https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 01 May 2026 10:19:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015437 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 02:28:53 +0000 Jaime 1015437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now I have to think about this while looking at what I actually wear. I do go for individual pieces with some interest so I don't get bored with the long shorts, top, shoes, and bag I wear almost every summer day.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015397 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 01:58:55 +0000 unfrumped 1015397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, hi--you bet! Also I'm not trying to say I discovered some flaw in capsule theory-/ I love that it is so diverse and that you have showed so many variations. I'm honing in on the aspects that are starting to work for me and helping my shopping and SYC strategies. I like trying to understand why one thing leads to another. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015350 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 01:04:33 +0000 Gaylene 1015350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whoa, your point about just throwing a pair of jeans and a pair of black pants into a capsule as my bottoms really hit home. Even if all my tops are different color, the basic uniform really doesn't change much.</p> <p>*diving back into my closet to consider substituting a (gasp) skirt and pair of patterned crops into my fledgling capsule* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015342 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 00:58:49 +0000 Peri 1015342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I wish I'd read this before I did my post about the capsule confusion...this thread has answered some of my confusion! Because that is exactly where I am...I always go for plain bottoms so my tops end up going with everything.</p> <p>It makes sense to want something more than black with red vs black with teal, like you said. I'm not sure I can get there though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015327 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 00:43:52 +0000 Angie 1015327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo and Unfrumped, all you have to do is create smaller capsules with a wider<br /> assortment of items. It's the same principle -<b> just a different<br /> parameter and style preference</b>. Also the larger the capsule, the less the items need to mix and match with each other. It's a trade-off - you add the interest, but you loose a little versatility. That trade-off is so acceptable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015131 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 21:16:31 +0000 unfrumped 1015131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>suz, I hear you on the timeline &nbsp;factor. Seasons are one thing--encouraging me to get ahead of the curve, at least a bit. Then dated-ness is another. That's one reason I&nbsp;can get&nbsp;spooked on trends and such--would a look be "out" before I'd even pulled it all together?<br />Even if I had the $$, I just don't always find the items I have in mind right away. If ever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015123 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 21:07:04 +0000 Suz 1015123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had many of the thoughts that you articulate here. I want my outfits to look genuinely different and good, not just "meh." And that can be more of a challenge than it seems. I agree that getting the proportions right seems to be one tricky factor. I like Mo's suggestion of focusing on ensuring that colour and pattern are represented in bottoms as well as tops -- this can really help increase one's sense that an outfit is genuinely different. No wonder Angie chose a patterned bottom in her casual capsules.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm trying to work out a six week work-at-home capsule now, and it's surprisingly tricky. Partly because I've identified a few holes (and have no idea where to buy the pieces). So my next thought is -- in planning for the future, how can I determine the holes far enough in advance actually to have the items I need <b>WHEN</b> I need them? Because at this point I fear by the time I find the things I want for this capsule, the weather for wearing it will be long gone.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015107 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 20:50:08 +0000 unfrumped 1015107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, so right. The point of capsules is to end up with outfits. If you don't like the outfit, it won't be any good just to say "I can wear this top 6 ways".</p> <p>That is why SYC.outfit creation&nbsp;can be so fun and useful. I give myself permission to go, meh! Parts is parts, but I don't like these together.</p> <p>If those parts keep turning into meh! outfits every time and with every combination, they need to go. OTOH if a couple of items work fab in one or 2 ways, then I'm trying not to get carried away and purge them just because they don't fit neatly in a capsule. Fab-ility&nbsp; can outshine versatility. Ideally there is overlap. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015089 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 20:44:14 +0000 pil 1015089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those are some good points, Unfrumped. I was mentally putting together a couple of capsules last night and think I have a couple of holes but can't put my finger on them yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015071 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 20:34:37 +0000 Lisa 1015071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find capsules a challenge to create, but also fun because then I will have fast grab and go outfit combinations ready and waiting. I do think that even with large variety, there is only ever going to be a handful of combinations that I truly like and will wear for a given capsule. So I'm using the capsule idea to help me select my favorite outfit combinations for a given capsule and those combinations are what I will wear most often instead of constantly trying to vary up the outfits. Too much variety makes my head spin! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1015051 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 20:16:39 +0000 shedev 1015051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use the capsule approach to style some of my statement pieces. Every item doesn't have to go with every other item, just the statement piece. I think this is a great way to expand a very minimal wardrobe. I think I'd still feel more like I'm wearing variations of the same outfit as opposed to different outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1014999 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 18:52:04 +0000 texstyle 1014999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that for me it's key to consider the accessories - like the belt (or two) that you choose, the necklaces or scarf, bracelets, jacket, shoes, and bag. Also if you choose at least a couple of printed tops I imagine it makes it easier because a print looks very different when worn on it's own versus when it's mostly hidden under a jacket. </p> <p>Today for instance I wore navy with brown - a deep brown tank and brown belt with rolled cropped denim skinnies and a navy light weight slub cotton jacket. I wore shoes that have a couple shades of brown. A deep brown/black/cream python print bag, a charcoal/bronze necklace and a mixed metal bracelet.