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YouLookFab Forum » Topic: . https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:16:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1769760 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 23:15:09 +0000 carter 1769760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sylvie, so happy I'm not the only one wearing sandals in January! I'm on the NW side of town, near 285/75. Perhaps we'll put together another Atlanta meet up one day. sylvie55 on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1769700 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 19:53:08 +0000 sylvie55 1769700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I'm in Atlanta too (I live near Grant Park now and grew up on the northeast side). So I can totally relate to the abbreviated winter season ... like the sandal weather we're enjoying today. Janet on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1769672 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 17:44:20 +0000 Janet 1769672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm really late to this, but wow, what a terrifically cohesive and attractive result! I totally agree about ditching the "rules" that don't apply or appeal to you. I love your color palette. I'm not much of a "capsule" person even though I appreciate the concept...but my recent closet/holding zone project and clean-out has me feeling just a little different about how my wardrobe functions. I'm very much enjoying my thinned-out closet! I'm not being quick to purge things from the holding zone, but getting some of them out of my main space has helped me distance myself from those lesser-loved items. I suspect it may be easier to get rid of more things in the months to come. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1769662 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 17:23:29 +0000 carter 1769662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Debora! I miss your WIW posts. Will we see more in 2017? Thanks so much, Sylvie. Did I read elsewhere that you are also in Atlanta? Chirico, you are wiser than I am! Why did it take me so long to figure out that some rules were meant to be broken? Thirkellgirl, thank you so much! Regarding mistakes...I can't even tell you how many I have made while trying to update and find my style. I still make mistakes, although blessedly, I am getting a bit better at figuring them out before the return period expires. It sounds like you have truly built a fabulous wardrobe that suits you. I definitely understand the urge to get rid of everything else. I've been doing that for the past year. I think it's been the very best way to help me find what works for me and to mostly stop buying things that will end up purged sooner rather than later. I also totally support a comfortable-look-great-at-any-size wardrobe. I've done this too, and I think it has radically upped the joy factor for me. JJill has some great items that fit this criteria. Also, for pants in particular, I've had tremendous luck at Chico's and Costco in the past year. Surprising, but true:-) Thirkellgirl on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1769636 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 15:57:40 +0000 Thirkellgirl 1769636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well this is fascinating to me, and I obviously need to do more reading about capsule wardrobes. I like your style, Carter, all the time, and it's helped me refine my own wardrobe. I like three pieces at a time, max, and seeing what you're able to put together has inspired me a lot. I've invested in a work wardrobe this past year, and made a couple mistakes in the beginning (a dress that I can't wear a topper with, a skirt that still doesn't have the right top) but the simpler I keep things, the better luck I have putting together appropriate and (very important to me) comfortable outfits for all the things my life holds. I am buying more at J.Jill and less at any store in the mall. The only thing I've bought at the mall in many months is a cozy sweater from Zara that might not be the most flattering shape on me (it's oversized) but which is a color of green I've never seen before, and which makes my eyes pop; I'm fascinated by it and have worn it several times since October. I have navy pants, black pants, black skirts (two shapes, pencil and A-line), grey dresses/tops, navy print tops which are all longer than I used to wear, black and navy toppers of various kinds (long cardigan, short cardigan, fitted jacket, loosely structured jackets), and miscellaneous fuchsia, plum, eggplant and aqua shells/tops, and that's really all I wear anymore. I'm really about to get rid of everything else, although it will be a painful reminder of how much money I've spent over the years on things that weren't quite right. I like simple comfortable clothes that are easy to care for and which make me look current. That's very different from the old-prep classics I've been wearing and I really think it took your photos to help me see the difference. My work wardrobe and casual wardrobes don't look like they belong to two different people anymore, and I feel like I'm beginning to develop a grown-up style that I can enjoy no matter what my weight (which has been one of my biggest challenges - what my style was at 135 does not really work well at 165). chirico (Chiara) on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1769492 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 04:56:18 +0000 chirico (Chiara) 1769492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My first thought was that all looks so cohesive and is a very defined style. I love it. As for the rules... I am trying a capsule too, and I never even considered the everything goes with everything rule. Not gonna happen! sylvie55 on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1769375 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 22:05:05 +0000 sylvie55 1769375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brilliant, Carter -- you put into words the reason I have always avoided putting together a capsule (without really thinking about it). Your rule-breaking plan is logical and practical, and your closet is a work of art. I am inspired! Debora on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1768919 Sun, 15 Jan 2017 02:55:02 +0000 Debora 1768919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is great, Carter! I'm not a big layer person, either, so I can really relate. Thanks for the great visuals. Love your blend of neutrals and colors. AM on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1768911 Sun, 15 Jan 2017 02:20:47 +0000 AM 1768911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the kind words. So glad to see you. You're doing wonderfully well with all your seasonal and downsizing planning. I found it interesting to hear about your evolving relationship with color... Yes, powerpoint is in high gear and I'm trying to push thru the final stages of purge and then the next phase of outfit planning/styling which will require another level of effort. It's coming, just taking forever. