'I built a capsule wardrobe of "confidence clothes". Here's what made the cut (and what didn't).'

Thanks to our brand partner, SUNGLASS HUT

A few months ago, I moved to London and threw myself into a glorious, Aperol-filled Euro summer — my first ever.

With that came many unexpected lessons, like how to survive with just a carry-on. It turns out there's a trick to packing light, and it's all about curating a capsule wardrobe.

With limited space in my luggage, I was able to build, trial and tweak my ideal capsule wardrobe on each trip.

It wasn't just about figuring out the clothing items I consistently felt confident in, but about picking versatile pieces that still allowed me to experiment with my own style.

I noticed that my most creative outfit ideas were always born towards the end of the trip. Specifically, when I'd be desperate to do some laundry, and all I'd have left in my bag were the clothes I half-liked but didn't quite know how to style.

In an effort to "make it work" and still feel somewhat fashionable, I'd always throw on some fail-safe accessories to tie everything together at the end.

Sometimes the outfits were a perfect 10, giving me an extra option I could wear straight from my wardrobe at home. Other times, they were purely practical — outfits I'd never wear in that combination again — and that was completely fine.

It all led back to the fashion mission: building a capsule wardrobe.

Low-effort, stylish and, most importantly, unique to me.

So, after a summer of 40-degree weather, a 10kg luggage limit and the thrill of being in a new country every other weekend, I finally nailed a collection of don't-think-twice outfits that I can confidently dress up or down with something as simple as my favourite pair of Ray-Ban sunnies.

How to build your capsule wardrobe. 

A great capsule wardrobe is built on the foundation of being able to repeat the same outfits in multiple ways (which, by the way, is a good thing!).

They maximise your wardrobe's potential and, in turn, reduce clothing waste and overconsumption.

The first way I built out my capsule was through a set of staple items, otherwise known as basics.

For a good basic to serve its purpose, you need to figure out your preferences and find a version that makes you feel confident.

If we're talking tops, you may prefer halter necks over strapless.

If we're talking pants, you may prefer high-waist over low-rise.

If we're talking jackets, you may prefer oversized over cropped.

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There are countless options across all categories, so it honestly comes down to whatever silhouette you feel best suits you, and it does require some trial and error.

My capsule wardrobe consists of my favourite basic silhouettes in a couple of colours from my colour palette, so I can easily mix and match.

They may not always be the star of my outfit, but they're the pieces I rely on to set the stage and allow my more frivolous pieces to shine.

The pieces that did (and didn't) make the cut.

As I do love experimenting with my style, there aren't many clothes that are completely off limits, but there are definitely certain looks I choose time and time again.

For example, I'll always opt for a strapless, off-the-shoulder or halter-neck moment over sleeves.

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I'm also known to love a flowy mid-rise, mid-length skirt over pants or jeans, purely for comfort's sake.

Over time, I have stumbled across some timeless pieces that match my aesthetic and the rest of my wardrobe.

Once I cracked my outfit formula, my options tripled, and it became more about choosing which pieces made me feel the most like myself.

The ones that made the cut for my capsule were simply the ones I'd reach for the most, like this thrifted pink fairy skirt.

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The final piece of any outfit.  

In my experience, a perfect capsule wardrobe isn't complete without some go-to accessories.

And if you're really looking to get that added confidence boost for your outfit, look no further than a stylish pair of sunnies.

No matter how casual I'm dressing, sunglasses have this incredible ability to elevate my look so effortlessly, whether I'm wearing them or they're resting on top of my head.

Similar to curating a capsule wardrobe, finding a pair that is stylish to you yet versatile is important.

I'm no stranger to dropping into a Sunglass Hut every now and again just to test out different styles.

There are shelves on shelves of lifestyle and luxury sunglasses, so all it takes to find THE pair is simply to go in-store and try them on.

And don't be afraid to experiment with frames and lens colours you may not usually gravitate towards either.

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Sometimes you'll surprise yourself with how different they look on your face compared to when they're sitting on the shelf.

And maybe you'll even discover a whole new way to own your look.

Personally, I've found that the clean, sleek look of oval-shaped frames suits me best, but I've also been tempted to enter my speedrunner era after seeing my boyfriend sporting them all around Europe.

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If I've learnt anything from my experience building out my capsule wardrobe, it's that a tasteful rotation of good-quality sunglasses is a must.

Find your perfect pair of sunnies at Sunglass Hut and own your moment.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Own your moment.
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