</p> <p>The accessories def. made that outfit. But I could easily wear the same brown tank without a topper and with say, olive pants and maybe a light toned&nbsp;python print belt and lighter silver toned accessories and it would look much different. I could add a light colored jacket to make it feel even more unique.</p> <p>Hey - there - I've started a capsule with just one top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1014954 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 18:12:40 +0000 Mo 1014954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, exactly. &nbsp;I have my uniforms as well, but within that construct I still need enough variety. &nbsp;You have it exactly right, I don't want to be buying too many 'same' looks without even realizing it. &nbsp;If I keep that mantra of <i>light neutral, dark neutral, color or pattern </i>in mind it usually helps keep the variety built in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1014940 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:59:11 +0000 unfrumped 1014940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good examples, Mo.</p> <p>Although, I'm not against "uniforms" at all. I need several myself, and especially for FFBO. I'm just trying to keep in mind what's going to end up as "same" or "different" when I'm shopping and be more intentional of what I'm achieving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1014922 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:47:16 +0000 Mo 1014922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto Rachy! &nbsp;I feel like a lot of capsules can create very very similar looking outfits that also don't do it for me. &nbsp;I'm not thrilled at having 4 slight variations on the same thing. &nbsp;I want it to look and feel noticably different. &nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>EDIT: this is why I often go with as much difference as possible in the pieces. &nbsp;My standard in my head is always a) light neutral b) dark neutral c) color d) pattern. &nbsp;So, my pants choices are white, black, ikat, and purple cords for example. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1014912 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:41:12 +0000 unfrumped 1014912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rachylou, only 3 lines and you said it just as well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1014910 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:38:44 +0000 rachylou 1014910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One thing that resonated with me - things have to make a difference. Like different coloured tops aren't enough for me to say I've got a different outfit. I'll feel like I'm in a rut. I need for my own self some interest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1014884 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:22:32 +0000 Kristin L 1014884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand your rationale. I'm at almost the exact same point right now! Since I don't have advice that will help, I'll defer to the others who understand this.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-rationales-and-goals#post-1014878 Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:14:21 +0000 unfrumped 1014878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’m enjoying all the capsule conversations and displays and keep learning something new with each post.</p> <p>I was doing some outfit creation the other day and had some insights &nbsp;as to what is the point of capsule creation for me and so what would constitute a successful capsule.</p> <p>For now I’m using just one definition of capsule, which is a small group of outfits using interchangeable pieces. (So, reminding myself that capsule also can refer to the winter coat capsule, the summer shoe capsule, etc).</p> <p>I was trying things on with one of my favorite pencil skirts and realizing that I really loved it because it seems to go with about half the tops in my wardrobe. But therein is also the rub.</p> <p>It’s so versatile that I could make about&nbsp;30 different outfits, technically, but I won’t be wearing it once every. So in theory I have so many possible tops to wear with it that I can’t use them all or would never repeat favorites. So that’s not really a capsule. Then I have a black skirt that goes with a lot of the same tops but in a sense, the outfits look similar due to silhouette. Yes, the colors are different but not greatly so. And yet among the choices, some combinations look more "dfferent" from each other, than others.</p> <p>So one of the things I find I would like in my work capsules are:</p> <p>1-- if the tops &amp; bottom combos produce quite different silhouettes. This can be harder than you think because of the problem of top &amp; bottom proportions, so I don’t hold all items to this standard, but it’s something to strive for. As opposed to having black pants &amp; brown pants as the bottoms in a capsule, or gray skirt and black skirt—instead, a flowy blouse tucked into wide pants vs worn out over skinny pants, &nbsp;or skirt vs. pants as the bottoms, and so on.</p> <p>2--a notable change in color combo. Not just a red sweater with black pants or a teal sweater with black pants, but something that looks really different. Hard to describe. Red sweater with gray pants vs. red sweater with cognac trousers, maybe. Or wearing column of color (even if a neutral) vs. contrasting top &amp; bottom. I haven’t found my perfect bright colored skirt but that would be another example—a red skirt with black tights just looks different from black +black even if both are pencil.</p> <p>3--Or if somehow a change in footwear produces a real difference. Like black tights + black flats vs. cognac knee boots (which I don’t have) worn with the same skirt or dress. That might be more fun than 5 skirts all worn with black tights.</p> <p>Another realization is that it takes either very large capsules—which I find harder to do and still&nbsp; &nbsp;really like all items with all other items –if I “try too hard, ” I find the outfits are more meh, just to be able to say I can wear this with that. &nbsp;But &nbsp;5-6 capsules in which the items really do “go” with each other can create outfits for a cycle of what might be 2-3 weeks for me—I’m okay with that kind of repeating. But I don’t always &nbsp;want to wear the black pencil skirt twice in a week, even if I could with different tops, or the same gray sweater in the week—that sort of thing, But remixing them in the second or 3 week is the kind of variety I like. </p> <p>4--Capsules that span seaons. That’s where enough attention to “seasonless” fabrics or layer-able fabrics can help me, or it would take too large a wardrobe for the seasons and especially season-transitions. So items that can either layer, go with tights or without, or having a choice of a light cotton&nbsp;mesh sweater&nbsp;vs. a wool sweater (yes, I can do that with some lightweight wool trousers or skirts) is another variation of the capsule that is useful. There are lots of examples on the forum--sheath dresses with turtleneck layered under, add tights to skirt or dress--nothing too new there, but still it's something I'm noting for how well items earn their keep. Plus that overlaps with "looking different".</p> <p>I’ve left out jewelry and belts but those help too. I try to collect some necklaces that seem to say “summer” (containing shades of white and natural materials) vs. winter—more metals and black, jewel tones—and use them to skew a top toward one season or another.</p> <p>As usual, I think all of this must seem so obvious to others, but it helps me work on the wardrobe holes that could really lead to better outfits vs. just more pieces of clothing.</p>