When you hear "romantic style," you probably imagine dreamy pastels, frilly dresses, and floral prints. It’s easy to assume that embracing this aesthetic means pledging allegiance to a colour palette of pinks, creams, and other saccharine shades. And while that’s one way to do it, it’s not the only option.
Most romantic capsule wardrobe examples you’ll find online all look the same: floaty pink dresses, white peplum tops, and beige trench coats. Perfectly lovely for some, but if you’re anything like me, it’s not really your style. And if you’re here, I’m guessing it’s not yours either.
If you adore the romantic aesthetic but want something that feels more modern than twee, don’t worry—I’ve got you. This capsule wardrobe is romantic with a twist, and it’s all about keeping the charm without the cliché.
Why Style Rules Help (Even If You Don’t Love Them)
This romantic capsule wardrobe isn’t just about nailing the aesthetic, it’s been designed with the Kibbe body type in mind, particularly the hourglass shape. Think romantic, but with a sexy, sophisticated edge that feels equal parts dreamy and empowering.
Let’s talk about the rules that define this style and body type. I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of fashion that feels too rigid or restrictive. But when it comes to dressing for your shape, a few well-chosen guidelines can actually be really helpful, especially when you're trying to capture a specific look.
These "rules" are brilliant for accentuating the features you love while downplaying the ones you’d rather not highlight. For me, they help bring out the natural curves of my hourglass shape when I want to turn up the drama—or let me tone things down when I’m not in the mood to be noticed.
So, when crafting a capsule wardrobe that leans into the romantic style and complements the hourglass shape, these tips can be genuinely helpful. It’s all about creating a wardrobe that works with your body, not against it.
And remember, romantic style is yours to define. Whether you want to keep it classic or throw in some gothic drama or a touch of dark academia—that’s the beauty of it. Romantic style doesn’t have to follow the rules. It just has to feel right for you.
What Makes an Outfit Romantic?
It’s all in the details. A romantic outfit is the perfect mix of elegance, femininity, and a touch of drama, like you’ve just stepped out of a period drama, a romantic fantasy, or an old black-and-white film.
Key Features of a Romantic Outfit
Here’s your cheat sheet to romantic dressing:
- Fabrics: Silk, chiffon, lace, organza, and tulle to add an ethereal vibe.
- Details: Think ruffles, bows, pleats, and embroidery. The more delicate, the better.
- Silhouettes: Cinched waists, bust emphasis, and anything that hugs your curves gently.
- Prints: Florals are the obvious choice, but seersucker, jacquards, and polka dots work too.
- Colours: Pastels are a classic, but jewel tones or monochromatic palettes offer a more dramatic vibe.
What Should Romantics Wear?
Romantic style is all about softness, elegance, and vintage charm. It’s the epitome of timeless femininity: graceful, soft, and elegant. Romantic style leans into the beauty of the hourglass shape, with flowing fabrics and delicate details that make every outfit feel like it belongs in a storybook.
Imagine soft, floaty fabrics—silk, chiffon, lace, and tulle—paired with dreamy touches like ruffles, embroidery, and bows. The silhouettes have curve-flattering shapes with airy, graceful fabrics that feel effortless, never fussy. Pastels are a romantic staple, but they’re not the only option. Jewel tones, earthy shades, or even dark monochromes can feel just as romantic when paired with the right fabrics and details.
Romantic style doesn’t have to look one way, it’s all about making it your own. Maybe you’ll trade the sugary pastels for a darker, moodier look, or perhaps you'll embrace the frills and florals. Whether you lean into the dreaminess or turn up the drama, it's up to you how you want to wear it.
Key Pieces in a Romantic Wardrobe:
Building a romantic wardrobe? Here are the must-haves pieces for a romantic wardrobe:
- Flowy maxi dresses with sweetheart necklines and delicate embroidery.
- A-line skirts that cinch at the waist and gently skim the hips.
- Silk blouses with puffed sleeves, ruffled details, or a little bit of both.
- Layered tulle skirts paired with corset-inspired tops.
- Vintage-inspired dresses with classic prints and cinched waists.
A Romantic Capsule Wardrobe
This romantic capsule wardrobe isn’t just about the look—it’s crafted with the Kibbe body type in mind, specifically the hourglass shape. It’s romantic, yes, but with a sexy, sophisticated edge.
This capsule takes a more refined approach, leaning into the darker, more dramatic side of romantic style, with a hint of dark academia.
Who says romance has to be all roses and pastels?
