Over the last year, I have been working with many of my online personal styling clients who have asked me to help them build capsule wardrobes for their busy lifestyles. We are constantly on the move doing the school run, rushing off to work or running daily errands but we also want to feel comfortable and effortlessly dressed in clothes that make us feel great. So, this is why a capsule wardrobe is key and getting ready daily will be alot less stress-free. This blog is focusing on helping midsize women as I find many women who book my personal styling services struggle to style their curves with confidence. I myself am a midsize woman in my forties so, I can totally resonate with the pain points that many curvy women face when it comes to styling themselves. This is also why I am so passionate about helping women with curves.
It is key to understand your body shape first, learn what really suits you, and know what your best colours are. You can discover all this by booking my online body shape and colour analysis. This is a great visual guide that you can always refer back to when you are shopping for yourself. Click here.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is essentially a collection of key items that mix and match to create multiple outfit options all year round. If you invest in good quality pieces then these items will last you season after season. Of course, we cannot all afford designer items but we have brilliant high street shops that offer quality pieces that can last you years. You just have to be selective of the styles and fabrics that you are buying. Opt for 100% cotton, sustainable eco vera jersey and the best natural fibres that you can afford to buy. Avoid Nylons, cheap Viscose and polyesters.
BUILDING A CAPSULE WARDROBE
I am not a fan of the prescriptive black and white capsule wardrobe ideas as this only suits a certain type of style personality. A capsule wardrobe is personal and different for each individual person. Some of you may prefer more colour over a completely neutral palette. When you plan and build your own capsule wardrobe think about the key neutral colours that will form the base of your wardrobe, add a few additional colours that you really love and key prints that will work effortlessly over all your outfits. Once you have identified your colours and prints then you will need to create a list of key clothing styles that will work for your body shape.
The below capsule wardrobe ideas for midsize curvy women includes a selection of key neutrals, colours and prints in fresh summery pinks and blues. I know these colours won't suit everyone but this capsule wardrobe has been created to give you an idea of how you can incorporate a few different colours. I opted for clothing styles that would flatter and highlight the waist, styles that skim the hips and necklines that will help elongate a bigger bust.
I have created the entire capsule wardrobe with a mix of high street finds. I do hope this gives you good ideas on how to create your very own capsule wardrobe that suits your style personality and lifestyle.
Below you can see twelve different outfit combinations from this capsule wardrobe. It shows you how there are so many options that can work well for different everyday occasions.
STYLE NOTES: Sheer printed dresses skim beautifully over curves. Belted wrap style dresses are great but the above option can easily be cinched in with a structured belt that high gives you definition on the waist. If you hate belts then opt for a fitted blazer over dresses like this so that they will add structure to your top half.
Blazer, hm - Link
Dress, hm - Link
Sunglasses, Riverisland - Link
Bag, Shein - Link
Belt, &otherstories - Link
Necklace, Estella Bartlett - Link
Sandal, &otherstories - Link
STYLE NOTES: Wrap style knits are super flattering on all shapes. This soft knit jumper will cover the tummy and gently highlight your waist.
Wrap knit, &otherstories - Link
Fuller bust denim jacket, Next - Link
Navy pleated skirt - Link
Tan Boots, Mango - Link
Bag, &otherstories - Link
Necklace, Estella Bartlett - Link
STYLE NOTES: Prints are great for camouflaging any extra lumps and bumps. This sheer leopard pleated skirt will skim over curve hips.
Sweatshirt, Hush - Link
Leopard skirt, Oasis - Link
Bag, &otherstories - Link
Sunglasses, Riverisland - Link
Addidas Trainers, Schuh - Link
STYLE NOTES: Belted dresses are great for all shapes. A denim dress is so versatile to have in a capsule wardrobe as it can be worn all year round. Layer with polos and printed fine knit tops to add interest.
Denim dress, Hm - Link
Faux leather jacket, Mango - Link
Tan Boots, Mango - Link
Bag, Marks and Spencer - Link
Necklace, Estella Bartlett - Link
Sunglasses, Riverisland - Link
STYLE NOTES: A good fitted tailored blazer is great for us curvy midsize ladies. It will help to smarten up the most casual looks instantly.
Blazer, style of beyond - Link
Blouse, Paisie - Link
High waist straight leg Jeans - Links
Bag, &otherstories - Link
Shoes, &otherstories - Link
Necklace, Ana Bartlett - Link
Sunglasses, Riverisland - Link
STYLE NOTES: This is the perfect throw on everyday outfit. We all need a good throw on jacket, good jeans, a cosy sweatshirt and classic pair of white trainers.
Sweatshirt, Hush - Link
Khaki jacket, Baukjen - Link (Enter STYLEFILE15 to get 15% off)
High waist straight leg Jeans - Links
Bag, Marks and Spencer - Link
Trainers, Schuh - Link
STYLE NOTES: A classic belted jumpsuit is a great piece to have in your capsule wardrobe as the options to dress up or down are endless. A good denim jacket is great for the cooler spring weather. Throw over dresses or everyday casual outfits. This denim jacket from Next caters for women with a fuller bust.
Denim jacket - Next - Link
Jumpsuit, Mango - Link
Straw bag, Shein - Link
Sandals, &otherstories - Link
Necklace, Ana Bartlett - Link
Sunglasses, Riverisland - Link
STYLE NOTES: No capsule wardrobe is complete without a good quality belted coat. Opt for a neutral colour like this that will go over any outfit. A classic frill blouse will help balance out a pear shape and a good pair of tailored wide-leg trousers will help balance curvy hips.
Wool coat, Hm, Link
Blouse, Paisie - Link
Wide leg trousers, Marks and Spencer - Link
Bag, Marks and Spencer - Link
Trainers, Schuh - Link
STYLE NOTES: V neck tops and pointy flats will help elongate a curvy frame.
Blazer, hm - Link
T-shirt, Marks and Spencer - Link
Skirt, Oasis - Link
Bag, &otherstories - Link
Shoes, &otherstories - Link
Necklace, Ana Bartlett - Link
Sunglasses, Riverisland - Link
Dress, hm - Link
Sweatshirt, Hush - Link
Sunglasses, Riverisland - Link
Belt, &otherstories - Link
Bag, &otherstories - Link
Trainers, Schuh - Link
STYLE NOTES: A good biker is one of my capsule wardrobe favourites. The short jacket gives structure and definition to my floaty dresses.
Faux biker, Mango - Link
T-shirt, Marks and Spencer - Link
Trousers, Hm - Link
Bag, &otherstories - Link
Shoes, &otherstories - Link
Necklace, Estella Bartlett - Link
Sunglasses, Riverisland - Link
Blazer, hm - Link
Dress, Hm - Link
Bag, &otherstories - Link
Boots, Mango - Link
Sunglasses, Riverisland - Link
I hope you enjoyed this blog. I would love your feedback. Or if you have any questions please do scroll down to leave me a comment at the bottom of this blog.
If you would like me to take the stress away to create your very own capsule wardrobe then my expert online styling services will definitely help you. Click here to get in touch today.
Thank you for reading my blog!
Jas