Gails Rails Capsule Wardrobe

Hi everyone.

I have been working on this blog post for a while now because I feel its probably going to be the most important blog post I will every write and one that you can all refer back to every so often.

Everyone needs and wants the perfect capsule wardrobe but the funny thing is, most of you probably already have one but you just didn’t realise! I guarantee you that by the end of this blog post, you will be able to tick 99% of the items off the list because they already exist in your wardrobe!

This blog post is going to help you realise that the most simple items create a capsule wardrobe. If you have at least one of all these items in your wardrobe, you will always have something to wear!

In this blog post, I have tried to cater for every body shape by giving three different options for each category (I will be doing a blog post on body shape soon, so stay tuned 😉

Here’s what I consider to be the top 12 essential items for your wardrobe. You can definitely get by with only one of each, so just choose which style works best for your body shape and wardrobe. When buying good solid capsule pieces, I suggest buying simple base colours like black’s, navy’s, beige, cream’s, khaki’s whites and greys. These colours are good base tones that are easy to contrast with other wardrobe items and accessories to create a complete outfit with interest.

01 | Vest Top

Black | White | Grey

You have probably noticed that I wear a black long vest top under my clothes whenever I wear jeans. I like when my bum is covered because It slims down my hips and I feel more confident! I just love my long line vest tops.

Vest tops in general, long or regular lengths are a must have in any wardrobe! Great on their own in summer months or layered under a shirt or sheer blouse. Great places to buy vest tops is Dunnes Stores and H&M. And i particularly love Mary Grant designs and Diffusion brand! Exceptional quality!!

All examples below are from H&M.

02 | Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

V-Neck | Scoop Neck | Round Neck

The most versatile piece of them all. Tuck it into a skirt, throw on a blazer, wear it loose over jeans 👌🏻 Great for layering. Just like the vest tops, short sleeve t-shirts are just so easy to wear and another must for any capsule wardrobe. My favourite is a traditional V-neck and it suits every body shape. Great places to buy good basic t-shirts is H&M, Villa Clothing, M&S and Dunnes Stores.

03 | Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

White | Striped | Black

Perfect on it’s own or underneath a jumper or jacket during the winter. My favourite place for long sleeve t-shirts is Dunnes Stores, H&M and Oasis.

04 | Shirt / Blouse

Denim | Printed | White

The great thing with Shirts and blouses is you can wear them to the office or pair them with some jeans for a casual look. I believe everyone should own a denim shirt. You can style it up or down! I love mine with white jeans and a statement necklace 👌🏻 I love Finery London, Gap, French Connection, Vila and H&M for shirts and blouses.

05 |Jumpers

Round-Neck | Polo Neck | V-Neck

I like fine knit jumpers that can be worn on chilly summer nights, but work well for layering under a coat in the winter too. Mint Velvet, Massimo Dutti, Zara and H&M all have really fantastic options with great stretch and last the test of time without bobbling.

06 | Black Dress

Wrap | Midi | A-line

I’m not saying you need a little black dress, but some form of a black dress will get you through a million and one occasions. I am particularly fond of a wrap dress because of it incredible slimming power!

I also love A-Line shapes because I’m a pear an I want fabric to skim my hips. Change up accessories for different events and you can completely change the look of a simple black dress.

If black is not you colour, a navy dress can equally be as reliable in you wardrobe. French Connection, Finery London, Coast, DKNY, Hobbs, H&M, Ted Baker and Karen Millen are all great places to get little dresses.

All example dresses below are from H&M

07 | Cardigan

Open Front | Button Up | Waterfall

Cardigans are just perfect for a relaxed casual look over jeans. So easy and so comfy. Great multi seasonal essential. H&M, Mint Velvet, French Connection,  Zara and M&S have great selections of knitwear.

08 | Blazer

Classic | Long | Waterfall

You can look instantly put together with a blazer. I am a huge fan! Blazers are the obvious option for a work wardrobe #GIRLBOSS, but for me, It’s a must have over jeans for a edgy cool look. I love a structured blazer but a boyfriend one can have a very cool New York Street Style look. I buy my blazers in Massimo Dutti, Hobbs, Jigsaw, H&M, River Island and Zara.

09 | Jeans /Trousers

Black jeans | Blue jeans | Black trousers

Does anyone not own a pair of jeans? Invest in a pair with good stretch and mid to high rise so they stay put all day. I did a blog post before on what jeans I recommend and they included Tiffosi Denim Jeans, Salsa Jeans and New Look Jean. If you work in an office, ankle trousers are a great alternative to super-serious straight leg, but they are also great for a night out with killer heels! I highly recommend H&M for slim leg black trousers (But my advise is to go up a size as they run very small)

10 | Black Skirt

Skater | Pencil | A-Line

Choose one that works for your body. Being a pear body shape, my back side does not look good in pencil skirts, but it sure does like the skater and a-line! #knowyourbodyshape!!

11 | Jackets

Leather jacket | Denim Jacket | Trench
I live in my leather jacket all year round and my denim jacket is a must for spring/summer months and looks very cute over sun dresses. The Trench has been a wardrobe stable for decades and will never date! I love mine and it’s multi seasonal too! French Connection, All Saints, Mango, Zara and H&M are fantastic for Leather jackets while Gap, Ralph Lauren, Vila Clothing, Vero Moda and Only are brilliant for denim jackets and trench coats.

12 | Outerwear

Rain Coat | Parka | Padded Coat

We live in Ireland so I think all three are essential coats to have in any every wardrobe! I always suggest going for a nice bright colour to suit your complexion such as red, purple or pink! This will brighten up your complexion on due, rainy dreary days.

The examples below are all from New Look. But I would highly recommend Helly Hansen Rainwear. Pricy but worth every penny and something you will never ever regret buying.

As the saying goes ……..
“WITH GOOD BASICS, YOU’LL HAVE ENDLESS OPTIONS”

When creating a capsule wardrobe, I always say to clients ‘spend your money where you spend your time” Investing in a good solid capsule wardrobe is something you will never regret! Author of ‘ The Happy Closet”, Anne Marie O’Connor always says, “Spend as much as you can afford on your capsule wardrobe” which is so true. Investing in good quality pieces is something you will never regret.

99% of my customer hire me for Capsule Wardrobe personal shopping because they want to always have something to wear. If you want to achieve the perfect capsule wardrobe that will be made for your body shape and in colours that suit you complexion you can drop me a mail to info@gailsrails.ie or find out all the services I provide on www.gailsrails.ie

I hope my capsule wardrobe list has helped.

To make it easier for you, I’v attached a chart that you can print off and fill out.

Love

Gail