https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:17:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384753 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 06:44:31 +0000 shemarie 1384753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing, Meredith.&nbsp; What a great analysis and self-reflection.&nbsp; I've been here a fair bit longer, but don't think I've distilled it nearly this well for myself yet.&nbsp; Like you, though, I'm so intrigued by the capsule system, but fear getting overwhelmed by it.&nbsp; Love your comment&nbsp;that "More than anything, this capsule gives me easy."&nbsp; That's exactly my goal...need to tape it to my mirror or tattoo it on my forehead, especially when I go shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384742 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 04:58:27 +0000 Beth Ann 1384742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So glad you are feeling confident and free to post and comment on the forum! Adapting the capsule technique seems to have been the breakthrough you needed to move forward.</p> <p>I'd love to hear you report back on how the capsule is working in a few weeks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384738 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 04:26:48 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1384738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great work, Meredith! I agree you are a fast learner, and I appreciate your methodical approach to getting your wardrobe to work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384601 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 23:45:17 +0000 Meredith 1384601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks,&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/gryffin/">gryffin</a>! &nbsp;I will try to feel empowered and not restricted by the capsule!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/kiwigal/">Kiwigal</a>, I would love to show it off...just daunted to photograph it all because I have not mastered the full body selfy. &nbsp;Especially not with multiple wardrobe changes! &nbsp;Maybe I try to do a few items at a time.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/lisapearce/">lisap</a>, thanks for reading and sharing your own thoughts. &nbsp;I will respond more later! &nbsp;Must cook dinner! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384597 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 23:24:39 +0000 Anonymous 1384597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I kept opening your post, then having to get back to something at my desk, repeat all afternoon:) &nbsp;But I'm now so glad I did! &nbsp;You have articulated much of what I am trying to figure out. &nbsp;I also am appreciating the others' comments too - as it seems everyone has similar issues with their wardrobes. &nbsp;All I keep coming back to is a wish to start with a completely empty closet and fill it one item at a time - literally! &nbsp;I like your idea of storing the mess in a separate bedroom and shutting the door :)</p> <p>I don't want to be all mix-and-match either, but honestly the idea appeals to that small part of my brain that is speaking louder and louder with each year &nbsp;and wishing for order and less stuff. &nbsp;I too am not into a lot of my pieces because they now feel too fitted and not fluid enough. I have bought a fair bit over the past few months, but don't know how much I'm actually accomplishing. &nbsp;I still discount too quickly a lot of what is suggested on this forum as pieces or looks to consider - and I need to spend a bit more time trying on things in stores. But it's a process I LOATHE!!</p> <p>What colours and pieces have you settled on for your core at the moment?&nbsp;</p> <p>One thing I will admit is to feeling guilty and annoyed with myself when I get too into all of this and start spending too much of my time thinking about clothes. &nbsp;It's not a great way for me to be spending time and energy, because I can tip over the edge into negativity and feeling unhappy with myself&nbsp;too easily. &nbsp;But I want to be able to say what you are saying in a couple of months&nbsp;&nbsp;when I reach my six month mark!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384499 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 20:05:57 +0000 Sal 1384499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations!</p> <p>Your plan sounds like it is working for you, and that is the most important thing. &nbsp;I also don't worry about everything going with everything as it makes it too limiting...and I like my wardrobe to evolve gradually. &nbsp;Your love of statements is similar to my own so I also had to build up a couple of essential pieces..but I have been surprised how few it has been to make the statements work together.</p> <p>Love to see your capsule....?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384494 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 19:59:58 +0000 Meredith 1384494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the encouragement, ladies.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/rhubarbgirl/">Laura (rhubarbgirl)</a>, I agree the proportion thing is tricky unless you're willing to stick to one silhouette. &nbsp;I've decided to keep all of my bottoms on the slimmer side, so that helps, but I know some pairings will look better than others. &nbsp;I have followed Claire's posts with great interest and am so impressed by her capsules. &nbsp;I will definitely revisit her posts when I'm thinking about the next season's capsule. &nbsp;I don't think I could ever be a minimal as she is, though. &nbsp;I'm not that consistent with my laundry!