27 Hangers - The Capsule Wardrobe
I’m going to start with a CONFESSION. The concept of a capsule wardrobe has been a TOUGH one for me to get on board with. As a ‘creative original’ style type, I like OPTIONS. I like creativity. Putting outfits together is my JAM and so scaling ‘back’ on my options goes against every fiber of my being. THERE. I said it. Now with that off my chest, let me tell you all the reasons why a capsule wardrobe is SUCH a good idea!!!
First, let’s talk about what a capsule wardrobe is all about. Essentially, think of a capsule wardrobe as 27 hangers that all work together to maximize your LOOK. These 27 hangers include 7 bottoms, 14 tops, 3 layering pieces and 3 dresses; each playing a unique yet cohesive part in creating a LOOK that is yours. Before you can select or identify your 27 hangers though, it’s important to have a few foundational items known to build from.
1) Know Your COLOR Code - your Color Code is a color palette that reflects the BEST colors for you given your hair color, skin tone, and eye color. Your Color Code takes into account those colors and patterns that highlight your natural beauty BEST. Again, truth be told, because I’m a rebel at heart, I don’t like to be told I can’t wear a particular set of colors. I like what I like. BUT I have found it SUPER helpful to know what colors and shades BEST suit me, my coloring, and best compliment my natural features. When we know better, we choose better, am I right?! That said - lets be clear - even though black is not the best color for this SOFT color type, I like myself a good edgy black outfit that I will continue to ROCK from time to time. Anyway - I digress….. back to why Color Code is essential to a capsule wardrobe concept. Once you know your best colors, you then choose to build a wardrobe around a few select colors in your CODE and can maximize their wearing power through mixing & matching. By choosing a few neutrals and one or two POP colors in your Color Code, you can create a TON of outfits from just a few essential pieces. Not sure of your Color Code? Complete your FREE Color Code Analysis HERE.
2) Know Your Style Personality - your Style Personality is what enables you to truly SHINE in your own unique way. It what makes you, YOU. Each of us is a unique child of God, with our own ways of doing things, and that includes how we DRESS. Some of us like classic pieces and looks. Clean lines and finished looks. Others like to follow the trends. We like what is HOT and love to set the trends. Others are more artistic - with a creative FLAIR. We don’t care what the trends are ‘cuz we set our own. Others of us are more minimalistic. We like to be comfortable. We don’t like to stand out too much. Yet we still like to be cute! None of these are the ‘right’ way to style or dress. There is no right way! There is only YOUR way and it’s important to know your style personality so that you can build your wardrobe AROUND it - including the 27 hangers! It simplifies the shopping and selection process so that you know what to look for and can also mix and match accordingly! Not sure what your Style Personality is? Take your FREE Quiz HERE.
3) Know Your Style Statement - this final piece, to me, is the most important. Your Style Statement is your ‘vision’ or message from God on who you are, what He designed you for, and what you bring to the world. It’s a statement that gives LIFE. It sounds a bit dramatic and maybe even a little too good to be true but I promise you — your Style Statement will change how you see yourself and how you show up in the world. It’s your signature BRAND of sorts. The actual statement itself is a bit basic and includes two adjectives and one action verb yet the process to come up with it is a powerful one. I wrote a whole blog on the process that guides you through. You can find that HERE.
Okay - now that you have your foundation SET, it’s time to build out your capsule wardrobe using the 27 hanger concept: 7 bottoms, 14 tops, 3 layering pieces and 3 dresses - all aligned with your color code, style personality, that bring your style statement to LIFE! Building your 27 hangers is really a process of elimination:
Go through your closet and first clean out any item that either doesn’t align with your color code or style personality. Remove anything that is worn, out of style, or doesn’t reflect your style statement or make you happy!
Once you have really purged your closet, then take an inventory of what you have for pieces. Assess what you have and what you NEED. For example, you may have 7 bottoms yet are they all the same style or color? For your tops, do you have some variation in sleeve, cut, style, neckline, etc. While you want some synergies, you also want to ensure the pieces you decide to keep are able to help you stretch and maximize the number of looks and outfits.
Identify where you have GAPS. For example - do you need a navy pair of joggers? or a white ruffle blouse? And then be strategic with your purchases. Go into your favorite stores with a purpose! Invest your dollars wisely. Again - think about items that will help you to STRETCH your looks.
One of the BEST tools I know to help you to build your 27 hangers is the Closet Outfit Planner by Style by Color. For a small investment each season, the Closet Outfit Planner will outline specific pieces to target based on style trends and YOUR color code and will show you how to put different pieces together to create MANY different outfits! For more information on the COP, click HERE.
Happy closet curating!!!!! xoxo