Type And Color

Remember, Body Type Rules trumps everything else. If it doesn’t look good on your body type, it doesn’t matter if it is in your style. My Body Type Rules for Petite Pears- Attention Up and Out, away from hips and thighs.

As for color, black with a POP of color is my signature style. This jacket is the Rachel Jacket from Kettlewell Colours in Pink Raspberry which is in my Winter Seasonal Palette. Black is a neutral that is the basis for my Capsule Wardrobe.

Column Of Color Outfit Check List For Body Type Rules And Color

Does It Follow The Rules Of Four?

Rule of Four is a tool to help you analyze your outfit to see if it is complete. Each Body Type will have different ways to utilize the Rule of Four. For A Petite Pear, I want the majority of my points, above my chest, attention up towards my face.

Column Of Color- It can be a little harder to follow the Rule Of Fours, add extra interest towards the face.

Analysize For Personal Style And Lifestyle

As a Soft Classic Style, my wardrobe needs to prioritize Simplicity & Comfort. I don’t over-accessorize and my outfit should have little to no details. But, comfort is the number one priority, if it is not comfortable I will not wear it. Fabric content is key- stretchy Ponte Knits and jersey fabrics work very well. Layering pieces need to be thin due to my climate. Nothing bulky or heavy because my weather is just too hot.

As for LIfestyle, this outfit is the perfect outfit to wear for a weekly Date Night or Girl’s Night Out. Because my church is so casual, I could also wear this to church.

Column Of Color -Outfit Check List For Personal Style And LIfestyle
Categories: Fashion

Rule Of Four

Hello, Darlings! Today I am going to introduce you to the Rule Of Four. The Rule of Four is the idea that you need at least four points of interest to make an outfit interesting and complete. I think of it as a game, adding up your point making sure you have the point in the correct areas for your body type. For me as a Petite Pear, the majority of my points need to be above my chest to bring attention UP towards my face and away from hips and thighs.

Rule Of Four

Rule Of Four- Learning To Create Instagram Worthy Outfits

Introduction To The Rule Of Four

As a minimalist, it is easy for me to want to keep an outfit simple. But if it is too simple, it is boring, incomplete. Knowing and understanding how to use the Rule of Four will help you know when your outfit is…complete.

I learned the Rule Of Four concept in Kelly Snyder’s Adore Your Wardrobe Signature program. It is a simple and easy lesson that I use when I am building an outfit. Check out my post How To Build An Outfit for more examples

As You Build Your Capsule Wardrobe – Add Prints In Tops And Scarves

I have trouble with prints, but I have added a couple of key pattern tops/scarves to my wardrobe that goes with all my Winter Seasonal Colors. This way I can mix and match to create interesting outfits that will work with the Rule of Four.

Rule Of Four- Add pattern to wardrobe to create added interest
A print scarf is a great addition to an outfit to add additional color/pattern

Add Vest And Solid Color Scarves To Your Capsule Wardrobe

Vests are a great way to add a layering piece without too much bulk. I love my vest for wintertime to help keep my torso warm without restricting my arm movement. During the cooler months, use scarves to add interest and color to an outfit.

Rule Of Four- Add layering piece such as a vest

Add Layering Pieces Such As Jackets & Cardigans

An essential addition to any capsule wardrobe is layering pieces. Not just for function, but to help create interesting outfits. I have a nice collection of lightweight cardigans and jackets for all-year-round wear, as well as a couple of pieces for colder weather.

Layering Pieces such as jackets and cardigans will give you an extra point in the Rule of Fours

Add Jewelry & Accessories

One of the easiest and best ways to “beef” up your wardrobe is in your jewelry game. Add statement necklaces and layered necklaces for instant interest UP. A collection of larger earrings in your best metals, as well as some colors (such as white), will bring attention to your face. A great “movie star” pair of sunglasses for those outdoor events. A couple of bracelets/watch/Apple watch for added points.

***For rings, only count it as a point if it is a true Statement Ring that can be easily seen.

Jewelry is your friend in the Rule Of Four game. Level UP an outfit with earrings, necklace, and bracelet

Interesting Necklines That Show Off Your Shoulders

Especially during the summertime, you can easily add extra points of interest with great necklines such as halter, cold shoulder, off the shoulder.

Rule Of Four- Create interest with tops that show off your shoulders.

Start Building Your Wardrobe With Rule Of Four Friendly Pieces

Even a very casual outfit can be Instagram-worthy if you “Level Up” your accessory game. Start collecting jewelry and accessories such as scarves along with great layering pieces to give an extra dimension to your wardrobe. Evaluate each outfit for body type rules, color, Rule of Four, personal style, and lifestyle. Then you will have a closet full of clothes you can very easily put together quickly. It makes packing for a trip so easy. You have all the building blocks ready to go!

Shop Jewelry

Categories: Fashion

How To Build An Outfit

Hello, Darlings! Today’s topic is How To Build An Outfit. We don’t want to just throw clothes on. The goal is to build a complete outfit that looks put together, Instagram-worthy. It is not hard once you understand the Outfit Building Formula and the Rules of Four. After you master these two concepts, you will be able to quickly put together outfits and have a better understanding of how easy it is to mix and match with a capsule wardrobe.

How To Build An Outfit

How To Build An Outfit

First You Need The Building Blocks

Putting together great outfits is easy once you have in your closet the building blocks. These building blocks are specific to your body type. The idea is to wear these pieces over and over again. So it is important to choose clothing pieces of quality and take extra care when cleaning. The building blocks are the basis for your Capsule Wardrobe.

**Helpful hint- if you find a pair of jeans/pants that you LOVE and wear all the time, buy extra pair while you can. Style and trends change so quickly, if you have an “unfortunate accident with bleach” you will not be able to replace them. Lesson learned…

Building Blocks For A Petite Pear -Tops And Bottoms

These Building Blocks are body type-specific. Your body type and best colors will determine your personal wardrobe building blocks. These are my building blocks for Petite Pear in the Winter Seasonal Color Palette.

Basic Building Blocks For Petite Pear Capsule Wardrobe

Building Blocks For Shoes And Accessories

This is the area you can have fun and add inexpensive trendy items. It is important that you know what metals look best on your skin tone (silver, gold, bronze, rose gold). These are my personal building blocks for shoes and accessories. Silver is the BEST metal for my skin tone although I will wear bronze in shoes during the summer because it is close in color to my tan.

How To Build An Outfit- What To Look For In Accessories

Now that your closet is full of your wardrobe building blocks pieces and a nice array of accessories, it is time to create your first outfit using the Outfit Building Formula.

How To Build An Outfit – Use The Outfit Building Formula

How To Build An Outfit

This formula is specific for a Pear Shaped Body. Start with dark jeans/pants that are high-waisted and bootcut. Next, we need a top. Choose one that is in your Seasonal Color Palette or a print. Bonus if your top has an interesting neckline. Add a layering piece such as a jacket or cardigan. It is important that this piece does not hit at your widest point. It needs to hit above or below your hips. Finally, choose shoes that match the color of your pants to give the illusion of height.

Choose Accessories

Women with Pear Body Shapes can have fun with accessories. The goal is to draw attention UP towards the face. Choose necklaces that hang above the chest area. Longer necklaces tend to draw attention down. Statement necklaces, pendants, and multi-layer necklaces are great choices for Pears. Larger, bolder earrings will draw attention UP towards the face. Pears can wear watches and bracelets too. Don’t forget you can also use scarves, just make sure you keep most of the fabric above your chest, closer to your face.

