Super Casual Capsule - off to a good start? (Long)

I made a master list of the ideas that everyone provided on this thread: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....psule-long (thank you!!!!) and went out shopping at The Gap on Saturday to take advantage of the 40% off sales. This was going to be a K/R post, but I’ve pretty much decided what I’m keeping and returning.

Some of my thoughts about this process:

1. I decided to focus on Spring/Summer super casual because the weather is starting to warm up and I am firmly on Team Wear. Also, because I’m still on my style journey, I didn’t want to commit to anything that wouldn’t get worn much until the Fall when my style preferences could change between now and then. I have started a list of what to consider for super casual in the Fall, though!

2. I didn’t intend to focus on pants, but the sales were excellent and all of these pants were on sale. I bought 5 pairs (all pictured below) and I think all have potential for this capsule. I’ve got lots of options for footwear (sandals, flats, etc) and, given their skinny nature, I can tuck them in to boots in the next couple of weeks if I want to. Many people suggested on my other thread that bottoms were key to this capsule. Now that I have a few pairs to choose from, I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for the guidance!

3. I’ve never bought colored pants before! The red skinny khakis and the lilac and fuchsia skinny jeans were all under $12 each (and final sale), so I felt they were minimal risk for me. They will allow me to push myself fashion-wise but not at a huge cost.

4. While I am keeping some of these tops, the truth is that I need to wear petite tops. I have my go-to stores for those and I have a list already created, so I will pick up as I go. But I think these tops have great versatility (the chambray top is a huge jump – I generally don’t do button downs but I’m trying to push myself and there are many styling options available with this).

What I bought, in order of picture (these are somewhat unstyled!):

#1 - Red/White Stripe top, Super Skinny Olive Khakis (both keep)

#2 - Red Skinny Khakis (keep) styled with black blazer and cream lace tank

#3 - Chambray Shirt, White Legging Jeans (both keep)

#4 - Grey/White boyfriend cardi (keep but will exchange for bigger size for extra slouch) and Fuchsia skinnies (keep)

#5 - Lilac skinnies (keep), Grey/White polka dot cardi (return)

#6 - Grey t-shirt (return, too drab!), White Legging jeans (keep)

So, how did I do? Your feedback is welcome and appreciated! Thanks!

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11 years ago

anne

Veteran

Krista, I read your recent post with interest but didn't post and I think you are really onto something with these bottoms. I completely agree with your keeps and returns too!

Anonymous

I think you have made some super choices! A good start to the capsule! The skinny khakis are excellent!

carolbee

Loving the look in #3. I don't think the grey T is too drab, I like it, but I do think its too short, so still a return.

Isis

Great outfits! I like the grey t-, but think it is too short with pants. Similarly would like to see a longer white top under the sweater in #4.....YLF!

Gabrielle

Active Member

You look incredible. I'm going to the Gap right now. Thanks so much for the ideas.

Carole

Super score! Love all your new pants and having these colors to choose from will really extend the number of outfits you can create! Good Job.

Runcarla

Great start to your casual capsule. Look # 3 is my fave.

annaj

I love these pieces! Gorgeous!!!!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

I really like everything you've got going on here, except the stripe/polka dot cardi. It reads kind of Cosby-sweater to me.

Is the grey tee tucked in? I like it - I don't think it looks drab, but if you don't like it, send it back. You're the one who has to wear it and feel happy in it

Day Vies

I love the polka dot and stripe cardi -- so cute with the pink. I think you still look very polished and pulled together in all of these outfits.

I'm not sure why -- probably my own experiences but I think some people will still think these looks are "dressed up". IMO "casual" depending on the audience means sloppy, mismatched and unattractive (like you've just rolled out of bed).

I feel confused now because these looks are my idea of casual but I know that I have some friends who believe these looks are "dressed up" and I would be asked "where are you going?" (in that who do you think you are kind of way). Does anyone else struggle with what exactly casual means?

catgirl

These are great looks and I'm impressed at your wholesale importation of them. I can usually only manage to accomplish one wardrobe task at a time!

DV, IKWYM. I think casual at YLF has a different connotation. In my environment everything is a step down from what I see on YLF. So loungewear/gear by YLF standards is acceptable for running errands here.

Krista

Thanks for all of the feedback, everyone! Since I am on Team Wear, I am wearing my chambray shirt with my olive skinnies today around the house. Feeling good!

Anne, Ceit, Carole, Annaj, Una - Thank you for the positive feedback! Much appreciated!

carolbee - agreed on the grey shirt - it's going back!

