The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Articles
    • Starting From Scratch
    • Common Wardrobe
    • Packing
    • Start With Art
    • Project 333
    • 4×4 Wardrobes
    • Weekly Timeless Wardrobes
    • Archives by Date
    • Archives by Categories & Tags
  • Support The Vivienne Files
    • Books, Clothes & more
    • Templates & Color Planners
  • Contact
Home » How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step One: A Nice Pair of Pants

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step One: A Nice Pair of Pants

 
June 18, 2014
 
Many people would tell you that you should start building your capsule wardrobe with a black suit. And there’s an undoubted crowd who would vote in favor of a little black dress. (for me, personally, that’s where I would start…)
 
But after wrestling with this question for weeks, I’ve finally decided that most of us might find the most utility, and the most immediate transformation of our wardrobe, could come from investing in a really NICE pair of pants. Trousers. Even (very unpopular word) slacks…
 
If you’ve changed sizes, a new pair of trousers that fit you perfectly will immediately elevate all of your old blouses and shirts.  If you want to improve the overall quality of your wardrobe, nothing will make you
feel more polished than trousers that are well made, and of exceptional fabric.
 
Don’t skimp on this one – try on lots of pairs, and when you find your favorites, have them altered.  I know, women don’t get things altered, but it’s about time that changed…
 
When you’re looking for pants that will be wearable more than once a week, definitely consider the simplest style you can find – no decorative stitching, weird pockets, or complicated pleating and cuffing.  Unless you’re committed to wearing a belt every time you wear these, eschew the belt loops…
And keep in mind that you’d like to find a fabric that you could wear 9 months out of the year; truly 12-month garments are rare, so don’t get carried away looking for something you might not be able to find. Frankly, if I only had 1 pair of trousers, these would be them – simple, they hold their shape, and they’re a timeless style. And they don’t cost the world…One word of warning: be VERY cautious about buying cropped or ankle-length pants. They might be just the thing this fall, but in the years to come they’re going to look dated, and that is not what we’re trying to accomplish!

These are the kind of thing that I have in mind:
 
How to start a capsule wardrobe from scratch - step 1 - a pair of pants

Navy trousers – Viyella, black linen trousers – Viyella, silver grey trousers – Viyella 

How to start a capsule wardrobe from scratch - step 1 - a pair of pants

Copper twill trousers – Lands’ End, brown twill trousers – Lands’ End, camel trousers – Hallhuber 

 
These mock wardrobes look pretty sparse right now, but as I move through this brave adventure, each wardrobe will begin to take shape and show it’s own distinctive qualities.
 
And I realize that I’ve almost certainly already gone “off the rails” from what some of you would consider as a first wardrobe step.  That’s okay – so long as we’ve all thought out our own priorities and essentials, differences are great!
 
How to start a capsule wardrobe from scratch - step 1 - a pair of pants

black linen trousers – Viyella

How to start a capsule wardrobe from scratch - step 1 - a pair of pants

brown twill trousers – Lands’ End 

How to start a capsule wardrobe from scratch - step 1 - a pair of pants

Copper twill trousers – Lands’ End 

How to start a capsule wardrobe from scratch - step 1 - a pair of pants

grey trousers – Viyella

How to start a capsule wardrobe from scratch - step 1 - a pair of pants

Navy trousers – Viyella 

How to start a capsule wardrobe from scratch - step 1 - a pair of pants

camel trousers – Hallhuber 

 
love,
Janice
 
 
How to start a capsule wardrobe from scratch - step 1 - a pair of pants

Like this article? Save it to Pinterest!

 

 

Tweet
Pin377
Share
377 Shares

06.18.14 27 Comments

Tags: beige, black, brown, capsule wardrobe, grey, khaki, olive, Starting from Scratch
<<How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch: Choosing Color SchemesHow to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 2: Shoes>>

Comments

  1. Grasshopper says

    June 18, 2014 at 10:53 am

    It is interesting to see how you are tackling this series. I agree that trousers are one of the most versatile items in a wardrobe and this is probably where I would start. And yes, try on lots of pairs and have tailoring done! Absolutely! Actually, the inability to find trousers that fit well is what motivated me to start sewing again. I do have to disagree on the belt loops, though, as I like the option of being able to tuck in blouses or not and do not care for the crinkled waistband look that comes from not wearing a belt.

