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How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step One: A Nice Pair of Pants

Many people would tell you that you should start building your capsule wardrobe with a black suit. And there's an undoubted crowd who would vote in favor of a little black dress. (for me, personally, that's where I would start...)

But after wrestling with this question for weeks, I've finally decided that most of us might find the most utility, and the most immediate transformation of our wardrobe, could come from investing in a really NICE pair of pants. Trousers. Even (very unpopular word) slacks...

If you've changed sizes, a new pair of trousers that fit you perfectly will immediately elevate all of your old blouses and shirts.  If you want to improve the overall quality of your wardrobe, nothing will make you feel more polished than trousers that are well made, and of exceptional fabric.

Don't skimp on this one - try on lots of pairs, and when you find your favorites, have them altered.  I know, women don't get things altered, but it's about time that changed...

When you're looking for pants that will be wearable more than once a week, definitely consider the simplest style you can find - no decorative stitching, weird pockets, or complicated pleating and cuffing.  Unless you're committed to wearing a belt every time you wear these, eschew the belt loops... And keep in mind that you'd like to find a fabric that you could wear 9 months out of the year; truly 12-month garments are rare, so don't get carried away looking for something you might not be able to find.

These are the kind of thing that I have in mind:

These mock wardrobes look pretty sparse right now, but as I move through this brave adventure, each wardrobe will begin to take shape and show it's own distinctive qualities.

And I realize that I've almost certainly already gone "off the rails" from what some of you would consider as a first wardrobe step.  That's okay - so long as we've all thought out our own priorities and essentials, differences are great!

Posted by Janice Riggs at Wednesday, June 18, 2014 Labels: beige, black, brown, capsule wardrobe, grey, khaki, olive, Starting from Scratch
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