YouLookFab Forum » Topic: CAPSULES - how do you build yours?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: CAPSULES - how do you build yours? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 23:29:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php thimblelina on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1361090 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:02:09 +0000 thimblelina 1361090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The thing about capsule building is as you see here, there's no single 'right' way to organize.  Just start building organically from where it makes sense for your wardrobe.  I think of my capsules as sort of seasonal, or time based. One example would be capsules I put together to travel.  I have a super simple capsule formula for my cabin in the mountains.  I go there to hike and swim and be outdoors, but sometimes we eat out or see a play in Ashland.  It is mostly just hiking type gear plus one real outfit and pair of shoes.  When we visit Southern California where we eat out more and do more urban things, those travel capsules are more expansive.  I like to make up a capsule and then close it to new purchases while I'm actively wearing it. That forces me to mix and match and really work the bugs out on the pieces I've chosen.  If I end up really loathing a piece, I make sure to boot it out. No second chances!! I've been wearing a 16 piece capsule since school started in late August which will last until about the middle of October.  This is a warm time of year here and the clothing I'm using is simple and layerable. It has let me focus on buying pieces for a slightly more elaborate fall capsule that I will start wearing in mid October. Some of my current capsule pieces like my jeans will be incorporated into the next one; other items like sleeveless blouses might be put away until spring.  (One thing that is funny about me: I focus on work wear in my capsules. On the weekends I just wear whatever I'm in the mood for at that moment.) I will probably close my fall capsule to new purchases right around the time I start wearing it.   Then it will be time to work on a winter capsule.  A person with a larger wardrobe could probably get away with just two capsules a year.  I don't own much and since this is my first year to be back at work full time I will probably make up 3 or 4 capsules this year. They are never made from completely new items.  I would say they end up being about 1/2 from my wardrobe and 1/2 new purchases at most. I don't like adding too many new things at once. I try to pick a color story for the season, and look for some key shapes or patterns.  So far this month I'm considering a muted red plaid shirt, a denim skirt, a pair of bootcuts, a few tees with interesting drape, a pair of tall cognac riding boots and a cognac tweed blazer.  I'm leaving a few spaces open for those serendipitous lucky finds that surprise and delight.  so, that's how I do capsules!  only you know how you might best incorporate capsules into your wardrobe organization.   Ariadne on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1361080 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 04:16:34 +0000 Ariadne 1361080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shiny, tell me more about these magic blouses please! Anonymous on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1360000 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 16:56:50 +0000 Anonymous 1360000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In my case, each capsule has one silhouette.  So to use your example, capsule one would be based on black skinny jeans.  I select the tops/shoes/blazers/jewelry that will correspond with that one pair of jeans.   Then I start a second capsule.  The BF jeans.  I select the tops/shoes/blazers/jewelry that I will wear with the BF jeans.  Luckily, there is always overlap so some of the tops/shoes from Capsule one can be used in Capsule two.   To keep things straight I build each capsule visually.  I start with a picture of the core item (e.g., black skinny jeans) and then I add pictures of everything that will work with those jeans.  I even add in pictures of the jewelry and other accessories.   So, I have multiple capsules designed for different purposes (e.g., athletic, lounging, work, dressy casual).  Each capsule starts with the bottom (either a pant, jean, or skirt).  I build from there.  A lot of times certain tops can used in all or most capsules.  Even if the top works across capsules, I like to limit it to just two capsules.  This way I have more combinations available to me throughout the week.   I hope you like the capsule formula.  I can't tell you how much time/money it has saved me.  I literally can get dressed in five minutes in the morning.  No thought whatsoever because it is a formula.   shiny on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1359977 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 16:12:04 +0000 shiny 1359977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I prefer a variety of silhouettes so I am definitely not a stickler that all tops must work with all bottoms -- especially if you apply the "just flattering enough" principal. If you aren't comfortable with that principal, then it's probably best to stick with a tried & true silhouette, and you may already have discovered that there is one silhouette that is your most flattering look above all else. So why wouldn't you just standardize on that, if flattery is your top priority?  I'm strange in that I have days when flattery is my top priority, and then days when it's not and "just flattering enough" is all I need, because for example maybe comfort trumps flattery that day, or I'm having a Bad Hair Day so I might as well just roll with that. LOL. I'm a mood dresser and it is internally driven, depending on the day and my mood. Then there are days when I'm feeling insecure and really need the confidence boost of knowing I am wearing a silhouette that is highly flattering -- even if it's not on trend. You'd be surprised what can actually work together. For example, the fluid fit non-oversized, non-baggy, sweaters that hit at high hip work the best with skirts AND trouser jeans AND dress slacks for work. But I am finding they also look great with my super baggy boyfriends too - for a slim over baggy look. Then I have a handful of "magical" blouses that theoretically should work best tucked into a skirt or worn flowing and loose over skinnies, that work just fine with my AG Nikki's boyfriend jeans -- provided I half tuck. Also a topper (cardigan or blazer) worn over a top can totally change the proportion and maximize the options for bottoms. I am finding more and more it's not so much the shape or style of the top, as it is the length. At 5'0, even petite tops can hit me at an awkward length. Just one tweak - either tucking it or having the hem shortened - can make an enormous difference and open up the range of bottoms a top can work with. Or adding a sweater or other topper that hits at a less awkward length.  