5 Essential Pieces To Start Your Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Build your ultimate capsule wardrobe for spring, starting with these five essential pieces…

It’s been said that most of us wear only 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. With such limited space to work with in Hong Kong, curating a capsule wardrobe can be a huge game changer. Keeping a limited amount of items in your closet can save you a ton of space, money and time! Follow these tips to build the ultimate capsule wardrobe for spring, starting with five essential pieces that belong in any functional closet.

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What Is A Capsule Wardrobe And Why Do I Need One?

Ever find yourself staring into your over-stuffed closet thinking, “I have nothing to wear”? This is a clear sign that your wardrobe is not serving you in the way that it should. You’ll find that curating a smaller collection of clothes will actually streamline the process of deciding what to wear.

Remember, having fewer items doesn’t mean you have fewer options. The idea of the capsule wardrobe is that you stock it with versatile pieces that can be used together in various combinations, ultimately giving you more to work with. This allows you to not only use your space more effectively but also your time and money. What’s not to love about that?

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Tips On How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe

It’s important to note that everyone’s capsule wardrobe will differ according to their body shape, lifestyle, personal style and the seasonal climate of where they live.

Start by reviewing what currently lives in your wardrobe and note the items that you pull out to wear most frequently. At the same time, put aside the pieces that you don’t tend to reach for as much. By simply assessing which items you like and dislike – and more importantly questioning why – you gain a better understanding of what might be missing in your closet and give you a clearer direction of what your ideal wardrobe needs to be.

Hold on to the items that are of high quality (these will give your wardrobe greater longevity) and speak to your style and lifestyle. Comfortability is just as important. Selecting pieces based on these criteria should help you build a collection of clothes that you love. The key is to care for these items so that you can continue to enjoy wearing them over and over again.

Ahead, I’ll be sharing five essential items that are worth investing in for a smart casual capsule wardrobe that will work for the spring season in Hong Kong…

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Capsule Wardrobe Piece 1 – A Basic T-Shirt

The power of a simple T-shirt – especially one that fits you just right – is not to be underestimated. Throw it on with your favourite pair of jeans and heels for that effortless “model-off-duty” look, or use it to dress down a work pants for casual Friday. A plain white option will give you a fresh feel, but a fun, graphic tee can add a lot of personality to your outfit.

Capsule Wardrobe Piece 2 – Sleeveless Top Or Silk Camisole

A sleeveless blouse or silk camisole is a great tool to have in your arsenal to dress up some simple bottoms like jeans or a skirt. Because of the thin fabric, they make great layering pieces, but also look fab on their own (and will keep you nice and cool in the hotter months). Keep a black or brightly coloured camisole in your closet to have as an alternative to your white tee.

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Capsule Wardrobe Piece 3 – Tailored Shorts Or Skirt

You’d be surprised how great a pair of well-fitted shorts or a skirt can transform an outfit. On those hot humid days we Hongkongers are all too familiar with, this essential item will keep you feeling cool (in both senses of the word).

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Capsule Wardrobe Piece 4 – Casual Button-Up Shirt

I’m talking an oversized linen shirt, not one of those stiff button-ups you’d wear to a work interview. These can be used as a stylish alternative to a lightweight jacket and can give you a little coverage from the sun. Combine this with a camisole and tailored short for a casual yet put-together look. These can also be a great stand-in for a swimsuit cover-up and can be tucked into any waistband for a more polished look.

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Capsule Wardrobe Piece 5 – Jeans Or A Smart Casual Pant

If you’re not into wearing lightweight jeans in the warmer months, then a pair of breezy palazzo pants or a cropped culotte is a perfect, trendy alternative. These pants shouldn’t be something you’d strictly wear to a corporate office, but a more casual and comfortable version to roam around in. Dress this up for a weekend brunch with a colourful silk camisole and heeled sandals.

Follow Amanda Leigh Wong on Instagram @AmandaLeighStyle to learn more about her styling services.