Comments on: The ultimate checklist of wardrobe essentials: which 33 essential pieces do you need in your closet?

By: Andrea Ivan

Andrea Ivan — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:35:18 +0000

I have many of these things, but I don’t wear them. My lifestyle is more laid back. For myself, there are very few necessities. I prefer having many pairs of shoes, colourful t-shirts, colourful cashmere (cashmere is comfortable and not so fancy that it cant do casual), skirts and jeans. I find dresses a bit boring and have more fun mixing and matching tops and bottoms. I have tons of costume jewellery.

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 12:28:34 +0000

In reply to Shelley Bryant. If the items is still available, you'll find the links in the article.

By: Shelley Bryant

Shelley Bryant — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 16:58:41 +0000

Hi,

Where could I find the two toned (black/beige) shoes pictured above?

By: NATALIE

NATALIE — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 08:26:45 +0000

Your suggestions are great but I know my style enough to change these pieces into what I need for me! Many women aren’t able to do this because they simple aren’t grounded enough in what their style is yet. I only wear skirts and have no issue with your showing pants. Also, the evening dress you recommend I would change to a top and a long skirt because I’m short waisted so dresses fall wrong on me. Keep up a great job!

By: Maryellen

Maryellen — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 05:05:27 +0000

In reply to Chris. I agree with you completely. I read this blog for fun, but wouldn’t have use for most of the items suggested because my lifestyle is extremely casual ( I work in special education, hike or workout on the weekends and only wear skirts if it’s very hot). I’ve been following Sylvia for a while and she’s more practical than many fashion bloggers. (One recommended a nice casual sweater and boots for walking the dog-seriously?)

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 21:22:17 +0000

In reply to Kathy. Thanks for your kind comment Kathy. Yes absolutely these clothes are wonderful for women of all ages!

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 21:19:59 +0000

In reply to Jules. Thanks for your kind comment Jules and happy to inspire you :)

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 21:18:59 +0000

In reply to Pat.

You may enjoy this article https://40plusstyle.com/the-best-color-palettes-to-complement-gray-hair/ For extensive color training, you like to check my style course.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 16:45:55 +0000

Hi, Sylvia. I love your blog and your capsule wardrobe suggestions are what I look forward to viewing the most. I don’t rush online to buy these pieces, but it does give me much inspiration to find different ways to put together the clothing I already have in my closet. I’m also a statement jewelry junkie and have many wonderful items to choose from to add sparkle to my outfit. For the record, I am 68, and I think any woman could work with most of these pieces you’ve featured and adjust them to her own style. I love how you show how they could be pulled together in the capsule. I understand and appreciate that you are seeking to encourage and inspire us— not dictate fashion rules and musts, as some have suggested.

By: Jules

Jules — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 13:15:53 +0000

Thanks as always for creating wardrobe options that aren’t the usual—go plain and neutral for basics. I always find pieces I love. And for anyone who thinks this website only features young and thin models, check out more articles. This website features diverse women of all ages, styles and ethnicities. Thanks Sylvia.

By: Pat

Pat — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 01:39:54 +0000

I am African American with medium to dark skin. My hair is 90% slate grey. It was black in my younger years. So what color should I use in matching my pants, flats or boots. This is exciting to have a guide to follow.

By: L Schofield

L Schofield — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 23:31:11 +0000

Yes, mine would look very different! I don’t wear white or black, for instance, as they clash with my warm coloring. I don’t like button down tops, either. Here’s mine:
1) Pants in your ideal neutral (often close to hair color). That’s dark brown for me.
2) Jeans in your ideal value (again hair color—light, med, or dark?). Mine are dark denim.
3) Skirt in ideal neutral (dark brown or camel for me)
4) 2 patterned tops in eye or skin enhancing color (for me that’s orange, coral, or olive green)
5) 2 Solid tops in eye or skin enhancing colors.
6) Dress in ideal neutral or color, patterned or solid.
7) Cardigan in ideal neutral.
8) Jacket. Ideal neutral is a good choice, but a color that goes with everything you own will work.
9) Scarf in ideal color, patterned or solid
10) Statement necklace
11) Sandals in hair color (will go with anything b/c they bookend hair, so long as wardrobe neutrals and colors harmonize with your coloring and each other)
12) Flats in hair color.
13) Boots in hair color. I prefer tall flat boots.
14) Bag of some kind to fit lifestyle in hair color or ideal neutral.
15) Good supportive bra and shape wear if you need it.
I own more than these items, but they form a base for me. I find capsules boring and only use for travel. But generally everything in my wardrobe goes together (except patterned skirts with patterned tops, usually) because the colors and neutrals are all a similar intensity, value, and undertone (for me that’s soft, overall deep with some lighter for contrast, and warm). I’m 41 years old.

By: Anne Watkis

Anne Watkis — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 07:49:25 +0000

Sylvia, this is the first capsule wardrobe I have seen which isn’t a combination of cream, white, taupe etc. None of which I wear. I LOVE your suggested capsule and shall buy the pieces you suggest, but, as I am a slim petite at 5’, I’ll adapt the suggested items, like the red dress, to a red wrap or skater dress in a good material for example. I have the demin jacket already and have a “demon” jacket in navy, which is a heavy cotton and have worn it with skater dresses and skinny jeans. A company called kettlebell sell faux suede “demin ” jacket s in loads of colours. Thanks for the capsule. Ideas.

By: Dani

Dani — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 21:18:24 +0000

This article was extremely helpful. I am turning 40 this year and while I have some of the items listed here, it’s nice to have a list for reference. I can see the necessity of having these as staples to building a good wardrobe. I live in the Caribbean so I don’t need items like the trench coat but overall this is solid advice! Thanks!

By: cherie clark

cherie clark — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 05:46:19 +0000

I am 65 and I wear denim jackets. You have to find the right shape and style for you. I have a princess seamed denim jacket that falls to my waist. The fit is flattering because it is not boxy.
I also have a knitted denim jacket same style. And a regular denim blazer which is also fitted that falls below my waist.
You can also buy a boxy denim jacket and put darts in it to make it a flattering fit. Very easy to do and takes about 10 minutes to customize to your body!
I love these guidelines ..and it’s so easy to customize all the items to my style.