CocoLion on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1359870 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 07:53:49 +0000 CocoLion 1359870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would build my capsules around seasons and weather.  If you allow yourself a big enough number within each capsule, accommodating different silhouettes falls into place.  Not everything is interchangeable, though, so this approach doesn't work for the true minimalist. Vicki on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1359089 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:23:03 +0000 Vicki 1359089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great questions and I really like where Claire is going with this.  I'll keep reading along and I can empathize with your stumble out of the gate, because quite often it can seem like we have a denim capsule or a weekend capsule, and yet you raise a really good point about the different silhouettes within, say, the denim capsule. Isabel on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1359075 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:14:56 +0000 Isabel 1359075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gryffin, what an awesome site !  Thank you ! Jenava on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1359019 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 18:52:58 +0000 Jenava 1359019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Haven't the time to read through other replies - I did mine "bottoms up" and then by color "tops down". I sorted through my favorite outfits, grouped them by color, and then decided if I was missing any individual pieces in a color pallet that, if added, would create a bunch of new outfits within that capsule.  Not everything went with everything, but it was a lot closer to mix and matching within each capsule than within my entire closet! Louise on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358983 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 18:01:50 +0000 Louise 1358983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was always my problem, it made my head spin to consider trying to get all tops to work with all bottoms! Somewhere over the last year I'm not sure how or why but I've started doing like E and making mini capsules around each bottom, purchasing 2+ tops that will work with each bottom/ silhouette of bottoms. I'm so much happier with looking at it that way and it's makes shopping easier as I'm focusing on a pair of trousers that need tops or a skirt not trying to find a top which works with both. I guess another option would be to stick to silhouettes say skinnies and pencil skirts? X gryffin on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358808 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:50:31 +0000 gryffin 1358808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Marley - I found this plan from "Into-mind" really helpful. <a href="http://into-mind.com/2012/12/20/building-a-capsule-wardrobe-101/" rel="nofollow">http://into-mind.com/2012/12/2.....drobe-101/</a> I have to sit down and work out my capsule, which I am really interested in doing. I kind of get paralyzed at the thought, but I think her format makes a lot of sense. Good luck. I'd love to hear what you find helpful!! lyn67 on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358783 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 09:59:21 +0000 lyn67 1358783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL Marley, I don't build mines, they are growing like mushrooms:-). Marley on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358695 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 02:48:35 +0000 Marley 1358695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh - I'm so glad to hear that I'm on the right track here!  I was really feeling kind of dumb about the whole capsule thing whenever I actually tried to put it into practice!  Darn those BFs not working along with my skinnies! Elizabeth - how did I miss that thread???  There's all kinds of good advice in there! Staysfit - 10 new items does not sound like a lot of new items to me - especially when you're starting out.  Knowing that you are a maximal wardrobe kind of woman though, I'm curious if you think 10 items are going to be enough for your pencil skirt capsule???? Staysfit on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358664 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 01:58:12 +0000 Staysfit 1358664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The variety thing can spiral out of control.  I'm a great example of this with my overly large closet full of too much, but not everything looks great or is focused style wise  I like the idea of a capsule.  I haven't mastered how to build one or put one to use.  My first true capsule, for this fall/winter was based on silhouette - pencil skirt and fluid blouse.  I'm happy so far, and I think it will prove to work in the ways I intended.  It definitely helped control the number of items I purchased, and I carefully considered how to coordinate everything so I could make multiple outfits by mixing and matching the pieces.   For the capsule, I have 10 items total.  That does not include shoes/boots, accessories, or any items that I borrow from those I previously owned.  Perhaps 10 sounds like a lot of new items, but I didn't own any pencil skirts, and very few fluid blouses that weren't Ivory in color before I started.  Now I have 4 fall/winter pencil skirts, plus 6 tops.   