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Home » How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe of Accessories 1 at a Time: Black, Ivory and Russet Business Wardrobe

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe of Accessories 1 at a Time: Black, Ivory and Russet Business Wardrobe

May 11, 2016

This capsule wardrobe looks so much more interesting with just a few simple additions!

Remember, we started with this gorgeous jacket, and I put a simple black column of clothing under it. So shoes will be an essential first step:

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - shoes

Tee – Lands’ End; pants – L.L.Bean; jacket – Babette; top shoes – Robert Clergerie; middle shoes – Frye; bottom shoes – Kate Spade

Since the jacket pattern is so striking, I thought that a simple, solid scarf would be a good choice:How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - scarves

Shell – J. Crew; pants – L.L.Bean; jacket – Babette; top scarf – Jimmy Choo; middle scarf – Gucci; bottom scarf – Nordstrom

 

And I can never go too long without earrings; to me, they give a touch of shine and a feeling of polish to any outfit:How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - jewellery

Shell – J. Crew; pants – L.L.Bean; cardigan – J. Crew; top earrings – Nadri; middle earrings – Alexis Bittar; bottom earrings – Marshelly

 

In a lot of wardrobes I wouldn’t introduce a 2nd pair of shoes this early, but since this is specifically designed to be a travel wardrobe, making sure the right shoes are chosen is key. If we wait too late to pick shoes, there’s a danger of panicking and packing too many pair; that’s both heavy and bulky!

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - shoes

Shell – J. Crew; skirt – Lands’ End; jacket – Babette; top shoes – Sofft; middle shoes – Trotters; bottom shoes – David Tate

Unless you hang out with the “fancy watch” crowd, it might make sense to consider an inexpensive watch for travel; losing it wouldn’t be quite so heartbreaking…

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - watches

Sweater – J.Crew; pants – L.L.Bean;  top watch – BP.; middle watch – Anne Klein; bottom watch – Larsson and Jennings

 

A hands-free bag is very important when traveling; it leaves your hands free for wrestling with a suitcase, leafing through old books, or sharply elbowing pickpockets!How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - handbags

Tee – Lands’ End; pants – L.L.Bean; cardigan – J. Crew;  top bag – Furla; middle bag – Co-Lab; bottom bag – Foley + Corinna

 

Inexpensive but attractive bracelets add a LOT to an outfit; bracelets that are stretchy are often much less noisy and jangly, too. For business, that could matter!

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - jewellery

Shell – J. Crew; pants – Piazza Sempione; cardigan – L.L.Bean; top bracelet – Boho Chic; middle bracelets – Thalia Sodi; bottom bracelets – RJ Graziano

 

Hoop earrings show up well and draw attention to your face, which is a bonus if you’re doing a lot of speaking or presenting while on your travels.

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - jewellery

Tee – Lands’ End; skirt – Lands’ End; jacket – Babette; top earrings – Argento Vivo; middle earrings – Ippolita; bottom earrings – Nadri

 

There WILL be down-time, and comfortable, sporty shoes will be welcome if you want to spend a long day sight-seeing!

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - shoes

Shell – J. Crew; pants – Piazza Sempione; cardigan – Lands’ End; top shoes – Steve Madden; middle shoes – Nike; bottom shoes – Munro

A nice necklace that doesn’t break the bank is another one of those items that can draw attention to your face and give you some variety in a very limited wardrobe. And I love the idea of a “compass rose” necklace for someone traveling!

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - jewellery

Tee – Lands’ End; jeans – L.L.Bean; cardigan – J. Crew; top necklace – Madewell; middle necklace – Ettika; bottom necklace – Stella & Ruby

 

These scarves won’t go AT ALL with the amazing Babette jacket, but they will be a great addition to any outfit that includes your beige and black pieces:

 

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - scarves

Top – Eleventy; pants – Piazza Sempione;  top scarf – Roberto Cavalli; middle scarf  – Chan Luu; bottom scarf – Nordstrom

 

Another necklace, in a timeless chain style; very affordable but pretty and flattering.

 

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - jewellery

Sweater – J.Crew; pants – L.L.Bean; jacket – J. Crew; top necklace – Monet; middle necklace – Monet; bottom necklace – Guess

 

Just for the sheer heck of it, I thought a brooch would be a fun thing to pack. It weighs nothing, and might be handy if you feel self-conscious about the wrap top on your dress!

 

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - jewellery

Dress – Lands’ End; cardigan – Lands’ End;  feather pin – Nadri; middle pin – Dsquared2; bottom pin – Roksanda

Four pair of shoes might feel like a lot, but only 3 need to be packed, of course. And I thought that comfortable flats that were still dressy enough to be work-appropriate would be a welcome addition. If you’re certain that you can manage with only 3 pair of shoes total, this space could be left empty, or could accommodate another scarf, or even another tee shirt.

How to add accessories to a capsule wardrobe - shoes

Top – Nude; jeans – L.L.Bean; top shoes – Munro; middle shoes – Frye; bottom shoes – Frye

This is everything – I can see dozens of different ways to put these pieces together into lovely, comfortable outfits! This would all fit into a small checked bag – a 2 month trip might not be the time to force yourself into carrying everything on.

