YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Capsule Paralysis

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Capsule Paralysis https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 01 May 2026 10:16:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Day Vies on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1014481 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 05:03:45 +0000 Day Vies 1014481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I am so late. I have read only a few of the responses. I agree with Angie that you mix and match ALL the time, just look at your posts and see how the same dress jacket skirt or trousers travel through out your wardrobe.  I certainly understand the desire to do it. Creating a capsule is akin to having the space and time to set your closet up like your favorite store with everything in its place and a place for everything. You can just grab what you like and go. It's SO satisfying! Today -- you'll see later on, when I post. I took the time to actually create a fall capsule for my daily life based on Angie's post from last week. I've had great success creating travel capsules which focused on weather, time restriction and the need to wear a piece multiple times. I thought maybe I should finally create one for my real life. At some point I felt like I had to take my admiration for Ingunn and Suz's skills and use it to create a capsule for the way I really live right now. I wish I could tell you that I was super organized about the process and it only took me an hour. NOT! The entire process took 6 hours. My inspiration was berry tones. When I had all solids, although the tops were different styles the colors were too similar.This meant I had to work hard accessorizing to make the outfit pop to my satisfaction.  So back to the drawing board I went looking for printed tops. I feel so silly saying this but I am so proud that I was able to put together a capsule that is polished enough to go to work (which I am sure will be coming soon!), sassy enough for date night and casual enough for Saturday errands. I managed to use pieces that I loved but were not being worn enough. It fulfills my goal from January of integrating my "work" wardobe and my "off-duty" wardrobe into a cohesive style that represents my evolving aesthetic in every area of my life. All of this is a long way of saying that even though you have an intuitive way already in place of creating capsules it is worth it to struggle through the process of creating a capsule because you discover things about you and your wardrobe, what you have too much of, not enough of, etc. At the end of it all you will have this matrix that's literally ready to go. Anonymous on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1014447 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 02:39:40 +0000 Anonymous 1014447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This has been interesting reading full of ideas and revelations. Shannon, I think starting with an early fall casual capsule for wearing at home and weekends would be a good place to start since a work capsule would need more thought. I can see some of my pieces carrying over to cooler weather, especially jeans, toppers and tops that can be layered when the weather gets cooler. I can also see casual pieces crossing over to my larger smart casual capsule to wear teaching, most meetings, shopping, etc. Some of those pieces will overlap into a dressier (let's call it business) capsule. While some seasonal items may slide into the next season, something I've tried to do in the past; this time I'm not going to try to winterize a summer item unless I think it might be out of style next year and want to get more wear out of it. Example, colored and coated jeans. This may not work in practice, however. Suz on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1014400 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 01:44:15 +0000 Suz 1014400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Florence, yes, I think it can. For some, that would be an ideal. (See the Vivienne files and similar). For others, that would be limiting and boring. For others still, it would be sort of impossible, because their activities are too varied and the clothing for different activities doesn't really marry all that well. For instance, Annagybe has an "opera" capsule and a "hiking capsule." She is very unlikely to have crossover items for these two capsules! Meanwhile, I have a "workout capsule" that doesn't cross over into my day or night wear.  But my "appearances and night out" capsule does include items that also form part of my "casual-work-at-home" capsule -- as well as unique items that I would never wear while working at home, e.g. fancy cocktail dress and high heels.  FlorenceFearne on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1014383 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 01:30:55 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1014383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, I initially felt like a lot of other fabbers, and opposed capsules on the basis that I'm darn well not wearing the same 3 bottoms for every single activity I do for the next 3 months. I feel like a bit of a dope now that I realize you can have multiple capsules in play.  But now I have a different problem. My wardrobe is all only a few colors anyway. And I've been editing a lot so there are even less outliers. So, I kind of don't know where to start separating one item from another. Can your wardrobe actually get so cohesive it just becomes one big capsule?  