Late Winter & early Spring 2023 capsule wardrobe: Part 2
In the last article I gave you ten items to create the core of this capsule wardrobe collection, including trousers, skirts, jumpers, tops and blouses. Now it’s time to move on to the final ten pieces that’ll make it even easier to mix and match everything and make all kinds of outfits for different occasions.
Shoes and jackets
As I’ve already picked out some bright tops, I’ve chosen muted colours and simple shapes to wear everywhere and go with everything:
M&S lace up chunky trainers | £29.50
Classic, well reviewed white lace ups to make your outfits feel sporty. Comfortable and easy to walk in too. Alternatives include any other white trainer or tennis shoe, and if you aren’t a fan of white trainers then try a pair of black Converse low tops instead.
Matalan black suede-look Chelsea boots | £25
This is a great pair of wear-everywhere go-to black boots that look good with jeans, skirts and dresses. Smart without looking overdone and easy to walk in, they’re a footwear staple with a fashionable thick sole. You could also swap in an extra chunky black boot here, Dr Martens, biker or army boots, or smart black trainers.
Ravel Kilrush brown square toe platform boots | £40 in sale
A more fashion-led boot with a 60s/70s vibe to give outfits a bit of a dressed-up lift. Other items you could use here might include brown lace-up shoes or ankle boots, tan or taupe western boots, or brown loafers.
John Lewis Kin black cotton mix utility jacket | £89
It’s tricky to find a casual jacket that looks good with heavy-gauge knitwear, but this throw-on by Kin definitely fits the bill for easy, relaxed looks and could be used in warmer weather too. At this price I’d call it an investment piece for fans of casual styles, and it should last for years. Other options include black or French navy worker jackets or utility jackets, and you could also choose a relaxed fit ponte jacket or boyfriend style blazer.
[NB: For any jackets and cardigans, remember to make sure the arms are cut wide enough to get a chunky jumper or sweatshirt underneath in cold weather.]
M&S khaki mix textured collared cardigan | £39.50
A tweedy look chunky cardigan that feels more like a jacket and adds texture and warmth. I especially like the flecked yarn and cable pattern of this knit. You can also mix in a khaki utility jacket here, a chunky knit brown cardigan, or a relaxed brown or taupe blazer.
And now, on to the bags and accessories…
Bags & accessories
If you’ve picked out bright tops, relatively neutral accessories keep your outfits looking more harmonious too, but it’s nice to have a little splash of colour mixed in here and there for variety. After all, those accessories can make or break an outfit.
George black chevron padded tote bag | £18
We all need a bag that’s big enough for our work things or generally running around with in everyday life. A roomy tote bag is always practical, especially if there’s room for a laptop or groceries in it, and the quilted/padded look is having a fashion moment right now. You may already own a black tote or shopper bag, and a black rucksack is another versatile option depending on where you work.
Matalan grey/taupe messenger bag | £11
I’ve included a medium sized bag too because they’re useful for casual meet ups and running errands. Clutch bags are cute and all that, but I need something a bit extra to hold my purse, umbrella, makeup bag and, er, woolly hat or whatever. This washed leather look crossbody bag from Matalan looks way more expensive than it really is, and although they describe it as grey it’s more of a medium taupe colour. (sorry, sold out now)
Mint Velvet Hallie lightweight scarf | £39
The simple print adds a bit of pizzazz to your outfits without looking overdone, and I absolutely love the subtle geometric look of this scarf. You may already own an unfussy black and neutral lightweight scarf like this, and you can sometimes find them in second hand shops too.
Seasalt floral carving maritime handyband | £12.95
The handybands at Seasalt are big favourites of mine because they’re so versatile. You can wear them as a neat yet casual circular scarf, a thin or wide headband, or even a beanie hat if you tie one end together on itself. I’ve picked out this particular version in maritime blue because it’s just right for wearing with blue denim, and adds interest with the other shapes and colours in the print. They sometimes turn up second hand on eBay too, or you may own another blue scarf already.
Matalan taupe check scarf with coral stripe | £9.50
A very large warm scarf in a neutral colour for toning down bright or busy outfits in the coldest weather. The coral stripe ties in subtly with the pattern on the Oliver Bonas blouse and skirt, and the M&S coral pink jumper. If this particular scarf isn’t your thing, pick something fairly plain in a mid-toned neutral colour instead, such as beige, khaki, taupe or light mocha. (sorry, now sold out)
The next article in this series shows how easy it is to make basic combinations, then dress them up or down for a range of different occasions.
Has anything in particular caught your eye? Are you feeling inspired to put together a capsule wardrobe of your own?
