An Elevated Edgy Transitional Capsule Wardrobe

I had someone comment on one of my spring capsules asking if I was trying to make them roast in spring because I included a sweater.

I had to remind them that first, it wasn’t built for them personally and second, spring is not the same around the world.

It can still snow here all the way to May, but in between we may get a heat wave. It is completely unpredictable and that is what makes it both hard and fun to dress for.

I started this year with a wardrobe overhaul of my own, which I talked about in the post for a Closet Overhaul in 10 steps from last week.

I was so thorough that I even lint-rolled my velvet-flocked hangers. Where did that motivation come from?

Who knows.

But it is a way to gain some control and perspective of your wardrobe and where it currently stands before getting ready for the next season.

What is a Transitional Wardrobe?

A transitional wardrobe refers to a collection of clothing that bridges the gap between two seasons, usually when the weather starts to shift, like from summer to fall or winter to spring.

It includes versatile pieces that can be layered, mixed and matched to accommodate fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather.

Some people have transitional weather all year long experiencing multiple seasons in one day, so you have to find something that works for you and your life.

Personal style is influenced by various factors such as mood, lifestyle, occasion, personal taste, and even trends which can shift daily leaving you feeling like maybe you don’t understand your own style.

I disagree and believe that mixing styles regularly is a sense of understanding your personal style at a deep level and allowing yourself not to be boxed into one category if you feel like that isn’t for you.

It is okay to change and expand your tastes.

People approach style differently but most fall somewhere into one of these:

Signature Style: Some individuals stick to a specific style like preppy or minimalist, that reflects their personality or preferences.

Eclectic Style: Many people mix elements from various style categories to create a unique look. For example, someone might pair a preppy blazer with edgy boots or leather pants.

Occasion-Based Style: People often shift their style depending on the context, such as workwear for the office, casual for weekends, or glam for events.

Mood-Driven Style: Clothing choices can vary based on how someone feels that day—sporty and relaxed one day, polished and elegant the next.

Trend-Adopting Style: Some individuals experiment with trends, blending them with their personal style preferences, or focusing on trends completely ready to jump on the next and discard the old ones.

Personal style evolves over time, so it’s common for someone to shift between or combine categories as they explore what feels authentic to them.

This wardrobe is a style that I often think about and try to emulate on the occasion. It is elevated edgy which means taking edginess and adding a little bit of polish.

It combines the sophistication and polish of elevated style with the boldness and attitude of edgy fashion. The result is a chic, modern aesthetic that feels both refined and rebellious.

The polish comes from more modern and minimalist pieces without too much extras or fuss.

It is playing with proportions and textures while maintaining a mostly cool based palette with minimal colour. I kind of want it to have a cold and sterilized feeling with a bit of industrial.

I am probably using too many style adjectives, but you get the drift.

So the basis of my choices for this capsule was based on how I was feeling this week.

I am very much about picking pieces that are a reflection of who you are, and I know that I have or wear pieces that many of you would absolutely not wear, or possibly not approve of but that is where personal style comes in.

You don’t need anyone’s approval, you only need yours.

May this be the year that you shed the weight of other people’s opinions.

This is how we build a wardrobe.

Piece by bloody piece.

Put thought into every single item that you bring into your wardrobe and you will not have regrets.

Buy with intention, emotion, and purpose.

Don’t buy filler pieces that are okay for now, wait for the right piece.

So if you like the idea of the cardigan but it’s not for you which I totally get, then you can get a similar look by taking a black cardigan with metal buttons, or one that you own and replacing the buttons, then add a really edgy metal pin/brooch.

Because brooches are back baby. I have been touting the use of brooches for years now, and finally, I am seeing them in the mainstream.

I am also a huge fan of using short dresses as tunics.

In my wardrobe, they get much more use if I pair them with jeans or trousers than worn as a dress because if I waited to wear them as a mini dress they would never get worn.

I know myself, and I know that in order to make a piece workable I need to be able to adapt it to my style. That means a mini dress needs to work as a tunic or it is not something that I can bring into my wardrobe.

Which is the longwinded way of saying that the off-white shirt I included is actually a mini dress, but it’s purpose in this wardrobe is to be worn as a tunic.

So to summarize, an elevated edgy wardrobe blends the sophistication of polished, tailored pieces with the bold, rebellious elements of edgy fashion.

The foundation of this style lies in a neutral, often monochromatic palette with blacks, whites, and greys, accented by rich textures like leather, satin, and metallics.

Silhouettes are structured and modern, with tailored blazers, sharp trousers, and midi skirts that feature unexpected details like asymmetrical cuts, zippers, or slits.

Tops often include sleek turtlenecks, bodysuits, or statement designs like cutouts, exaggerated sleeves or shoulders, balanced with refined tailoring.

Footwear anchors the look, ranging from pointed-toe or square-toed ankle boots to strappy heels with metallic accents, or bold colour sneakers that offer a mix of practicality and edge.

Accessories play a pivotal role, with bold yet minimalist jewellery, bags adorned with hardware details, and belts with metal buckles or accents.

The overall vibe is chic and put-together, while maintaining an element of daring rebellion through bold styling choices and impeccable attention to detail.

This style hybrid strikes the perfect balance between elegance and attitude, making it very versatile.

Remember to adapt it to your own tastes, that is the only way it will work for you.

But most of all have fun.

I am now offering digital styling guides, and personal styling services. If you are looking for some styling help that is inexpensive and easy, check out my digital styling guides. If you want some one-on-one help shopping, building and editing your wardrobe, or packing for a trip, I can also assist. Check out all the styling services that I offer here.

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