Alexandra Fullerton's
SS22 Capsule Wardrobe
You’ve been there that moment of panic when your wardrobe is strewn across the floor yet still you wail, I have nothing to wear! If you want to eradicate wardrobe rage, the simplest way to achieve it is to pare things back. Banish that bulging closet and curate a small, but perfectly formed capsule.
Calvin Klein
Tommy Hilfiger
Sunglass Hut & Dune
Calvin Klein
Tommy Hilfiger
Sunglass Hut & Dune
discover yours
It’s time to ditch the endless cycle of cheap fast fashion purchases that leave you feeling hollow. Instead, embrace the concept of the capsule wardrobe, which is guaranteed to make getting dressed a breeze. Choosing a few high quality classics to use as the base of every outfit is how the fashion pack get dressed - and why they always look impeccably styled.
Buying better quality is essential to making your clothes last longer and creating a successful capsule collection, so spend as much as you can on these staple pieces. Nothing is less chic than buying something cheap, wearing it once, then discarding it. If you shop at York Designer Outlet you could find those elusive forever buys from designer brands you would normally only dream about, but with up to 60% off! Your wallet and your wardrobe will thank you for it.
It’s definitely worth starting your search for your staple pieces at a high-end label like Paul Smith and then take the time to look after your pieces to ensure you will love - and wear - them forever.
WHITE SHIRT
We love any piece of clothing that gives you more than one way to wear it. A white shirt looks instantly appropriate for work with smart trousers, try it open over a vest with jeans on the weekend or tucked into the waistband of a full skirt for a more glamorous take. Choose interesting buttons, peplum hems or half-placket details to add extra interest to this classic piece.
DENIM JEANS
We’re planning for spring but the perfect pair of jeans are a trans-seasonal staple you’ll turn to all year. Heritage denim brands like Levi's and Tommy will have the widest choice of shapes and washes but picking a straighter silhouette will be a far cleverer investment as skinny styles have begun to look dated. Likewise, a timeless mid-blue will be the wisest purchase with longevity in mind.
SUNGLASSES
Yes, an essential accessory for sunny days but also a super smart way to distinguish any look. Aviators will always be a classic choice while smaller, frame-less 90s styles are hot this season. Ignore what’s on trend and simply choose sunglasses that best suit your features. You’ll find plenty of choice at Sunglass Hut and Fossil so search out a high-quality designer style you’ll want to wear beyond one season.
BROGUES
We love our heels but sometimes, the appeal of a flat shoe for actually getting from A to B - fast - can’t be beaten. How to style them? Brogues work brilliantly with chinos, rolled up to show off your ankles as well as white culotte jeans and midi-length dresses and skirts. Try them with a bold sock for a playful styling twist too.
'A capsule wardrobe is based around key pieces that fit your personal style, go with everything else and can be accessorised to work for every occasion, relying on a capsule is the fashion insider’s secret to always looking put together'.
But these building blocks of stylish separates don’t have to be dull. Every wardrobe investment you make should be a considered, clever purchase with a space in your closet already mapped out for its arrival. Ensure that any new addition truly chimes with your own personal style (whether that’s bohemian, minimal or glamorous) and will smoothly slot into your closet to create great outfits with what you already own.
Investing in key trans-seasonal pieces from premium brands will mean
your wardrobe will work all year long (and if you shop at York Designer Outlet you could find these pieces for up to 60% less than the RRP!) Then, as you go through the seasons you’ll just need to add in a few refreshers.
For spring 2022 we suggest you shop for a floral dress from Ted Baker or Hobbs. Smaller spriggy prints look most modern, rather than blousy full-blown patterns. At the start of the season, layer it under the essential lightweight jumper or cream knitted cardigan (this one from Reiss is a forever buy) then, when it’s warmer, choose bare legs and sandals.
Read next