</p> <p>&nbsp;Thanks,&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/alasse777/">Alassë</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/susanolding/">Suz</a>, you are spot on about this being a good opportunity to practice. &nbsp;This will force me to pay attention to which combinations look the best and the looks that bring me the most joy. &nbsp;I've been overly reliant on statement pieces to make the entire outfit when I really need to consider all the elements.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/thecharmofit/">E</a>, once I embraced the possibility of imperfect I was actually able to make progress. Funny how that works. &nbsp;I realized that if I decided to run a marathon for the first time I'd be happy just to finish. &nbsp;Why was placing unreasonable expectations on myself regarding clothes?</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/unfrumped/">unfrumped</a>, more great thoughts! &nbsp;My closet has been so dysfunctional in the past and I absolutely find myself wanting more out of what I buy. &nbsp;More than anything, this capsule gives me easy. &nbsp;I now have a decent quantity of items that all more or less work together and require relatively little thought. &nbsp;Next step is working on some of the other goals you mention - great not good outfits, refined color palette, etc.<div><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/elizabethpugh/">Elizabeth P</a>, glad I can help!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/sarbal/">Sarah</a>, I completely understand your feelings! &nbsp;There are so many elements to consider. &nbsp;Fortunately I&nbsp;keep my clothes in a spare bedroom to most of the time I can close the door on the mess from my experiments! &nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks,&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/diane500dbg/">Diane G</a>. &nbsp;I've been enjoying your own experiments lately!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/welshgirl78/">lovethestyle</a>, this plan is definitely a game-changer for me. &nbsp;Now that I have basics in place so that I can dress myself from day to day I don't feel as panicky. &nbsp;I have time to more carefully reflect on what to add in the future.<br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384492 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 19:58:12 +0000 gryffin 1384492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Meredith!!&nbsp; Wow, sounds like you've done an awesome job.&nbsp; I think you also honed in on the most important caveat to capsules - they are supposed to help you.&nbsp; You should not let them drive you crazy if they are not completely interchangable.&nbsp; Sounds like things are functioning really well for you.&nbsp; Amazing!!&nbsp; Well done!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384484 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 19:29:47 +0000 lovethestyle 1384484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AH I love this capsule plan - my husband keeps laughing at me but I can see it could be a game changer - GL!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384464 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 19:02:42 +0000 Anonymous 1384464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are a fast learner Meredith I love you idea to buy new items and then add in the older ones as and when. I have to say I've never really created a specific capsule from my wardrobe, but I have to say that having added new items over time a fair bit of my wardrobe is behaving itself now and playing nicely together! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384460 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:55:23 +0000 Meow 1384460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I joined 6 months ago too and you are WAY ahead!&nbsp; I love your casual approach and that it doesn't have to be a perfect capsule this time around since we're beginners.&nbsp; I'm going to keep repeating that to myself.&nbsp; I'm also basically starting over so buying low to mid priced items to "test" drive to see if I love.&nbsp; I'm still struggling getting dressed in the morning.&nbsp; I'm trying on this and that and trying to figure out what's wrong - is it the contrast, proportion, .........my bedroom is a mess!&nbsp; I guess this is all just part of the learning process.&nbsp; :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384457 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:49:45 +0000 Elizabeth P 1384457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are doing so well Meredith!&nbsp; I've been fumbling around for a year and a half or so, and still get hit with these nuggets which should be obvious. I thinking taking the time to articulate your thoughts in a post helps tremendously, esp as they germinate all these pearls of wisdom from others - not something I seem to quite "get around to".</p> <p>Unfrumped, your post is full of wisdom too!&nbsp; Demanding MORE of each item... YES! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384449 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:40:09 +0000 unfrumped 1384449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis, Meredith. You are&nbsp; way ahead of where I've been.</p> <p>I don't have one of those minimal, everything with everything wardrobes either. But, I finally started making more progress when I began demanding <u>more</u> of each new item. Does a top go with several bottoms and vice versa. Is there a topper that goes over most of those. Do I have shoes or are the proportions off so I'll have to add something. Is it worth it. Does it make outfits but take me in the wrong direction, goes with items I'm about to pass on, or does it feel like moving forward. Color palette has been a huge part of this, but not all of it.