I can hear you all breathe a sigh of relief as I move back onto this timeless and popular subject. CAPSULE!
Just to refresh your memories, a capsule wardrobe isn’t boring and having a capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you cannot buy and wear insane things – fur gilets, lime green cocktail dresses, hats or swirly pucci-esque print trousers.
What it means – what I mean, by all this – is just that you must sort out your basics. You must have all the basics in place before you start running off into the Selfridges sale after that turquoise scuba fabric mini skirt. Because if you don’t have a crisp white t-shirt to put with your mini skirt, you are stuffed.
And I know that this is not easy if you are distracted and manic after some life-changing event – divorce, illness, weight gain or loss, babies – or if you simply do not enjoy shopping or go shopping in a panic or when you are moody – it is too easy to keep buying things that are no help to you whatsoever on a grey February Wednesday when you have a tricky day ahead and don’t want to wear a purple t-shirt thanks.
So over the next few days and weeks I am going to be pointing you in the direction of new and updated Spring and Summer basics. You must only buy these if you either don’t have them already or if the ones you have are looking a bit grey and ratty.
Don’t just buy 49 extra things because I told you to (I know what you’re like! Sometimes I lie awake worrying that if I told you all to jump off a cliff….)
First of all, T-Shirts.
I get mine from Hush and I really rate them for comfort and shape, but I know that some of you think they don’t wash and wear very well. I stand by them, but I have also included some from alternative stores below. I think you need 2 white t-shirts, 1 grey and one black and that’s it.
Mine are from Hush
But here are nice ones from Boden
or All Saints
I have had All Saints T Shirts in the past… not sure what’s happened to them but I remember them being fab.
It’s really a question of shopping around and finding the perfect t-shirt for you. This is so worth doing as once you find a store that does the perfect t-shirts for you, you’re sorted as there are few situations I’m interested in where a pair of blue jeans, a white t-shirt and a pair of gold hoops won’t do.
Yay! Esther’s back to basics, everyone!
Capsule is King! (OK, Queen).
You are going to die when I tell you where I found some super white T shirts last summer. I mean, DIE IN AMAZEMENT.
On holiday in Spain last summer I popped into C&A. Remember them? Didn’t even know they were still going. Went in out of curiosity as I used to get great ski-wear in the Oxford Street store a million years ago. Anyway, I digress.
Lovely, soft, pure white cotton scoop neck T shirts that hang really well (not too tight, not too loose), wash and dry like a dream. HOW MUCH?? E2.50!! Yep, two euros, fifty cents.
Went back recently but they didn’t have any – hoping against hope they’ll be back in the summer.
I’m a GAP girl, I’m quite busty and they fit properly…. They also do longer arm lengths which make me very happy.
Love your Capsule Column Esther. Is a navy T shirt capsule?
I wouldn’t call it a basic, Quarter, but if you think you would wear it and find it useful, then get it
I find I wear navy more than white, as I am a walking disaster area, so I always get in some navy t shirts and brighten them up with jewellery. I love the look of a white t shirt though, I just look like the “before” of a Daz advert by the end of the day.
Cindy you’re quite right that it’s the principle that counts
Halle-freakin-lujah! Been waiting for this to restart since last autumn…🙌😀😀
Ordered a new Hush white tshirt only yesterday!
You needn’t worry about me going off a cliff, I’ve been chugging bolognese with my kids at 5 o clock and nodding along to posts about fish and greens, my only good wool coat is bright red, and the last t shirt I bought has a tie-dye dolphin scene on it (ironic 90s with the word “anxiety” on it instead of “destiny” or whatever) BUT I did get some good khaki trousers and plain white t shirts in the sale too thanks to your influence. I need all the nudges I can get, seriously.
Cindy this is music to my ears
And I got Lotta clogs! Not back in July, but calmly and collectedly 6 months later, after some consideration ffs. (By the way, didn’t you look fantastic in the paper at the weekend? Like a model. It felt like I was in one of those movies where I only just realise quite how glam and popular my BFF is, and I’m left behind still playing with dolls and trying to get her attention with all our embarrassing old in-jokes xxx)
omg don’t be insane. it’s a PHOTO. I am siting here rn in my ratty tracksuit bottoms and no make up like usual. it’s all an illusion
Yeah yeah you scrub up ok
Soooo happy Capsule is back. Was pregnant last year when these were posted and had made a note to revisit, once I was back in normal clothes again. This has made me excited about clothes for the first time in ages. Thank you.
Kate! Welcome. Here we are again and I’m hoping to get my arse in gear this time and post proper helpful photos of how to wear various basics altogether…
YES! I’ve been waiting for this. Loved your last capsule series, I went INSANE and bought everything, but then – AMAZEMENT – actually wore it all the time. I’m a convert.
Rhian THIS IS THE IDEA!! so glad it worked for you… nothing drastically different this year, but you can feel super smug about having it all… xxx
How’s the hush sizing? Am a busty size 10.
it’s very generous – try an S xx
Hurray! Capsule returns. This was quite incredibly useful last year, and I’ve already bought Hush t-shirts for the day when I can wear one without losing a boob to frostbite. Urggh, weather.
I know, I have also totally given up just living in jogging bottoms 🙁
It’s so shit. I’m wearing smart sort-of joggers in the office today (John Lewis wide-legged grey trousers with elasticated waist), plus a Uniqlo merino jumper, Stan Smiths and two pairs of socks. Living and breathing capsule.
you are like the poster girl xxx
Yessss! I love your capsule wardrobe posts. X
Yay! So excited, that’s how dull my life is. Already thinking about summer hols and what to take and not take! Come on summer xxx
I’M SO HAPPY!!!!!
Gave birth to no 3 last Tuesday and have been MISERABLE as sin in my two pairs of maternity jeans and four friggin tshirts. Have been desperate to shop, get back into my own stuff etc… this is EXACTLY what I need xx
Can I vote for J Crew T shirts? The vintage and tissue ones are a lovely soft, fine texture and they hang really well. The sizes come up v large though, I’m an 8 and wear XXS
Cos v neck t shirts are amazing. Fab quality and only 12 notes!
Hey heads up, The Gap t-shirts are on sale, just bought 3, white, black and grey, v neck, slim fit for less than £30 the lot. x
I have found my t-shirt nirvana in James Perse: http://www.jamesperse.com/women/apparel/t-shirts/womens-casual-t-shirt-whm3449?color=1890&cm_filter=WOMEN%2FAPPAREL%2FT-SHIRTS. Expensive, but long-wearing, perfect, soft, t-shirts. They fit in all the right places but do not cling to the tummy area and feel worn in immediately. Totally worth it.
Thank you for this recommendation Nikki