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1768634 Fri, 13 Jan 2017 23:22:46 +0000 carter 1768634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Vix, how funny! I've seen people do the scarf as a top thing, but I'm always expecting a Janet Jackson moment! Wow, your friend is hard core. I do put some things I still like away (which explains the stash of bootcuts I found a few weeks ago) just because I'm not feeling them that season. My cashmere sweaters haven't seen any play since 2014, and all the blazers and long coats I used to love are safely packed away. But the rest of my season-appropriate closet...not ready for that yet. I still want options, even though I tend choose my favorites over and over. Lisa, wardrobe management/effectiveness/efficiency is my crack:-). Your blog is always good for a fix! Lisa on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1768540 Fri, 13 Jan 2017 17:32:56 +0000 Lisa 1768540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Carter, thanks so much for reading my blog, I'm delighted you enjoy the posts! Vix on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1768514 Fri, 13 Jan 2017 16:13:43 +0000 Vix 1768514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Carter -- What a great distillation of your style. I love capsules but agree individuals need to take a cold hard look at common rules and ignore as appropriate! This one is so perfect for your lifestyle, coloring, and temperatures. Your "A top is a top, and a pant is a pant. There is no identity confusion" made me laugh. I'm totally a "shirtdress is a vest and a scarf is a top!" kind of person and take a lot of ribbing for it at home but appreciate the other side. I don't need a lot of silhouette variety at all (uniform dresser reporting for duty) but something about the multi-wear items calls loudly. I have an invisipal who does what you did every season...then she packs away the unused items she still likes [GASP!] and doesn't bring them out til the next year, at which point she makes a new capsule with what appeals. I sure don't have the discipline to copy her but I bet you could do something like that if desired! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1768298 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 22:54:21 +0000 carter 1768298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Lisa! You do quite a fab job of formula dressing yourself. I binge on your blog often:-) Thank you so much, Ornella! Clearly Claire's posts about her 10 item wardrobe were always so inspirational. I miss them! The pointy toe flats are from a US store called J. Jill. They are my all-time favorite flat. This is my very last back-up pair in the black leather, and I'm starting to panic because they haven't been on the J. Jill website this year. The d'Orsay flats are there (like the front middle shoe), but not the skimmers. I'll come back with a find for the d'Orsay, but I'm not sure it will help you. Ornella on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1768255 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 21:02:41 +0000 Ornella 1768255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I felt so serene looking at these photos. Wow! I will be returning to this thread, it's as if a lightbulb went off in my head. I haven't been so impressed by the wardrobe post since clearlyclaire's wardrobe photos. And I must ask - what brand are the pointy black shoes at the lower left? They remind me of the style I had (Austrian brand hoegl), but I passed them to my sister as I bought 1/2 size too small. I've been staking the replacement everywhere, without luck. Those were by far the most elegant flats I ever had. Lisa on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1768243 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 20:42:15 +0000 Lisa 1768243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I LOVE capsule posts, sorry I don't mean to yell but I truly do love them and talk about capsules on my <a rel="nofollow" href="https://shoppingbrake.com/">blog</a> every now and then.  You have a SUPERB capsule here, it is very inspirational, thanks for sharing!  As for the capsule rules, I do agree that rules are meant to be broken and if you aren't a layering person, why bother right?  And the endless outfit remixing ability, I think it's a joke, sure there is remixing going on for a capsule, but who really wants endless combinations anyway?  I know I find my favorite one or two and just constantly rewear those instead.  carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1768228 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 20:07:51 +0000 carter 1768228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tex, a pair of white shorts is on my list this year too. So hard to find a pair that don't need ironing, are opaque and fit and flatter! Sara, I can't stand driving in a coat! It's so much easier to forego it for a short walk to/from the car. Plus, it's so rare that I can enjoy my heated seats without overheating...why screw that up by wearing a coat? Thanks, Chris. I feel like my closet overall is much more calm and soothing than it once was. When I had so many different silhouettes and every color in the rainbow, my closet was loud and hectic. It's much more homogeneous now, which feels very right for me at the moment. Chris987 on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule/page/2#post-1768207 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 19:10:03 +0000 Chris987 1768207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is wonderful on so many levels. Loving the limited silhouettes it does make everything so much simpler. And the way you have organized for the photos is so calm an soothing! Sara L. on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768190 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 18:34:34 +0000 Sara L. 1768190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lovely capsule!  