So, my continuing thoughts on my capsule wardrobe experiment.
1) I need a hiking/daytrip capsule. It must not be frowsy and boring. It needs to be chic, comfortable and simple. I realized that is where a formula is going to be items with great lines, more Euro Chic for colder months, with softer bohemian pieces for warmer months. AND... really comfortable shoes I can do a lot of walking in. Dansko, Camper, Converse sneakers, and Birkenstocks fit that bill.
F/W:
jeans/shorts + oversized top/simple tee + topper (sweater, down jacket, etc.) + stylish comfortable shoes
S/S:
S/S:
jeans/shorts/harem pants + top/blouse + light topper + sandals
OR
dress + light topper + sandals
dress + light topper + sandals
2) I'm an eclectic dresser. I have a reoccurring style undercurrent to be sure: I like drama, color, glamour, sophistication, bohemian, and Euro chic. Ain't no doubt about it. I always want my style to look like it was effortless to wear and enjoy life in. (Never like I'm afraid to walk, talk, smile, or breathe like Victoria Beckham looks! I actually want to give her a dessert, some tea, and an oversized sweater and leggings, while she sits on a comfy couch, listening to fun, happy music.)
3) I also learned...
- I need (and actually usually purchase!) a core wardrobe of basics. the items I end up wearing to pieces are usually well-made, slightly trendy, well-fitting basics. Then I'm free to buy wonderful pieces that I can wear with basics and really pile on the pepper, salt, sugar, and spice
- Buy and wear what I love with delight and abandon
- Really look at the needs or categories of my life, and have capsules that fit the need, as well as my style and taste.
- Be smart. Evaluate what I already own, so I don't buy 3 and 4 of a similar thing or make impulse purchases. (See 2 comments above.)
- Don't be afraid to experiment. Before I started the capsule wardrobe, I really didn't mix-and-match my outfits very much. I found outfits that worked on their own, an occasional uniform look, and left it at that. But the capsule wardrobe helped me realize I can mix and match a lot of things, regardless of color, regardless of texture and pattern, for a great look all my own. It might be retro-ladylike meets rocker-bohemian with a dash of British or French girl thrown in. YAY! (Actually I feel all of those looks are similar in some ways.)
- Go with my heart. Intellectual dressing and shopping just doesn't suit me. When in doubt, when questioning, go with my heart. It's okay to do that.
- I have a definite S/S color palette (lighter and brighter, more navy and white), and F/W color palette (darker and richer, more black, grey, cream, and pattern).
- I also have more definite styles based on the seasons. I tend towards Bohemian Chic for the summer, and more Euro Chic for the winter.
- I love sweaters.
- I love lots of lip color and blush in the winter; I love lots of eyeliner and bronzer in the summer.
The capsule wardrobe challenge has been a success in terms of learning. I don't think capsule wardrobes are for me. I like variety a bit too much. But I can make better clothing and shopping choices to fit my style and budget based on knowing myself. The limits of a capsule made me learn about my style, shopping, tastes, and closet.
win-win, I think.
Off to eat some pumpkin loaf...
xoxoxo