Outfit Checklist

After you put together your outfit, it is a great idea to take a selfie. Mirrors lie, but selfies don’t. Look at the picture and evaluate it, and make any needed adjustments. If you like the way your outfit looks, save the picture to a folder or to Dropbox. This is the beginning of creating your own personal style book.

How To Build An Outfit- Outfit Checklist

How To Build An Outfit – Rule Of Four

To help take your outfit to the “next level” and create outfits that have visual interest, you need to start using the Rule Of Fours. Your outfit needs to have at least four points of interest. For Pear Body Type, we need most of the “points” to be above the waist, even better if it is above the chest.

What Is A Point In The Rule Of Four

Below is a list of all items that count as points. Not all points of interest work with all body types. The goal is to have at least 4 or more “points of interest”.

  • Printed or Colorful Bottoms +1 (black, neutral, cream, tan, white gets zero points)
  • Dress of any color except black +1
  • Print To +1 (solid color gets zero points)
  • Layering piece (jackets, vest, cardigans, sweaters) +1
  • Print or color shoes different from your pants +1
  • Scarf +1
  • Necklace +1
  • Layered Necklace +2
  • Cocktail Rink +1
  • Earrings that can be easily seen +1
  • Bracelet or Watch (including Apple Watch or Fit Bit) +1
  • Glasses or Sunglasses (if worn entire time) +1
  • Hat or belt +1

Additional details that will earn points include

  • Jeans with rips/holes/ embrodiery +1
  • Lace details or bow, bow tie Top +1
  • Cold Shoulder, Off the Shoulder, or Cowl Neck +1
  • Rolled sleeve to reveal another color top underneath +1

It is important to remember that not all points will work for your body type. Details on bottoms do not work with Pears. Body type rules must come first. For Pears, the body type rule is… Attention UP and OUT away from hips and thighs.

How Many Points Do I Have?

Rule Of Four for Accessories

Let’s evaluate this outfit for Rule of Fours. I get ZERO points for black pants, a fuchsia top, and black shoes. One point for the layered cardigan. Two points for the statement necklace plus my smaller everyday diamond necklaces. Another point for large hoop earrings that you can easily see in the photo. One point for the small silver bracelet. This adds up to five total points. All but one point is in the upper part of my body.

Why Use The Rule Of Four?

The Rule of Four is a quick and easy evaluation to see if your outfit is COMPLETE and interesting. You will know if you need to add “something else” or maybe take something away. More is not necessarily the merrier when it comes to putting together a cohesive outfit. After all the evaluations, step back and look in the mirror- Where Do My Eyes Go? The goal is to see YOU, not your clothes or accessories.

Let’s Evaluate This Outfit For Personal Style And Lifestyle

No matter how great an outfit is, if you don’t wear it, it is useless. Remember the four elements that make a piece of clothing work in your wardrobe – Body Type, Best Colors, Personal Style, And Life Style. We have already made sure this outfit works with Body Type and Best Colors. Now let’s look at the other two

How To Build An Outfit-Evaluate For Personal Style And Lifestyle

This outfit has several elements that work with my Soft Classic Style that prioritizes -Comfort & Simplicity. The material in each garment has stretch and is comfortable. The base layer is very classic styling with a V-neck top, black pants, little to no detail which works well with my minimalist style. Lightweight layering pieces and accessories with more rounded features embrace the Soft Classic Style.

Finally, Will I Wear It ? If yes, WHERE!

Again, it is easy to create great outfits, but if you don’t wear them, they have ZERO value. The last part of our outfit-building exercise is to list opportunities that will allow you to wear this outfit. Does this outfit work with your current LIFESTYLE?

I have a simple lifestyle but I can wear this outfit on the following occasions:

  • Church
  • Professional appointments – doctors, dentists, lawyer, business meeting
  • Level Up style for running errands
  • Lunch out with girlfriends
  • Date Night

More Resources To Help You Put Together Great Outfits

Check out the following post

Categories: Fashion

Introducing My Soft Classic Style

Hello, Darlings! Today I am Introducing My Soft Classic Style. I have always embraced a more classic, minimal style. But as I age, my lifestyle and personal style have evolved. I find I enjoy the comfort level of the Soft Classic Style.

Introducing My Soft Classic Style

Introducing My Soft Classic Style

What Is Soft Classic Style

Soft Classic Style priorities two things -Comfort & Simplicity. Comfort for me means clothing that is soft, easy of care, not too tight, scratchy, or uncomfortable. If it bothers me in any way, I will not wear it. Simplicity is clean lines and the absence of too many details. No lace, embroidery, texture, little to no buttons, very simple almost boring style. So I use color to bring interest to an outfit.

What Is Soft Classic Style

Discovering Your Classic Style

When I did the Dressing Your Truth Free Course, I discovered I was a Type 4 which is a classic style. But even the classic style can be divided down to embrace a more secondary type. This really helped me as my lifestyle did not fully mesh with a truly classic style. As a youth, I was “all in” the preppy style which is similar to today’s “Cute Classic Style” as I entered the workforce, I leaned more towards the “Edgy Classic Style”. But now with my midlife lifestyle, comfort needs put me square in the “Soft Classic Style”.

Check Out April Grow From Stunning Style Society

I was lucky to find April Grow and her Stunning Style Society. April focuses just on the classic style and embraces a Winter Seasonal Color Palette. I have learned that April discovered her “true” style when she did the Dressing Your Truth course. She now creates her own content with weekly Facebook Lives, called”Style Snacks”. April also creates Capsule Wardrobe Guides that help women can purchase, with shopping links and styling ideas. Along with a private Facebook group for those who purchase her guide, April gives them additional training tools, her Style Steps to better understand what she calls Classic Style Twist.

You can follow April on Facebook by joining her open Facebook group- Capsule Wardrobes For Classic Style

Defining The Five Different Style Twist

April Grow of the Stunning Style Society defines the different Classic Style Twist as follows

The difference in each style is in the details. I recommend checking out her blog post/videos for a better understanding and to see if any of these styles feel like you. Knowing the little differences between the different “Style Twists” can help you be a better shopper and understand the “why” behind what you wear most. Many retailers specialize in certain styles, such a Draper James specializes in Cute Classic Style.

Elements Of Soft Classic Style

There are certain elements that help define Soft Classic Style. Not all the elements work for me, but I do see many of the elements in my wardrobe. As always, it is important to remember that understanding your personal style is essential to building a capsule wardrobe, but body type rules trump all. If it doesn’t look good on your body, it doesn’t matter if it is in your style.

Look For The Following Element

  • Prioritizes comfort through soft “touchable” fabrics
  • Small prints and florals – especially prints that have blurred edges such as wildflowers/watercolors.
  • Neutral colors adding only one bold color per outfit
  • Soothing colors
  • Very little to no detail
  • Ruffles or lace
  • Softer edges such as soft lapels/draping/shawl collar
  • Like sheen but not high shine
  • Simplicity is key- too many detail and you feel overwhelmed, lost

Check Out This Video On Soft Classic Style

Soft Classic Style Necklines

I enjoy wider necklines and necklines with structured drapes. A loose mock turtleneck, a cowl neck, and a wider V-neck are my necklines of choice. I will also wear an open zipper collared shirt, especially in my sports and athletic wear.

