https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:51:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy/page/2#post-1056987 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 23:14:35 +0000 Vicki 1056987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your insights and honesty with yourself and I'm joining you and Rae on Team Bored. </p> <p>Angie's comments were fantastic and spot-on. You have a deep understanding of your wardrobe and where to take it, Suz.</p> <p>This experiment WAS successful, because you know yourself even better. You love to,have fun with fashion and you (we and those of us on Team Wear) love the thrill of the new. </p> <p>Thank you for sharing your report. It's a win-win for all of us.</p> <p>P. S. We're also striped tube skirt twins, which makes me happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy/page/2#post-1056936 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 21:54:22 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1056936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As always it's great to read your thoughts, Suz. What I've figured out from my capsule experimentation is not only do I get bored and want to go 'off the rez' some days, 1 week's worth of stuff is not enough to rotate. Even if I do laundry once a week, that means that the air-dry stuff and the stuff that needs to be ironed is not available for a while (usually the next week to be honest) which suggests that I need two weeks worth of stuff. And once you're at two weeks worth and include different levels of dressiness for different days, you've got 'capsules' that are as big as other people's regular wardrobes, and I'm not sure there's a point to it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy/page/2#post-1056885 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 20:24:40 +0000 Lyn D. 1056885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I am getting lazy thanks to you Suz!<br />Still haven't completed my 'Capsule Homework', but I almost feel as though I have by reading your insightful posts.<br />I really can relate to your style- except in the skirt/dress section- and am gaining great advice by following&nbsp;your posts. Thank-you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy/page/2#post-1056872 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 20:12:10 +0000 Anonymous 1056872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Insightful post.&nbsp; I've never done a capsule other than for vacations.&nbsp; Putting a capsule together would feel like packing for said vacations.&nbsp; I HATE packing.&nbsp; I also know that from extended vacations I do get bored with limited choices.&nbsp; It is cool what Angie said "Your items work together extraordinarily well because you instilled the discipline upfront." Can you now come over and do the same for my wardrobe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy/page/2#post-1056867 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 20:08:53 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1056867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I need to know about that last dress.&nbsp; I LOVE it and if I can hunt it down, I might get one too.</p> <p>I agree with you about capsules.&nbsp; I tried it too and it just didn't work well for me.&nbsp; I am more impulsive and lack the discipline to stick with a plan.&nbsp; We all have to do what works for us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy/page/2#post-1056786 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 18:14:44 +0000 Anonymous 1056786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your style! 5, 6, and 10 are my favorites here. This makes me want to get up off my butt and finally try to put a capsule together...it helps if I remember that I can have a casual weekend capsule. I generally wear dresses to work so I've always felt I'm not really remixing much there. But I don't play with my weekend outfits enough! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy/page/2#post-1048597 Thu, 10 Oct 2013 01:34:03 +0000 rachylou 1048597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know <i>exactly </i>what you mean, Suz. My colour-based capsule wardrobe has long gone by the wayside. But it was an education in restraint and editing.</p> <p>I love the ensemble in #1 and the dress in the last. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy/page/2#post-1048588 Thu, 10 Oct 2013 01:30:30 +0000 kellygirl 1048588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a great capsule and a fab exercise. I totally get the part about being bored and agree with the part about having FFBO. The boring part is why I still haven't finished my latest capsule exercise. I do think the capsule are crazy valuable when it comes to figuring out what works with what though. Loved looking at your outfits. You really know your style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy/page/2#post-1048579 Thu, 10 Oct 2013 01:23:42 +0000 CocoLion 1048579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I would feel bored and limited with a 30 in 30 type of capsule&nbsp;approach. &nbsp; So I like how Angie points out that it is the process of thinking through how things work together, that is the whole point of capsules. &nbsp;(Whew awkward sentence there. &nbsp;I remember a teacher once said of my writing: &nbsp;"wordy but clear.")</p> <p>You look stunning in all of these outfits -- modern classic dressing defined. &nbsp;I particularly like how you wear the Report Marks booties, they are a great item for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1048523 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 23:48:39 +0000 Amy 1048523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought I posted a comment last night, but guess I just imagined it. Anyway, I wanted to say that I enjoyed seeing all of your combinations and insight about why this didn't exactly work for you. I would probably get bored too, bit am sure it would be a good exercise! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1048470 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 22:06:04 +0000 rae 1048470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Small comment between lunch nibbles... I am joining you on Team Bored. