Every once in a while I like to talk about personal style, and how we can use that knowledge about ourselves into guiding our wardrobes. I also know that a lot of people who come by here for the first time are just starting on their capsule wardrobe journey so I thought I could make this a good jumping off point for beginners.
In this case, it will be a spring capsule wardrobe since we can feel that shift in the air. We had our first big snowstorm of the season today, but up until now everything felt more like spring, so I and am standing by this statement.
Small wardrobes may seem limiting to some, but limitation breeds creativity.
It is about retraining your brain to separate style and fashion from consumption.
We need to learn to view clothes as key components of style, whether they’re currently in shops or already part of your wardrobe.
And with this change of view, we begin to recognize clothing as tools for expressing ourselves and our creativity, rather than items that we feel we need to continuously update, rotate, or replenish.
When you are just starting, it is best to focus on a small collection of pieces that lean towards basics.
Basics are the building block of any great wardrobe so it is the best place to begin.
Even though they are basics, it doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Choose pieces that have prints, colours, and cuts that are interesting or grab your eye.
This spring capsule wardrobe reflects my style perfectly. I gravitate towards pieces that are classic, modern, casual/cool and then sprinkle in some unexpected.
I kept the look kind of minimalist, with modern cuts to classic pieces.
As with any wardrobe, the use of shoes and accessories is key to adding that extra oomph to your look.
With my wardrobe, the unexpected part of the way I dress usually focuses on footwear, handbags, or items with interesting details and even the way that I pair things.
Secondhand and vintage shopping is my passion and I love to integrate these pieces into my wardrobe for some unique looks, or visual interest.
Like with this wardrobe, you could easily search out a vintage leather trench coat to add, or some large vintage sunglasses, or even a unique secondhand handbag.
Focus on things that you are drawn to, not the pieces that you are told that you should like.
I always feel like when I walk into a store, the pieces that are hanging right there, or on the front mannequins are the pieces that I am supposed to want, so often I will get pulled over even though 90% of the time they don’t align to my style and I know that they will end up not working and taking up room in my wardrobe.
It is okay to be picky, and go with your gut.
You know those items that give you that little bit of thrill in your stomach?
Those are the types of pieces you should be adding to your wardrobe.
Be selective with trends, and when in doubt pick a trend that you will get a lot of mileage from.
In this case literal mileage, because colourful sneakers are trending for spring and summer. I just bought the green and yellow retro-inspired Adidas that they modelled after a 1970s pair.
I know I will get a lot of use out of these, and I also know they will add a nice punch of colour and interest to my outfits.
Especially as the weather warms up and I can’t rely on layering to make my outfit interesting.
If you can only buy one item for spring to update your wardrobe, I would get a pair of fun sneakers or shoes.
A 12 Piece Starter Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Black Tank Top | Jeans | Animal Print Flats | Green Tote | Leather Trench | Heels | Blazer | White T-shirt | Earrings | Boots | Yellow Handbag | White Trousers | Dress | Black Button Up | Sunglasses | Grey Sweater | Navy Blue Trousers | Silk Blouse | Loafers | Socks | Cream Handbag | Striped Sweater | Green Sneakers
What is Personal Style?
Personal style is a unique expression of oneself through clothing, accessories, and grooming choices. It is a way to communicate your personality, preferences, values, and even mood without using words.
Unlike fashion trends that are often dictated by the industry and change seasonally, personal style is deeply personal and can remain consistent or evolve based on individual experiences, influences, and changes in one’s life or environment.
It reflects an individual’s unique tastes and preferences. It’s about what you are drawn to and what feels right for you, not what is necessarily popular or deemed fashionable by others.
Choosing to wear what you feel best in, not just what you think looks good. Confidence in your style choices often enhances your overall presence and the way you carry yourself.
While comfort can refer to physical ease, in the context of personal style, it also means being comfortable with your choices and feeling that they genuinely reflect who you are.
Personal style can express various facets of your personality, from professional aspirations to creative interests, cultural backgrounds, and even philosophical beliefs.
But also remember that as people grow and change, their personal style can evolve. This evolution reflects changes in lifestyle, age, experiences, and shifts in personal identity.
Developing a personal style involves curating clothing and accessories that work well together and fit the narrative of who you are. It’s about building a wardrobe that feels cohesive and true to you.
This is such an important part that I talk with clients about when they are really focused on trends or looking “cool”. You will look the coolest and most stylish when you are dressing in a way that reflects you.
Sometimes we get so focused on trying to stay on trend or in style that we end up running all of our outfits or shopping choices through a checklist when the only thing that truly matters is how you feel about a piece, and how you feel wearing it.
While having a signature style is common, it is not necessary. Your style can ebb and flow and look very different daily, but also remain authentic to you at its core.