Soft Classic Top- Loose Mock Turtlenecks

Soft Classic Style-A loose Mock Turtleneck works very well with
I have struggled with turtleneck tops until I discovered this loose mock turtle neck style. It is not binding or uncomfortable at the neckline. This is the Studio Sweatshirt from Kettlewell Colours.

Soft Classic Top -Sleeveless Cowl Neck Top

Soft Classic Style -Draped Cowl Neck Top
A huge discovery for me is the Cowl Neck Top. Not all cowl necks will work. It is all about the drape, must be controlled and not too much fabric. This is the Betty Cowl Neck Top from Kettlewell Colours. It works for me because the material is lightweight, and the cowl neck creates a wide V.

Cowl Neck Top With Modesty Panel

Soft Classic Style-This is the Maria Cowl Neck To with structured drape and a modesty panel
A long sleeve version of the cowl neck, The Maria Cowl Neck Top from Kettlewell Colours has a structured, yet soft drape and modesty panel.

Soft Drape Top With Softer, Thinner Fabric

Soft and comfortable materials are important for me. I love this top because it is so comfortable.
This is one of my absolute favorite tops! The reason is the fabric is so comfortable and lightweight. Perfect for my climate in the fall/winter months. The cowl neck is wider and looser so it does not create a large amount of bulk at the neckline. I would buy this top in every one of my bright colors but sadly, the company that made this only made this one style.

Soft Classic Sweater- Wider V Neck Sweater In Thinner Knit Material

Sweaters can not be itchy, scratchy or bulky. This thinner sweater in bold color works well with my Soft Classic Style
Sweaters are very hard for me. I don’t need many due to the lack of cold weather where I live. My sweaters are soft, comfortable, not itchy, have little to no details, wider V-neck line. I found this thin Charter Club V Neck Cashmere Sweater in a hot pink color (no longer available in this color) that came in many bold colors and neutrals at a low price. The quality is not great so I have to be careful when I wash them.

Soft Classic Style -Classic V Neck Top In Comfortable Fabric

Wider V neck tops work very well with my Soft Classic Style
The is the Sleeveless V Top from Kettlewell Colours. A nice classic V neck style in comfortable jersey knit fabric with stretch. I have this top in all my BEST colors and use it for a base layer to create comfortable, easy outfits.

T-shirts In Wider V Neck Style

I am very picky about t-shirts. I like a wider V neckline which reflects my Soft Classic Style
Even in my t-shirts, I need the wider V neckline. This is the Cara V and is my FAVORITE top for summer. The fabric is a lightweight, looser cut. Comfort and Simplicity are my priorities.

Faux Wrap Top

The faux wrap top in a jersey knit fabric works for my Soft Classic Style
The faux wrap top is another great Soft Classic Style top. The wrap creates a wider V-neckline with structure and minimal details. The fabrics are the jersey knit with stretch and the top itself creates ruching that works with my Soft Classic Style. This is the 3/4 Faux-Wrap Top from Kettlewell Colours. I own this top in many of my favorite colors. Here I have added a white sports bra for a camisole, modesty layer without adding bulk.

Soft Classic Bottoms

Again, the theme for the Soft Classic Style is Comfort & Simplicity. I don’t own a lot of pants/jeans/skirts/shorts. What I do own all must be comfortable, and that means fabric. Stretch is key for pants. Most all my pants area Ponte Knit with elastane and are slightly thicker material. This covers the lumps and bumps, gives structure, and creates a smoother-looking appearance.

Ponte Knit Pants

Balance is key for Soft Classic Style. Dark bottoms with little or no details in a Ponte Knit fabric is key to putting together an outfit
Comfort is key when selecting pants for a Soft Classic Style. Pull-on pants with no zipper, thicker Ponte Knit fabric can be dressed up or down. These are the High Waisted Travel Pant from Beyond Proper

The details of the bottoms are simple, with little to no details. For comfort, I prefer a wide waistband with no zipper, pockets, or belt loops if possible. Clean and minimal are best. Boot cut or trouser styling is the best for my Petite Pear Body Shape. Skinny Jeans, jeggings are all too restrictive, even leggings are too tight. Yoga pants with flared or bootcut are winners

I am still trying to find the ultimate pair of jeans (no belt loops, pockets, or zipper). But for now, my Wit and Wisdom jeans from Nordstrom are the most comfortable.

Finally, all my pants/ jeans/shorts/ skirts are in neutral colors -black, white, navy. Prints or bold colors tend to overwhelm me and may not work with my Pear Body Type.

Soft Classic Jackets, Cardigans, Kimonos, And Vest

For my Soft Classic Style and climate, layers must be simple but most important, not bulky. I found that thinner sweaters work best.

Soft Classic Layering Pieces- Cascade Drape Cardigan

The Cascade Drape Cardigan bring in the softness for my Soft Classic Style
I really like these thinner cardigans in bold colors. The drape creates a softer look. I have to be careful of too much drape too low as it can bring too much attention to my hip areas. Because this drape is a cascade there is not too much bulk at my hips. This is the Short Cascade Wrap from Kettlewell Colours

Thin, Suede Jacket With Wider Lapels

Wider label and softer fabrics such as faux suede works well for layering piece that reflects my Soft Classic Style
I use to love the edgy look of leather, but now I prefer the softness of faux suede. This is the Racket Jacket from Kettlewell Colours. I like the wider lapels to soften the look. The material is thin and very comfortable for layering which works well in my warmer climate.

Shear Kimono In Graphic Zebra Print

Soft Classic Style-Kimono and Ponchos work well for Soft Classic Style but can not be overpowering or too bulky. This thin Zebra kimono works well for my style
I use to go crazy for kimonos. Now I have paired my selection down to only those I wear as layering pieces for the summer. They must be thin with simple styling. This kimono can be worn as a layering piece for an outfit or swimsuit cover-up.

Soft Fleece Vest With Wider Collar

Soft Classic Style-For Winter Tennis I LOVE this fleece vest for comfort and practicality.
In the winter I wear this Columbia Fleece Vest all the time. It works very well for a layering piece for tennis. It is not fitted and I rarely wear it zipped, instead, wear it unzipped with a large collar. I have it in black so any details are minimal. It does have pockets and they function well.

Soft Classic Detail In Accessories And Jewelry

For Pears, accessories and jewelry are key elements in the wardrobe. These pieces give an outfit interest, keeping it updated. It is important with accessories such as scarves that they not be overly textured or bulky. Comfort and Simplicity are still the keywords

Looser Infinity Scarf In Bold Color

Infinity Scarves that drape loosely will work with my Soft Classic Style and add a POP of color to a simple poncho
Here I have added the Florence Infinity Scarf from Kettlewell Colours. It is made of the same jersey knit/t-shirt material so it is not bulky. I have arranged it in a loose infinity style. Soft Classic Style needs to avoid blanket scarves as they add way too much bulk.

Thin, Graphic Ikat Scarf

Prints for Soft Classic Style need to be almost blurred. This Ikat scarf adds interest and color and still reflects my style
Ikat print with a white background is a great choice. This scarf is thin with minimal fabric. I can easily drape it around my neck to soften a neckline and give an outfit interest.

Pashmina Style Scarf With Black Dress

Adding a pashmina style scarf can add color a softness to a black dress
I use a pashmina-style scarf to add color and soften a stark black dress. This is the Cashmere Gauze Stole from Kettlewell Colours

Draped Black & White Zebra Print Scarf

Draping a scarf such as this thin, gauze Zebra print scarf give this outfit interest and reflects the Soft Classic Style
Add a thin gauze-type scarf and simply drape it over your shoulders. This style softens and adds interest to an outfit without too much bulk or fussiness.