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1048143 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 14:13:44 +0000 Elizabeth P 1048143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the idea of capsule wardrobes, but I'm kinda like you - I'd get bored.&nbsp; Plus, well, you know the weather in the maritimes!&nbsp; If you don't like it, wait 10 minutes.&nbsp; I could also never see the point of restricting clothes when they are hanging in the closet.&nbsp; That being said, I DO love having some capsule ideas on hand for travelling.&nbsp; And I DO think they are great for identifying holes, and for forcing more mixing and matching.&nbsp; </p> <p>Great post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1048126 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 14:02:37 +0000 Lisa 1048126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some great insights here, thanks for sharing!&nbsp; I think my preference is similar to yours.&nbsp; I have also found capsule exercises helpful in having ready to go outfit combinations, but I've realized that I tend to focus on a smaller number of outfit combinations for a given item.&nbsp; I tend to find just a few combinations I like and then I just keep on wearing them.&nbsp;&nbsp;To mix things up I reach for additional outfits.&nbsp; </p> <p>For&nbsp;a small, successful capsule, from what I've learned it requires one to come up with many outfit combinations with a small number of items.&nbsp; I use a larger number of items, with a smaller number of outfit combinations.&nbsp; This is probably why after reducing my 4 season wardrobe from over 300 items to about 150 now, I've stalled.&nbsp; At least for now, I'm at a number that seems to work for me.&nbsp; </p> <p>My latest change has been to regroup my closet into outfit combinations.&nbsp; This has saved me a&nbsp;lot of time in the mornings lately.&nbsp; The closet doesn't look as tidy because everything is mixed up (instead of a row of blazers, a row of jeans, now it's a mix) but so far it's working well.&nbsp;&nbsp;The great thing about organizing this way is, if I really do tire of a combination, I regroup and then feel my closet is refreshed because I start sporting a new outfit combination.</p> <p>I always envision my closet as really small, with high quality wardrobe workhorses, but so far, it looks like I need a medium sized wardrobe with a mixture of price points to keep me happy.&nbsp; </p> <p>And gorgeous outfits!&nbsp; All the white jean looks are lovely for cooler days and I bet they will work well during cold spring days too.&nbsp; And #17 is my favorite because you have the fun blazer mixed with a berry color, unexpected but it works so well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1048112 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 13:48:54 +0000 texstyle 1048112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, capsule or no capsule you look so freaking amazing in all of these outfits who cares? LOVE this - it's so great to have so many inspiration outfits to admire. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1048052 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 12:36:29 +0000 Suz 1048052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Moni, thank you - and I agree - one of the most helpful aspects of capsule creation is helping us distinguish that&nbsp;"in my head" or "in the closet" going-together that just doesn't pan out in real life. I certainly discovered a few of those!&nbsp;</p> <p>Freckles, thank you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Jayne, you said:&nbsp;<span><i>I guess she means by trying to see what we have that can be the basis of a capsule, we are challenged to see both what we have that can/will work together and what we don't have that might finish it off.</p> <p></i>I think that's it, absolutely. One other discovery of capsule creation for me was that I <b>ALWAYS</b> wanted more footwear options than what the capsule exercise suggested. Two pairs of shoes just didn't cut it for me, even over a five day period. Fascinating, since before YLF I only <b>owned</b> two pair of shoes!&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>Joy, interesting that your experiences were so similar. Since you're an elegant eclectic it doesn't really surprise me. Like you, I often struggled with the weather -- I pretty much continued wearing my summer clothes with minor variations the first few weeks and even later.&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>Isabel, the interesting thing for me is that I actually DO a modified version of 333 -- in the sense that I have about 35-45 non-gear, non-footwear, non-outerwear items in my closet at any given time to play with. Not on purpose -- this is just the size of my wardrobe so far, and it seems to be working pretty well. There are a few areas where I feel as if I could still "beef up" and others where I figure I could "cut back" -- but I'm almost at the one-in-one-out stage. And as long as I have the full complement of items I don't get bored until midway through a season, when I've realized it's good to have a bit of cash to buy a few new goodies to help revitalize the scene. But tell me to limit clothes to 3 bottoms and 6 tops for a few weeks and I run screaming!&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>Beth Ann, great observation -- it's choice in just the right balance that is key. And it's true that as a creative person I might need more variety than some. Funny that I never realized it before.&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>Scarlet, thank you -- those berry colours are definitely some of my best.&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>Sveta, that's right -- your whole closet forms a pretty cohesive capsule. That's what we all aim for!&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>Shevia, Shannon - thank you!&nbsp;<i><br /></i></span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047995 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 08:41:31 +0000 ManidipaM 1047995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Jayne is on to something. The capsule exercise is invaluable for honing shopping and styling skills. If you already have and apply them, capsules work in a restrictive way ... to identify FFBOs, to plan for travel, to put dividers in a large wardrobe, to corral functions... or leave you reaching beyond to the greener grass! It's more useful for those of us who still buy thinking item A goes with X, Y and Z... only to find that it really does not.