This is why I love using the style adjectives for my personal style. When choosing three style adjectives they don’t have to be broken evenly throughout your look.
It will be a sliding scale that some days will be balanced, but others will heavily favour one or two of the style adjectives.
Let’s jump into that because I get a lot of questions regarding this topic.
What is the Three Words Method?
The three-word method in personal style is a straightforward and easy approach to defining and understanding your personal fashion sense.
This method involves choosing three adjectives that encapsulate the essence of your style.
Mine are chill, modern, and classic with the modifier unexpected. I also say cool or casual instead of chill, they are interchangeable to me.
The purpose of choosing three style adjectives is to create a clear and concise framework that guides your fashion choices, ensuring they are always aligned with your identity and how you wish to present yourself to the world.
Here is the thing though, it doesn’t have to be three.
Maybe you can only think of two, maybe five.
If these words are truly reflective of what your style is then those are your words to do with as you may.
How Does the Three Word Method Work?
First, you select three adjectives that resonate with your fashion sense.
These should be words that describe not just the aesthetic, but also the feel and attitude of your wardrobe.
For example, “minimalist, sophisticated, and comfortable” or “bold, eclectic, and vibrant”.
If you are having trouble finding your words, the quickest way to guide you is to pull out the clothes you wear the most.
The pieces should be the ones that you gravitate to because you feel like yourself in them. Lay them out and really look at them.
See if they have any similarities or themes. What words pop into your head when you look at them?
Write these words down.
These words then serve as a guideline or filter for your fashion decisions, from purchasing new items to putting together outfits.
The idea is that each piece you wear or buy should align with these descriptors, ensuring coherence in your personal style.
Something may be really exciting and look great hanging up in a store. You may get the thrill and desire to purchase it, but once you try it on it is disappointing.
This is common, and this is because it does not align with your personal style.
When I reflect on how much money I could have saved through the years just by simply being honest with myself when I tried something on.
Instead of wasting time and money trying to make it fit into your style, focus on the pieces that already do.
The adjectives should reflect your personality, lifestyle, and the image you want to project. This method emphasizes authenticity and encourages you to dress in a way that feels that way.
It is effective because by having a clear set of style guidelines, it becomes easier to make choices about what to wear and what to buy.
Which simplifies shopping, reduces impulse buys, and helps avoid wardrobe clutter.
It guides in building a cohesive wardrobe where items can be easily mixed and matched.
The three-word method promotes a consistent personal style that is recognizable and uniquely yours.
Even if your three words are the same as someone else, your outfits will look different on you than them.
This is what I love about the brand Tibi. All of the staff have the same/similar style adjectives but with different modifiers. This one word completely changes the way they wear an outfit.
One of my favourite parts is when they do their weekly styling session and show how each individual styles a particular piece based on their same adjectives but different style personalities.
It is inspiring and since the style adjectives are the same as mine, I completely resonate with this brand…but my wallet does not.
The process of choosing your three words encourages you to think deeply about your personal style, what you feel most confident in, and how you want to be perceived by others.
While the method provides a focused framework, it also allows for flexibility within those parameters.
Styles can evolve over time, and so can your three words, adapting to changes in your lifestyle, tastes, and the way you see yourself.
By making more deliberate choices in your fashion consumption, this method can lead to a more sustainable approach to fashion, focusing on quality and longevity over focusing on trends.
In essence, the three-word method is about creating a personal style that is both intentional and reflective of who you are. It’s a tool for self-expression and confidence through fashion, ensuring that your wardrobe genuinely represents you.
And with that, get started on your journey.
Easy Spring Outfit Ideas for Women
Black Tank Top | Jeans | Animal Print Flats | Green Tote | Leather Trench | Heels | Blazer | White T-shirt | Earrings | Boots | Yellow Handbag | White Trousers | Dress | Black Button Up | Sunglasses | Grey Sweater | Navy Blue Trousers | Silk Blouse | Loafers | Socks | Cream Handbag | Striped Sweater | Green Sneakers
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A 15 Piece Modern 90s Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe
A 12 Piece Vintage and Rock Winter Capsule Wardrobe
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I am discovering my style words: classic, neat, relaxed and transitioning from uni to work wardrobe. Do you have any tips or suggestions on curating a versatile capsule closet? Open to advice and style insights!
Hmmm. I would suggest that you stick to the classic workwear pieces, but opt for a more relaxed fit. So a button-up but a non stretch, not fitted style. Looser trousers in varying lengths, because cropped/ankle loose trousers look great with a variety of footwear options and transition through different seasons as well as work in everyday wardrobes. Versatility is key. Relaxed knitwear that you can layer under. Non fitted blazers because they tend to be too stiff unless you wear sleeveless underneath. The neatness comes from how you present it, so ironed, and crisp, maybe tucked, or nicely cuffed sleeves pair with jewellery and accessory to tie it all together.