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November-December 2002 Newsletter
Stressed by the Holidays? Have an evening capsule!
The holiday season is getting closer and closer and you are still wondering what you are going to wear this New Year's Eve. You don't want to sport the same gown as last year - everyone would recognize it - and you are reluctant to spend $100-250 on a new wear-it-once dress. It's thus time for you to put into practice the wardrobe capsule concept.
In case you don't know, a wardrobe capsule is a small set of clothes chosen so that they work together to make numerous different outfits. An evening capsule will ensure you that you always have the perfect outfit in your closet for any special occasion and never have to buy something hurriedly at the last minute. You will be able to mix and match its few pieces in various ways and will look different - and gorgeous - every time.
What is a basic evening wardrobe made of?
A jacket
A skirt
Pants
A camisole
A blouse
A top
The skirt may be long or short. It can be replaced by a dress, but this will not be so versatile as separates. These only 6 items will offer you 16 combination possibilities:
Skirt/pants, camisole
Skirt/pants, camisole, jacket
Skirt/pants, camisole, blouse worn as a jacket
Skirt/pants, blouse
Skirt/pants, blouse, jacket
Skirt/pants, jacket, no camisole/blouse/top
Skirt/pants, top
Skirt/pants, top, jacket
Start by choosing in your swatch three colors complementing each other. Opt for at least two neutral or deep basic colors, as they will be less memorable - for example, white, charcoal and red, or ivory, brown and teal. Then select elegant and dressy but simple and versatile styles. They will last you for more years. What makes a garment an evening one is often more the fabric it is made of than sophisticated details; these tend to be quickly outdated. Choose special occasion fabrics - beaded, shiny, sheer, shimmering, etc. - such as silks or silkies, georgette, velvet, satin, chiffon, lace, taffeta, fine wool crepe, brocade, or metallics.
Don't forget the accessories: stockings, shoes, scarves/shawl/wrap, handbag, jewelry, and belts. In addition to adding the final touch to your outfit, they will allow you to create a dressier look or a more casual one according to the occasion.
Before going shopping for the above items, examine the content of your closet. You probably already have some. Maybe you could buy a second set of buttons - more interesting, shiny or sparkly - for this jacket. Or you could use this scarf wrapped around your waist - possibly over a blouse - as a belt. Try new combinations. Be creative!
To keep your evening capsule up-to-date without spending a lot of money, you will have just to replace or add one or two new pieces each year. The golden rule is that you must be able to wear them with at least three other items you already have.
Happy holidays and best wishes for 2003!
N.B. I can also help you to build capsules for work, business travels, vacation, leisure, etc.
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