</p> <p>Btw, while you have here a month of looking flawless, I am especially struck by the chambray shirt and white jeans. Simple and classic, but the personality and modernity are all in the styling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047951 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 05:23:33 +0000 Freckles 1047951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look fab in each different interpretation, such amazing style.</p> <p>Thank you for your capsule review as it is an interesting, insighful read as well as helping me in my own problem areas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047922 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 04:35:19 +0000 jayne 1047922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so impressed with the effort,not only the theoretical capsule but the implementation.&nbsp; Your style shines through and you look lovely every time.&nbsp; Your insights confirm for me that trying to live a limited capsule would be frustrating and I think you are right on about medium size.&nbsp; It was great to hear from Angie though, that the point in her capsules is not limiting to that one group of clothes for a season, but helping create ways to use and reuse items.&nbsp; </p> <p>Thinking and writing here..., I guess she means by trying to see what we have that can be the basis of a capsule, we are challenged to see both what we have that can/will work together and what we don't have that might finish it off.&nbsp; </p> <p>By trying on the capsule combinations, we learn about the ways the items actually go together..maybe in theory 3 pants and 6 tops look great and interchangeable on the bed, but when we put on each combination, the proportions are off, the styles clash or whatever.&nbsp; And we find great combinations we will love to wear and ones to put aside.&nbsp; </p> <p>Next time I am starting a SYC, this is a great starting point.&nbsp; But for everyday life, I thank you for doing the experiment so I won't have to (he he) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047920 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 04:26:10 +0000 Anonymous 1047920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My experience with my early fall casual capsule was much like yours. First the weather turned too hot to wear anything but summer things. Then I did start wearing some of the outfits but usually had to change to something cooler by mid day. It was great to have outfits I'd already tried to fall back on. Then I also felt a huge urge to incorporate other pieces in the closet...nothing new but pieces I wanted to wear because the weather was right or I wanted more color. Another capsule I started based on blush, brown and burgundy keeps getting combined with the original red, grey, black one.<br /> I have learned the importance of variety and some patterns in both tops and bottoms, but haven't found the right patterned jeans yet...too many are ankle length. I need to plan on working in summer pieces. Tomorrow it will be in the 80's. Last week it went from 90's to 40's in just hours.<br /> All your outfits are wonderful on you. Capsules can be made to be broken (up). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047911 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 03:59:00 +0000 Isabel 1047911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been in love with the idea of a capsule for years. &nbsp;I have tried, really tried , Project 333. &nbsp;But I cannot.get.passed.choosing.pieces. &nbsp;I can't do it. I love practically everything. &nbsp;I committed to doing it at least for the month of October. &nbsp;Well, I couldn't do 33 pieces ( and I didn't count camis/tanks and outerwear or accessories ). &nbsp;Then, I settled on around 45 and we are having unseasonably warm weather. &nbsp;UGH ! &nbsp; So I am trying again for November and December. &nbsp;However, I think that you have nailed if for me : I like having a "wardrobe capsule". &nbsp; I have always been good at mixing and matching so maybe I already have a "capsule" of sorts.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047903 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 03:50:03 +0000 Beth Ann 1047903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>4, 8, 11, and 15 are my faves.&nbsp; </p> <p>I think this is a great looking capsule, and it's certainly a step up from most "work at home" outfits!&nbsp; You are so amazingly consistent with fit and proportion.&nbsp; Huzzah!</p> <p>I, too, am easily bored -- and not just with fashion!&nbsp; Variety and choice are crucial to creatives.&nbsp; It's part of our natural, daily process.&nbsp; That said, as you well know, too much choice or too little can paralyze an artist.</p> <p>I wonder if the right amount of choice (hats off to Barry Schwarz and "Paradox of Choice) isn't particularly important to people who work in creative fields.&nbsp; I think this would be more pronounced for those of us who practice our craft at home.&nbsp; Perhaps we need more "stimulation" to stave off isolation.&nbsp; My form of art may be noisier, but there is a lot of practicing and preparing for each hour on stage!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047893 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 03:38:31 +0000 Scarlet 1047893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was an interesting read. I am here to say though that you look all kinds of right in dresses and magenta/raspberry. Those outfits really stood out to me in the sea of good looks here. Well also your new DVF sweater, I think it might be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047889 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 03:35:12 +0000 Sveta 1047889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, this one of the reasons I have never wanted to experiment with capsules: I knew I would be bored after 3 days! I understand their value and ability to make dressing easier but I am not sure this is my goal. Anyway I think I can pull out 80% of my closet and this would be one huge capsule I can mix and remix! :-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047812 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 01:54:44 +0000 Jaime 1047812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Capsules are a tool but looking this fantastic and being happy with your clothes is the goal. You therefore are a champion because you look absolutely style icon worthy, super fabulistic in all of these. Not bothering to pick favorites but am totally inspired. Thanks Suz! