by Yve Goodwin

Created on: December 13, 2010

One of the best ways to make the right impression at work, and to help improve your chance for career advancement during the New Year and beyond is to learn how to create a ‘capsule’ wardrobe.  A capsule wardrobe will provide you with the appropriate, good quality ‘core’ pieces that are both timeless and practical.  These items can be co-ordinated with each other and make your dressing process much easier, faster and more economical for your specific needs.  They will also provide a good starting base for you to continue adding future pieces (preferably in your correct color palette) to your wardrobe.

It’s important to go through your entire wardrobe in order to separate and weed out any items that are; never to be worn again (e.g. out-dated items, ill fitting items, etc.), appropriate pieces that can be worn for work (and non-work situations), and items that need cleaning/repairing.  The pieces that are to be kept should be hung up or folded according to their appropriate category (e.g. pants together with pants, or shirts hung together with shirts etc.).  A shopping list of items that need to be replaced should also be written down.  The listed items can then be shopped for accordingly (see the general guideline as described below) at quality stores and online.  When combining the old and newly purchased core pieces together, remember to use these items to further build your capsule wardrobe and update them as often as necessary.

As a general guideline, your basic smart-casual wardrobe should consist of; 20% pants, jeans or skirts with the majority of them in neutral colors (so they can be matched with blouses, shirts, tops and jackets, etc.).  Since the upper half of the body is closer to eye-level, more attention is paid to it and sweating tends to occur more in the upper body area; your basic wardrobe should consist of 80% shirts, jackets etc. (due to the regular amount of washing required).  Accessories (jewelry , shoes, handbags etc.) also play an important role in shaping your image, especially when presenting yourself to clients and at special events.  Therefore they should reflect a trendy, yet simple and stylish elegance so they will last for years to come.  Whether you work part-time/full-time, or live in a warm or cold climate, the changing seasons play an important factor when selecting outerwear. For spring and summer, all-weather trenches in neutral colors are a good starting point.  During the fall and winter seasons, the basic; hats, gloves, scarves, boots and coats (in neutrals and in your correct color palette etc.) are appropriate.  Last but certainly not least, the style and quality of undergarments can make the difference between looking and feeling great wearing an outfit, or looking and feeling terrible.  Make sure to have a selection of good quality, supportive bras, panties and hosiery in neutrals, so you can always feel as good and as confident as you look while making a positive impression while wearing your newly revamped wardrobe!

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