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Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Start With Art: An Interior from Architectural Digest

February 25, 2014
 
This photograph was sent to me as a suggestion for a wardrobe – and what a great idea.  This photograph prompted, in me, ideas of wood, stone, natural fabrics and textured fabrics.  While I’m going to start with mostly colors in the beige/brown/grey families, there are definite hints here of green, blue and orange that would be great accent colors here.
 
Another question I’ve been asked is about the possibility of purchasing garments one at a time, so this is something we’re going to try here.  And the idea of not matching colors exactly – the colors in this wardrobe (with one exception) won’t be identical matches…
 
So here we go!  First off, wouldn’t you like to be sitting in this room with a good book and a glass of wine (or cup of tea)?
 
Earth-toned interior from Architectural Digest, with a lot of wood details.

image – Architectural Digest

 
These are the only two garments that match, and this was more by accident than design.  I could envision making the decision to purchase a light neutral jacket and pants with one top – maybe just a sweater – and then building from there.  Maybe you already owned light neutral shoes?  Add in a leather bag and a warm peachy tee shirt and we’re off to a good start.
 
Off-white jacket and trousers, with two choices of beige tee shirt or sweater

pants – Erika Cavallini, loafers – DV by Dolce Vita,  sweater – Burberry Brit, tee shirt – L’Agence,  jacket – Erika Cavallini,  camel tote – Lacambra

 
In my mind, a skirt would be a logical next choice – and I chose the darkest color from the stone pillars. Next, you could maybe shop your closet for a very light, creamy top… A cardigan in a color very close to that of the skirt will also look good with your beige pants and your other tee shirt.  Jeans in a medium stone color can be worn with your beige jacket, your light rust sweater, and either tee shirt…
 
Dark stone cardigan, skirt and trousers with a soft white draped tee shirt.

draped tee – Weekend Max Mara, skirt – Sandwich,  cardigan – Maison Martin Margiela, pants – Linea Weekend

Finally, the weather gets warmer, and you opt for some more fluid and dressy fabrics.  A couple of comfortable tunics, in linen or silk, can be chosen with an eye to the colors of pants and your skirt…  To balance out the numbers, add in a pair of blush silk pants, and then a muted, nature-inspired print skirt…  Nude sandals, and a bracelet with an assortment of subtle stone colors, and you’ve got literally dozens of options.

two warm-weather outfits based on an interior from Architectural Digest - tunics and a dressy skirt, or silk pants

silk pants – P.A.R.O.S.H., sandals – Nicholas Kirkwood,   linen tunic – Gossip, silk tunic – Joseph, bracelet – Adha Zelma Jewelry,  skirt – Dosa

 
I could get through quite a long time with these clothes!
 
12-piece capsule travel wardrobe in earth-toned neutrals, inspired by an interior photograph from Architectural Digest
 
16 possible outfits from a 12-piece travel capsule wardrobe
16 possible outfits from a 12-piece travel capsule wardrobe
16 possible outfits from a 12-piece travel capsule wardrobe
 
love,
Janice
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Comments

  1. Sara says

    Whoever sent you this picture is brilliant! Structure, texture… and I really like the wardrobe you put together. Very workable for Spring, except maybe the tee with the draped neckline (I think those necklines are lovely but not ideal for layering). The safari jacket is, to me, the ideal Spring jacket. It's practical and goes with everything. I'm sewing one right now!

    Reply

  3. Lo says

    There are all kinds of art and starting with this AD living room is a great way to show how we can pull colors from all kinds of sources to use as inspiration. I once read that if you want to know how to decorate your house, look in your closet for the colors you love. This is a way to go from house design to closet.

    Reply

  4. Virginia says

    This is so beautiful (both the room and the clothes), and so helpful in showing how to combine different shades (something I struggle with). Wouldn't a scarf in the colors of the mountain look stunning with any of those outfits!

    Reply

    • Anonymous says

      I agree room and clothes are stunning. I will use this for my summer wardrobe. But, what scarfs would go with these clothes? A little help would be appreciated.

      Reply

  6. celkalee says

    Brilliant suggestion and equally brilliant fashioning. The colors and styles are me, my life. Love, it all. I have been scrounging around the pattern stash for ideas and you have planted seeds, I will be studying this in the next few weeks. Several of these combinations are direly needed in my warm weather wardrobe. (despite the fact that is is cold as agony and snowing misery as we speak!) sorry for the drama but I have really hand enough of this Winter!!!

    Reply

    • Anonymous says

      Funny that we in Sydney can't wait for the coolness of autumn to come. It is 35 degrees Celsius today.
      The selection presented by Janice is brilliant and great for our lifestyle. To make it mine, I would add more bluey green and deeper peach .

      Irene

      Reply

  7. Laurel says

    What a great idea! Beyond using an image as colour inspiration, the photo evokes a whole mood and lifestyle. I can see the woman wearing these clothes fitting right in the space. This is one of my favourite sets, partly because I love the contrasts in shades but they all work really well together. Brava!

    Reply

  9. Anonymous says

    Hi Janice,

    Thank you for using this as an inspiration. I loved the room the instant I saw the picture and now I can have the clothes if I can't have the room.
    Right now, I am writing to you from Siem Reap, Cambodia and it is 38 C. We have had a fabulous journey and the wardrobe plan you put together for me last year has been perfect. The only thing I had to add was a full UV protection shirt and pants to go through the temples in the heat.

    You are a genius.

    Deb from Vancouver

    Reply

  10. Anonymous says

    I love the Erika Cavelli chino pants in this post, but the link goes to farfetch, a photo of the chinos & the description is a diamond pattern cardigan. I can't locate the chinos in the off white color. Can you help?
    Adrienne from NC

    Reply

  11. TinaPete says

    I love the shades you have chosen. They are calm and authoritative without being in-your-face. I can imagine soft and comfy fabrics here, luxurious in an understated way.

    Reply

  13. Ellen L. Stanclift says

    This may not be my view, but this is definitely the vibe of my living room. No wonder I'm attracted to neutrals in my clothing…major lightbulb moment!

    Reply

  14. Anonymous says

    Love this group! But the link for the cream top with the draped neckline seems to be incorrect. Could you possibly chek it out and find the correct link? I love that top!

    Reply

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