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047810 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 01:53:25 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1047810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Suz - this is super impressive!</p> <p>First of all, every single one of these outfits you are showing us is gorgeous. Full stop. PLUS they all look like YOU. You have developed a fantastic, individual style that is to be admired.</p> <p>Secondly, your analysis of what worked and didn't work and the WHY of those questions is fascinating to read. I can really see how the capsule exercise can be so helpful. Thanks for sharing with us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047784 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 01:07:36 +0000 Suz 1047784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much everyone. It's really interesting to hear your thoughts.&nbsp;</p> <p>Caro, you bring up a good point -- workout wear and evening wear and such really do profit from a capsule approach. I think it's much easier to shop for those functions when you think about it this way.&nbsp;</p> <p>Peri, thank you. And <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zara.com/ca/en/woman/knitwear/cotton-silk-jumper-c269190p1323599.html">the sweater in 8 is from Zara.&nbsp;</a></p> <p>DonnaF, I am really swayed by the weather, too. That was a problem I forgot to mention. Some days were too hot for the capsule I'd planned. Other days were cooler than expected. I really should have expected that in transitional weather. Ha!</p> <p>Thank you, Deb!&nbsp;</p> <p>Sara, can't wait to see your post-partum capsule!</p> <p>Angie, you are always both literate and gracious. Thank you for your wise guidance!</p> <p>Carla, I am in awe if you can make a small capsule last a month! I can do it when travelling, too, and that is fine, but for regular wear, I definitely get tired of it.</p> <p>Ceit, thanks - I love that H&amp;M linen sweater, too. Useful item. I also love the silk shirt.&nbsp;</p> <p>K, thanks - and high five for the FFB!&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA: crossposted -- Susie, Carole,&nbsp;I am blushing! And you both have fab wardrobes that I know you wear brilliantly.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047781 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 00:42:05 +0000 Susie 1047781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you may have failed at wearing just the items from a single capsule but you are hugely successful at beautifully styling your lovely pieces. Truly, you have a knack for wearing your clothes in fresh and appealing ways. I love the taupe top and the gray sweater and you look so fab in your dresses. Definitely lots of winners here!</p> <p>I definitely feel like my closet is one big capsule, for the most part. I've gotten so much better at choosing items when shopping that I know will work with my wardrobe. I do have a capsule of sorts for super casual shorts and tops for boat weekends and a small capsule ofdressy occasion pieces. And I'm feeling good about my new lounge wear capsule! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047780 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 00:36:41 +0000 Carole 1047780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fantastic set of outfits, I can't pick a favorite-they are all just super fab! I think assembling the pieces for a capsule is just a great exercise for narrowing down some choices and being creative with what we have. I just did this using Angie's recent formula with some items I don't wear often. Planning outfits and hanging them strategically together reminds me to try and work with these first but I have allowed myself to venture away from just these selections. It has taken my "too large" wardrobe and given me a smaller focus which is really useful for me. Instead of feeling like I need to purge purge purge, I have a smaller manageable capsule I'm working with and I like that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047763 Tue, 08 Oct 2013 23:58:12 +0000 Caro in Oz 1047763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Capsules work brilliantly for me for my evening clothes (for DH work functions &amp; other social occasions) &amp; for exercise &amp; beach clothes. Other than that I think that most of my clothes just "go" together. I do the thinking while I'm buying the clothes &amp; when I first bring them home - making sure they work well &amp; they are what I actually need.&nbsp;I also have FFBOs for those days I want to just get dressed but&nbsp;part of the fun in having great clothes&nbsp;is trying new combinations.&nbsp;</p> <p>Great outfits Suz &amp; # 2 is my very favourite. It's just perfect in a&nbsp;stylishly casual way :)</p> <p>ETA - forgot to say&nbsp;travel is where capsules really work imo.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cap-sized-lessons-from-my-casual-fall-capsule-pic-heavy#post-1047762 Tue, 08 Oct 2013 23:58:09 +0000 Peri 1047762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand because I have the same issues with capsules. I like what you said about a medium closet as one big capsule. I understand things like a formal event capsule, or a travel capsule but everything else seems to just be a fancy way of saying "these things look good with these things", which is how I'm already thinking of my clothes anyway. Granted, I've already realized I have less variety than most.</p> <p>But...as always, you look fab! </p> <p>What is that grey sweater in #8 and others. I have a soft, fine gauge grey sweater on my wish list! </p>