For Jewelry Think Round

Circle or oval-shaped earrings such as hoops, pendant necklaces, layered necklaces, bangle bracelets all add interest. These pieces are perfect for my style. Round =Soft.

Hoop Earrings & Circular Necklace

In jewelry, circles and ovals reflect the Soft Classic Style
Large silver hoop earrings and a statement necklace with circles keeps this outfit current and on-trend

Statement Necklace With Modern Round Pendant

Large silver pendant on the link chain is a bold statement piece but all the round elements work with my Soft Classic Style
The large silver pendant on the link chain is a bold statement piece but all the round elements work with my personal style

Leather & Silver Circular Pendant Necklace

The Eccentric Necklace from Chicos is one of my most worn pieces of jewelry because it reflects my Soft Classic Style
This is one of my favorite and most worn necklaces, The Eccentric Necklace from Chicos. It goes with all my Winter Color Palette and my Soft Classic Style.

Where To Shop For Soft Classic Style

Good news, because Soft Classic Style heavily emphasizes comfort, you can find pieces for your wardrobe from many different retails. Some of my favorite retailers to shop are:

Check Out My Posts On The Elements Of A Capsule Wardrobe

Rules For Petite Pear Body Type

Know Your Colors

What Is A Capsule Wardrobe

Coming Soon – Fashion Lifestyle Audit

Categories: Fashion

Know Your Best Colors

Hello, Darlings! Today’s Topic is Know Your Best Colors. There are several steps to building a capsule wardrobe and today we are talking about color. You want your closet to be filled with your best and favorite colors, that you will love wearing, and will go with each other. It somewhat reminds me of the childhood clothing company Garanimals. Pick the matching animal and you know it will go together.

Know Your Best Colors to help you create a capsule wardrobe

Know Your BEST Colors

It is important to know your BEST colors. This will help you pair down your capsule wardrobe. Wearing only colors that you know will look good with your skin, eyes, and hair makes it easier to shop. Knowing what does not look good on you and why keeps you from wasting money on clothing you will never wear.

Are you Warm or Cool? I look better in the cooler colors.
I look so much better in the cooler colors verse warm colors. My BEST colors are found in the Winter Seasonal Color Palette

Time To Find Out Your Best Colors

Before you put together a capsule wardrobe, you need to know what are your BEST colors or your WOW colors. These colors will be the basics of your wardrobe.

Where To Get Your Colors Analyized?

This is the tricky part. I used a company called House of Colour to do an in-person color analysis using draping. In the late 90’s I used the company Color Me Beautiful for an analysis. House of Colour uses a seasonal approach -Winter, Spring, Summer, or Autumn. Color Me Beautiful uses a tonal approach -Clear, Cool, Deep. In the end, it does not matter as long as you know what looks best

In-person draping is the best method for analysis, but according to where you live, that may not be possible. There are other companies besides these two. So a little research and or travel may be needed. I had to drive over 2 hours to Atlanta to do my consultation. I made it a fun trip with my daughter.

Ultimately, trust your instincts. Knowing if you are cool tone or warm tone is one of the easiest ways to pair down your color palette. It is simple to drape at home a bright white towel, or beige pillowcase to see which one looks the best, making your skin look brighter.

House of Colour uses a seasonal approach to color analysis. I am a Winter

After your consultation and analysis, you should come home with a wallet or fan with your color range and BEST colors. Know that the selections they give you are not the only colors you can wear. You can wear lots of colors as long as it harmonizes with the selection of colors given to you by your consultant. So many colors, shades that is it hard to match perfectly, look for harmony.

If you get this right, you should be able to mix and match your colors, creating interesting outfits that will look great with your skin tone, hair color, and eyes.

Know Your BEST Metals

Know your BEST metals. I look best in the cooler metals such as silver, pewter, platinum, and gunmetal
My best metals are silver, platinum, and gunmetal. Most all my jewelry is silver so I can wear it with all the pieces in my closet.

Knowing what metals look best on you will help you with jewelry selection. Gold, Bronze, and Rose Gold are best for those women who have a warmer skin tone. While Silver, Platinum, Gunmetal, Pewter, and White Gold work best for women who wear cooler colors.

Creating A Basic Color Palette For Your Capsule Wardrobe Using Your BEST Colors

Create a Capsule Wardrobe Color Palette. This is a basic color palette to mix and match in your wardrobe
I have 2 neutrals and an array of my winter colors to give me some variation. I could add dark navy to this palette too, but I find that I do not wear it that much, even though it is considered a WOW color.

This is my basic capsule wardrobe color palette. But, I will add other colors within my Winter Color Palette to create some seasonal differences and add variety.

You are not limited to the capsule wardrobe color palette. Here I am wearing Dark Amethyst and Pine to give a more "fall-like" feel and add some variation.
A brighter version of purple, and a deeper cooler version of green, The Dark Amethyst and Pine colors are still in my Winter Seasonal Color Palette. They give a nice variation that helps to create a more “fall-like” look. Think berries and pine trees.

Adding Prints That Work With Your Color Palette

Animal prints are a great way to add variation to your wardrobe. Find your BEST animal prints. I like a “cooler” leopard print and zebra. For me, it is the background that helps give it contrast. Now it becomes almost neutral, going with all my colors in my Color Capsule Wardrobe Palette.

The black and white graphic of a zebra print is the perfect addition to my capsule wardrobe. It goes with EVERYTHING and it is not too overpowering
The black and white graphic of a zebra print is the perfect addition to my capsule wardrobe. It goes with EVERYTHING and it is not too overpowering
Have some fun with prints. This is an "animal-ish" print in hot pink from Tail Activewear
Have some fun with prints. This is an “animal-ish” print in hot pink from Tail Activewear
This coat is a total winner in my closet. Snow Leopard graphic print with white background and black/grey spots. All my winter colors just POP off this coat. So much fun.
This coat is a total winner in my closet. Snow Leopard graphic print with white background and black/grey spots. All my winter colors just POP off this coat. So much fun.

Another way you can add variation to your wardrobe is by choosing prints. Now, many people struggle with prints. I struggle with prints for various reasons, including my own personal style. If you have trouble with prints, consider “trying them out” on a scarf.

This plaid scarf with black background works well within my wardrobe because the majority of the colors in the print are in my color palette.
This plaid scarf with black background works well within my wardrobe because the majority of the colors in the print are in my color palette.

A good “rule of thumb” for selecting a print, is that the majority of the print needs to be in your color palette. For me, I like my printed items to have contrast, meaning a white or black background.

The Ikat printed scarf works very well with other items in my wardrobe to add interest. The white background of this scarf gives me that contrast I need and pops off all my winter colors.
The Ikat printed scarf works very well with other items in my wardrobe to add interest. The white background of this scarf gives me that contrast I need and pops off all my winter colors.

Why have prints in your wardrobe? When we get to Outfit Building you are going to need some variation to create an outfit that feels complete. A couple of print pieces will give you that variation.

Using Your Personal Color Palette As A Buying Guide

Winter Color Fan from House of Colour is a great tool to take shopping for color comparision.
I carry my House Of Colour Winter Color Fan with me when I shop. I can pull it out and look at the swatch to compare it with a clothing item. It doesn’t necessarily need to match up perfectly. I am looking for harmony, does it go with the other colors.