Elizabeth P on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358645 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 01:19:20 +0000 Elizabeth P 1358645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YES!! This is the problem I was having with the whole thing as well, only I articulated it differently.  Here's my thread... you might find some of the tips in it useful.  I did. <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-capsules---help" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....les---help</a> Isabel on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358637 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 01:05:26 +0000 Isabel 1358637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ...and this is the problem with capsules for people who like variety !  :  )  I am not one of those people that likes a lot of different things in my wardrobe, but I have come to like differing  silhouettes.   But E nails it, in my opinion.   My wardrobe has two capsules and a "bridge" between the two.  I have a couple of skinny jeans/skinny ponte pants and some longer tops/tunics/toppers to go with them.  I have slight boot leg jeans and black palazzos and tops to go with those. Then I have super straight jeans and black pants ( from the gap ) which I can use with tops from both of the other silhouettes.  I also have 2 slip, slinky dress that I wear under some of my tunics.  It adds extra length and makes them more versatile to wear as dresses. I think that we get confused sometimes in thinking that every, single piece in a capsule is interchangeable with every other piece. I feel that I am in good shape if one top ( for example ) goes with at least 3 other things.  Other wise it is just too hard.  I do have a color scheme with a couple of random colors thrown in. I suppose with my essentials being black, navy and gray, everything goes.  LOL  E on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358616 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:21:38 +0000 E 1358616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I generally stick w skinny trousers & looser tops or full skirts & tuckable tops (either body con or tailored fits), because I'm more interested in colour & texture. If I simplify silhouettes I can go crazier with the other stuff. I don't have a small closet though. (And I tend to think of my capules as colour-based.) If I wanted a minimal closet, I'd have to give up the variety that makes dressing so fun for me. Why not create capsules around different silhouettes? You could have the boyfriend jeans & 3 tops (or whatever number works best), the skinnies & 3 other tops, etc. Caro in Oz on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358501 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 22:08:53 +0000 Caro in Oz 1358501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agreeing with the others - for me defining base neutrals/colours & silhouettes were the keys to a workable capsule.  rachylou on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358433 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 19:56:47 +0000 rachylou 1358433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My capsules are delineated by activity as opposed to season - although I do put up off-season things. And I do separate baggy from skinny, short from long, on my shelves. But I note I use shelves. So I have tops on one shelf that go short sleeves, knit, woven, then below that skinnies, drapey, work. I can sort of do a Geranimals that way. Alana in Canada on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358399 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 18:55:01 +0000 Alana in Canada 1358399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, Marley, you have just put your finger on something I have been struggling with (but didn't quite realise it). Yes, everything I have seen re: a capsule wardrobe is built around the same or similiar silhouette. It is a mix and match wardrobe--all the bottoms go with all the tops (with only a few small exceptions.)  Into mind has a great post on it <a rel="nofollow" href="http://into-mind.com/2012/12/20/building-a-capsule-wardrobe-101/">here. </a> However, that's not the only way to simplify a wardrobe. It you are an outfit person then you can create several outfits--and just store everything in the closet that way. Call it a grab and go capsule. There is one other organizing principle which Into Mind discusses, but I can't find it right now. Anonymous on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358386 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 18:42:41 +0000 Anonymous 1358386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mine all has the same silhouette. If I were to add a capsule with BF jeans, I would need different tops and footwear for it. You can build capsules all different ways, but I think using the silhouette as the (can't think of the right word here) category-maker? differentiator?  is a great idea. You could also divide all your jeans into "rise" categories and have long tops in a Low Rise jeans Capsule and shorter tops with a Higher Rise Jeans Capsule. Different footwear is needed with different hems widths and pants lengths, but I don't know if it would be important to sort it out into capsules or just grab what you need once you have your jeans on.  Marley on "CAPSULES - how do you build yours?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsules---how-do-you-build-yours#post-1358376 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 18:34:00 +0000 Marley 1358376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really, really like the wardrobe capsule concept - because of the ease and happiness factor that I imagine it would bring to my everyday style. However, when I start to think through how/what my (say for example) fall capsule would look like, I stumble right out of the gate due to the proportion and silhouette issues.  How do you include a pair of baggy BFs in the same capsule as skinny jeans?  Don't they require (in general) different types of tops and footwear? For those of you who organize your wardrobes along the capsule concept - how do you deal with this?  Do your capsules stick to one type of silhouette?  - skinny jeans, oversized top and boots, pencil skirt/tube skirt, same oversized tops that you wear with your skinny jeans, etc. etc.? Please help me understand - as I LONG for a simplification process in my wardrobe!