The traditional romantic elements are all here, but they've been reimagined: soft, luxurious fabrics, subtle yet impactful details, dainty jewellery, and a monochrome colour palette that’s both elegant and versatile.
This capsule is for those who crave a bit of sultriness in their style, perfect for anyone who wants to embrace the romance without feeling like they’ve just walked off the set of a Jane Austen adaptation.
- Wrap Coat
- Cream Cardigan
- Embroidered Cardigan
- Embroidered Shirt
- Wrap Shirt
- Milkmaid Blouse
- Bodycon Dress
- Gingham Dress
- Velvet Dress
- Shirred Dress
- Sheer Wrap Dress
- Midi Skirt
- Monk Strap Shoes
- Wedge Sandals
- Small Handbag
- Radical Rose Perfume
- Swallow Necklace
- Cubic Zirconia Leaf Studs
As with all my capsule wardrobe examples, this one comes straight from the clothes already hanging in my wardrobe. No last-minute shopping sprees or hastily added pieces—just my own clothes, restyled to suit a specific aesthetic in a way that feels authentically me. Romantic style can be just as bold and confident as it is soft and dreamy!
For this romantic capsule, I’ve leaned hard into the sultry, gothic side of romantic style—the rich, moody tones, luxurious textures, and dramatic silhouettes—while steering well clear of pink frills and overly sweet details. Think less “storybook princess” and more “heroine of a gothic novel.”
Romantic Outfit Inspiration
Essentials for a Romantic Capsule Wardrobe
Crafting a romantic capsule wardrobe is all about curating versatile pieces that embody femininity and grace. With these essentials, your romantic capsule wardrobe will feel both timeless and tailored to you—soft, sophisticated, and not overly sweet.
- Wrap Coat: A wrap coat is the epitome of elegance. Its cinched waist and flowing silhouette instantly add a feminine touch, whether worn over a dress or styled with separates.
- Cream Cardigan: A cosy cream cardigan is a versatile staple for layering. Its neutral tone and soft texture make it easy to create a romantic, layered look.
- Embroidered Cardigan: Delicate embroidery elevates a simple cardigan into something much more romantic. Perfect for adding a touch of charm to your everyday outfits.
- Embroidered Shirt: A button-up shirt with embroidered accents or ruffles offers a vintage-inspired twist on a wardrobe classic. Wear it tucked into an A-line skirt for a romantic yet polished look.
- Wrap Shirt: A wrap shirt is a romantic staple. It pairs beautifully with high-waisted trousers or a flowing skirt to create a range of looks from polished to relaxed.
- Milkmaid Blouse: Puffed sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and ruched fabric give the milkmaid blouse its dreamy charm. It’s the top that will make an outfit feel romantic without trying too hard.
- Bodycon Dress: A curve-hugging bodycon dress is a wardrobe essential if you want to add a touch of sophistication to your romantic wardrobe. Look for textured fabrics like velvet or ribbed knits.
- Gingham Dress: Playful yet refined, a gingham dress brings a vintage-inspired sweetness to your wardrobe. It’s perfect for sunny days or can be layered with a cardigan when the weather turns cold.
- Velvet Dress: Nothing says drama like a velvet dress. Its luxe texture and rich colour create a romantic look that’s perfect for evenings out or special occasions.
- Shirred Dress: An olive-green ruched dress is a classic staple for the romantic style. Its understated look is timeless, and can be styled in a multitude of ways.
- Sheer Wrap Dress: Ethereal and eye-catching, a sheer wrap dress adds bold romance to your wardrobe. It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood (or the occasion).
- Midi Skirt: A classic midi skirt is a cornerstone of romantic dressing. Look for one with soft pleats or a flowing silhouette to pair with everything from dainty blouses to cosy knits.
- Monk Strap Shoes: For vintage charm with a modern edge, monk strap shoes are a stylish alternative to loafers. Perfect for everyday wear or even smart occasions.
- Wedge Sandals: Wedge sandals strike the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. They’re ideal for spring and summer outfits, for an effortlessly romantic look.
- Small Handbag: No romantic wardrobe is complete without a small handbag. Choose one in a neutral tone or vintage-inspired design to complement your outfits.
- Rose Perfume: A bold floral fragrance that offers a delicate balance of fresh and romantic notes. It’s the perfect finishing touch to an outfit.
- Swallow Necklace: A dainty yet striking piece that matches the grace of romantic style with a vintage touch.
- Cubic Zirconia Leaf Studs: These understated studs add a delicate but impactful sparkle to any outfit without overpowering your look.