Putting All The Elements Together To Create The Perfect Wardrobe

It is important to take into account all elements when putting together the perfect wardrobe. We want our clothes to be body type appropriate, in our BEST colors, that work in our own personal style, and lifestyle. When we get all these key elements correct, we can build a functional capsule wardrobe that will save us time and money.

Check out these other posts for more information

Rules For Petite Pear

What Is A Capsule Wardrobe

Coming Soon- My Soft Classic Style

Categories: Fashion

Easy Winter Fashion

Hello, Darlings! Today’s topic is Easy Winter Fashion. I live in the South where we rarely get cold winter weather such as snow. Just in case the opportunity arises, I have a small stash of winter weather accessories that can create fast and easy outfits that are colorful and practical.

Easy Winter Fashion

Easy Winter Fashion

Start With A Collection Of Colorful Scarves For Easy Winter Fashion

Add a bright color scarf to black sweater for easy winter fashion
This is the Charter Club V Neck Cashmere Sweater in Classic Black With Merino Infinity Scarf In Jewel Lobelia

An easy and inexpensive way to create both practical and fun winter style is to have a collection of scarves to quickly add to a simple sweater. I have been collecting the Merino Wool Infinity Scarves from Kettlewell Colours for a couple of years, adding scarves in my BEST colors. I keep them in a clear box labeled “Winter Scarves” to use for those rare cold days or an occasional ski trip.

Wear Sweaters In Bold Colors

Invest in a few bold color sweaters in your BEST colors
Start with a bold color such as Sapphire blue and add a POP of color with a fuchsia scarf for an easy winter fashion look

Another easy way to create a winter fashion style is to wear a sweater in bold colors. Again, I don’t have many sweaters because I don’t have that many opportunities to wear them. So the sweaters I do have are in my BEST colors. A wider V-neck sweater such as the Evie Sweater from Kettlewell Colours and the Charter Club V-Neck Cashmere Sweaters from Macy are some of my favorites because of the style and the color choices.

Match Your Infinity Scarf To Your Sweater For Cowl Neck Look

Create a cowl neck look with matching sweater and scarf for easy winter fashion style
Evie Sweater and Merino Infinity Scarf in Jewel Lobelia worn together to create a cowl neck look

The key to creating the cowl neck look is that both pieces need to be in the same color and very similar texture. You can easily manipulate the infinity scarf to create a deep cowl neck style.

Colorful Knitted Hat

Add a colorful beanie for warmth and fun style
Add Beanie hat in matching color for a cohesive style

You will definitely be able to find me on the slopes or in the snow wearing this colorful Beanie Hat in Jewel Lobeila from Kettlewell Colours. I keep it on hand for those rare cold days when I am walking the dogs and need to keep my head warm or for the occasional ski trip.

Add A Coat In An Animal Print

Animal print coat is great addition to winter wardrobe
Animal print coat in cooler tone colors works well with all my Winter Seasonal Color Scarves to great fast and easy winter fashion outfits.

Animal prints have been HOT for years. As I am really working on creating a capsule wardrobe I found that the best animal print for me is the snow leopard because of the cooler colors and white background. It is hard to find pieces, especially coats in this print. This coat is several years old and is fast becoming a favorite in my winter weather wardrobe.

Add Faux Fur Scarf For Fun Winter Fashion Style

Arctic Fox Faux Fur is fun piece to create an easy winter fashion outfit
Arctic Fox Tippet Scarf from Kettlewell Colours is a fun, cool tone faux fur that works will all my wardrobe colors, especially POPs off of black

I love faux fur, but I live in the South where it is totally impractical. Who cares, I have a small collection of faux fur scarves to add to sweaters to create a fun and sophisticated style.

Go bold with a colorful faux fur scarf such as the Tippet in Pink Berry from Kettlewell Colours
Go bold with a colorful faux fur scarf, The Tippet Scarf in Pink Berry from Kettlewell Colours.
Put it all together, animal print coat, black sweater, faux fur scarf to create a winning look for those cold days.
Put it all together, animal print coat in cooler tone, black sweater, colorful faux fur scarf to create a winning look for those colder days.

Starting To See A Pattern?

My cold-weather capsule wardrobe consists of black jeans, thicker pair of black pants, black boots, and an array of colorful sweaters, scarves. Easy to mix and match to come up with daily looks that are fashionable and practical, because I stay in my Winter Seasonal Color Palette. Except for the animal print coat, my other coats/jackets are all black.

This works with my Petite Pear body shape because all the attention is UP with colorful tops, scarves while the bottoms are dark. It works with my lifestyle because the selections are small but can work for various occasions such as Date Nights, Girls Night Out, church, as well as running errands.

Check Out My Page-Shop Kettlewell Colours

Because Kettlewell Colours is a UK Company and you are shopping abroad, I wanted to put together some “helpful hints” to make your shopping experience easier. In the US it is hard to find such an extensive collection of colorful pieces that you can purchase from all year round. As always, knowing your BEST colors is the key.

Categories: Fashion

Rules For Petite Pears

Hello, Darlings! Today’s topic is Rules For Petite Pears. The first step to establishing a true capsule wardrobe that will work with your body and lifestyle is to know your body type. There are many ways to correctly identify your body type. My fashion mentor Kelly Snyder from Adore Your Wardrobe has an easy tool The Body Type Calculator. You will need a friend and a measuring tape to do this correctly.

Rules For Petite Pears

Simple Rules For Petite Pears

My Name Is Regan, I Am A Petite Pear

By definition, a Petite Pear is someone who is under 5’4 ( I am 5’1) and who has a Pear Body Shape. A Pear Body Shape is defined as having larger hips than shoulders. Many Pear Body Shaped women will have narrow shoulders, smaller waistlines with larger hips and thighs. They can have a large or small bustline, it is really all about the hips.

Your body shape does not change if you lose weight. It is more about where you gain weight and your bone structure. I tend to gain weight in my rear end, hips, and thighs.

Before you can build a capsule wardrobe, you need to know your body shape. I am a Petite Pear
Before you can build a capsule wardrobe, you need to know your body shape. I am a Petite Pear. 5’1 inches tall, my hips are larger than my shoulders.

Rules For Petite Pears #1- Darker Bottoms

Rule #1 For Pear Body Type is that in order to create a “balanced look” you need to de-emphasize your bottom half. The best way to do that is to wear darker bottoms. So as you start to create a capsule wardrobe you need to make sure that all your bottoms are dark. Darker wash jeans or black, black or navy pants and the same for shorts and skirts. The best shape for jeans/pants is boot cut, slightly flared, or trouser/straight cut.

Avoid leggings, skinny jeans, capris, and Bermuda shorts. These will not be flattering on a Pear Body Shape. Cropped or ankle pants/jeans are a great alternative when Petite sizing is not available.

Rule #1 For Petite Pears- chose bottoms that are darker than your top. Start to build a collection of your favorite and most comfortable pants and jeans.
These black jeans from Wit & Wisdom are workhorses in my capsule wardrobe. I have them in indigo blue and black both petite sizes that work with flats and regular sizes that work best with boots.

Finding bottoms is the longest and hardest part of building a capsule wardrobe. You want your bottoms to be your favorite, most comfortable, most flattering pieces. When you find an item you love, buy several of them and put them away for when you damage or wear them out. Styles change from season to season and you may not be able to find a suitable replacement.