Transcona Shannon on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1014374 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 01:17:14 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1014374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ With your explanations and dissection of HOW you came up with your capsules and what worked/didn't work, I feel more inspired than ever. If it's not a gazzillion degrees here this weekend, I'm thinking of taking a stab at a casual capsule to start with (as per Suz's suggestion). This would definitely be a smaller amount of work for me as my workwear accounts for probably 75% of my wardrobe. As well, casual wear is always where I tend to get stumped so it would be a good exercise. Will give this all some more thought - thank you all sooooo much for you input. I always learn so much from all of you! texstyle on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1014147 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 19:50:06 +0000 texstyle 1014147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon, I also feel like you have capsules but maybe that's just because you do a great job of combining your things that I was assuming you did. For me this is an exercise I really need to do as I'm just not very good at creating complete outfits. Or photographing them.  And I'm not good at putting an outfit together on the fly in the morning - I prefer having at least some ideas in mind already. I tried the other day to create a fall capsule and I did come up with a reasonable idea but didn't have time to do proper photos so I'm going to get back to it when I find time. One of my main problems was coming up with 3 different enough bottoms - but ones that I still like to wear often (mainly because I wear jeans so often). So, a pair of BF darker wash jeans, a pair of light grey jeans and a pair of chocolate brown "jeans" was my first try. Choosing 6 tops was easier as I have plenty of neutrals but then when I started mixing/matching I ended up having to switch out some. The toppers I wanted to use included a black cotton moto jacket and a charcoal gray knit blazer. The tops were three printed (trying to push myself to choose some prints) and three solids. Since my new python belt is reversible to black I get two for one there. I may need 2 shoes to create the most flexibility but I think one bag might do it. I do really enjoy seeing Angie's capsules as well as other's here because it helps me greatly to envision a complete outfit. kellygirl on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1014052 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 17:16:42 +0000 kellygirl 1014052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great post and such interesting comments, Shannon! So glad you posted. I agree that you really already have capsules--your wardrobe always looks so seamlessly put together. I see you mix and match things all of the time. For me, the capsule was an exercise to see how to make all of these pieces work together more easily. It's not very intuitive for me--I really have to try or else be satisfied wearing the same combinations over and over. (I also feel paralysis at time because I don't know where to start.) rachylou on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1014047 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 17:12:21 +0000 rachylou 1014047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I was thinking that sounded like a lot of work to do a whole Fall capsule, until I realised it was a Fall casual capsule, a Fall work capsule, etc. Manageable chunks. I probably still don't have the energy to document, but I am thinking about it. I'm all about pine green this year, but I think I love the idea of cinnamon and cobalt. So I'm thinking to throw some of that into the mix. And pink. ... whoopsie, I hope that's not the pine green sliding off into the wilderness... Lol. Debbie on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1014012 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:38:23 +0000 Debbie 1014012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This has been very interesting an something I want to try. I have been going over items in my head all morning. Great exercise to ramp up the creativity. Suz on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1013991 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:27:45 +0000 Suz 1013991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Moni, I could have written the first part of your post when I joined  YLF. I just didn't have enough pieces to make a capsule in the first place. I felt lucky to have one or two outfits that I didn't feel embarrassed to be seen in. So it was a process of slowly adding to those.  Traci, that's exactly how I see it, too -- like hiding the kids' toys!  And Shannon, I definitely will have more than one capsule. You don't have to organize by function, either. Angie sets out a bunch of possible parameters. For me, function is probably best. But I'm not limiting myself to 6 tops in my work-at-home capsule because realistically, I might need as many as 8 (given laundry or the possible need to change in a day). And so on. I might add an extra bottom as well, and I will certainly add a belt and some extra footwear.  I hope to take pics later this week of what I've got and ask for input in addressing holes.  