It’s no secret that I love having a small wardrobe. Whether it’s my summer capsule or my travel pieces, simplifying my closet has helped me in so many ways. (Read the full story here.)
A simple closet doesn’t have to mean a boring closet, however. I think that dressing up can be a fun exercise in creativity and that’s a good thing. While I spend much more of my time nowadays focusing on things that matter more to me, I still enjoy putting together a good outfit.
So today, I wanted to share 5 of my secrets to making a 40-piece wardrobe look polished and personal!
5 Secrets to Spicing Up a Small Wardrobe
1) Choose beautiful, low-maintenance jewelry from the Happiness Boutique.
When it comes to accessorizing, it amazes me what a difference jewelry can make. I’m not a huge fan of owning expensive jewelry that requires consistent care, but I like quality pieces that are long-lasting.
So of course, I love these pieces I got c/o the Happiness Boutique– aren’t those pearl earrings just darling! You can find the pearl earrings and earrings similar to the turquoise ones on their website!
2) Experiment with unexpected combinations.
When I’m not at work, I like pairing a more formal blouse with shorts, or a flowy top with a maxi skirt. We often get into the habit of only wearing certain pieces together, but changing up your dressing habits can help you discover more interesting ways to dress!
3) Alternate between bold and muted colors.
Some people think that small wardrobes have to be neutral in color, just to avoid clashing. However, I’ve found that with enough neutrals (blacks, whites, jeans, and beiges), you can afford to have a few splashes of color. For a bold statement, pair two brights together; for a laidback outfit, wear two neutrals. This might seem obvious, but the possibilities really are endless.
4) Take care of your skin and hair.
One reason why I love the capsule wardrobe idea is that we become the central focus. Our clothes are no longer the first thing that enters the room; we are.
I’ve always wanted people to see me beyond my clothing (and outward appearance ultimately), so I try to take care of my skin and hair. This could easily mean wearing sunscreen, drinking enough water, staying active, eating well, and sleeping enough. The cost to treat your body well is much more worth it in the long-run than the cost to cover up your body with new clothes.
Related: Anti-Aging Tips that Won’t Break the Bank
5) Find one or two fragrances you love.
My fragrance philosophy is to keep it simple: wear scents that are flattering, unique, and not too heavy. A perfume or cologne doesn’t take up much space, requires no maintenance, and will last a good while. My favorite fragrances are by Jo Malone and Estee Lauder. So fresh, beautiful and simple!
True style is in the details.
Unless you have a personal tailor, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever find clothing that’s uniquely yours. I spent years trying to be special and to look different, but I can tell you that no amount of new clothes changed much of who I was or how I looked.
The details, however, are powerful. A piece of jewelry, a pleasant scent, a genuine smile– those are the true marks of your style.
[Tweet “How to simplify your wardrobe without compromising your style! via @daisylinshih #capsulewardrobe”]
*This post is brought to you by Happiness Boutique. They are a sweet little shop based in Germany, and I encourage you to find some special pieces on their site! *
That is wonderful! I did the same thing with my wardrobe and it has been so freeing. I think you would love Noonday Collection!
Great tips! I’ve recently paired down my wardrobe and I’m really enjoying working with collection I’m creating. It’s also much easier to choose accessories when I only have a few outfits to work with. Now that I’m not spending money left and right on clothes, I really want to spend my money on a nice hat for summer and invest in some simple jewelry to accent my wardrobe.
I went through some of the clothes but I know that I can go through more for sure.
Yes, this is so true. When our bodies are well-taken-care-of, we automatically shine and exude health and confidence!
Haha yeah it’s a lot of work to go through your stuff at first, but I say once we de-clutter we can learn to de-own!
I felt like my wardrobe was consistently “off” until I focused on taking good care of my hair and skin. It was like my ah-ha moment! If I feel confident about my body then the fashion naturally follows. So glad to see you mention that on your list. It is often overlooked!
I need to have someone check my wardrobe. I have so many pieces that I never wear or got cheap.
Thanks Hannah! I’ve been on a journey to falling in love with what I already own! 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet note Luna! I’ll definitely check out your blog to see what tips you’re sharing as well! 🙂
Thanks friend!!
Thank you so much, Catherine! Updating your jewelry can be a great way to get rid of pieces you don’t love and use the ones you do!
Thanks Katherine!! I love making smart purchases!!
Thank you Katie!!
I love this! I love how you say that true style is in the details! It often is that we feel most classy and put together if we remember to include those special touches – like your lovely pearl earrings! Thanks for the great tips! I love the focus on having less and loving what you have!
Thank you Christina, you are SO kind! And fake pearls are really the best– they do go with everything.
Ahhh I love Jessica! I just realized we have a mutual friend (whom we’ve both met in person!). Haha. Her style is so great.
Thanks Jenna! Yes, it’s been so freeing to only wear and keep pieces that work for me– I spent so many years collecting clothes and filling my closet just to feel better, but it didn’t work!
Oooh!! I like Nectarine Blossom and Honey! I also really enjoy their limited edition scents, but I don’t own those! Orange Blossom is also a favorite!
Thanks Kiki!! Pearls are fantastic, they really do class up any outfit!
Thanks Carly!
Thanks Becky!!
Thanks Mandi!! you are so kind! 🙂
Yes! So effective.
Thanks Veronica! 🙂
Hi Daisy,
Glad to have found your site. Very inspirational and informative!
I have recently embraced simple living and I am still learning. I am happy to have come across your post and I am thankful for these simple yet life changing tips you offered today. I can really learn from you, considering that I am not so fashion inclined.
Have a beautiful day and I must say you look so beautiful wearing that unexpected combination.
Luna
organizedlunacy.net
I love that hat, looks adorable!
That hat is so great! Updating my jewelry has been on my mind for a little while now. Most of my pieces (besides a few necklaces) are from either high school or my early 20s. My style and needs have changed a lot since that time in my life!
Great tips!! I’ve been adding to my wardrobe BUT smartly if you will. I love all kinds of pretty dress and clothing but I tend to buy things I know I will use more often! These tips are great as I slowly trying to make more smarter buys! Thanks for sharing!
Katherine Lou
http://www.wanderhour.com
That shirt is adorable! And your personality certainly does shine through. Lovely!
You have such a flare for pulling together a super cute, yet simple outfit Daisy. Such a gift! I LOVE pearl earrings. I have fake pearl ones that I wear every single day and never get sick of them. So classic and go with everything!!
true style is in the details! one of my favorites (THREAD AND BONES) pushes me to rethink my wardrobe, which makes it more fun and i’ve found new life in things that were regular and boring before. the happiness boutique looks darling – thank you for the rec!!
Those jewelry pieces are so pretty! These are really great ideas, and you’re continuing to inspire me to trim my closet down! I really need to make time to go through my closet, organize, and only keep great pieces.
I’m a Jo Malone fan, too! Which scents are your favorites? I love Orange Blossom for year-round wear and Pomegranate Noir for fall and winter. But I have at least 10 other JM scents in the rotation!
I’m totally all for this! When it comes to jewelry, I really don’t have much. I’ve never been a huge jewelry person so I love staying basic. I have always loved the look pearls add to an outfit. Classy, low maintenance and affordable. Not to mention their ability to go with everything? (:
Have a fantastic weekend Daisy!
http://www.accordingtokiki.net
Great tips-thanks for sharing! Happy Friday:)
xx
Carly
http://bunbunbook.com
Such cute tips hun!
VelvetandVino.com
such a fun spring-inspired outfit! I love hats <3 and I LOVE your blog
Jewelry is my go to when trying to change it up!
LOVE that hat!