Rules For Petite Pears #2- Invest In Great Tops

Because the bottoms are going to be plain and dark, we want to spend our money on great tops. The goal is to bring attention UP and OUT away from hips and thighs. Invest in an array of necklines (v neck, boat neck, scoop, cowl, off shoulder). This is where you can have fun with color and patterns. For Petites, look for tops that are 23 inches or shorter for the best look. I have had several tops altered so that they hang better on my petite frame.

Rule #2 - Invest in great tops. Here is the Betty Cowl by Kettlewell Colours. This neckline draws attention towards my face
A really great top for me to bring attention to my face is the cowl neck. This is the Betty Cowl from Kettlewell Colours and I have it in all my best colors. I can wear it sleeveless or add a jacket/ cardigan for a different look.

Many times you can get away with a longer top if it has ruching. This allows you to fold extra fabric together and hide some lumps and bumps. Tucking or belts are not the best looks for Pears as it draws attention straight to the stomach and hips. If you need a belt, choose one that matches the color of your bottoms.

Another great neckline for tops is the faux wrap.
My favorite top style is the 3/4 Sleeve Faux Wrap Top from Kettlewell Colours. It does a fabulous job of bringing attention up towards the face and the neckline gives a perfect area to add a statement or multi-strand necklace. The shorter sleeve length gives the illusion of longer arms. If you have long sleeve tops, try pushing up the sleeves for a more balanced look.

Rules For Petite Pears #3- Accessorize

Accessories are Pear’s best friend. Choose multi-layered or statement necklaces in your best metallic. The only rule for necklaces is that they need to hang no lower than your breast bone. Scarves are a fun way to add interest and color to an outfit. Tying them where most of the material is up toward your face. Have fun with earrings but go easy with watches and bracelets as they draw the eye down towards the hip area.

Rule #3 For Petite Pears- Accessorize. Chose scarves that do not have too much fabric but draw attention towards your face such as the Kettlewell Colours Infinity Scarf
Scarves can be a fun way to add color, print, and texture to an outfit. This is the Florence Infinity Scarf from Kettlewell Colours. All the attention to drawn up towards my face.

For Petites, it is important that your necklaces & scarves don’t overpower your body frame. This means choosing smaller pieces. Or if you wear a large earring, choose a smaller necklace. Statement necklace works best with a simple hoop or stud. I have cut scarves in half before so that I can create a look with less fabric. It is all about proportion.

Purses and handbags need to NOT be a feature as they hang and draw attention to the hips area. The size of the handbag matters for Petites. Chose handbags that are not too small or too big. Hobo style or shoulder bag that hits above your hips. Stay away from cross-body styles and low-hanging shoulder style purses.

If you need a cross-body style for travel, choose dark colors such as black, navy, charcoal grey so that it is not a feature. We want people to look at our faces, not our handbags.

Make sure your jewelry pieces don't overwhelm your Petite frame. Larger earrings pair well with smaller multi-layered necklaces
Here I chose larger hoop earrings and simple layered necklaces for a balanced look that does not overwhelm my petite frame

Rule # 4 For Petite Pears- Think About The Color Of Your Shoes

Rule #4 Think About The Color Of Your Shoes. Chose shoes that make the color of your pants to make you look taller
Here I chose black pointed-toe boots to wear with my black bootcut jeans. This creates an illusion of height. Added Kettlewell’s Black Soft Square Neck Sleeveless Top, the outfit creates a column of color that can make you appear taller and slimmer- Winning!

The idea is to keep visual attention up towards the face. You don’t want people looking at your feet, you want them looking at your face. Choose shoes that are the same color as your pants/jeans to make you look taller. A pointed top will also give the illusion of a longer leg. In the summer, select sandals that are flesh color/nude/tan, or even metallic such as bronze to make your legs look longer.

Nude/tan/ bronze color sandals create the illusion of longer legs
Here I am wearing Fit Flop Tan Lulu Sandals to make my legs look longer and balance my outfit. Pears can wear white shorts/white pants IF they add white up top. I chose white earrings and a white cami to help bring attention to my face.

Rule #5 For Petite Pears- Look For Jackets That Hit Above Or Below Your Hips

This goes true for cardigans too. You do not want the jacket or sweater to hip at the widest part of your body. It is like drawing a line that says “LOOK HERE”. Cropped or motto-style jackets are a great choice.

Rule # 5 For Petite Pears- Chose jackets and cardigans that hit above or below your hips. The Rachel Jacket by Kettlewell Colours is a great motto style jacket for Petite Pears
This motto-style faux suede jacket is the Rachel Jacket from Kettlewell Colours. The jacket hits above my hips and the wide label brings additional attention up towards my face. This is a very thin, lightweight jacket that allows me to push the sleeves to 3/4 inches.
Longer cardigan style sweaters that hit below your hips work well on Petite Pears.
This is an example of a longer cardigan that works for Pears. The bottom of the sweater hits below my hips. Also, the straighter front seams create a straight line that makes me look taller and thinner.

Rule # 6 For Petite Pears- Dresses And Skirts Need To Be Above The Knee

This rule is hard as I struggle with cellulite and spider veins and the thighs are an area that I gain weight in. But when I look at pictures I can clearly see how much more balanced my body is when I hem my skirts and dresses above my knee. **Helpful hint- for Spring/Summers use a faux tanning product (I use Jergens Natural Glow) or get a spray tan on your legs. Tan legs look slimmer and healthier.

Rule #6 For Petite Pears- Dresses and skirts need to hit above your knee for best most balanced look
Black cocktail dress that is hemmed above the knee. This dress also has great shoulder details and the addition of a wrap makes it a fun outfit. The outfits feature is the Kettlewell Colours’ Cashmere Gauze Shawl Wrap in Jewel Lobelia
A casual summer skort, Ace Tennis Skort From Athleta that is cut above the knee for a fun, flirty, and comfortable outfit perfect for running errands
A casual summer skort, Ace Tennis Skort From Athleta that is cut above the knee for a fun, flirty, and comfortable outfit perfect for running errands.

Rule # 7 For Petite Pears- White Pants Are HARD, But Not Impossible

White pants are all the rage during the spring and summer months. Last year I worked on creating outfits that looked balanced for Petite Pears. The major problem I came into was fabric content. White jean material did better than white pants. Also, you MUST have a pair of white earrings and a top with white in it, white camisole, or print with large white background. Not impossible, but not easy either.

Rule #7 For Petite Pears- White Pant/Jeans are HARD but not impossible
White bootcut ankle jeans were a FABULOUS find as they helped to create a balanced look. The thicker material hid the lumps and bumps in my hip and thigh area. I used a white tank top to help balance the white pants. Silver jewelry (very close to white on the attractiveness scale) helps bring attention to my face.

Basic Building Blocks For A Petite Pear Capsule Wardrobe

What To Look For In Bottoms

My building blocks for bottoms for my capsule wardrobe are either black, navy, or white. A capsule wardrobe is about limiting the amount to your favorites that you will wear often.

