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Fashion Meets Function: Creating a Versatile Capsule Wardrobe for Life in Singapore

Friday, June 21, 2024

Primary Blog/Fashion Meets Function: Creating a Versatile Capsule Wardrobe for Life in Singapore

The visas have come through, the boys are enrolled in their new schools and our house is full of boxes again. We leave France for Singapore on 1st July...
While I won’t pretend this move is easy, I am very glad for a number of reasons. Singapore is a place we know and love, having spent 18 years there previously. The boys are super excited about their new schools and rekindling old friendships. We're looking forward to falling in with our old gang.

One of the things I’m most glad about right now is that I’ve built an online coaching business that will move with me, allowing me to take all my lovely clients on this journey. I absolutely couldn’t cope with starting again! This continuity provides a comforting sense of stability amidst the change.

As a stylist, I understand the importance of preparation and organization, especially when it comes to something as personal and essential as a wardrobe. Today, I dedicated some time to curate a capsule wardrobe that will serve me well during the first few months in the little red dot until our shipment arrives.

The Importance of a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a streamlined collection of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. This approach not only simplifies dressing but also ensures you always look stylish with minimal effort. Given the practical constraints of an international move, having a capsule wardrobe ready means one less thing to worry about amidst the chaos of relocation.

Here Are Some General Tips For Creating Your Capsule Wardrobe for a Move

🌈Start with a colour palette: Choose colours that you love and that work well together. This makes mixing and matching easier.

☀️Consider the Climate: Select fabrics and styles that are appropriate for your new environment.

🔢Shop for Basics: If you know certain items will be hard to find in your new location, purchase them beforehand.

💡Think About Versatility: Every piece should work in multiple outfits and be suitable for different occasions.

🧳Pack Smart: Choose items that are easy to pack and won’t wrinkle easily.

Choosing the Colour Palette
One of the first steps in creating a successful capsule wardrobe is selecting a cohesive colour palette. For my Singapore capsule wardrobe, I chose an off-white, blue, green, and navy colour scheme. This combination is not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile. These colours complement each other well, allowing for easy mixing and matching, which is essential when you need to maximize outfit options from a limited number of pieces.

Reflecting My Style Personality
My style personality leans towards natural, classic, and sporty. This preference guided my choices in selecting pieces that not only fit the climate but also resonate with my personal style. The natural aspect is reflected in my choice of breathable, comfortable fabrics like linen. The classic element is evident in the timeless colours and clean lines, while the sporty side comes through in the practical, easy-to-wear designs.

Fabric Selection: Staying Cool in the Heat
Singapore’s tropical climate means that staying cool and comfortable is a top priority. To tackle the heat and humidity, I focused on including plenty of breathable and light weight fabrics in my wardrobe. 
Fabrics that work well in hot and humid climates include breathable and absorbent cotton, linen,  lightweight chambray, semi-synthetic rayon and modal, airy seersucker, stretchy jersey knit, silky viscose, sustainable and moisture-wicking Tencel (lyocell), durable hemp, and antibacterial bamboo. 
The key is to choose loose and light pieces that allow for air circulation, keeping you comfortable throughout the day.


Fig 1: Fabrics That help You Stay Cool

Cotton

Breathable and absorbent, making it ideal for hot weather. It helps keep you cool by allowing air to circulate.

Chambray

A lightweight fabric similar to denim, but much lighter and more breathable, perfect for hot climates.

Rayon

A semi-synthetic fabric that mimics the feel of silk, it’s lightweight and drapes beautifully, making it suitable for humid conditions.

Modal

A type of rayon made from beech tree pulp, it is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking.

Seersucker

A puckered cotton fabric that allows air to flow, making it a great option for maintaining comfort in heat.

Jersey Knit

Especially in cotton or bamboo blends, jersey knit is stretchy, breathable, and comfortable for hot weather.

Viscose

Similar to rayon, it is lightweight, breathable, and has a silky feel, making it suitable for warm climates.

Tencel (Lyocell)

A sustainable fabric known for its breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and smooth feel.

Hemp

Natural, durable, and breathable, hemp fabric is also resistant to mold and UV rays, making it great for humid environments.

Bamboo

A sustainable option that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and has natural antibacterial properties, perfect for humid conditions.

Linen

A natural, breathable fabric that is perfect for hot weather. It absorbs moisture and dries quickly, making it ideal for humid conditions. Can be a little heavy but its perfect when its blended with cotton, viscose or any other other fabrics above. A linen blend also means that the fabric won't wrinkle as easily.

Layering for Indoor Comfort
While the outdoor climate in Singapore is hot and humid, indoor spaces can often be quite chilly due to air conditioning. To ensure I'm comfortable in all settings, I've included a few lightweight sweaters in my capsule wardrobe. These pieces are easy to layer over my outfits and provide just the right amount of warmth without being too bulky. This small addition makes a big difference in adapting to the varying indoor and outdoor temperatures.

Shopping for Basics in France
While I was able to curate most of my capsule wardrobe from my existing collection, I decided to do a small shop for basics like shorts here in France. The reason for this is twofold: firstly, I wanted to ensure that I had items that reflect French styling, which can sometimes be difficult to find in Singapore. Secondly, finding the right size can be a challenge in a new country, and I wanted to avoid the hassle of searching for well-fitting basics upon arrival. This small shopping trip not only completed my capsule wardrobe but also gave me a sense of preparedness and confidence as I embark on this new chapter.

Practical Considerations
Beyond the aesthetic and climatic considerations, there are practical aspects to think about when creating a capsule wardrobe for an international move. The pieces you choose should be:

Easy to Pack: Opt for items that don’t wrinkle easily and can be folded compactly.

Versatile: Each piece should work in multiple outfits and for various occasions, from casual outings to more formal events.

Comfortable: Prioritize comfort, especially since moving can be physically demanding and stressful.

Interestingly, I found the process of creating this capsule wardrobe quite enjoyable. It was a refreshing break from the more tedious tasks of preparing for the move, like clearing out my boys' rooms and organizing their suitcases. This exercise allowed me to focus on something creative and personal, which was a nice change of pace amidst the whirlwind of relocation activities.

As I look forward to our move to Singapore, having this capsule wardrobe ready gives me peace of mind. I know that I will be prepared and stylish, no matter what the first few months in our new home bring. For anyone else preparing for a similar move, I highly recommend taking the time to plan and curate a capsule wardrobe. It’s a practical step that can significantly ease the transition and help you feel more settled in your new environment.

As I wrap up my preparations, I’m filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement for the adventures ahead in Singapore. This capsule wardrobe is not just a collection of clothes; it’s a thoughtful selection that reflects my personal style and practical needs. It’s one of the many steps I’m taking to ensure a smooth transition for myself and my family. Now, with my wardrobe sorted, it’s time to tackle the rest of the moving tasks and get ready for our new life in the vibrant city of Singapore. Wish me luck! ❣️

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Hi, I'm Aileen Lane AICI CIP

6-Figure  Mentor To Personal Stylists

I help stylists build 6 figure income.

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🔥Want to build consistent income as a personal stylist? Pop me a message through the chat bubble below💬. 

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