You may remember when I declared sometime in September that I was sick and tired of agonizing over my wardrobe on a semi-regular basis. I said enough is enough! And after I had a glass of wine (OK, two…) I decided to start a capsule wardrobe for the Fall 2016 / Winter 2017 season. I’m about 4 months into my capsule so far, and with that, I figured an update on how it’s going is long over due.
A quick recap on a CAPSULE WARDROBE:
WHAT IS A CAPSULE WARDROBE?
Coined in the 70’s by London boutique owner, Susie Faux, it’s all about dressing with a small collection of seasonally appropriate, mix-and-match clothes. Think: mini wardrobe compiled of super versatile pieces that you love wearing.
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
- Carefully curate the capsule so that you LOVE everything in it
- Ensure it’s versatile so you can maximize your outfit combinations from a limited number of items
- Keep the capsule under 35 items (mix of tops, bottoms, outerwear, shoes, sweaters, and dresses)
- Once the capsule is built, there is no shopping until the next season!
THE THINGS I NEVER GOT AROUND TO BUYING / NEVER WEAR
I never got around to buying black ankle booties, mainly because I live in my white chucks. I seldom wear my brown booties, so I figured I’d pass on buying a second pair in black.
I really enjoying pairing a white tee with jeans, not so much the black v-neck tee. Also, the pink lacey tee was purchased two years and 15lb ago. It’s way too big, and I have barely touched it.
I also never got around to purchasing new dresses. Mainly because I felt it wasn’t necessary. I dug out three of my favorite old dresses from my corporate life, and go through the rotation whenever the need arises. Two sweater dresses (black with a turtleneck, and purple with cable knit sleeves) and a jewel toned wrap — all come just above the knee, perfect with tights and knee high boots!
THE THINGS I SWAPPED OUT
Before I got started. I went through Pinterest and nearly drove myself mad with figuring out the best, and most diverse pieces. I definetly did weed out a lot of choices that I knew weren’t me, but there were a few items (like the pink buffalo plaid shirt) that I felt could be me. So I added them in. And I wish I had listened to my gut, because the pieces I ended up buying that I felt could be me have barely seen the light of day.
So, I swapped them out for four sweaters that were all purchased a few years ago.
I’ve realized that 95% of the time, I’m in distressed denim, a long sleeve top / sweater, paired with white chucks or leopard flats. With all the swaps and adjustments, I’m still under 35 pieces — and I’m pretty proud of that!
WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT MY WARDROBE
I’ve learned that I’m mostly drawn to neutrals like a warm dove gray or a creamy white. Second choice is anything with stripes (preferably in tones of navy), and if all else fails, a dark moody floral print — or a jewel toned sweater. Those chucks that I mentioned? Yep, they’re with me nearly every day.
What do you think? Would you ever try a capsule wardrobe?