 

A capsule wardrobe with accessories in Black, Ivory, Russet

This makes me want to start packing! But some days, breathing makes me want to start packing…

love
Janice

A capsule wardrobe with accessories in Black, Ivory, Russet
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05.11.16 17 Comments

Tags: 1 Piece at a Time, accessories, bags, black, business travel, capsule wardrobe, ivory, jewelry, shoes, silk scarf
<<How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe Around An Art Jacket: 1 Piece at a TimeWhat to Wear with a Navy Cardigan and White Skirt>>

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    May 11, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Oh, my gosh! This is so wonderful! The blacks and creams are wonderful. I'd been focusing on the aubergine, teal and the russet. Black and cream is easier and more elegant. Thank you! Susan

    Reply
  2. Taste of France says

    May 11, 2016 at 8:01 am

    I could see the TSA flipping out over a couple of those brooches. I really like your Phase 5 shoe selection!

    Reply
  3. Pam @ over50feeling40 says

    May 11, 2016 at 10:53 am

    Love the blouse! and those Kate Spade flats…so cool! Thanks Janice

    Reply
  4. Lena says

    May 11, 2016 at 11:39 am

    The shoe selections are fabulous, I especially like the Frye loafers. For a 2 month business trip I think I would skip the flat shoes since I don't usually wear them and substitute in a tote, which I would probably use everyday. And a beige and black scarf is perfect for adding variety without adding bulk to the suitcase or investing a lot of money. Great job, as usual.

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    May 11, 2016 at 12:54 pm

    I have a jacket with a design,..never worn much, but I'm going to reevaluate its potential using your inspiration,Thanks Janice!!

    Reply
  6. Anonymous says

    May 11, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    I would love to submit my Missonni cardigan for styling by you, if you're taking submissions! Is there a direct way of contacting you?
    Hope

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      May 11, 2016 at 5:18 pm

      Sure! [email protected] is the email address. I'm eager to see your cardigan!
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    May 11, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    Dreamy…. (tharu)

    Reply
  8. lrlincks says

    May 11, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    Brilliant accessory choices! Amazing how they can pull an outfit together!

    Reply
  9. Courtney says

    May 11, 2016 at 6:45 pm

    Janice, I have a question not particularly related to this post – just about your clothing and accessory choices in general. I've started reading your posts from the beginning, and you had a fabulous one in 2011 about making ethical choices when deciding from which companies we should make our purchases. I wholeheartedly agree! For now, most of my purchases are from thrift stores, consignment, etc., but for future purchases – are the products you list in recommendations from companies that we can be proud to support? Obviously, I don't expect you to know each company's backstory – but are we avoiding sweat shops, etc. when we choose these brands? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      May 11, 2016 at 7:09 pm

      Dear Courtney,
      I TRY to avoid companies that I know are particularly bad; companies that were implicated in the building collapse in Bangladesh (and who have remained unrepentant regarding their responsibility!) are routinely ignored in my searches. Ditto for a couple of organizations that I know have abusive labor practices in the United States. But thoroughly vetting each company would mean that I could do a post maybe once a week? And the companies that are good or bad seem to shift back and forth all of the time…

      Suffice to say that it's ever-present in my mind, and I do my best to avoid steering anyone toward a place that's bad for the environment, women, or labor in general.

      Thanks for asking! That's the majority of what needs to done – keep asking questions and make producers prove to us that they deserve our money.

      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
    • Courtney says

      May 12, 2016 at 7:08 pm

      Thanks, Janice! And thanks for all the effort you do put into what you do here – you've completely changed the way I dress and think about clothes!

      Reply
  10. Anonymous says

    May 11, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    You have rounded this wardrobe so nicely. Your influence is huge on me and yesterday I surprised myself by buying 2 pairs of BLACK linen pants and tried on a pair of black shoes. I know for most people this is not extraordinary but it is for me.

    Deb from Vancouver

    Reply
  11. Ivy Bromius says

    May 11, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    If you travel for work, you probably have a laptop bag (this is mine, only in blue, and I highly, highly recommend it — http://goo.gl/Ovi2GN). My issues was having a laptop bag and a purse (especially when I do carry-on only). I finally bought a small wallet type purse with removable strap. When I'm working, I put it inside my laptop bag and when I'm out and about, I attach the strap and it becomes my purse.

    Reply
    • Lisa Laree says

      May 11, 2016 at 11:07 pm

      OOOooo, the illusive 'wallet-type purse with removable strap'…I have had very poor luck finding one (that either 1) isn't ugly and 2) doesn't fall apart)…do you have a source?

      Reply
    • Ivy Bromius says

      May 12, 2016 at 4:46 pm

      I was on a deadline and went cheap, picking one up at my local Fred Meyer for like $15. It's holding up really well (surprisingly well, but then again I only use it for travel), but is not, as you say, particularly lovely. It is however extremely boring black leather with no detail whatsoever, so at least it's not, you know, eye-catchingly hideous. I think that wallet purses are kind of un-stylish right now (or maybe always) so I just never see good designers put them out. Mine has a magnetic flap that covers two slim pockets (big enough for money or a cell phone), a row of card slots with a snap-over strap to keep them in, and a mirror. On the reverse is a zipper pocket that is the exact size to hold my passport. Practical but very boring. I just hope it blends into whatever else I'm wearing.

      Reply
  12. Coco Colmani says

    May 11, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    Nice! I love the way your accessories round out a wardrobe and also make it personal.
    Robyn in Tasmania

    Reply

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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...
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