    Reply
  2. Gail says

    June 18, 2014 at 11:00 am

    Yes, I consider my long-sought, finally found and flattering, favorite grey dressy slacks the mainstay of my wardrobe. Tops and cardigans are the easy part.

    Reply
  3. Cornelia says

    June 18, 2014 at 11:18 am

    I have a pair of very good quality trousers in each of these colors and I never regretted the purchase. I lost some weight last year, and I had them altered to fit perfectly again. Considering how often I have worn them, the price tag seems to be negligible by now.
    I like the way you approach this new series, Janice.

    Reply
  4. Madame Là-bas says

    June 18, 2014 at 12:07 pm

    Perfectly fitting trousers are something that I do not own. I need a petite and a size 14-16 right now. Does such a thing exist? Right now, I am thinking that I am the chocolate brown, blue, soft gold palette so I would need brown or tan. I will make a list for AFTER the culling is finished.

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      June 18, 2014 at 2:35 pm

      Talbots has Petites and Women's Petites. Perhaps you would find a fit there.
      Sharon

      Reply
    • Barbara says

      June 20, 2014 at 3:59 pm

      That's my size/length! Ann Taylor, Loft, Banana Republic, and NY & Co. have been really fruitful pants sources for me this Spring.

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      June 24, 2014 at 6:14 pm

      Jones New York also carries Women's Petites.

      Reply
  5. Pam @ over50feeling40 says

    June 18, 2014 at 12:48 pm

    Love that last shade of tan in the pants…not too light or dark…looks like a wonderful color!

    Reply
  6. Virginia says

    June 18, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    After years of following this blog, my wardrobe is fairly stable, and I have a good plan for culling/replacing. But I've always struggled with the more casual side of dressing. Sure, I can just throw on a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt for that hike, but it feels like I've fallen off the wagon somehow. So, I'm going to play along with this new series by building a fantasy wardrobe for an outdoorsy/active/casual lifestyle. This is going to be fun!

    Reply
  7. frugalscholar says

    June 18, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    I think you are right to start with pants–so hard to find something that has to fit in so many dimensions! I probably spend more on a few pairs of "invisible" black pants than on all my other pieces put together.

    Reply
  8. AnnetteAK says

    June 18, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    I'm retired and in the process of revamping my wardrobe. I sew all of my clothes so the process is slow. I like the Gray & Navy plus pink. purple & white color palette (I may tweak it some).
    Yes, pants is where I would start. They are the hardest to fit and once I got a pattern to fit I am able to make different pant to meet my needs (wool, cotton, lined or not, etc).
    I am working on my summer wardrobe now and will be starting on my fall/winter wardrobe soon. It will be the biggest because of the weather consideration–wet cold and dark; I live in Alaska.

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    June 18, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    I am really looking forward to this series in anticipation of refining my fall wardrobe. As a pale skinned winter living in Florida I have navy and white as my summer neutrals and plan to use black and grey for fall/winter. It's hard not to have a base of black with my coloring but it can be so heavy and drab for our hot summers. So I may not be following the two neutral rule but not sure how else to make it work. I also have aqua as an accent for summer and will probably switch most of that to brighter blues, lilacs and purples for winter.
    Janice, I've been gradually reading your blog for the past several months, have thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much about being a smarter shopper and more stylish dresser. When I dress in the morning now I try to take my time putting my outfit together, then view myself in a full length mirror wondering "What would Janice think?". I think we all need to be reminded in our casual culture that we should be assembling an "outfit" rather than just throwing on an assortment of clothes that may match (or may not).

    Reply
  10. ladylighttravel.com says

    June 18, 2014 at 6:31 pm

    This is so important. I've also found that poorly fitted trousers can add 10 pounds to your look. It can also add an aging "granny" effect.
    Was it here that I heard about the "Mom Jeans" skit?

    Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    June 18, 2014 at 7:03 pm

    Brooks Brothers lined gabardine pants.They will alter them for you at no charge. Also come in petite. They are the pants I wear everywhere for any occasion.

    Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    June 18, 2014 at 8:48 pm

    Love the idea of starting with the trousers!

    I have a dumb question about altering the length – how do you determine the length of the pant leg. Do you take all your shoes into consideration or buy a few pants in the same color and have them hemmed to go with different heel heights?

    Sorry if it sounds dumb but I am looking to put a wardrobe together and the shoes just leave me perplexed!!!