Cindy on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1013975 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:17:04 +0000 Cindy 1013975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting reading and a lot of food for thought here! I guess I've not needed to think about capsules in the past because I pretty much wore one style of tops (fitted knits) and one type of bottom (wide leg trousers) and all of my colors worked together. Now, with changes to my weight and shape over the last 6 months or so, I have been rebuilding my wardrobe with different silhouettes. Every top won't work with every bottom anymore so I do need to take the time to try on different combinations to discover what works with my new body and what doesn't. ManidipaM on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1013968 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:11:44 +0000 ManidipaM 1013968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think my peculiar version of capsule paralysis is simply an outcome of a badly needed wardrobe overhaul without the time or budget to proceed as fast as I would like. I have for the most part a pretty dated wardrobe (or two!) that never really spoke well for me. I cannot build much of a capsule, for any functionality, because the items are disjointed---not enough of the old sets after purging, not enough of the new. I actually also really like to shop in capsules as I simply haven't the talent or memory to figure out how things will play in my existing closet. Too many cautionary tales! But have not been able to do this recently. I don't necessarily require huge modularity or versatility in the wearing,though, being a serial repeater of favourites. Oddly, I find I always have to do a split or twin capsule when travelling...because I actually travel in the mode Suz calls neither fish nor fowl: a professional traveller pretending to be a leisure traveller when not pretending to be a business traveller. Having moved in a fashion counter to well-laid plans recently has also really hamstrung some existing capsules. Stuff has gotten split up and shaken up one too many times. I may have brought a certain size or fabrication over only to realise it is the wrong size now or I have another season or three to weather. Some very makeshift 'capsules' then happen. Traci on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1013964 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:02:54 +0000 Traci 1013964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think of the capsules kind of like that old parenting trick of hiding half your kids' toys and then bringing them out again in 3 months so they think they have new stuff.  I don't really get rid of the stuff that doesn't make the capsule cut, but I do store it away somewhere. The other thing for me is that the capsule play highlighted some realities in my closet.  I have a few items that I'll pull out, try on with an outfit and decide that there's a better choice.  In my mind I thought these items were still versatile and useful.  After trying 60 combinations out I realized that if an item didn't work in a single picture, it's probably not worth keeping around.  I have a leather bomber that may get purged after this exercise.  I'm a little sad about that, so I may post a pic to see if anyone can help me sort what's going wrong. The outfits I came away with weren't really representative of what I'm going to wear every day because I'm probably in dresses 75% of the time and in outfits with bottoms only 25%.  I had a pair of jeans in my capsule, but I really only wear jeans less than once a week. I kept it down to just the two pairs of shoes, booties and knee high boots, but this is not realistic for me.  Even with my most comfy shoes I have to switch up shoes more often than that for comfort.  The tall boots were great for the dress, but I wouldn't wear them with trousers and don't find the tall boots over skinnies look flattering on me. So, bottom line is I really enjoyed the exercise.  I think I was so inspired by Ingunn's post because she showed every single iteration, not just the best 20.  When I tried it myself I made myself try on several combos that I wouldn't have tried without the challenge and I was surprised by several of them.  I have a dark chambray shirt that I almost never wear, but it was the best piece in my collection of outfits.  I won't be limiting myself to the 15 items I used for my capsule, but it was a fun morning of play. Transcona Shannon on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1013962 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:00:27 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1013962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh my goodness...a light bulb just went off!!! I've been thinking all along for whatever reason that it was just one capsule for fall...Angie, thank you for stating the obvious for me!!! Of course I can have more than one capsule per season. It's not just the three bottoms/six tops, etc. for the season - it can two or three of those capsules.  I suddenly feel completely different about this exercise - and I can have one or two of the items from one capsule translate into another capsule.  Oh I think I'm gonna have fun in my closet now... Lisa on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1013950 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 15:52:31 +0000 Lisa 1013950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a really interesting read.  I have been struggling to come up with capsules to mimic the blog post one's even though I own at least half of the items pictured!  I'm still working on assembly for myself.  And time is a big factor.  It appears I need a much larger block of time than I keep planning for.  I do think it will be a good way to identify a true wardrobe hole though, so I keep trying to put aside the time to sort through everything. Anonymous on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis/page/2#post-1013930 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 15:33:29 +0000 Anonymous 1013930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What an interesting read this has been! I'm just diving back in and you guys are making me excited for fall. My problem with capsules is that I become mulish about which tops and which bottoms go together best and I refuse to wear other potential outfits because they just don't look as good to my eye. I tend to be happiest if these is some degree of matchiness there, so that may have something to do with it.  