I enjoy just looking at the photos - the colors blend together beautifully.  Those capsule rules don't work that well for me either.  I'm not big on layering and enjoy variety in colors which makes it hard for everything to go with everything. Ha - I don't wear a lot of coats either.  It's so sunny here, even in the winter, that my car heats up too much.  I'd rather not wear a coat for the short walk from my office (or store or whatever) than be too hot in the car.  texstyle on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768182 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 18:24:24 +0000 texstyle 1768182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter - thanks for the bottoms update!  I know you do wear light bottoms in warm months so I can understand. This year I need to make sure to find at least one pair of white shorts that fit well - I have 2 pair and neither make me feel fab. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768164 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 17:17:51 +0000 carter 1768164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, it depends. If I'm walking the dog, and it's below 50ish, I'll wear a jacket. If I were going to be outside for more than a few minutes (say a football game or something), I would certainly wear a coat. But if I'm going from my garage to a valet at a restaurant or a grocery or mall parking lot, a coat is way more trouble than it's worth for me. If I worked downtown and tended to walk to lunch, I'd probably leave a coat at the office. With my current lifestyle, my gear jacket and my raincoat get worn but very little else. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768161 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 17:09:56 +0000 carter 1768161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tex, you're right. I didn't address the bottoms. I took pictures, but they all just blended together. To your question about light bottoms...I'm a huge fan of light bottoms (especially white) for 10 or so months/year. In "winter" I do tend to stick to dark bottoms because I can enjoy a bit of "dark and cozy" without raising eyebrows! My Winter bottoms in the capsule: 1. gray skinny ankle jeans 2. dark wash skinny ankle jeans 3. faded black straight leg jeans 4. gray leggings 5. black leggings 6. gray slim knit pants 7. black slim knit pants 8. black woven dress pants 9. charcoal ponte pants carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768157 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 17:00:18 +0000 carter 1768157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sally, you're right that workout gear is completely separate from this capsule. Also separate are my dog park and "ride in the car with the dog on my lap for 4.5 hours" clothes. Although I technically wear these outside the house, these have to be clothes I don't care about and wouldn't mix into a daily wear outfit. Outside of a wedding or a very dressy event, my "evening clothes" are included in this capsule. I don't have the stunning dresses you have, nor do I have much opportunity to really dress up. When we go out to nice restaurant or to a cocktail party, the outfits below are what I would choose. All the parts are in this capsule. Angie on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768155 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 16:47:13 +0000 Angie 1768155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the kind words, Carter. Do you mean that you don't need a coat or jacket when you go outside in the Winter?  carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768153 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 16:43:40 +0000 carter 1768153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm so sorry it took me so long to get back to this. My son heads back to college on Sunday, so I'm milking my time with him for all it's worth:-) Alexandra, thanks! Glad to see I'm not the only rule ditcher;-) I always love to see the capsules you sew yourself, and I loved the wardrobe you built based on one of Janet's formulas. Was that last year or the year before? MsMaven, you are so right about complicated outfits! I think that's why I'm so drawn to keeping my formulas down to 2 or 3. Angie, thanks! Yes, YLF capsules are superb! No toppers for me, especially in Winter. I have a couple long, lightweight cardigans I like, but I can only tolerate them in Spring/Fall because I will only wear a sleeveless top with them. Barbara Diane, thanks so much! Lisap, you're so sweet. I think you are far more together than you acknowledge;-) However, I certainly understand how creating a functional capsule could be more complicated for you than it is for me. Your love of fashion and talent in putting outfits together seems to demand more variety than I need or want. My goal is to look presentable and be comfortable and confident everyday. Having only 2-3 silhouettes has really been a game changer for me. I think that by not doing the capsule thing, you allow your creativity and passion to rule. That feels perfect for you:-) Suz, I know you love your variety in silhouettes! You do them so well, and you have so much fun with them. There's no reason in the world you should change what works so well for you! Lucy, thanks! I only break the dumb rules;-) AM, it's so nice to have you back:-) I hope you'll do a post or three on your great purge and your wardrobe planning. There's been a dearth of powerpoint posts recently, and I'm missing them terribly! Shevia, thanks so much. I couldn't agree more about multi-use garments. JAileen, thanks! It's perfect for me. It's taken me a very long time to get here though;-) StyleFan, you're much wiser than I am! I tend to assume that the rules are there because a capsule won't work without them. When the capsule craze started, I enjoyed the idea of them but couldn't make them work for me because I was trying to follow the rules! Sterling, Spring tends to lay out fairly easily for me because