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      June 19, 2014 at 1:36 pm

      I would try to keep your heel height about the same for all of your pants–i.e. 1-1 1/2 inches. I'm over wearing high heels with pants although I will wear them (no higher than 3 inches) with cocktail dresses. If you look back at some of Janice's wardrobes you see that she pairs low heels with pants, skirts and dresses and does not show any heels with pants. Problem solved and more comfortable!

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      June 20, 2014 at 12:05 pm

      Thank you – that helps!

      Reply
  13. False Nine says

    June 18, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    You are right to start with pants. I probably spend more on a few pairs of black pants on all my other pieces put together. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  14. Tracy Hathcock says

    June 18, 2014 at 10:18 pm

    I love the grey slacks!! Looking forward to this series as I am pretty much building a wardrobe from scratch as we speak!

    Reply
  15. Anonymous says

    June 18, 2014 at 11:40 pm

    All so true…a good pair of pants is priceless. I have been purchasing mainly side zip pants because I hate the extra volume a zipper and button add to my middle. And I tend to wear knit tops, so side zip pants give me a smooth line. Finally, I find that a tapered or slim leg pant works best for me in warmer months; skinny jeans or pants that can tuck in a boot are my go-tos in colder months. Thank you, Janice, for this series. Can't wait to see what is next.

    Reply
  16. Anonymous says

    June 19, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    Those of us who don't like or wear pants:
    apply the same principle with a skirt.
    It works just as well!

    Reply
  17. Anonymous says

    June 24, 2014 at 5:41 pm

    Hi Janice
    many times I admire your sense of style and the combinations. You have a very practical approach to dressing, and I can easily associate with it.
    In this post however I am a bit non-plussed. You write in your introduction that "When you're looking for pants that will be wearable more than once a week," and your second proposal is a pair of linen trousers – I find I can wear them exactly once before they look so creased that I have to give them for cleaning again. Would you please say something about the fabric these trousers should be, so that they can be worn 9 months in a year?

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      August 7, 2014 at 10:46 pm

      I would agree that linen clothing is what I consider to be "high maintenance" due to the wrinkle factor. If I buy linen I do so realizing I'll be spending lots of time at the ironing board in between trips to the cleaners.

      I love the look of linen and try to find man-made linen-look-a-like blends that will reduce/eliminate the wrinkle factor. These are not as readily available as they were 20 years ago. There is so much emphasis on natural fibres these days, good quality blends can be difficult to locate.

      Reply
  18. Alana in Canada says

    July 21, 2014 at 12:28 am

    Hello–I am reviewing this post on July 20th. It is an exact duplication of the the post for Step One.

    Reply
  19. Sandra L. says

    August 4, 2014 at 9:43 pm

    Eileen Fisher makes midweight trousers that work for three seasons. They have lycra/Spandex in them and are made of rayon. I have two pairs, and they're worth every penny!

    Reply
  20. Angella Frasier says

    March 30, 2016 at 9:03 am

    If you have a quality pair of trousers in your wardrobe, then they will be perfect for anything that your diary throws at you. They will eventually pay for themselves as you can wear them for business or pleasure. Black goes with anything and as I don't have particularly great legs, I don't 'do' dresses or skirts. I love my tight black slacks combined with boots or high heels.

    Angella Frasier @ 4 Wardrobe

    Reply
  21. gem says

    September 23, 2021 at 4:29 am

    Love the guide, but I personally find it’d be extra useful with some insight on how to apply the colour scheme to the actual clothing. I have 5 colour options for choosing my pants – but how do pick which colour? I know I don’t want black or white pants, but should pants be accent? should it be neutral? One of each? What clothing pieces are my accents anyway?
    I’m quite the indecisive person, I’d just like a super fluid wardrobe to mix and match without any questions or indecisiveness.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

logo
The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

STAY UP TO DATE

Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • Unsure of the Weather Start With Art - The Silbury Owl by Catherine HydeUnsure of the Weather? Start With Art – The Silbury Owl by Catherine Hyde
  • Like a Base of Black and White Start With Art - Variation on a Lighthouse Theme IV by Ida O'KeeffeLike a Base of Black and White? Start With Art – Variation on a Lighthouse Theme IV by Ida O’Keeffe
  • Want 2 Very Different Accent Colors Start With a Scarf Petal Pop Silk Scarf by Artifact.Want 2 Very Different Accent Colors? Start With a Scarf: Petal Pop Silk Scarf by Artifact.
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 The Vivienne Files | All Rights Reserved - Built with ♥ by RockFort Media

THE VIVIENNE FILES IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES.