Welcome back to the Secondhand Style blog that I write with Jane from The Small Fabric of My Life. And this month it’s a recap on what I’ve learnt from my experience of wearing a “preloved capsule” over the last month after writing the last secondhand style blog. But before I continue, if you would like to comment, please scroll back up to the title, press on it and this post will reopen with a commenting option at the bottom. Now, if you did just go back and read last month’s blog, you’ll recognise that I summised with this at the end:
“Capsules help you get creative while simplifying things. They also allow you to create a Wabi Sabi look in your own style. I love that, less about what’s trending and more about what you love to wear… your style! And while I don’t really have a need for them everyday, I certainly love the idea. More so for me when I travel. Regardless, It’s been such fun!”
Still completely on point for me and how I feel about them today. Although I did have a major “aha moment” for my own #savvystyle while reflecting which I’ll share at the end. So hold that thought and take a look at these final 8 creative looks (couldn’t quite reach the required 10) I came up with from 10 preloved garments:
The two outfits at the end are perhaps my favourites. Why? When I wear a pant, I love a dress over them. It’s a look I’ve been wearing since the early 2000’s! And as I’m always saying on IG, I do love the way a self tie belt gives me shape, while not cutting my short frame (163 cm) in half! I could have created more if i’d chosen to wear jeans and the short jacket, but wanting to keep it authentic i didn’t, because that’s simply not my style. Interestingly, when I put all the outfits up on IG stories, the one below was voted as the best by my IG community:
A community who also happened to join in the fun! Thank you so much Belinda @queenbzyb.fashion and Jackie @queanbeenan for taking up the challenge!
I’ve learnt a few practical tips for creating capsules for myself through this exercise. Firstly, if you stick to a colour palette- I used tans and browns with a pop of orange everything is more likely to coordinate. Tonal is key to me. Secondly, use a majority in block colours, and keep any patterns small scale. This will increase the ability to mix and match. Remember Leopard is almost always a neutral so always include a tonal option. Thirdly, choose clothes that fit you and your life and style. Comfort is key! And lastly, great style doesn’t have to be new, on trend or cost a lot of money!
Which makes any capsule (or in this case a 10 item “preloved capsule”) time and cost effective and a great way to “up your sustainability” by increasing the number of wears from garments. And as the garments I styled were those I already owned, I found that in the planning and creating I focused more on what I had to use VS. what I may want to purchase. Which in turn, had me wearing items I’ve had for ages! What was old felt fresh again! Albeit, in a wabi-sabi way. Less influencing “new” and more “style” … which actually resulted in reloving and rewearing my wardrobe on the remaining 21 days. I felt no urge to consume virgin retail or secondhand in April at all 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻! While I try to do this for 3-4 months a year, having a capsule challenge made it easier! Perhaps we should do this again come my Spring, your Autumn Jane? ….just a thought 😉
Which leads me once again to what I’m always harping on about … know your own Style! Because once you do know the shapes, looks and colours that make you look and feel good and you focus on buying only those ….this is my aha……your entire wardrobe can become its own capsule (albeit, a slightly larger version) … a collection of your own style that you enthusiastically and authentically mix and match! Which is what my own “curating my closet” has really been about all year. Working my way through everything I own seasonally, in order to create a harmonious considered collection of clothes that I can wear and rewear for years. So, moving forward, I only “occasionally” pause my wearing to allow in an additional item that will compliment its careful curation 🙏🏻
Which is why i think I’m onto something with this ”curate your closet” mentality… it makes creating capsules for any occasion incredibly easy! And since you’ll only mindfully add items of your STYLE to it, it has the added bonus of these not needing to be ”on trend or new retail” which makes “treasure hunting” (AKA shopping secondhand – I’ve even written about that here) a no brainer! And why in May on my IG page, I’ll be featuring a little bit more of it ….. in of course my style!
Now, why not join me in pressing the link below to read Jane’s recap 😊
Sarah xx
Sarah London Style 