my silhouettes are quite straightforward. Summer is my nemesis. As you know, it can last 5-6 months for us. My lifestyle has also been changing the past couple years and will change even more once we finally make the move to the beach full-time. Last year I was quite frustrated with my Summer closet. I'm hoping to overcome that this year. El Cee, I'm glad I'm not the only one with layering issues! It does feel a bit like fashion heresy to declare that on a fashion forum;-) BethAnn, I couldn't agree more about multiple versions of things that work. The "one and done" approach is another "rule" that seems so antithetical to my style. I totally agree with you about accessories. I like them big and bold and I love to mix things up there. You do love your red shoes:-) I do have some colored shoes and some pewter shoes I love, but I'm just not reaching for them this year. They're not purge candidates though, so maybe they'll get some play next year! Your "blanket and boots in the car for safety" made me smile. I keep water, an umbrella and demoted black flats (that can walk through puddles) in my car;-) Sisi, thanks so much! Sisi on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768135 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 15:29:38 +0000 Sisi 1768135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, Carter, you are clever! That's a beautiful capsule. texstyle on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768132 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 15:24:23 +0000 texstyle 1768132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter - great analysis and capsule. I too have little opportunity to wear a "layer" unless I'm going into cold AC in the summer or it's dead of winter, which like you means maybe a few weeks of the year at most. My sweaters languish year after year and I just have decided I cannot buy another sweater unless I move to a colder climate. It's going to be near 80 again today. I'm curious about which bottoms you chose - did I miss them or did you just not show them? One thing I've done over the past few months is to begin (finally) wearing my cream BR jeans as a "bright" and I am really enjoying them after owning them mostly unworn for a couple of years. I'm wondering if you wear mostly dark bottoms in winter? Beth Ann on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768117 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 14:40:51 +0000 Beth Ann 1768117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have refined your style enough to know what works, and to put together a closet that is both workable and beautiful.  You're absolutely right that many capsules place such a value on versatility that they sacrifice optimal proportions.  In my case, with a pretty strict budget, I have an even harder time finding that one perfect black layering piece or sweater.  I have 5 black tops, and 5 black sweaters.  Each has a different neckline and silhouette, and works for different outfits, and I have no plans to edit them. It looks like you have a couple of fab formulas going in your winter capsule.  The silhouettes works beautifully without layers, and you can always use accessories (should out for Angie's post).  I think it might be fun to have a pair of pewter or bronze metallic shoes, or perhaps a pair in deep blue or garnet, for your winter capsule.  I've been wearing my red booties into the ground this winter --- they add a bit of interest! I run warmer than I used to, but am fortunate to not experience hot flashes.  My climate gives me some truly frigid days, so light layers are my friends.  I rarely wear heavy coats, favoring lightweight packable down or a trench for my car commutes.  I keep a blanket and a pair of boots in my car for safety purposes. El Cee on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768102 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 13:08:05 +0000 El Cee 1768102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A gorgeous, practical and thoroughly climate appropriate capsule. The color palette is beautiful. I applaud you for throwing out "cookie cutter" rules that do not apply to your seasonal needs and style preferences. (I never really understood those magazine and fashion blog capsule guidelines... so impractical for real life.) And I agree with you about the layering. (I am a "menopausal Northerner", and layers feel too fussy and way too hot for my active life.) You are successful at creating interest without the layers using color and texture... and adding interesting jewelry pieces. You have a fabulous sense of style. And about those t-shirt material tunics? I just call them "Knit Tunics" (as opposed to "Woven Tunics"). Anonymous on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768097 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 12:14:39 +0000 Anonymous 1768097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I came back to re-read this.   I agree with you.  Those rules are just plain stupid.  And since I have actually started taking notes about the types of clothing I wear every month of the year, I too now understand I don't wear (can't) layers for more than two months of the year.  Unlike you, I love layers because I love feeling engulfed, but I burn up even in a light sweater.  A light sweater!!!  So no layers for me either.  This means I no longer browse blazers, coats, cardigans, or heavy sweaters.  Slowly the list of what I shop is becoming very refined.  I literally cannot rationalize buying winter clothes anymore.  What an epiphany!!!   I'll be so excited to see what you do for Spring/Summer.   On a side note:  I work in a large building with lots and lots of glass windows.  The engineers have difficulty maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the building.  I meet lots of women that tell me how cold they are.  I swelter.  I think my sweater wearing days are done.  Do you have any idea how learning to dress for my climate has upset the apple cart!?   Style Fan on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-southern-winter-capsule#post-1768077 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 10:11:38 +0000 Style Fan 1768077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is great.  I look at capsule guidelines as guidelines.  Adjust as necessary.  Just like you did.  I love your colour palette.  Very soothing.