15 Jan New Year New You: Building A Capsule Wardrobe

As a Senior Buyer for Front Door Fashion, you can imagine my favorite place to start for New Year goals is my closet! Is there anything better than starting the new year with a fresh, organized wardrobe? The first thing to do to accomplish this is to start with a capsule wardrobe. It’s a concept that many women are unfamiliar with, but it can make a huge difference when getting dressed every morning! A capsule consists of core items that mix-and-match together as well as work with trendier items purchased throughout the years. It should contain of a variety of silhouettes and have a cohesive color palette. Think jeans, blazers, and t-shirts in colors that work with each other. To help you establish this year’s “new you” I have listed the key items to help you build your capsule wardrobe. I hope these help you start the New Year on the right foot, and of course, your stylist is always here to help!

1. Ribbed T-shirt

If you’re like most women, you probably have a ton of t-shirts laying in your closet. But when it comes to finding a staple tee, I recommend keeping it simple with a hint of elevated texture. Consider ribbed fabric for your staple tees. The raised and lowered rows in ribbed fabric make it more elastic and durable than other fabrics. It’s perfect for giving yourself a fitted look while being comfortable at the same time.

2. Adjustable Straps Tank

Every girl needs an essential layering tank in her closet. They are great worn on their own in summer, and in fall they become perfect layering pieces under cardigans and jackets. Buyers Tip: I recommend a tank with adjustable straps to ensure a better fit. Adjustable straps allow you to bring the neckline up or down depending on your comfort level and outfit.

3. Relaxed Blazer

While a classic fitted blazer has always been a staple, I recommend adding a relaxed blazer to your closet staples. I consider it an essential in-between style of a tailored and oversized blazer. It works well for business casual outfits, and it also elevates almost any casual look. Relaxed blazers are easily paired with jeans, casual pants, or dresses. Throw it on over a t-shirt for an online meeting. Buyers tip: Essential colors like black, white, blue and grey are always a win, but I recommend adding some color or a fun print. Hues like olive, red, pink, and mustard are versatile options.

4. Non-Basic Denim Jacket

Everyone should already have a denim jacket in your closet, and one way to stay on trend in 2021 without much effort is to add a non-basic denim jacket. Faded denim jackets are a great option, as well as distressed denim jackets, colored denim jackets, cropped denim jackets, and denim jackets with embellishments. Similar to the relaxed blazer, this easy layer can create tons of new outfit options when added to what you already own!

5. Grey or Black Short

There are so many types of shorts, and there are several shorts on trend right now that help any body shape feel good in a pair. A black or grey short can be dressed up or down and the darker color helps us look more slim! These are easily styled with layers for a more elevated look, or with tanks and tees when dressing more casual. You’ll be surprised at the difference a grey or black short brings to your outfits!

6. A Flattering Skirt for Your Body Type

Skirts are underrated, in my opinion! When I’m wearing a flattering skirt, I love the feelings of femininity and confidence. Remember that finding the right shape of skirt for your body type is determined by your bone structure rather than your weight. If you’re not a dress type of gal, having a skirt can work great as an in-between style for either a day or nighttime look. Your stylist can use your style profile to send great options for this staple, and you won’t regret it! They are easily styled with sweaters, tanks, tees, sneakers, booties, sandals…you get the picture. 🙂

7. Non-Basic Legging

I can’t imagine there is anyone who doesn’t already own a basic legging, especially after all the lounging we did in 2020. To refresh your wardrobe with a more elevated look, add a legging that has texture, details, or a color that isn’t basic. When purchasing leggings, think of the 3 F’s – Fit, Function and Feel. Ideally, the leggings you purchase for working out should be different than the leggings you purchase for a night out. Wide waistbands help tummy-tuck and provide a flattering fit while still providing comfort. If you already own a black pair of leggings, consider adding a neutral color such as grey or blue. Buyers tip: Get longevity out of your leggings by shopping for styles that contain nylon-spandex, which works as both a durable and stretchy fabric. Ponte also works great for giving you that defined and slim look!

8. Belts

It’s rare these days that we’re actually styling belts to hold up your pants. Belts are an accessory to add a polished finish to your outfit, and they also can help us look more slim when we define our smallest point of our midsection. Belts are great over a solid colored dress to make them more interesting. Fun Fact: Our stylists love replacing “matching fabric belts” from dresses with a quality black or brown belt to give dresses a new life!

9. Little Black Cozy Dress

The “little black dress” staple has turned into the “little cozy dress” staple. Dresses are great because they can be a one-piece instant outfit, making getting dressed quick and easy. Pick one that takes zero effort to throw on with your denim jacket and sneakers or over-the-knee boots in winter. A cozy dress is perfect for staying comfortable around the house, but being ready for the delivery person or for an online meeting. While “zoom tops” are a popular request this season, opting for a cozy dress covers you just in case…

10. The Jogger Pant

I’ve always considered jogger pants to be a great wardrobe addition, but it wasn’t until this past year that the jogger became the “must-have” piece for every woman’s wardrobe. The benefit of wearing a jogger pant comes with its versatility. Wear it as a casual or business casual look, or even a professional and nighttime look paired with a relaxed blazer, rocking accessories and a pair of heels. I recommend having two styles – casual lounge knit for those comfy days and a trouser like jogger for nicer occasions.

11. Statement Accessories

Invest in statement accessories that can take a simple, casual outfit to a date night outfit. Accessories are also a fun and easy way to experiment with style and get out of our style rut. Always wear traditional gold? Try silver, rose gold, or gunmetal finishes instead. Try wearing bracelets, scarves, necklaces, or earrings that are just a little bit outside your comfort zone. Not sure which ones to try? I know someone at Front Door Fashion who can help.

I hope these pointers have you well on your way to building your new capsule collection! Regardless of what you decide to incorporate in your closet, being YOU is most important. Remember that no closet or wardrobe is perfect! Everybody is different in their own unique way. At Front Door Fashion we take pride in helping women of all ages and lifestyles find their inner you through style and versatility. In the words of Anna Wintour, “Create your own style…let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.” 

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Check out the blog all month long for more style resolutions. Follow along to help you step up your style game in 2021!