Isis - agreed on the grey tee and I also agree that the white top in #4 is too short but it was the only white top that was not in the laundry bin and available for a cursory styling - I would definitely wear a different top

Gabrielle - you're welcome!

Runcarla - thanks! I like #3 too!

La Belle - Oh, the polka dot cardi was on the return pile as soon as I saw the pic; the stripes right across my hips.... yikes! But it was the only pic with the lilac skinnies, which I wanted to show as well

DV - I totally agree, but these were just quick stylings in a few photos to maximize views of all of the items. I would dress these items down even more to be super casual, it's just that what I would wear with them was in the laundry (I haven't done laundry in a few weeks...!). I'm really looking for a variety of casual items that can be smart casual/casual/super casual. I will post my super casual looks as I go!

qfbrenda

Good choices! I like the gray t-shirt and can't tell on length. It looks like it's almost tucked. I don't think it's drab and goes well with your hair but I'm a fan of gray, so your mileage may vary.

You probably know this but Gap has lots of petite tops available online.

ClaraT

1. Shout-out to number 2, which is especially nice. Love the colors and textures. Could totally be dressier with dressier shoes (or nice as-is with sandals).
2. I also vote yay on the grey shirt, which would not be too short with, say, a white skirt. A solid (colored) scarf/necklace might give you some warmth near your face.

CocoLion

I agree with your decision to return the polka dot cardi and to size up on the striped one. I do like the last grey tee though, it will go well with the striped cardi and with red jeans.

Love outfit #2 that you created, it looks like it could be one of Angie's ensembles.

cciele

It's funny, #6 was my favorite out of the bunch! And I like the chambray shirt too.

Looks like you have a lot of fun bottoms to play with for the spring/summer. Great colors!

Interesting observation about "casual," DV. I wonder if throwing on pieces that are distressed/worn (whether bought that way or worn out through time) automatically makes an outfit more casual.

rachylou

Good choices. Like your keeps and your returns and your exchanges. Any more thoughts about shoes?

Suz

Wow, you are a fast worker! Great buys, and brilliant additions to your new casual capsule. I agree with all your decisions. And you look FAB in the skinnies!

Day Vies, I almost think your question deserves a thread of its own. In fact, I'm going to start one.

Aida

Great start Krista! The olive khakis (and the red too, for that matter) are an especially good choice, dressed down from the get-go and can be paired with either casual or smart footwear. Love the chambray, that's another great versatile piece; layer under a sweater, wear in a denim-on-denim outfit, works especially well with casual footwear. The white jeans are going to feel dressy in this capsule (but look good), so be sure to pair with very casual items; the colored denim may be perceived the same way, it seems to be a geographical reaction. The BF cardi sized up for slouch is a great casual topper. I actually like the gray tee as a fun, printed tee option (which you will likely need in this capsule), but if it feels drab then back it goes!

What cute casual outfits. They actually read a little dressy for my neck of the woods, but then any outfit that looks like you made an effort is deemed dressy around here!

Woot! More feedback - thank you, everyone!

Brenda - thank you! I wish Gap petites would fit me but in Canada, the tops only go up to size large and I am firmly in the XL camp

ClaraT - great suggestions on the grey top but it's not a 10 for me, so it's going back

Denise - thanks for the feedback on the cardis! I am really hoping the size up in the striped one is still available - a great sale + a long holiday weekend doesn't exactly equal availability. Fingers crossed!

cceile - I am feeling more ready for Spring/Summer with these purchases. Thanks for the feedback!

Rachylou - good question on the shoes! I double-checked my shoe needs and I will go for a casual pair of sandals and I've ordered another size in the Cons. Boots, etc. will wait for fall. Thanks for reminding me, though!

Thanks, Suz! Quite the discussion going on over on your thread

Aida - your suggestions and feedback are very much appreciated! So thoughtful and thorough! The white jeans are really for work, I just wanted to get them into the pics. I think I can "casual-ize" the colored denim - I see quite a bit of it around here worn casually. It's a good challenge for me!

Claire - thank you! The pics were more about showing the actual items and they were barely styled. These outfits would be seen as dressy here as well; I just didn't want to load up a ton of pics

Thanks again, everyone!

Ingunn

I didn't have much time for the forum yesterday, but I saw your photos and liked all your picks! Great choices. I particularly like chambray, red, grey and white, and you have created a fab mix and match capsule here. Casual, but very much put together.

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