I think this is a question I get asked almost daily! How do I create smart/casual outfits that are stylish, wearable and comfortable!
Well, my loves, it’s easier than you think! Remember this post on how to double your wardrobe with just 4 pieces? Well this post kinda just builds on that.
I want to show you how to build a basic capsule wardrobe for everyday, but also, just to give you some ideas on how you can mix and match different things for different occasions.
Remember, this is just a guide! You don’t have to have every. single. piece the same as this capsule to get use from this post, it’s just about kick-starting your imagination.
So here is what you need….. now you may notice a few pieces from the latest Chasing Cait Shop, and that is because I’ve stocked the shop with great finds I think will work really well in your everyday life, and here’s how you can use them!
SHOP THE CAPSULE:
Esprit Jeans $49.95 (AUD)
Betty Basic black drape pants from The Chasing Cait Shop $39
Ruby & Lilli tee from The Chasing Cait Shop $45
White leather tassel necklace from The Chasing Cait Shop $49
Just Jeans knit denim jacket $89.99
Decjuba leather jacket $449.95
Betty Basics navy & white stripe 3/4 tee from The Chasing Cait Shop $39
Max hammered satin shirt $99.99
Printed scarf from The Chasing Cait Shop $29
Bohemian Traders navy lace dress $160Â
Converse trainers from The Iconic $100
Django & Juliette black boots from StyleTread $199.95 (AUD)
So we have a couple of pairs of pants, both of them are relaxed and comfy, but can be dressed up if need be.
Then we add 3 different tops – they will all match with both the pants again, depending on how dressy you want to be.
The jackets will add another layer of interest, as well as warmth. Use them in conjunction with the two pairs of shoes to make things feel more casual, or more dressy.
The accessories and the dress are the icing on the cake! The dress can be worn with either of the jackets, both the shoes and both accessories.
So let’s look at a few outfit options…..
These are your outfits for everyday running around. Whether you’re a stay at home mum, or just hanging out on the weekend, or working from home and need to be comfy, these are some of your go-to looks.
These looks will take your style up a notch. You might have a client meeting, or an event that you want to go to and feel comfortable and stylish, but not over-dressed. The leather jacket can always be substituted for a blazer or other structured jacket of some kind too – you just want it to be a little dressier than a cardigan or denim jacket.
So many people discount the dress as a good smart/casual piece, but the right dress can be so versatile! We’ve I’ve added tights to the equation with this dress for winter, but even without, there are so many options!
This is just the start too! There are so many different options you can create out of a few simple items, the trick is not being scared to mix and match different pieces together.
Do you like a capsule wardrobe idea? Or would you rather have a gazillion different choices to choose from? Tell me in the comments below, I’d love to hear!
Until Next Time, In Style & Love Always,
Hi Cait any chance you will be doing a 2018 autumn/winter capsule with some of the seasons colours?
Hey Andrea! For sure 🙂 I’m just hesitant to start talking too much about Autumn yet as it’s still stinking hot here in NZ (oh and I love summer so much I don’t want to let it go haha!)
But yes! watch this space! x
Love this capsule Cait!! Am a bit capsule obsessed after discovering I was better at dressing for a trip away than for everyday. Now I think of my life as a series of capsules. Work, play, social.
I am still finding my perfect pieces and have a puffer vest instead of the leather jacket – I find jackets really hard to buy! But love your combinations and pieces. Tried to buy the black pants but the chasing Cait shop has sold out. Will you restock?
Hey Cat, glad it helped! Jackets can be tricky, Just Jeans have some awesome ones atm!
Yes trying to get more stock asap of the black pants 🙂
Hey Cat, the black pants are back in stock in an 8, 10 and 12 right now! Get them here: https://chasing-cait.myshopify.com/collections/autumn-winter-2016/products/black-relaxed-drape-pants
Hi Caitlyn
Have the pants sold out again? Will you be restocking ?
Hey Vanessa,
yes sorry, they came and went in about 24 hours! I’ve just emailed the girls to ask about more stock, but there are also some new styles coming in September (if you can wait that long haha!)
Cheers
Cait
I love it! I really need a denim jacket in my life but I have trouble finding one that isn’t boxy. Next challenge? A breast-feeding friendly version of this 😉 *take all of my money!*
The Just jeans one is AMAZING and not boxy at all if you go down a size. its a jacket…. aren’t they all breast-feeding friendly??
I just put together a capsule wardrobe for winter and I LOVE it! 16 outfit options that all end up looking so different. I used to hate thinking about what goes with what. Now I can throw just about any combination together and know that it works. With 2 kids it’s an absolute time saver too!
woohoo! Time-savers are always gold – good on you!
Being a high creative personality, I prefer lots of variety and choice! But because I get bored quickly with clothes especially prints, I cull my wardrobe every 3 months and don’t spend a lot of money on ‘trend’ items because I love change so much! In saying that though, a capsule wardrobe is a great start for clients to add to. Great blog Cat x
I’m right there with ya sista!! x
I love the concept of capsule but can’t see how to mix and match. Am loving these options which I can substitute with my own versions eg black Blazer! My mind is buzzing with ideas. Thanks heaps!!
TOTALLY! its a lot more simple than people think, but you’re right, it’s the mixing and matching that gets them. The trick is to mix and match things that are different levels of “dressed-up-ness” like jeans + blazer, if that makes sense!