So I am thinking of doing a capsule wardrobe this Fall or at least updating the classic/basic pieces of my wardrobe to fit my postpartum (x2) body. My current closet is a mosh mash of stuff from my twenties and stained/worn out cheap clothes that I've picked up here and there. Has anyone don a capsule wardrobe? Did you like it? How did you do it? Or does anyone have recommendations for classic/basic pieces that you love (i.e. White t-shirts, booties, white button up shirt, chambray shirt)?
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@emilye519: This sounds like a super fun project! I should do it too but I am too overwhelmed at the thought. Haha. Maybe add in one really good pair of riding boots and one nice cashmere sweater? I mean like J Crew nice, not like $1000 nice.
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I have tried to do a capsule 1000 times, but it never works for me because I need work clothes, weekend clothes and have 4 seasons to consider...plus, I like color and print, so I can't really mix and match too much stuff.
What works for me though, is to have outfit formulas. I either wear a dress with or without a blazer, or printed pants with a top. I know what shapes work for me and I've gotten really good at knowing which cuts and designers are the most flattering to my body type, so I rarely make a mistake in terms of buying any more.
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I would start by going through your closet and donating/throwing out everything that is stained, ripped, doesn't fit or you just don't like anymore.
Then evaluate what do you have and go from there. I would buy good quality pieces of the things you wear the most. For me, it was a pair of brown leather riding boots, dark slim fit jeans, black leggings, cashmere sweaters and tunics (to wear with leggings). I found all of my "staple" pieces at Nordstrom.ETA: I have started really evaluating the clothing I do buy. If I buy a tank for summer, I think about whether or not I'll wear it in the winter with a cardigan or next summer. If I don't think it's something versatile enough to wear in multiple ways, I don't buy it. That has saved me from a lot of random purchases.
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I have a capsule like wardrobe- and I've been saving for pieces I really want that are ethically made (so far just Elizabeth Suzann). I wear the same few dresses year round, the same work pants and shirts (will add cardigan/change shoes depending on season). So it's not really a capsule.. just living with less? I do have extra weekend clothes but find myself wearing the same things on the weekends so I plan on weeding out a lot of extras (t-shirts, shorts). I don't count pajamas or workout clothes.
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Check out this blog!
http://www.puttingmetogether.com/
She has some really detailed/awesome posts about capsule wardrobes!
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Definitely do a big honest purge first. That will help you see what you have to work with and maybe help determine the direction you want to take your wardrobe. I did a capsule about 2 years ago (fall/winter and spring/summer) and it really helped me focus on finding nice pieces that I love and stop buying stuff just because it was on sale. My general style is pretty classic though and I don't do too many trends. My capsule slowly turned into lots of dresses and now I pretty much only wear dresses year round. I'm not very good at accessorizing (I don't do jewelry), but it's nice to have some great boots and a versatile scarf. We are about to move to a tropical climate, so I only need the summer stuff, but I will continue slowly adding nice dresses and the occasional top/skirt combo.
I really love Hanna Anderson for nice women's basics. I have a few cardigans and dresses from there that I wear all the time. Quality is great and I snap things up when they go on sale. I also get a lot of dresses from Boden.
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I do capsule wardrobes each season. In the beginning, the process mainly involved getting rid of or putting away most of my stuff and keeping out a limited, seasonal selection that largely complimented each other.
In fall, I focus on skinny pants and pencil skirts that can go with tall boots or booties, blazers (that's where I'd spend a little more), long cardigans, v-neck or print t-shirts, a silk or silky rayon white button up, one or two nice pullover sweaters. I'll usually also throw in a shirt dress and one other nicer dress and a pair of boyfriend cut jeans or maybe leggings. Fall, I'm usually wearing a lot of black, navy, plum, olive green, dark grey, deep blue. Maybe a pair of yellow tights for contrast.
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I'm not sure what a capsule wardrobe is, but I usually try to buy things that I can wear in different ways. I have a black maxi dress that I can either dress up and wear to work, or dress down and wear to a kids' birthday party. Finding staples that you can wear with multiple things really helps.
I have a pair of black skinny jeans that look like dress pants if I wear riding boots with them, so again, can wear them with flats casually or riding boots to work with tons of different shirts. I also have 2 blazers - one white one that I wear with so many dresses for work and one that is a brown wool one that I pair with different pants and shirts. Not sure if that's what you mean, but hope it helps!
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I don't do a specific capsule, but rather I'm being much more intentional about what I buy (and aiming for a smaller wardrobe). I've been purging fairly heavily (and avoiding shopping, since I've been pregnant/nursing for several years) and I'm planning to really clean out the closet after this baby.
In addition, I've become much more aware of my style and what I like to wear. I'm paying attention to what seems to be missing from my closet, and I'm going to focus on just filling those holes.
It'll never be a 35 piece capsule wardrobe where everything goes with everything, but it will be a pared down, versatile wardrobe with only things that make me feel good about how I look, and fit well, feel comfortable etc.
So, I say go for it! Get rid of all the stuff that's not good, then spend time figuring out what YOU need (I find the "must have" lists less than helpful, as they rarely match my taste/lifestyle). When shopping, make sure each item fills a specific need and/or will go with several outfits.
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This advice has actually been tremendously helpful. I think I just needed a nudge to take the leap and get rid of the crap I don't like, it feels like a waste but I don't wear it or hate it when I do anyways so what's the point. I think not just buying something/shopping because there's a sale but because it's a piece that you need is key. Thanks everybody! Should have probably gotten on this before the Nordstrom Anniversary sale started and before tax free weekend in our state
oh well!
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I did a capsule two falls ago when I was coming back from maternity leave. It was awesome and I got lots of compliments on my clothes and I don't think I'm normally particular stylish. The main thing as others have said is to purge what you don't like or don't ever wear and then just be mindful about what you buy.
For a while I felt like everything had to be the highest quality but then I decided that for my home wardrobe there's nothing wrong with the Target shirts and tanks that I love (and that actually have held up better than some of the more expensive shirts I've bought elsewhere).
I've never gotten around to building a spring capsule and my fall/winter one needs a refresh. I'm pregnant again now though so excited to get a break from my regular clothes this fall/winter anyway. That's the one drawback I think of a capsule is that I am sick of some of my pieces and they aren't worn out or anything. So I need to give myself permission to get rid of some thins and replace.
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@emilye519: I found I felt better when I got rid of the stuff I didn't like for the very reasons you listed--i either felt guilty for not wearing it, or I wore it and was unhappy. Getting it out helped me see and appreciate the pieces I did love. I also did clothing purgatory--the stuff I decided to get rid of actually sat in a box in another room for a couple weeks. Knowing I could change my mind and get it back made it easier to get rid of stuff (but I think I only took back 1 or 2 t-shirts in a year or so of ditching clothes).
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@Nonimouse: yes to purgatory! I've been doing this and I call it the "purgatory wardrobe" because it's a wardrobe I've used specifically for this purpose. It makes me feel less stressed about getting rid of stuff. I have gone in and saved a few things but overall gotten rid of a lot. Every once in a while (when I'm feeling purge-ey) I go in and permanently remove a bunch of stuff.
oh well!
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