</p> <p>And mostly, are the outfits great, or just so-so. And are they "easy", meaning I'll reach for them, not fussy, comfortable, no surprises. These are my biggest hurdles. I'll still tend to bring something home that turns out to be just another top and not really doing anything great. Or an item that doesn't quite fit or stay put the way it seemed to in the store even though the color was perfect or something else. I'm still working on being ruthless in returning these items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384444 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:32:18 +0000 E 1384444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds great Meredith! Angie has other posts saying items don't need to be perfectly remixable, so it seems like your more relaxed approach is perfect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384430 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:11:56 +0000 Suz 1384430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds terrific, Meredith! You're way ahead of where I was even 18 months into my time at YLF because I kept thinking "everything" had to work with "everything else" and it drove me absolutely bonkers!&nbsp;</p> <p>But doing what you've done allows you to "test drive" the whole capsule idea and also to learn creative ways of mixing old with new. It's excellent practice.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am the opposite kind of shopper; I tend to buy lots of essentials and then forget that I will need statements to stave off boredom. So my next project is to add a bit of statement flair into my capsule! "Our" toile sweatshirt is one example of a statement item.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384426 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:07:00 +0000 Alassë 1384426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your breakthrough, Meredith! Your capsule realizations are wise and will no doubt serve you well. I look forward to hearing more from you on this topic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384409 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 17:57:01 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1384409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you've made some great progress. I agree with you that truly mix and matching every single piece is very limiting - or at least it is for me, as I'm picky about proportions and formality levels going together. </p> <p>Have you read any of Claire's (clearlyclaire) 10-item seasonal wardrobe posts? She picks 10 items and wears them exclusively for the season, often wearing out a piece or several during the season. It's a different approach than most of us take but I can see how it would be very freeing. </p> <p>I hear you about fluid fits, too - suddenly half of my wardrobe looks very non-current (exaggerated because I've gained a touch of weight and everything is a bit tighter than it 'should' be). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beginner-capsule-and-6-months-of-ylf#post-1384396 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 17:39:49 +0000 Meredith 1384396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently hit six months of participation here at YLF and&nbsp;decided this would be a good time to take a step back and reflect.&nbsp; After months of trying to absorb as much as&nbsp;possible and plenty of information overload and over-thinking my&nbsp;closet I've experienced a bit of a breakthrough in the last few weeks. &nbsp;I'm starting to feel more comfortable&nbsp;commenting on other people’s threads, I’m feeling out my&nbsp;style persona, and I’ve actually successfully assembled a fall capsule.</p> <p>Almost immediately after discovering the site’s archived&nbsp;posts I came to appreciate Angie’s approach to mix and match capsules.&nbsp; I’ve never wanted an entirely mix and match&nbsp;wardrobe, but I do like the idea of having a solid casual capsule to bring&nbsp;cohesion to what tends to be an eclectic closet. </p> <p>I spent months thinking about this capsule before actually&nbsp;making any progress.&nbsp; The first hurdle&nbsp;was my existing wardrobe.&nbsp; I initially&nbsp;wanted to plan a capsule around what I already owned, but I finally realized 1)&nbsp;I have too many statements in my closet and essentials are, well, essential to&nbsp;building a functioning capsule; &nbsp;2) I am so attracted to the new fluid fits&nbsp;in fashion that I am not excited to wear many things I currently own; and&nbsp;3) Much of what I own is showing wear. &nbsp;So,&nbsp;I decided to build a capsule with new items and&nbsp;simply mix in existing items from my closet when appropriate.</p> <p>I also decided not to require that every&nbsp;top work with every bottom and every topper (too hard for a beginner). &nbsp;Instead, I tried to pick things that will work<br /> with MOST of the items in my capsule.&nbsp; For&nbsp;example, a short top might not be great over my ponte pants but will work with&nbsp;my other pants.</p> <p>These realizations gave me the freedom I needed and within a&nbsp;few weeks I finally had a capsule!&nbsp; Of&nbsp;course because I essentially began from scratch these items are from a variety&nbsp;of inexpensive to moderately priced sources (ebay, thrift shops, and sale items&nbsp;from stores like BR and the GAP). I also did not buy items in the perfect ratio&nbsp;(Angie recommends 3 tops for every bottom), but I bought a nice selection of&nbsp;new tops and will mix in tops from my existing closed when I need variety.</p> <p>I expect I will be able to use parts of&nbsp;this capsule as the&nbsp;foundation of next year’s version, but will also need to replace some&nbsp;pieces.&nbsp; I’m on Team Wear, so some things&nbsp;will wear out. &nbsp;I hope enough lasts so I&nbsp;can just refresh the capsule with better quality items and a few trendy peices&nbsp;next year.</p> <p>I road tested the capsule on a trip to visit my parents and enjoyed&nbsp;the variety it offered. </p> <p>Thanks for reading and I hope some of these musing will be&nbsp;helpful to anyone else considering the capsule plunge.</p>