https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:16:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-755295 Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:05:23 +0000 Lisa 755295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great exercise! Each outfit is really fab and this shows just how cohesive your wardrobe is. And quite verstaile too! I am wondering how to do this with my heavy blue based and jean based wardrobe. I'll have to putter around in my closet sometime. Thanks for the inspiration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753573 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 10:02:19 +0000 Suz 753573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny - check out my reply on Ariadne's thread. I think I more or less did the BR capsule (my own version thereof) in packing for my current trip, and I list the items there. </p> <p>The thing missing from my capsule is different neckline/top shapes. I have layering Ts and button fronts and that's about it. So it's not as varied in that sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753530 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:24:14 +0000 shiny 753530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was also inspired by this, and put together a SYC version for myself this morning (mentally only, did not try anything on). I realized I don't have a fall/winter weight suit, so I substituted a gray pencil skirt and white pleather jacket for those pieces. I didn't have leopard heels so I substituted giraffe pumps. I do have a gray tweed coat, but the mental exercise made me realize a charcoal gray boyfriend jacket would work just as well there. </p> <p>The only things missing were: colored skinnies, and striped top (I have two, but both aren't quite right, proportionately, for this exercise). I could easily replace black ponte knit skinnies for the color skinnies, but it's not as interesting. </p> <p>So darn it.. I wound up ordering colored skinnies AND a more dramatic/interesting striped top earlier today! We'll see if they work. If they do, I'll post my own version too!</p> <p>My gripe, as I did this mental exercise: not all outfits show a bag. Does the red bag work with all? Also are we to assume the one coat goes over all the outfits, not just the ones shown? I may be over-thinking, or not. I was thinking all along "if I had to pack for a trip... " </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753516 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 02:39:26 +0000 Gaylene 753516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, once I read your analysis and looked at your Evernote link, it was SO obvious why my capsule was coming together as well as I thought it would. Back to the drawing board...</p> <p>ETA: My Norwegian/ English dictionary has been dusted off and is coming in very handy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753446 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:46:32 +0000 Atlantia 753446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved not only seeing the pictures, but reading how you thought about adjusting the BR capsule to SYC. I'm feeling very inspired right now!<br /> And I know you said 7 wasn't really something you were feeling, but photographically it comes across great. Very natty! (b/c we all need to reignite that word!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753299 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 21:59:58 +0000 bj1111 753299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>thanks for sharing your thought process which is truly more valuable than the actual outfits themselve. your dissection of the br capsule, esp the second order analysis of color (eg burgundy as red with more black) and extending your dissection to look at shape (drapey blouse vs structured) theninterpreting the capsule within your closet,</p> <p>so seemingly simple but it's a complex process that you were able to easily articulate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753294 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 21:52:49 +0000 Mona 753294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, this is a great style exercise. I even downloaded evernote for this. I am going to do this but I dont have enough pieces, I think. Anyways, I will try it for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753291 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 21:50:29 +0000 Ingunn 753291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for all the approval, I'm very happy that this turned out so well. I realize that what Suz and Carole points out is spot on - a few pieces with pattern are as much needed as plain essentials. I do need to add a couple of tops in pattern, because what you've seen is about what I own! I have one more blouse in a floral pattern in addition to the top in this capsule, that's all. </p> <p>This afternoon, I played around with another more casual capsule (only on my computer this time), and I tried to use the ideas from the BR capsule: 50% neutral basics, and 50% pattern, texture and contrast. It seemed to work, but I have to actually try the outfits on to be sure. This is a steep learning curve for me, but very inspiring. I'm so grateful that you're here to discuss this process with me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753218 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 19:24:49 +0000 Mirp 753218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Let me add to the chorus. Extremely inspiring. I love how you broke it down and shared your evernote. I think I may spend an hour tomorrow and see if I can do this with some of my items. And bravo for posting pictures -- me I'm going to do my experiment in secret. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753194 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 18:52:03 +0000 Raisin 753194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very inspiring! I love these kinds of posts. You did an awesome job. So many different looking outfits, and I can't believe it came from those few clothes. I'm going to try to do a post like this once I get my newer wardrobe in order....some day! