Biracial woman will long curly hair wear a long-sleeve black top

How to Create a Capsule Concert Wardrobe

As a classical musician, your wardrobe plays a crucial role in your performances. A well-curated capsule wardrobe can make getting ready for concerts a breeze while ensuring you look polished and professional on stage. But how exactly can you create a capsule wardrobe tailored to your needs as a performing classical musician?

1. Fabrics and Lighting

I know what you're thinking... black matches black, so why am I even reading this? I hate to break it to you, but two fabrics can look like very different shades of black depending on the sheen of the fabric. Velvet tends to absorb light, resulting in a slimming effect, while shiny fabrics like satin will reflect a lot more light and attract the eye. Satin and velvet can look great together in part because they are complimentary opposites. However, pairing different kinds of matte fabrics can often lead to a mis-matched look. Just be aware that, depending on the lighting in your closet, some fabrics make look significantly different when you're under the bright stage lights at your hall.

2. Silhouette and Comfort

Think about what types of silhouettes you prefer to wear and what looks best on your body type when creating your capsule. A good rule of thumb is if you prefer loose, oversized tops, try to pair them with a bottom that is slim fitting, like our Maria Skirt. Likewise, if you prefer a more fitted top, consider pairing with a wide leg pant or an a-line skirt. Anchoring an outfit in this way generally presents are more professional and balanced look. But, if you love body-con dresses or prefer the head-to-toe oversized look, rock on! The last thing anyone wants is to invest in a garment that they end up wearing only a few times before deciding it's not 'me'. The goal with the capsule wardrobe is for you to be able to get dressed in the garments you love with minimal effort. 

3. Invest in Quality Pieces

When building a capsule wardrobe, quality should always trump quantity. Invest in well-made garments that will stand the test of time and frequent wear. Look for fabrics that are breathable, durable, and easy to care for such as cotton, Tencel lycocell, performance polyester, or blends with wool or silk that will help you to keep your cool onstage. Fabrics like these are often more expensive, but tend to be odor-resistant and therefore require less washing, further extending the life of the garment. 

4. Tailor to Your Personal Style

We know, wearing black day in and day out can be, well, boring sometimes. While it's important to adhere to a consistent and professional wardrobe as a classical musician, don't be afraid to infuse your personal style whenever you can. Whether it's a unique shoe, jewelry, or a signature silhouette, let your personality shine through in your clothing choices.

5. Capsule Examples

A simple option is to keep complimentary black garments together in one section of your closet so that they are easy to find. It's pretty obvious -keep tops with tops and bottoms with bottoms so that you don't have to waste time searching for them item you want! For example, you might have a few long-sleeve black tops that are tailored and fitted hanging next to a flowing a-line skirt and a pair of versatile wide-leg pants. Or perhaps skirts are not for you and instead you love minimalist straight leg pants. Keep those slim-fitting pants hanging right next to an oversized blazer and form-fitting camisole along with a boxy fit top or a loose-fitting black blouse. Now you can grab and go!

In Conclusion

By following these tips, you can create a capsule wardrobe that is both functional and stylish, allowing you to focus on your music without worrying about what to wear. With a well-curated collection of versatile pieces, you'll always be ready to take the stage with confidence and poise.

Still challenged on figuring out what goes together? Blackstrad is here for you and you can sign up now to be the first to know about our next drop.

Share Your Style!

Now, go forth and dazzle them not only with your music but with a wardrobe that hits all the right notes! And don’t forget to share your favorite concert looks by tagging us @BlackstradConcertAttire for a chance to be featured and inspire others. Break a leg! 

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