Suz, you have had some amazing insights! I think the thing that resonated with me the most was this: I'd been having the toughest time and feeling badly that I had stuff hanging up that I didn't reach for on a daily basis. Yet without it, as soon as I'd have to go off on a trip, I would feel completely lost and get in a "I have nothing to wear" panic. My small closet is pretty much one mix and match, seasonless, day-to-evening capsule, BUT, you're right, certain things are event specific, even if there is a lot of intermingling.  Elly on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013903 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 14:41:02 +0000 Elly 1013903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me, I think it is this: 1) My wardrobe is small, I only have 6 weather-appropriate casual tops in good condition, and they aren't all mixable with my bottoms. I have 8 bottoms and 2 dresses, but some are orphans. Right now, my topper selection is poor, but right now I am not in need and soon it will be cold enough for my leather. 2) I tend to like to wear my non-jean bottoms with the one top I think looks best with them, rather than mix and match. 3) Capsule play could be fun, but it doesn't account for activities I have to get done in my clothes, nor does it account for weather and temp variations. Still, I love the idea of Angie's capsule, and the item numbers are right for me. Suz on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013894 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 14:26:40 +0000 Suz 1013894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh -- another point -- at the same time as I welcome and value a certain amount of cross-seasonal and cross-capsule crossover (whew, that's a lot of crossing!!) I ALSO like the idea of season specific and capsule specific items. Why? Because with a medium sized wardrobe like mine, and the type of temperament I have this will help prevent boredom. If I can wear my new favourite fall sweater to death (the way I like to) for four weeks, I can comfortably put it away when the weather changes -- just about the same time I am bored sick of it! I'll replace it with the new favourite -- which won't necessarily be "new" at all. Instead, it will come from my backup closet. An old favourite, now getting new love.    Suz on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013889 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 14:20:35 +0000 Suz 1013889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I definitely have crossover items of both types, Shannon. Here is what I have been playing at doing:  First of all, like you, I keep out of season items in a separate closet. In our case, it's conveniently located in the hall right outside our bedroom, so it is really not that far to go and I have easy access. I have a small dresser in there and hanger space, plus a basket for some sweaters.  I "edit" my main closet often -- probably every month to six weeks. Some edits are outright culls. I make a decision to pass something on because it's not working well in its season. But some edits are "seasonal moves." So...just today, I moved the very light silk tops to the cupboard, and took out two button downs to replace them. Those button downs get worn in early autum, late autum/ winter, late winter/ early spring, and spring. So they are crossover items. They also get worn in my city visits/ appearances/ going out capsule AND in my work-at-home casual capsule (although I wear them less often there as I prefer knits for work-at-home days in the cooler months.)  My closet is thus in a pretty constant state of flux. Some items stay in the closet all year -- certain jeans, one or two dresses, my sleeved silk shirts, dress pumps. They are truly all-season items for me.  But, as you know,  with our extremes of temperature, many more items simply cannot be worn out of season. Most of my wool sweaters don't come out until October or so. They stay until April or thereabouts, depending on thickness of knit, style, etc. Light sundresses are only in the closet from mid-June until the end of September at the latest. Ditto for shorts. And so on.  I will make capsules out of what is in front of me -- the wearable items.  Last year I did this without really thinking all that clearly. I mean I sorted through the stuff and did make capsules, but I was only really developing the awareness that my work-at-home and city/ appearances capsules required some distinction for them to be workable for me.  I was slow to develop this awareness precisely because there are crossover items. Example: I wear the same jeans in both capsules. So, doesn't that mean the capsules are the same? Apart from the rare more formal occasion, don't I just dress smart casual all the time?  That's what I imagined....but there are still important distinctions to make. Because the crisp button down that makes me feel fab when I am taking my mother to the doctor feels too structured and not cozy enough in the winter when I am working at home. The jacket that finishes my outfit when I'm in the city is unnecessary in my home office. And so on.  I'd been having the toughest time and feeling badly that I had stuff hanging up that I didn't reach for on a daily basis. Yet without it, as soon as I'd have to go off on a trip, I would feel completely lost and get in a "I have nothing to wear" panic.  