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753184 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 18:44:20 +0000 cheryl 753184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Remarkable! You did such a fantastic job of translating that ad into a capsule for your own life. I love it and you look great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753141 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:16:42 +0000 Makrame 753141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep coming back to this post because I enjoyed it first time I saw it (your look amazing in all of these!) but keep learning more from the discussion.</p> <p>I like the idea of using a "ready-made" capsule as an inspiration for re-combining existing wardrobe items. I should definitely try this. Thanks for sharing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753126 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:35:21 +0000 Ariadne 753126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Ingunn! Amazing and inspired--I am marking my place so I can come back and look more/write more later (heading out the door right now). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753110 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 15:56:23 +0000 pil 753110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Outstanding. And when you mention insecurites about posting your photos next to a model, Ceit summed it up very well. I sense a second career coming on for you Ingunn! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753097 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 15:24:53 +0000 Carole 753097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, thanks so much for taking the time to explain your process and for sharing your Evernote page. I'm realizing I need to be more deliberate in choosing colors in the future and that having a few patterned pieces that coordinate would really amp up my wardrobe and add some variety. Being retired and leading a very casual life somehow makes the process harder for me. I don't want to wear jeans everyday, but its not practical to have a suit and I tend to let skirts and dresses hang in the closet!</p> <p>You are definitely Queen of the Capsule in my book! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753054 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 14:26:35 +0000 Angie 753054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very impressive! </p> <p>THAT'S how to work a capsule. Well done! Each outfit is a winner. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753031 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 13:13:13 +0000 Mo 753031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inngun, I think Angie would crown you Queen Capsule in a heartbeat. This is superb in every way!! I will have to check out your Evernote.<br /> I got flummoxed once I realized too many of my pieces here were black, and therefore would not play off each other well. I will have to seriously try this when I get home and have more of my closet at my disposal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-753006 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 11:39:30 +0000 cobaltblue 753006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, wow! Every outfit looks great! I have to try this exercise. This could reveal the holes in my small wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-752992 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 09:53:41 +0000 Suz 752992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, logging on from China to say this is brilliant! And so inspiring and helpful. Your analysis is extremely detailed. And SO spot on! </p> <p>This is one reason the Vivienne files capsules, while restful to look at, can become so boring. It is because there isn't enough pattern/ pattern mixing going on with some of the pieces. The way you've broken it down between numbers of neutrals and patterns is so helpful to me. I had recently come to a similar conclusion but hadn't been able to articulate it. </p> <p>I'm one of those people who has a tendency to buy too many plain neutrals. I like them, but then get bored because the outfits look too much the same. Adding a patterned pant and a few striped tops has made a big difference to how I feel. </p> <p>This juggling with neutral vs. colour and/or pattern<br /> Simple cut vs. drape and/or special texture</p> <p>and finding the right balance...THIS is how to create a truly workable minimalist wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-752966 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 08:21:50 +0000 Ornella 752966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amazing and inspiring! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-752949 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 07:27:19 +0000 Ingunn 752949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks again, fab ladies - you are the best ever! </p> <p>I hear you, Carole, it isn't always very simple to interpret a formula. Here's what I did:<br /> I started with the image of the ten pieces on the BR site. A closer look told me that six were neutrals (blazer, skirt, jeans, Breton sweater, trench, leopard shoes). That meant that ANY neutrals could be used as substitutes. Since I've been focusing on buying essentials in neutral colors lately, it was fairly easy to pick substitutes from my closet. I only have one suit, so it had to be black, and I don't own leopard shoes, so I chose brown booties instead. </p> <p>The colored items are mustard yellow, burgundy and fuchsia. Mustard and burgundy are yellow and red with a lot of black in them, whereas the fuchsia is more pure. They are more or less analogous (next to each other in the color circle). My colors are different, so I looked at the texture and shape of the two tops, and tried to emulate them: The mustard patterned top has a drape, and the fuchsia top has short sleeves. I have a reddish brown top with drape neck and short sleeves. I also have a sleeveless blouse with a floral pattern in violet, black and mustard. It could substitute the mustard BR top. My only cropped &amp; colored pant is the dark mustard yellow one. It happens to match both tops very well. I have a green wrap dress with similar shape as the mustard yellow one. Voila, my ten starting pieces.