So that's when I thought about this mini project starting with tops, shirts, vests etc. I will do "bottoms" next and then go on to others sub categories.
Now I know a capsule wardrobe is meant to be compact and not excessive (believe me I'm trying) but this perhaps may not appear so. These blogs posts are based on all weather and what I couldn't be without, so there may seem a bit too much but I'm being honest with this and being realistic to myself.
So let's start.
A printed blouse/shirt thats wearable with leggings or jeans- dressed up or down. This Zara blouse is gorgeous and works well in warmer weather with white skinny jeans, pale denim jeans turned up with sandals or even with denim or khaki shorts. For colder weather its a nice way to brighten up layers or darker skinny jeans or leggings, vests underneath and a parka or biker. Perhaps even a sweatshirt over the top, cuffs poking through and a statement necklace.
For a less fussy look stick to one coloured print like the Topshop one.
A white shirt- a complete classic that can be worn just as I described above for the floral shirt. It would also work lovely with a leather skirt (tights in the winter) with converse and a denim jacket dressed down and with some stilettos and a patterned jacket for a dressier version. Next have a lovely offering that although isn't long enough to wear with leggings it's a trendy tailored take on a mans shirt. Zara also have a lovely shirt without turn up cuffs.
Sticking with shirts a tartan shirt is another all year must have and with plenty of options you'll struggle to find a colourway that's not for you! Slinging a checked shirt on in the morning means you don't have to worry too much on anything else. The Next option is a lovely blue colour and the longer sleeveless shirt can look great with shiny leggings and converse if you are sick of jeans!
A Breton top. Stripes are always going to be around and I really like this take on a breton top from Next and Zara. I like how they are floaty enough to be cool in warmer weather and perfect to layer underneath when its colder. You can't beat a breton and white jeans combo in the summer but with black leather you can give instantly make it a edgy look. A leopard print scarf looks great too!
One thing that I certainly can't be without is a animal logo top, perfect for throwing on a top and jeans day, clashing with other prints or with a leather skirt. The first one is a Topshop take on the more expensive designer option by Kenzo, but if this one is too in your face the Next option is perfect.
Now for something pretty but fear not lace can easily be edgy for girls like me! Or do the opposite and girly up some boyfriend jeans. This Matalan blouse is not only very reasonable its Navy so works well with anything and there is no worry of dropping spag bol down you! Brightly coloured contrast acessories would give it a great up to date look.
Now this one most of you will already have, the denim shirt. I'm not a fan of the tighter fit shirts myself simply because I don't feel comfortable enough and I find the oversized variety much more wearable. This Zara option is long enough to be worn with leggings but equally looks great with skinnys or tucked into a leather skirt. I would also add a pop of colour with a statement necklace, scarf or shoes.
Now for a bit more pattern this blouse worn with dark skinny jeans, khaki trousers or shorts for a daytime look or add heels and a leather skirt for a lovely dressed up outfit. This Whistles option may not be as cheap as the other items but its a great sale buy for a gorgeous shirt. For a bit less in your face the Topshop vest will work great with a black jacket, to dress it up a bit more wear it with a patterned tube skirt or bright skinny jeans.
We're lacking colour so lets change that. Whilst bright pinks are always lovely to brighten up a look, red is a great option as will work just as well come christmas! One bright that I have in my own wardrobe is yellow in the neon variety. Both will look great with denim or even against black and white prints.
Metallics and glitz doesn't need to be just for nights out, if you want to quickly throw on a top and not have to think about anything else other than your bottoms choice then this top is perfect for you. Everyone needs some form of a sparkly top and worn with some tailored ankle trousers and heels you have a lovely night out outfit too.
Now for the basics, they may not always be worn but I bet you that without them there will be times you really wish you had some. Lets talk vests, not only are they brilliant for layering extra warmth, they work just as well for covering your modesty in sheer tops and are great to pair up with printed bottoms. I especially like the longer versions that cover your bum, these can be picked up very cheap in Primark and H&M. Key colours have to be white, black, khaki, nude and a bright that suits your colouring.
Don't discount a plain tshirt either. I love Topshop for those but again you can pick up some great versions in H&M and Primark. Perfect pairing for a statement necklace and boyfriend jeans.
The one below is from Topshop and just £10. Hopefully this has been helpful, lookout for the next blog on 'bottoms' followed by dresses for either day or night, shoes & accessories and finishing up with jumpers, jackets and coats.
