Having a well edited wardrobe gives me some serious joy and today I was sitting looking at my clothing (is it just me that does that?) and I love the wardrobe that I have created over the last few months.
I am used to walking through stores and paying out for exuberant and unique items that are stand out pieces. These are great at the time however they are items that do not last and can’t be worn season to season. Essentially what I decided to do was create a kind of capsule wardrobe for myself. What is a capsule wardrobe you might ask? It is a phrase coined by Susie Faux in the 70s and describes key pieces that you can wear time and time again without them ageing. She describes it as having “2 pairs of trousers, a dress or a skirt, a jacket, a coat, a knit, two pairs of shoes and two bags” that co ordinate in colour and you can mix and match easily. No disrespect to Faux but I probably have at least triple that amount right now with no intention of changing, but the point is that’s how many items it takes to completely transform your wardrobe.
My favourite place to shop for a new wardrobe on a relatively minor budget is H&M. I’m a sucker for earthy and neutral tones as they work so well together and I am trying to stay away from buying so many prints. Each season I have decided I am going to purchase a few statement pieces and maintain my colour neutral wardrobe. I have picked my top faves from H&M that will easily transform your wardrobe too.
Tops
Having a classic white top that you can wear tucked into trousers, jeans, skirt or shorts will take you a long way in your wardrobe. If in doubt pair your items with a fresh, crisp white shirt.
If you have followed me for awhile, or even take a glance down my most recent instagram posts it’s clear that I have a love for white shirts, but I love having crisp shirts and tops like the previous post and then casual shirts like this. I especially love the button details on this shirt to make it a little more interesting. Plus, this is from the Sustainability range!
Draped Wrapover Cross Body, £12.99
A classy body that comes in both black and white can be easily interchangeable from outfit to outfit. Worn under a blazer or worn along tucked into a skirt or trousers these styles of tops make a nice change to shirts.
Long Sleeved Blouse, Khaki Green, £17.99
I have a ridiculous love for wearing khaki green. There’s something about so nice about khaki and for someone like me who’s day to day wear doesn’t extend too far past black and white, the khaki is nice for something different.
Basic Tops, Price Varies
You know all those little tops that you have lying around that you can’t find a home for? The stringy tops, the basic cotton blends and the tops that go ‘under things.’ I get all mine religiously from H&M. Sure, the likes of Primark, New Look, M&S etc do all the same types however, I know and trust that my H&M ones last for years. Years. That’s why I keep going back.
Trousers
So, Mom jeans. I am a very curvy gal and had sworn off Mom jeans after I had a break down in the Topshop changing rooms trying to squeeze my thicc thighs in. Until now. I decided to give these guys a try considering the price as well I almost thought it was too good to be true. Ahh they are amazing and so so comfortable. I was stuck in the skinny jeans rut for ages and I am so happy to have these as alternative. Plus, there are belt loops. This is very important to me.
Embrace High Ankle Jeans, £34.99
I don’t know why, but it had never occurred to me that I could have a pair of tan colour jeans. Do you ever be in a jeans mood and the standard blue or black pair just aren’t cutting it for you? Enter these. They are a great alternative when you’re in the mood for jeans but not jeans.
Ankle Length Tie Belt Trousers, £19.99
I have the black ones but my mission is to own all three colours. I am in love with this style of trouser as I love things that can be dressed up or down. Wear a pair of brogues and a blazer with this and you’ve got a work outfit, slap on a pair of heels and a bodysuit and you’ve got yourself a ‘drinks with the girls’ outfit.
After a Rimmel Sun Shimmer incident in 2008 I swore I would never wear white trousers again. Fast forward 11 years and I gasped at not only these trousers and the fact that they come in every colour under the sun, but the fact that they are £12.99. I am still reluctant to wear white trousers at times however, at this price I couldn’t not pick them up. White trousers are so classy and look amazing!
Skirts & Shorts
I’m not hugely into skirts only for the reason being that I am short with a larger hip area so they tend not to be the most flattering thing on me. With that being said, I like to have a few skirts on reserve as wearing trousers and jeans can get very boring very quickly.
Even though I don’t wear a lot of skirts, I just have to have this skirt in my wardrobe. Not only do I wear it in work a lot as we have to wear black, it’s easily worn with a pair of tights and boots and is another great staple to carry from season to season.
Lyocell – Blend Shorts, £19.99
Not typically a plain go to item but I like to have the odd thing that’s different in among the wardrobe. I would love to wear these with a plain white shirt (duh, do I wear anything else?) and cute little boots and a jacket.
Dresses
I used to walk past these styles of dresses and not give them second thought. Now? I live for them. I have a few of these in different colours and while I find them a little on the basic side they are so easy to jazz up with some simple styling tips. Slip a basic white tee underneath, wrap a black belt around the middle – otherwise my curvy ass would look like a sack of spuds – some booties and even a hat if I was feeling adventurous.
A lot of the dresses that I have are louder in prints as I don’t wear them just as often. The ones I wear all the time are black for work and if I am honest, all look the same. I am enjoying the mindset of having items that I can mix and match and so am trying to stay away from dresses as they always look the same!
Jackets & Coats
Modal Blend Trench Coat, £29.99
I have an addiction to buying jackets and coats and Joel really is going to throw me out of the house if I come back with any more. That being said, I wear the same 3 jackets on rotation. I just can’t part with the jackets I have collected. Why? Anyway, I do have last years version of this jacket but this year’s is nicer. Can guarantee I’ll come home with this and then be homeless.
Any kind of jacket that has multiple pockets for all my lipsticks and packs of gum gets my vote. This jacket is firmly on my wishlist for my wardrobe, I have sworn that I’ll get rid of all my other jackets if I get this one. Khaki in a jacket will go with all my trousers and other outfits which is amazing! Will I stick to my word and get rid of them though, that’s the thing…
If you do not have a biker jacket or leather jacket in your wardrobe I am telling you now, you need one. I have had my leather jacket for years. It’s my go to for running to work, when you need a light jacket, throwing over a dress for a night out and just to match general outfits. Obviously there are many colours that you can get, but to me a classic black biker jacket is where it’s at.
Accessories
I love wearing a hat. Not only does it hide your hair when it’s greasy but it adds sophistication and edge to your outfits. Be careful not to over accessorise however!
As I mentioned, sticking a little belt around a dress makes all the different and accessories add dimensions and layers to the most basic of outfits creating chic and stylish looks. I have so many belts it’s insane, but all you really need is a black one and a brown one. Maybe a nice gold one too…
Bags
Crocodile Patterned Shopper, £34.99
Love, love, love this bag. I am not one for small and dainty little bags. I carry a lot of crap – mainly tissues and lipsticks – and this is such a good looking bag. I also like it – I am in fact purchasing as we speak… anyway, I like it because it’ll match the entire wardrobe. It is such a melt having to change your bag depending on what outfit you’re wearing and so this way, you’re always prepared.
And there you have it! My favourite items to turn your wardrobe around, all from H&M. What way do you shop for your clothes and what are you statement items in your collection? I’d love to know!
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Amy Savage 
H&M do some great simplistic pieces that look really chic and wearable for many ocassions. I’ve been trying to keep my wardrobe more capsule and stick to basics because I find I end up not wearing everything and just buying for the sake of it. Great post! 🙂
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Ah you hit the nail on the head! I am the exact same, I have completely changed my mindset when I am shopping now because the best way is to keep it basic!
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Hey
You are doing a fabulous job.
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Natasha
http://www.feminine.tech.blog
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