</p> <p>I then analyzed the outfit pictures and realized that the stylist had added a denim shirt, an extra pair of shoes and a few accessories. I did the same, but iIdon't have denim shirt, so I used a steel gray silk blouse instead. I also added a pair of black oxfords. You can always swap items in a capsule as long as they are similar in shape and/or color, they don't have to be the same at all. </p> <p>The main focal point in creating a versatile capsule is to make a selection of distinctly different patterns, shapes and colors and neutrals - different enough to create varied outfits. They don't all have to match, because the neutrals tie them together. I really like what Mo says about making a looser interpretation of this capsule: Swapping the trench for a leather jacket, the suit for a pant suit etc. if you keep about half of the items in neutral colors and add one floral pattern, one stripe or plaid, one in a pop color and a few accessories, you can create a lot more than the 12 outfits shown here from 10-12 pieces.</p> <p>I made a note in Evernote about the process, where I placed my photos next to the model pictures. Have a look if you like:</p> <p><a href="https://www.evernote.com/shard/s37/sh/7c7527a1-8072-455a-a7f7-e8a5561688f7/da0b438a552374330aa3c651404f80fb" rel="nofollow">https://www.evernote.com/shard.....51404f80fb</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-752908 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 05:11:57 +0000 goldenpig 752908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are amazing. So inspirational. Can't believe you had the whole capsule already in your closet! I like your version and pictures better than the original! You look like a model! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-752847 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 02:49:02 +0000 Carole 752847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, thank gooness, I'm not alone! Such a great exercise to find out if you are headed in the right (or in my case) any direction! This is why I think it makes sense to know what colors work for you and stick with those. It would make the whole capsule thing much more cohesive and easier to work with.</p> <p>Wish BR would do a casual capsule! But great idea about swaping the leather jacket in place of the trench or suit jacket, didn't think about that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post/page/2#post-752841 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 02:42:38 +0000 Mo 752841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carole, I also tried in my head to get the capsule together and realized many of the items I would need would not mix together because of color. Black trenchcoat and black button front shirt, for example. Also, I would have to use a pant suit, not a skirt suit. But I love the overall idea, and might try and rework it for casual wear - say, a leather jacket in place of the trench, and jeans instead of trousers, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post#post-752836 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 02:38:09 +0000 Carole 752836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried so hard to do this with my wardrobe today but realize my closet is plagued by schizophrenia. The definition of schizophernia is "a state characterized by the coexistence of contradictory or incompatible elements", that about sums it up. I could come up with maybe 3 or 4 outfits in one color way and could do the same with a few other colors. I wish they all were cohesive and could all mix and play together nicely. </p> <p>I'm even more impressed with your efforts after trying this myself. Your colors are so beautiful together and so complimentary to your complexion and beautiful hair.. Have you been working a long time to achieve such a perfect wardrobe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post#post-752744 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:55:23 +0000 Day Vies 752744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are such an inspiration! I never thought of shopping my closet to recreate looks created by (insert national chain retailer here). I know I must sound crazy because it is such simple idea. My whole approach to catalogs is different because of your post. THANK YOU! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post#post-752729 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:49:17 +0000 MsMary 752729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YES!! Leopard shoes for the win!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post#post-752721 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:44:31 +0000 Caro in Oz 752721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree this would be a great travel wardrobe. What a great exercise. Sometimes we judge ourselves in a way we would never judge others, I'm so glad you overcame your fear &amp; shared these inspiring photos with us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post#post-752667 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:07:51 +0000 Aida 752667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow, this is such a great interpretation of the BR capsule! I love it even more BECAUSE you're using your own pieces, that are your style. So good! I do think you could get some good use out of some leopard pumps or flats, though. They'd look fantastic with your hair :} </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/br-copycat-minimalist-wardrobe-response-to-ariadnes-post#post-752521 Fri, 19 Oct 2012 22:31:18 +0000 Anonymous 752521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are truly inspiring. Your outfits are fantastic and you look beautiful! What a great exercise...I am going to try to do this myself with what I already own. I may have to think outside the box because I don't have a suit, but I'm looking forward to see what I can come up with. </p>