Now I understand what was going on and how to address it. I finally understand what my functional needs are. Again -- this would be completely obvious to most people, but because my own lifestyle is a bit different from the norm, it has taken me quite a while to work it out.  Does that answer the question?  Angie on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013886 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 14:14:22 +0000 Angie 1013886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hill and Shannon, the Fall capsule is not the only capsule for a season. Heavens no. You have many, many, many capsules in your wardrobe. So you shan't get bored. The point is that you think a little about how your clothes relate to each other in groups and as outfits. The capsule method is a guideline. That way, you won't get stuck at the outfit creation process - which many of you have said that you do. There are no shortcuts I'm afraid. If you want a functional wardrobe, you have to put in the effort. Some are able to create capsules intuitively, while others need to formalize the process. Once you have a good idea of all the capsules in your wardrobe, it becomes easier and eassier to make the process intuitive. Shevia, you are completely talented and "capsule" intuitively. I know I would find many perfect capsules in your wardrobe. Debs, I'd be uninpsired by an outfit I lay on the bed too. You have to try the outfits on to know whether you like them. Transcona Shannon on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013874 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 13:57:35 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1013874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess I do buy fairly frequently don't I?  Of course that looks like it translates into a larger wardrobe. And I just realized that I keep out of season items in a downstairs cedar closet so only have current seasonal items in my bedroom closet. That's why it would look smaller. It's true if you put all of my items together, I guess I do indeed have a larger wardrobe. Huh....who knew??? Can I trouble you with another question Suz? Since you are working on function capsules, which I totally agree is the way to go, will there be items in your fall capsule that will then move into your winter capsules? Or will there be items that work in the fall capsule only due to issues like fabrication and warmth? I'm also wondering about wardrobe items that can play in both my work capsule and my casual capsule - i.e. certain blouses. Suz on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013862 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 13:47:37 +0000 Suz 1013862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe I'm wrong about the size of your wardrobe, Shannon -- maybe you just fool us by always coming up with fresh combinations! Or maybe I'm misled by the number of items you buy into thinking that equals a large closet -- whereas, in reality, if you purge as much as you buy (as I often do) you don't end up with more items at all! And after all, "large" is relative. Don't forget, this assessment is coming from a person who, when she joined YLF, owned precisely ONE pair of jeans, TWO pairs of shoes, ONE dress that fit, and a handful of thrifted tops. Obviously, I have a lot more than that in my closet now, and my wardrobe can hardly be compared to our reigning Queen Minimalist Closet, Claire. But it's still probably on the smaller vs. the larger side by YLF standards. I consider it medium sized. I think Ingunn describes her wardrobe in similar terms. She has a similar number of items, I think, perhaps not quite as many as me because she doesn't have quite as many different types of occasion to dress for.  And like you, we have four distinct seasons.  The one thing I realized with the capsule exercise was that for me, it is super important to focus on the function. Angie did that, after all, in hers -- a detail I inconveniently forgot when I did the exercise. DUH!  Next time, like Joy, I am going to do a FUNCTIONAL capsule (i.e. a "work at home autumn transition" capsule). Any wardrobe holes that are revealed there are REAL wardrobe holes, not just imaginary ones (like some of the "holes" in my weekend capsule -- which are only holes if I actually wanted to wear some of the outfits, which I don't, LOL.)  So for you, since casual life is a smaller part of your week, maybe starting there would make sense and be less overwhelming.  I'm going to do this for every sub-season as it comes up. Right now I am working on the work-at-home transitional capsule. September is a huge month for events of various kinds for me, so I'm also working on an "events" capsule for the month. It will be much more higgledy-piggeldy and less mix and match -- more ensemble by ensemble specific -- simply because the nature of the events is so varied -- everything from cocktails on a patio to meet the teacher to a theatre marathon to readings and pub outings. Meanwhile, the weather shifts significantly in September, from hot and muggy at the start, to cool and often rainy at the end of the month.  For the first time ever, I feel focused for my shopping -- and this will help me also with my purging. For example -- I have a pair of patterned pants I was intending to purge because they are not fun to wear due to the fabrication and length. However, in all other ways I really like them. Well, I'm going to give them one last chance in this capsule. I'll try them on, see how they feel and perform -- and if they don't work for me, off they go, and there will be a wardrobe hole for a patterned pant. WOW!!  I feel like Eliza Dolittle!!  