Updating the At Home Capsule Wardrobe

Back in May (which feels like a lifetime ago) I created an at home capsule wardrobe featuring the pieces that were on constant rotation in my closet as I worked and lived at home.  Along with knit t-shirts and joggers, I had what I call a Zoom Blouse, a top that is perfect for Zoom meetings.  I've had this blouse for several months and have worn it under suits, with sweatpants, and love how it can go in the washer and dryer no problem.  Wanting an alternative to joggers for the riding temps, I bought these wide-legged pants from Halogen and were thrilled to find they matched my Zoom blouse, thereby extending my at home capsule wardrobe.

Blouse: Halogen (size large) | Pants: Atlantic-Pacific X Halogen (14) | Shoes: Bella Vita (sold out; similar) | Earrings: Chico's | Link Necklace: Baublebar | Initial Necklace: Jenny Bird (some letters on sale at Revolve) | Face Mask: Johnny Was

No one would say these pants are neutral, they surely make a statement.  However, I have found them to be quite versatile!  I've worn them with a graphic tee, with a Breton striped top, with a white linen shirt tied at the waist, with a tank and longer cardigan, and a tank and shorter denim jacket.  I found that many orange-red and bright coral pieces in my closet (like the sweater worn under this suit) are also a perfect match for these pants. Like my Zoom blouse, these pants are a work-friendly crepe fabric but are machine washable and wrinkle resistant. I think it's important to know that a small but hardworking wardrobe can be created with any personal style in mind.  There is no need to stick to solids, simple silhouettes, or neutral colors to achieve versatility.  Some of the longest-lasting and most-worn pieces in my closet are unusual.  Practical isn't practical if you don't enjoy the garment enough to wear it on the regular.  

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These pants are supposed to be cropped, and if you see them online on other influencers such as Blair Eadie (who created these pants as part of the collection she has with Halogen), Beth Djalali, Hanadi Sibai, and Kim Mitchell you can see they work on a variety of heights with a variety of footwear. 

At 5'3″ they are a length that works for me either with heels (they look great with my Margaux Uptown sandals) or flats.  I've worn them with my Adidas Superstars, but here I'm wearing my trusty years-old gold gladiator sandals. At home, I am often wearing them with my Birkenstocks, which have become my go-to house slippers as well as out-and-about casual sandal.

With such a bold pattern, I kept accessories minimal.  While I'm usually a big earring kind of gal, I kept them small so it didn't feel cartoonish.  I also kept makeup more minimal because the outfit said enough.  Also in the summer heat, when it comes to both makeup and jewelry, less is more.

However, I did a bit of pattern mixing with my face mask.  This one is from Johnny Was and I find it very comfortable even when it's hot out; those in the Wardrobe Oxygen Community agree that this brand of face masks fit well and are more comfortable in the summer heat.

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