Capsule Wardrobe Series — The Statement Top

Statement Ruffle Top, Black New York and Company Ripped Jeans, Zara Mules, Camelia Roma Cognac Croc Crossbody

Happy Wednesday Lovely Readers!

I realized it's been a while since I've thanked you for reading my posts and following along on my little blogging journey, so I wanted to say, Thank You. And I mean that very seriously, from the bottom of my heart! Your support means the world to me! <3

Today, I'm launching a new series on Belle by Laurelle, and it's all about capsule wardrobes! If you're not sure what they are, be sure to check out this post where I go more into detail explaining what they are. Essentially, they're a wardrobe made of versatile pieces - mainly basics - that work together, simplify your dressing each day, and ultimately save time and money. My goal in sharing this series is to show you how dressing well really doesn't mean you need to have endless amounts of clothing or put in a lot of effort or planning. I don't feel like I put much effort into dressing every day, and it's not because I'm too lazy to. It's because I have capsule wardrobes, with clothes that work together well and make putting outfits together easy!

I tend to have a general/basic capsule wardrobe, and seasonal capsule wardrobes that build on top of my general one. For example, a great white tee is part of my basic capsule wardrobe, as it can be styled and worn year-round, whereas a long black cardigan would be part of my autumn/winter capsule wardrobe, as it's likely something that will be a great wardrobe stable though the cooler months, but not spring and summer. I have some pieces that only work for one of the four seasons, but many can work for around two seasons/half the year, depending on the weather.

I cannot emphasize how important basics are to dressing well. Because of that, I am much more willing to invest more in great quality basics for my general, year-round capsule wardrobe. You really do get your cost per wear for those items! For seasonal capsule wardrobes, I do try to spend a bit less, but I still think the basic pieces in those are important especially if you're going to be wearing them on a weekly basis for six months! For example, a black cardigan or black jeans. They don't work well in the warmer months, but I live in them in the cooler half of the year! When I do get trendy or fun pieces, it's usually very easy for me to style them because I have a good foundation of basics, and I don't feel like I waste money because I tend to not buy trendy items often and I don't spend much money on them when I do.

While many of my pieces in my capsule wardrobe are extremely versatile, some, like today's piece aren't as versatile, but are pieces I continually reach for while dressing to look stylish and sophisticated, so I still consider them a part of my capsule wardrobe. I find statement tops to be an incredibly easy way to look great while not putting forth a lot of effort into planning your outfit or accessorizing. I always keep several in my wardrobe, no matter what time of year it is, because I love how easily they make an incredible outfit. I try to go for ones that aren't too trendy, so I'll be able to wear them for a few seasons or years. You can throw them on with jeans and a neutral handbag and pair of shoes, and you're set! And as I mentioned in this recent post, I find having one or two statement pieces in an outfit is a great recipe for looking amazing without having too much going on. Less is more, but I sill like to have something to take an outfit to the next level! Statement tops are a great way to achieve that!

My statement top is one I picked up from Zara's recent sale (for only $13!! such a score.), so it is out of stock, but I rounded up some gorgeous statement tops from some of my favorite retailers! They're linked right below and I include a variety of neutrals, prints, and prices. I hope you can find a few great statement tops to add to your wardrobe to make throwing together an amazing outfit as easy as pie! Let me know in the comments if you have or would like to have a capsule wardrobe, and if statement tops are/would be in yours!

Laurelle