Transcona Shannon on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013844 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 13:29:02 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1013844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry I'm so late popping back into this thread - don't y'all wish you  had more time for YLF??? Such fantastic responses - thank you so much. Here's what jumps out at me: Suz - you mention I have a large wardrobe. I find that quite interesting because I truly don't think I do have a large wardrobe. I'm wondering if it comes across as large because I have two types of wardrobes - my work wardrobe and then my casual wardrobe? This is akin to your two types of wardrobes - your work at home one and then your appearances one. What I have really gleaned from your capsule experiment is that it revealed wardrobe holes. I can see this as being incredibly useful and is one of the reasons I am now considering giving this a go. Joy & Ingunn - working through your wardrobes and putting together your capsules (whether trying on or not) has obviously revealed items you no longer love and wardrobe holes.  Hil - like you, I'm also worry about getting bored with a capsule. But now that I'm thinking about it more, I can see how it might actually work in helping me like my clothes even more. If I've put together a bunch of outfits and say, 3/4 of those work well and I feel good in them, wouldn't I want to wear them repeatedly? I can also see how putting together a capsule (or even multiple capsules) could weed out wardrobe orphans, which would make purging more effective. I've done a ton of purging in the last month and am now regretting getting rid of a few of those items. They may very well have worked in a capsule but I wouldn't know because I hadn't tried them in various outfits. I do have a question of practicality - do you hang your clothes in your closet together as the capsule? So for example, your closet has three distinct sections containing three capsules?  Hil on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013755 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 07:55:36 +0000 Hil 1013755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon, you have just vocalised what I have been thinking. It's almost like my eyes glaze over when I read the capsule posts, never mind actually trying to do the work. I have also been wondering whether I am just not analytical enough to organise a capsule properly - or is it just laziness? Another thing... This is going to sound odd but the thought of a tight capsule almost feels like it triggers something rebellious in me. The guidelines for a capsule (x number of tops and y number of bottoms) read as rule to me and I really don't like rules. I know logically this shouldn't be the case.   Last thought on this - I am terrified that I am going to get bored with a capsule. I love the delight of an outfit that works. I feel like knowing ahead of time, in the beginning of a season, that the following outfits are great and work well and I can literally go into my closet, and grab them without any thought goes against some desire I have for the daily process for creating an outfit that works. I still want to give the process a try though... to see if I feel better for it... Interesting thoughts here! Ingunn on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013752 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 06:21:37 +0000 Ingunn 1013752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for starting this thread, Shannon! The questions it raises and the answers are so interesting. Suz and Angie have already stated pretty much how this works for me, too. Creating a capsule is not all that overwhelming to me because it connects several aspects of work (yes, it's hard work) that I enjoy: I like to investigate, I like to work analytically, I'm creative, and I'm emotionally driven. Thus I continue to make the wrong choices, like buying yet another basic button down shirt when I really need something different. I don't have a very large wardrobe, so there aren't all that many choices to make when putting things together. Creating a capsule like I did the other day taught me several valuable lessons about my wardrobe: #1 I don't have a casual skirt for Autumn that I really love. Thus, I didn't love the skirt outfits in my wardrobe.  #2 I like muddy patterns and colors best when paired with something crisp (like white jeans). #3 Current shoes and accessories are vehicles for making the entire outfit feel current, and should always be a priority. #4 I could use a couple of on trend tops.  To your thoughts and questions: If you don't have the energy to put all this together, try it on and take photos, then of course you shouldn't. I'm doing this because I get a lot of fun out of it. You can still make the mind game of thinking about which pieces you would add to a capsule, and the next time you're getting dressed, you can try only one or two possibilities. I think you already do this without noticing! Like both Kelly, Suz and Joy ( i think) have mentioned - not all the possible outfits will be equally fab, even if they look put together. Mine certainly aren't, and that's ok. If only 1/3 of my possible outfits become favorites, that's still ok. Will you find out that you need to add something? Quite possibly. But like me, you might find that you need to focus on something quite different than you originally thought, and that's valuable information. I'm thinking that a more current casual skirt, for example, will transform my capsule completely. This will not become a prioritized piece to look for, however, because I really need to get some black booties first. That also became even more obvious when I did the capsule.  