The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Capsule Wardrobe: Monochrome Edition

Capsule Wardrobe
Welcome back to Fashion Capsule! Thank you again for giving me such amazing feedback week after week. I hope you’re having as much fun reading this column as I'm having writing it. In this weekly segment, I'll show you how to style three items under $50 for an entire week’s worth of outfits. This week I was feeling very monochromatic, channeling outfits that combine separates in one color for an overall tonal look that's anything but boring. Let’s get started!

The Pieces:

Topshop High Neck Tank $18
This is a simple tank. It’s simple, but perfect. In a capsule wardrobe, the basics are key because they are so versatile.

Zara Cigarette Jeans $26
I think white jeans are an important part of any summer capsule wardrobe. It’s kind of difficult to buy jeans online, but Zara is really great. These jeans are also distressed enough so they won’t look too prissy. I think they’re the perfect combination of edgy and class.

Marc Jacobs Denim Jacket $50
I am in search of a great denim jacket. I think this Marc Jacobs one is “the one”. It’s already distressed enough, so it’s perfect. The dream combination for a denim jacket is one that looks vintage and worn, but isn’t. Cuff the sleeves and pop the collar. Trust me.

Capsule Wardrobe


I’m not sure if this look is more mid-90s or if it’s more Parisian. I think it is just screaming for an adorable bob haircut, a cappuccino, and some Backstreet Boys on repeat. I think among the most fashion-forward women would agree that turtlenecks are having a major comeback as well. This mock-neck is a great summer alternative to the full-on turtleneck. Wearing this cropped mock-neck, you won’t be sweating up a storm.


Capsule Wardrobe


I’m obviously digging the monochrome look this week. I think there’s nothing that screams “cool girl/model off-duty” than a great monochrome outfit. This outfit doesn’t assert that you’re afraid to wear color, but rather is confident in its simplicity. It doesn’t need gimmicks or bold flair. It’s perfect just the way it is.


Capsule Wardrobe
Wednesday

So this past week, I saw a really fun band called Penguin Prison. Besides playing great music, the band had a really interesting style; very sleek and minimalistic. They wore all black and white, and even painted their instruments and microphones white. The lead singer wore an outfit almost identical to this Wednesday outfit. The monochrome, with the addition of the denim jacket, just radiates super rockstar.


Capsule Wardrobe


I can definitely see Gigi Hadid wearing this outfit, with her blonde locks blowing in the wind. This dress is slinky enough to be sexy while conservative. These black boots are really great too. I have a very similar pair of boots and I love them. They are slightly chunky, but really add a cool vibe to the outfit.


Capsule Wardrobe


Alright, here’s the thing: Previously in my life as a fashion blogger, I was a strong opponent of sneaker heels. I thought they were tacky and cheap-looking. I would often wonder who would wear such a heinous combination of shoes. One time, however, when I was living in Ireland and working at VIP Magazine, I saw the Art Director wear sneaker heels. At this time, I was still strongly against these shoes. However, the way she wore the shoes made them look just so darn cool. She didn’t over-complicate them. She didn’t heavily accessorize. She let the shoes be the strongest and boldest part of her outfit. She also picked a pair that was mostly black, which definitely helped. Ever since I saw her wear the sneaker heels, I was not totally against them. I have been swayed to accepting them on an outfit-by-outfit basis. This particular outfit, with the edgy shirt and the sleek lines, is perfect for a bold shoe. So, go ahead and wear those sneaker heels.


Capsule Wardrobe


Has anyone else noticed that gym shoes are having a total fashion moment? I really love the sporty look of this outfit and think it is perfect for a Saturday. So give your feet a break from the work week stress, and slip on some sneaks.


Capsule Wardrobe


White on white on white on snakeskin. Maybe Wimbledon really had an effect on me or something, but this white on white look is really appealing to me. Simple, but oh so chic.

Let me know what you think about this monochromatic explosion!
Comments
Loving the simple but chic outfits! I'm just itching to watch Clueless after seeing those button down skirts!

http://somelikeitprep.blogspot.com
#1 Peyton (Homepage) on 2015-07-19 23:43 (Reply)
LOVE this capsule...the THursday look...completely swooning:)
#2 Laura (Homepage) on 2015-07-20 07:15 (Reply)
Love these looks! That Marc Jacobs denim jacket is too fabulous for words!
#3 Susan (Homepage) on 2015-07-20 08:36 (Reply)
Hard to pick a fave this week! Perfect without being too fussy! Thanks!
#4 Rebecca P in Florida on 2015-07-21 06:40 (Reply)
Totally obsessed with those jeans and that grey dress!

Wishes & Reality
#5 Heidi on 2015-07-22 12:19 (Reply)
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