  • Black & Dark Denim Bootcut Jeans with stretch and little to no details
  • Cropped pants for summer in black/navy
  • Trouser cut or flared pants for winter in black/navy
  • Black/Navy shorts/skirts/skorts
  • White denim shorts
  • White denim boot cut cropped jeans
  • Black yoga style pants with flared bottom
  • Black sweatpants for cold weather

What To Look For In Tops

My building blocks for tops for my capsule wardrobe will be an array of tops for different occasions both dressy and casual that will work with my lifestyle. These tops need to be in my Winter Seasonal Color Palette, most of them in my WOW colors. Good selection of black and navy tops both sleeveless and 3/4 sleeve for variety

  • Array of tops/sweaters with “pear friendly”necklines
  • Jackets/cardigans that do not hit at my widest point
  • Sleeveless tops, camisoles for layering
  • Black/Navy dresses for various activities

What To Look For In Shoes

  • Tennis/Walking Casual Shoes in Black
  • Black Booties
  • Black Heels
  • Black/Navy/Metallic flats
  • Black Sandals
  • Nude/Tan/Bronze Sandals

What To Look For In Accessories

For accessories, I will be looking for jewelry in silver. It is my BEST metallic and will go with all my Winter Seasonal Palette Colors.

  • Silver earrings
  • Rhinestone earrings
  • Silver multi strand necklaces
  • Silver statement necklaces
  • Scarves in various colors
  • Scarves in prints with large white backgrounds
  • Shoulder style purse that hangs above hips in black or metallic
  • Special occasion clutch in black or metallic

Check Out My Favorites & Kettlewell Colour Shopping Pages

This year I have added an LTK Favorites and Shop Kettlewell Colours page for easy links and favorite pieces. I will continue to add more as inventory selection increases.

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Categories: Fashion

What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?

Hello, Darlings! What is a Capsule Wardrobe? A capsule wardrobe is a “smaller” wardrobe of strategically selected pieces that look good on your body type, fit your style, and LOVE to wear. These pieces need to be in colors that work with your skin tone/hair color and are your favorites. But these clothes also need to work with your current lifestyle.

A capsule wardrobe will have small variations as we change seasons, but many of the pieces will work year-round, especially in warmer climates.

What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?

What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?

Why Put Together A Casule Wardrobe?

Statics have shown that women wear only 20% of the clothes in their closets. 80% of the wardrobe goes unworn! But at the same time, the phrase ” I have nothing to wear!” is a common theme. I spent too much time crying in my closet because I truly did not have something appropriate to wear to a function that looked good on me.

The goal of a capsule wardrobe is to have clothes in your closet that you LOVE and will wear, and look good on your body. Picking out clothes each day should be a no-brainer. Your only questions should be “What is the weather going to be like today?” or “What color am I feeling today?”.

Some people define capsule wardrobe with a number, such as you need limit it to say, 30 items. The limiting factor will come as you start to really see what you truly wear and what is taking up space. It is a process.

Stop Chasing Trends!

I want to look updated and stylish. But at the same time, many of the fashion trends would NEVER look good on me. I have stopped chasing trends and instead”fill the wholes” in my closet. This is easier since I have a good understanding of my body type, my best colors, and my own personal style.

There are times of the year where I don’t buy anything because it will not work in my wardrobe (wrong color, wrong styles). Other years I will stock up on items in my colors, styles of pants, and dresses.

Accessories are a great way to create updated looks without spending a lot of money. I will add new accessory styles but only if they truly work with what I have in my current wardrobe.

Stop Buying Just Because It Is On Sale

This is one of the most wasteful habits. You need to invest in quality pieces that will work with your body. If they happen to be on sale -winning! The goal is to have fewer clothes, but quality, that will get worn constantly.

Stop buying clothes just because it is on sale. Goal is to build a capsule wardrobe of only pieces you love
Stop buying clothes just because it is “on-sale”. Be strategic in your clothes buying.

Now when I shop I am very strategic. I have a list of items I need. Anything I add to my closet needs to be able to mix and match with other items. No orphans!

Due to supply chain issues, many brick-and-mortar stores have poor selections. The US is flooded with cheap, poorly made clothing. You need to embrace online shopping and be very picky. Take your time trying clothes on evaluating them on your body and deciding if they will go with your wardrobe. If not, send them back! Be brutal.

Think of your closet as valuable real estate. Whatever you put in there must be able to work with the other pieces. That is the only way a capsule wardrobe will work successfully.

Analysize Influencer Marketing With A Stragetic Eye

Chic Over 50 is one of my favorite Instagram influencers for women over 50. A sweet lady with a great style, but it doesn't match my style. Her body type, best colors, and lifestyle is very different than mine.
Chic Over 50 is one of my favorite Instagram influencers for women over 50. A sweet lady with a great style, but it doesn’t match my style. Her body type, best colors, and lifestyle is very different than mine.

It use to be catalogs and magazines, now it is Influencer Marketing. Companies partner with “influencers” who are women with a large number of followers on social media, to present their product to the influencer’s audience. It is actually a great thing because you get to see the items on real women of various sizes. Get product recommendations and reviews on things such as sizing.

Now before I get “influenced” to buy I go thru an analyzing process. Do I need it? Will it work with my current wardrobe? Does it work with my style, body type, coloring, and lifestyle? Many times I have said, “That looks great on her, but would never work in my closet”. But also said, “Those are the exact shoes I need to fill the hole in my wardrobe”, let’s go check out the website. Buying now becomes very strategic, limiting impulse buying.

Before You Start Building Your Capsule Wardrobe

Know Your Body Type

I can not preach this enough. It is simple to figure out with a Body Type Calculator. Then start learning what clothing items/styles/details look best on your body. This is called Body Type Rules. One of the best courses I took to learn about fashion/clothing is Adore Your Wardrobe. Not cheap, but an investment to learn about your body and why “fashion is broke” and how to fill your closet with clothes you will love.

Don’t even start without knowing your body type. The foundation of a capsule wardrobe is pants/jeans/skirts/shorts. If you don’t get this correct, you will not achieve your goal.

Know Your BEST Colors

This can be a little more tricky. I was analyzed by House Of Colour. But as this company is new in the US, there are not many consultants. As a matter of fact, I had to go to Georgia to do my consultation. There are other color analysis companies, some even online but I don’t know how accurate an online consultation would be.

If you don’t have the ability or money, this simple quiz from Kettlewell Colours can give you a general idea. It will not tell you your WOW colors or your BESt colors but tell you what season you probably fall in.

Know Your Personal Style

This too can be tricky because style evolves. Style can also be affected by lifestyle and life stage. But most of your personal style comes from your body- height, facial feature, body shape. Other aspects of personal style come from your “energy”.

Not sure about the concept of personal style? Check out this FREE course, Dressing Your Truth. It will start you thinking about style. For me, most of it was “spot on”.

Do A Lifestyle Audit

You do not want to have a closet full of clothes for a life you do not live! This is a HUGE mistake that many people do. I realized that I live a quiet simple life, and because of that, I do not need as many clothes. Not only that, many of the activities and events I go to have gone more “casual”, even church.

No need for silk shirts, blazers, dressy pants, or suits. Even my dress selection is paired down. The clothes that I wear to church are the same I wear for a date night. The biggest change for me is the need for more athletic and everyday casual pieces. This is where I am really stepping up my “wardrobe game” and actively searching for better pieces in my BEST colors.

Even if you are a stay-at-home mom, or retired, you still want to look and feel good. By doing a lifestyle audit you can now only focus on pieces that work with your TRUE lifestyle and save money.

A Lifestyle Audit is simple, write down what you wear for different activities for 2 weeks. Then look ahead on your calendar and write down outfits you will need in the future. Be very detailed. The next step will be to go thru your closet and see how many clothing options you really have for your daily wardrobe needs. You might be shocked to find you have so few casual/comfy clothes for everyday use.

