A 12 Piece Colourful Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Clothes are hard, style is even harder.

And even I, someone who feels fully confident and comfortable with her own personal style had this exact thought when I saw a woman wearing a very colourful outfit the other day.

Damn she was chic, and I wanted a little bit of that.

Let’s work to change that mindset okay?

I think every person should have at least a small handful of colourful items in their wardrobe at all times. Even if you are just adding a coloured sock to an all black outfit.

Which is a good look by the way.

So, let’s agree to add a bit of colour this summer.

Because by the time the more sombre seasons of fall and winter come along you will feel more comfortable using colour in your wardrobe, and you can use this new skill to brighten up the winter doldrums.

By assessing your personal style you should consider the colours you’re drawn to and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

Think about whether you prefer bold, saturated shades, softer pastels, prints, or all of the above.

When you are choosing colours take into consideration a range of colours that you love and that complement your wardrobe.

When introducing a large selection of colours it can be overwhelming which is why for the past couple of posts I have talked about using a colour wheel to help guide you.

A painter’s wheel is often the best choice since it incorporates all colours and every hue, tone, tint, and shade of those colours.

If you want to learn how to use a colour wheel to help guide your colour mixing learning I have a post that gives a nice overview.

Aim for around five to seven colours to keep your wardrobe cohesive, but you can add more if you are comfortable with it.

Then make sure to add some neutrals to provide balance.

Start with basics by selecting key foundational pieces in neutral colours, such as black, white, beige, or grey. These items will serve as the base for your colourful wardrobe and allow your vibrant pieces to stand out.

I consider denim neutral, so it is always a good and easy option since most of us have denim in our wardrobes.

Slowly start adding colourful statement pieces, like that striped maxi skirt.

Make sure you are able to mix and match everything which is something that you will check as you go along by experimenting with different outfit combinations to create a variety of outfits.

Because if I am being honest, more often than not the outfit idea you have planned in your mind doesn’t quite look the same once you try it.

You will need to play around and make adjustments to get it right.

Remember, the goal of a capsule wardrobe is to maximize versatility, so choose pieces that can be styled in multiple ways.

This is something I always consider when buying something new. Right off the top of my head I make myself think of a minimum of three different ways I would wear it.

That way I know that at the very least I will get three outfits from it.

Consider patterns and prints as well. This is important.

Don’t limit yourself to solid colours. Incorporating patterns and prints can add interest and depth to your wardrobe.

Some examples of prints are stripes, florals, polka dots, geometric, and animal print (which is also a neutral).

I also consider a graphic tee to work a similar job to a print like this amazing 80s looking Culture Club t-shirt.

Use accessories like scarves, belts, shoes, and bags to further enhance your outfits and introduce more colour.

Last week I talked about the Frida Kahlo handmade bag that I bought in black. This week I included the green which was the colour that I was going to get instead.

It is incredible, like a piece of art.

Use your accessories to bring their own story to the outfit.

They are also an easy way to incorporate different shades without overwhelming your wardrobe.

Don’t forget that a well maintained wardrobe needs to be edited and refined seasonally.

Regularly review your capsule wardrobe to ensure it aligns with your style and needs. Remove any items that no longer serve you or don’t fit your colour palette.

Consider adding new pieces if necessary, but be mindful of maintaining a smaller wardrobe because oftentimes it doesn’t take much for it to get out of hand, and you usually won’t notice until it gets bad.

Jumping in head first to a colourful wardrobe is probably daunting to many of you, but it is not an all or nothing scenario.

Start small by introducing colourful accessories into your outfits. For example, you can wear a colourful statement necklace, vibrant shoes, a patterned scarf, or a bright handbag.

These small pops of colour can add interest and variety to your much less colourful ensemble without being overwhelming.

Try to experiment with different shades. If you feel hesitant about wearing bold and bright colours, try incorporating muted or pastel shades first.

These softer hues can be easier to transition to if you’re used to neutrals. Consider shades like blush pink, mint green, baby blue, or lavender.

Mix it up.

Instead of wearing a monochromatic black outfit, try pairing your black pieces with colourful items. Like pairing a black blouse with a colourful skirt or pants.

This allows you to maintain some familiarity with black while adding a touch of colour to your overall look.

Maybe try some prints and patterns first.

Patterns often incorporate multiple colours, making them an excellent way to introduce more colour into your wardrobe gradually.

Look for inspiration. Find some fashion inspiration online, in magazines, or on social media platforms like Pinterest or Instagram. Find outfits that incorporate colour in a way that appeals to you and try to recreate them using your existing neutral pieces as a base.

This can help you visualize how different colours can work together.

Take baby steps.

Don’t feel pressured to completely overhaul your wardrobe overnight. Start by adding one colourful piece at a time and gradually build from there. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable incorporating colour into your outfits.

Remember, personal style is all about self-expression, and it’s important to wear what makes you feel confident and like you. Experimenting with colour can be a fun and creative process, so don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new.