When it comes to a mini capsule, you need your clothing pieces to be versatile. I decided to add a “two piece dress” to my mini capsule. I’d seen similar ideas used in travel clothing and thought even just having a coordinating top and bottom would be a good idea. I can wear them together or switch them up with the other pieces of my mini capsule. I didn’t realize that the ways I could wear them together or on their own would expand my style choices as much as I found out they did.
Most of these are just ways to tie, or repurpose the top and bottom in ways you might not have thought of. The important factors in these pieces are having a very high 4-way stretch percentage, and making the top long enough to wear on it’s own. I found it a good way to incorporate a bold print into my capsule as well! I will say that making it in a solid would probably make it more realistic to wear back to back, but I decided to go bold.
To create a more cinched maxi dress style. You can also roll/fold the waistband up and create a shorter hemline. A waist belt can help smooth the waistline and keep it in place, but I don’t have problems myself just rolling it.
3) Pull the waistband up over your bust to create a shorter dress.
Simple! I’ve also created a few gifs to illustrate how I achieved each look- forgive me for how awkward I seem to be in motion. Gif Here
I’ll admit I learned this from a Lularoe video. Using a larger coin and clear elastic you can create a reverse ruched knot. The coin keeps the elastic from slipping and only uses a tiny bit of fabric. So it doesn’t alter the length or shape quite as much as a larger knot. It’s a good way to add subtle shaping without bulk of a knot! Gif Here.
5) Lose the skirt and rock a mini dress, or top.
A super creepy face, you didn’t realize you were making, obviously, helps this look. This is where you want to be sure you’ve got total butt coverage on the top.
6) Tie the top.
There are so many different ways you can tie the top to create different looks. Play with knot type and placement and see where you end up! You can also pull the waistband up over your bust, and tie the top over it to create a shorter dress. Gif Here.
This is the same trick I used on the skirt. Gif Here.
8) Use the elastic to make an asymmetrical high hip hemmed top. Gif Here
9) Wear the skirt as a dress.
This, for me, is probably the least worn option- but would make an awesome swimsuit coverup.
10) Create a bolero with the top.
This is where it’s good to work with a racer back as your top- it gives you more room in the armholes to create the bolero. Wearing a proper strapless bra, instead of tucking your bra straps into the dress is also a good idea. Gif here!
11) Using an elastic and quarter, create a wrap style top, to wear as a dress or crop top.
This one’s a bit trickier, but using the coin and elastic trick, you can secure this wrap almost like a button would. You can also use more than one to be extra secure! There’s a bit of fussing to get the neckline right afterward, but the crop top is one of my favorite hacks! Gif here!
This was the most creative demonstration I have seen. I appreciate the time and energy you put into giving this to us. It is even better than the scarf demonstration that is so popular. Thank you. And your two pieces were probably a cinch to make as well. Your fabric choice and drape were perfect for this.
I’m in awe of the elastic and coin trick – I can’t wait to try it on some tops that are too flowy and need a little more interest! Thanks for this inspiring post, and demonstrating so many ways to get versatility out of a couple wardrobe basics. BTW, I loved your videos! :o)
Thanks! The coin trick is really secure for me too, so I don’t have to worry about anything slipping.
Wow, love the amazing creativity with two pieces. While I would not remember all of these looks when wearing a two piece, it certainly challenges me to think outside of the box.
I love separates and I love your two piece dress.
The idea of a two-piece dress is a good one. It allows for better fitting, I think. But I had not thought of the versatility you describe. And, of course, the two pieces can be coordinated separately. What fun!
Thanks! I definitely like the versatility of a coordinated set!
This is cool. ; ) At least two tricks will work for sure. My daughter could probably try more. I’ve got a flowy top planned for some bamboo knit and it would be a good candidate for these improvisations.
Yes! The more stretchy and flowy the better when it comes to a lot of these. Having a mini capsule wardrobe definitely makes you think about how versatile things can be.
A dress is a dress. This is a top and a skirt, ie. separates. As for convertible pieces, I’m usually unconvinced as none of them completely work, and I also wonder how they’d wear all day without readjusting.
I would say all but the maxi as a dress on it’s own works well for me. The elastic and coin trick is really surprisingly secure. I wore the crop top version all day yesterday.
This is so very cool! Great ideas and well put together!
You are amazingly creative in all the ways that you styled two pieces. I’m super impressed!
I love this idea. But it’s one of those where I would probably only wear the outfit in one way:P
I never would have thought that shirt could make such a great crop top.
Wow ? what versatile two pieces. I haven’t even read your article and I have so many new ideas ?.