Start With A Closet Clean Out

You are ready to downsize and get control over your wardrobe. The “mental” part is sometimes the hardest. Now it is time to take action. While you are excited and motivated, let’s tackle your current closet. It is time to do a Closet Clean Out. This will be a process and you evaluate your clothing and how it fits your current lifestyle. Check out my post Time For Closet Clean Out for tips and tricks, as well as some closet organizing solutions to help you get this first step finished.

The Rewards Are Worth It

This is an investment in YOU!!! You are worth it. Having a capsule wardrobe that works will save you time, money, and frustration. You will be able to easily pack for a trip, pick out an outfit for an event, and find great pieces even if you are just staying at home for the day.

Categories: Fashion

Time For A Closet Clean Out

Hello, Darlings! It is Time For A Closet Clean Out. It is always good to purge your closet of clothes that you do not wear, are not in good condition, don’t work for your lifestyle anymore, or are not in colors that look good on you. This is a hard process because when you purge, you are throwing away items of value. You spent money on these clothes. But the goal is to STOP spending money on clothes you will NOT wear. Stop throwing away money.

After you take the time to “really” get your wardrobe in order and organized, seasonal closet purging is a breeze and will free up valuable real estate in your closet

Time For A Closet Clean Out

Time For Closet Clean Out

Be Honest, Be Brutal

In the last 5 years, lifestyle has really become a factor in what we wear. Let’s be honest, everything is much more casual and I don’t think we will go back. Casual equals comfort. Newer fabrics with stretch are just more comfortable. The days of heavy jeans and dry clean only fabrics are over.

If your goal is to create a capsule wardrobe, you need to really purge your closet. Because only by purging can you SEE what you have that you LOVE to wear. This purging will create what is called “AH HA” moments.

Time For Closet Clean Out- Make It A Weekend Project

This is not a quick project if you have not done this before. It is more of a Weekend Project. Many people empty the entire closet out, cleaning the shelves which probably have years’ worth of dust. You need to try on items, especially pants/jeans to see if they fit. Other items need to be separated into piles for evaluation.

As I am going thru my closet, I put items into piles: LOVE it and Wear it, LOVE it But Have Not Worn, OKay…BUT, and NEEDS TO GO.

LOVE It And Wear IT

Use Felt Hangers to create more space in your closet
Use Felt Hangers to hang and organize your closet to help make better use of space and keep clothes from snagging. These are from Amazon.

This pile is the easiest to work with. I take very special care of these clothes. Use felt type hangers to rehang and start an organization system that will make it easy to find these items. I actually use closet organizing dividers similar to those found in stores. I make sure these items are clean and are in good condition. Hanging the same way on hangers. Making notes of any pieces I need to replace.

Circular clothes dividers are a easy way to keep clothes organized.
Use plastic clothes dividers (just like stores) to help keep your closet organized.

Now since I have my closet organized, it is so much easier to do a January Purge. This section doesn’t even need to come out. I do make quick notes if anything is soiled, torn, and needs replacing. I also go thru and make notes of “holes” in my wardrobe, which are pieces I need to purchase better utilize my current wardrobe.

LOVE IT But Have Not Worn It

These items you LOVE, they are in your BEST colors, fit your BODY TYPE. It may be that your lifestyle has changed and you need to re-evaluate them for lifestyle. Are you going to wear it anytime soon? Are you saving it for special occasions? Or have you just not had the opportunity to wear them? You may need to do a mini purge, or may not.

Try the Reverse Hanger Trick to quickly see what items of clothing you are not wearing
Use the Reverse Hanger trick to help you easily see what clothes you have not worn

Once you have done a once thru with this pile, check for the fit, body type, color, and condition. Re-hang these items using your new organization system. BUT….. hang the hangers backward.Once you wear the item, hang it back correctly. Called the “Reverse Hanger ” trick, this will help you easily see what clothes you do not wear. The next round of purging will be easier and quicker.

For me, most of the pieces in this pile are “options”. I like to have color options to mix and match. This pile may also contain pieces that are “weather dependant”, such as cold-weather options.

Needs To Go

Wanted clothing can be donated to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army

This is another pile that you can quickly go thru. You need to divide this pile into TOSS, DONATE or SELL. Items that are current, in great condition, popular brands can be sold on sites such as eBay, Poshmark, ThredsUp, or local consignment stores.

Any item that is stained or in poor repair, TOSS IT. What is left you can donate to Salvation Army, Goodwill, or local organizations that accept women’s clothing.

Okay… BUT

This is the HARDEST pile. You will need to spend some time going thru this pile. Start with a few questions:

  • Is the item clean, and in good repair?
  • Does this item fit my body type?
  • Is this item in my color palette?
  • Does this item fit my current lifestyle?
  • Have I worn it in the past, if so, did I love it?
  • Do I see myself wearing it in the future? List a very opportunities.
  • Does this item go with other items in my closet, can I mix and match this item to complete an outfit?

If you still can not make a decision about this item, go for the “Kondo Method”. Marie Kondo is the author of the book The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up-The Japanese Art Of Decluttering And Organizing.

The idea behind the “Kondo Method” is that you ask yourself, “Does This Item Bring Me, Joy?”. But asking that question may help you to get to the “WHY” or the reason you are keeping this item. Do not let anyone guilt you into keeping an item they gave you because they did not want it! If it was a gift and you do not like it, get rid of it. Nobody is going to go thru your closet and judge you, this is a burden women put on themselves.

Finally, if you still can not make a decision on the item, take a selfie with the item on in front of a mirror, in a complete outfit, and evaluate it. If the item is a keeper, move it back into your wardrobe organization system, hanging it backward.

Contine With Shoes & Accessories

I have a terrible habit of buying shoes and never wearing them. I want colorful, fun-print shoes, but it does not work with my Petite Pear Body Type. This year I actually put a note on my shoe organizer that says, “NO MORE SHOES!”.

Use a shoe organizer to keep shoes off the floor and limited the number you own.
Use a shoe organizer to keep shoes off the floor and to limit the number of shoes you own. This one is the Closet Maid Stackable from Amazon

Accessories are where it is fun to buy for short-lived trends. This keeps your outfits current, updated, and modern. But when the trend is over, toss them out, making room for new items. I do not buy expensive trendy jewelry. This is also a great time to evaluate why you bought an item you are going to toss in the first place. Next time you see a trendy piece of jewelry you can better evaluate whether you will get the wear out of it.

Bras, Panties & PJs

Now is a good time to purge and organize your bras, sports bras, and panties.
Don’t forget to purge and organize your bras, sports bras, and panties.

Bras and panties do not last forever. They wear out quite quickly- bras stretch out, panties get worn out from washings. As for PJs, you need to LOVE them too. I am struggling to find pajamas in my BEST colors. Currently, I have one pair of pajamas that I seem to wear over and over. I need a couple of more in my wardrobe.

January is a great time to stock up/replace these items as they are usually on sale.

Finally, Remember The Goal Of A Closet Clean Out

The goal of the closet cleanout is to limit the number of clothes in our wardrobe to clothes we LOVE, will wear, fit our body correctly, work with our current lifestyle, and are in our best colors that will we can mix and match with other items in our wardrobe. Whew… that is a mouthful.

This is the FIRST STEP to creating a capsule wardrobe. Check out my latest post What Is A Capsule Wardrobe for the next step in your journey to get control of your wardrobe and spending habits.