Do we need to do the work? Absolutely not. I suggest, however, that doing the capsule thinking as a mind game/theoretical experiment, without all the hazzle it is to actually put everything on, will be very useful to anyone on one level or another.  Anonymous on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013729 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 03:59:25 +0000 Anonymous 1013729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon, I think I'm more like you as I intuitively build capsules in my mind as I shop.  Angie's example, however showed me that I tend to cross boundries of casual and dressy when building them.  This afternoon, inspired by Angie's example and those members who have built capsules, I decided to use Angie's formula for a small casual for early fall...a time I often find difficult to put outfits together.  It was hard and I still have not tried everything on together.  I chose denim, taupe and red as basics and tried to stick to casual with just a little smart casual thrown in.  Now I want to make another, also for early fall, based on blush, black, and grey and have it more smart casual. What was surprising was how quickly the holes showed up.  I think doing this exercise will make me a much better shopper and help me to wear more of my clothes.  It also may end up giving me capsule paralysis.  That's why I stopped today at trying everything on.  I may just take photos of the items on the bed and leave the rest until early fall.  Also, it would be too much to pull everything out.  I started by thinking which bottoms I would like to wear casually in early fall and quickly decided on a pair of dark blue jeans, red jeans, and cargo pants (full length).  Any of these can also be rolled up some if it is hot.  I tossed these on the bed in the guestroom. I literally went by Angie's list of tops, including a polkadot buttondown shirt, striped tee, graphic tee, long-sleeved plain tee, loose knit pullover sweater for the mixed media sweatshirt, and a print buttondown in linen rather than the color blocked turtleneck.  They joined the bottoms on the bed, as did a red scarf, black cotton moto jacket and basic navy blazer.  I have yet to pick a belt and I wrote down the shoes I plan to add to my list of capsule choices because they are packed away for the season. I learned that my wardrobe has too many different shades of red that don't work together; I have too many black tops; no print bottoms for this season; and mostly classic pieces with too few current trends represented. anne on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013716 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 03:32:52 +0000 anne 1013716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have found the capsules posts though really illuminating, a bit overwhelming and haven't really put them into practice for myself.  And I hate travel packing, because having to think through several outfits at once is exhausting! Also, I feel like I have not enough clothes to really do it. In a recent post Suz asked me if a sweater went with casual pants apart from jeans. The fact is that I don't have any! Gaylene on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013711 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 03:02:23 +0000 Gaylene 1013711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love creating capsules because they simplify my life, but, even more important, they impose a discipline on my impulsiveness. Most of my closet is composed of items I bought because I saw them, tried them on, and fell in love with them. As Suz points out, the process of creating a capsule brings me face to face with the utility pieces I need in order to make the items into outfits. I've even gone so far as to buy entire capsules in one shopping trip--to the delight of sales people who are working on commission. It works because then I know my new items won't languish in my closet because they lack the right companion pieces. A bit weird, maybe, but it works for me. Caro in Oz on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013690 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 02:34:24 +0000 Caro in Oz 1013690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This  is so interesting.  For travelling I try to be careful & only take things that work together & work for what I will be doing. I also have:  <ul> <li>an evening capsule</li> <li> a dressy day one for functions</li> <li> a resort capsule with sarongs & bathers etc. </li> </ul> For everyday though it is not as thought  out.  I either do a rough capsule wardrobe in my head when I buy new items.  OR I buy a small capsule all together. I always do a check to see if the new pieces work with my other clothes. Jaime on "Capsule Paralysis" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-paralysis#post-1013680 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 02:11:13 +0000 Jaime 1013680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What an interesting read! Shannon, to begin with I am with you in that I am pretty much an intuitive dresser - and, as Angie points out, that is because I can be. I do not have to dress for an office and I have plenty of clothes to play with. Btw, Angie, I know you could make some brilliant capsules out of my closet- a girl can dream! Suz, great insights! My take is that seeing two outfits side by side made from the same basic pieces and realizing one does it for you and the next one just doesn't is extremely helpful. I learn just as much from the ones I don't like as the ones I do. I am an analytical type, but with clothes I like to choose emotionally and analyze in retrospect.