Universal Standard Style Challenge: Carryon Capsule Wardrobe

There is an unofficial Universal Standard Buy/Sell/Trade group on Facebook. It is an excellent place to get Universal Standard clothing never worn or gently worn for great prices, learn more about this popular size-inclusive fashion brand, and be in an inclusive and supportive online community. Recently, a member put forth a Universal Standard style challenge of creating a carryon capsule wardrobe from just this brand of clothing.

Community member Ellen tagged me, knowing I love creating real-life capsule wardrobes and that I am a true fan of Universal Standard apparel. Challenge accepted!

Universal Standard Style Challenge: Carryon Capsule Wardrobe

The concept is this carryon capsule wardrobe would be worn for a long span of time, like a long overseas trip, with opportunity to wash laundry. Since this is being created in late fall/winter I am focusing on clothing for such temperatures. Not freezing, but chilly and a mix of layers so you can be comfortable when it's balmy, but also when it's chilly and possible precipitation.

Shop the Capsule (everything is available sizes 00-40): black pants | camel cords | jeans | black blazer | camel sweater jacket | teal long cardigan | camel tee | teal tee | black turtleneck | striped sweater | black dress | red coat

To add to this capsule, I'd need some accessories to get the most mileage. These are pieces that offer fashion and functionality:

Shop the accessories: 51″ square silk scarf | clutch that turns into crossbody | elegant leather belt (XS-3X) | 22″ gold necklace with optional extender | gold hoops | cashmere travel wrap/pashmina | black cashmere lined leather gloves | black beanie | black ankle boot | dark red sneaker | polarized low-tint sunglasses

This capsule of black and camel with pops of teal could easily be changed to two other neutrals and a pop color. I almost did a dark red instead of the teal, but loved the cool blue pops in the scarf and it inspired me.

I usually do outfit collages, but since Universal Standard doesn't offer flat-lay images of its garments, I decided instead to list how to style these pieces in different ways:

1. Black ponte pantsuit with the striped sweater and the sneakers, or the boots, depending on the situation. For a bag, it can be your travel purse or your personal flight bag if it's a lightweight tote or laptop bag. Add the gold jewelry for some pizazz.
2. It may not look good, but I always recommend you try belting your blazer or long cardigan. The leather belt is skinny enough to be versatile in that manner. This doesn't work with every body or blazer, so if it feels awkward, don't force it. But don't be afraid to try.
3. The black pantsuit, jacket buttoned, with the black boots, the black clutch, and the gold hoops. tie the scarf cowboy style and tuck the points into the front of your waistband. The scarf is big enough that it will create the look of a silk cowl-neck blouse under the jacket. Consider bringing a black camisole for modesty and warmth.
4. You can do this same faux blouse effect under the camel cardigan with it zipped at least half up. Play with how much you tie behind your head to control the amount of cowl/drape. For a visual see my post on styling a scarf into a blouse.
5. Black pants, black turtleneck, the belt, the long cardigan, and depending on you situation, the sneakers or the boots. If you do the boots, you can add even more glam with the pendant on the longest setting and the hoops.
6. Same concept, but switch out the long cardigan for the camel sweater jacket.
7. The camel cords, the black turtleneck, the black blazer, the belt, and the black boots. Add the hoops, no need for the pendant.
8. Same concept, but switch out the cords for the jeans.
9. The camel cords, the camel tee, the long teal cardigan, the scarf folded on the diagonal and worn as a belt (tie in a square knot just off-center), the boots, and if you're feeling it, the hoops and the pendant.
10. This would also be chic with the jeans, and with the black pants.
11. The camel cords, camel sweater jacket, black turtleneck, black boots, belt. Wear the clutch as a crossbody, add the pendant.
12. The camel cords, camel tee, camel sweater jacket, and the sneakers. Half-zip the sweater jacket. Take the scarf and loop it twice around the neck and have it haphazardly tied to the side (or do some fancy French knot from a video tutorial).
13. Again, also works with the jeans, and dress it up with the black pants and boots.
14. The camel cords, the teal tee and cardigan. Take the front hem of the tee and twist it so you have a “tail” and tuck it into the front of the waistband. Then play with the tee to cover the waistband around but leave the front the only part tucked in. It should create a gathered effect that will add interest but also blouse out the tee nicely.
15. The dress with the belt, the boots, and you can add tights. I'd consider switching things up and going with dark brown sheer or if thick, consider the sheer illusion fleece tights for a modern and dressier effect. Carry the bag as a clutch.
16. The dress and the blazer are the same fabric so it's a way to look professional and be warm. Add the silk scarf at the neck if you want more warmth.
17. The dress would look great with the long cardigan. If you have tall boots, consider adding those for warmth and sticking with the sheer (or sheer illusion) tights. Check out my picks for the most stylish wide calf boots. Add the pendant for a bit more shine, or do the belt, but no need to wear both together.
18. Consider something like a Beltaway and you can fake tuck the striped sweater over the dress and have it look like a skirt.
19. The jeans with the striped sweater, the turtleneck underneath, and the teal cardigan over it for a day that is chilly but may warm up. Add the sneakers. Easily adjust the look by removing any of the layers.
20. The jeans with the camel tee, the blazer, the belt, the boots, and the hoops. Glam it up with the silk scarf, or make it cozy with the pashmina.
21. The striped sweater isn't super heavy, so it's a good one to throw over shoulders. This could go over the turtleneck or the tees, but also can go over the blazer and look chic (pop the collar of the blazer, or wear over the lapel, don't tuck under a folded-down collar).
22. I chose the coat because it's not as bulky, and it looks casual without the belt and dressy with it. Try the leather belt instead of the self belt; I can't guarantee it will work but this is a way to dress up the coat even further and may work with a different belt in your closet.
23. The pashmina can be looped or knotted around the neck as a scarf, it can be around the neck and crossed over the body under the coat for body warmth, can be looped over the head as a makeshift hood, can be a shawl if it's chilly, and is a great travel blanket.

These are just a few ideas, and depending in your luggage, you may be able to fit in a few more clothes. I'd recommend black leggings, a black camisole, a refined sweatshirt (this one from Old Navy I own is what I am envisioning), maybe matching sweatpants for an early morning coffee run or a post-workday walk (also great for a redeye flight), and depending on your trip a swimsuit, activewear, and maybe another dressy outfit and shoes.

This was a fun challenge. I hope it shows that you don't need a lot of clothes to have a lot of style, but you also don't need to choose muted colors or only neutrals to have versatility. Accessories can really extend a wardrobe and add style and personality, and when you shop carefully, you can create a stylish wardrobe that looks and performs great for many years to come!!