https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:01:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1118401 Thu, 19 Dec 2013 23:09:45 +0000 shiny 1118401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I spent some time today mapping out work wardrobe capsules. This sort of planning is so great, helps me see where my holes are.&nbsp;I have so far the following capsules:</p> <p>Grey/plum/fuschia with touches of white&nbsp;(as in this thread)</p> <p>Black and white with a pop of animal print&nbsp;(i.e., animal print shoes or belt or bag)</p> <p>Purple + neutrals</p> <p>Cobalt + neutrals and a pop of cranberry surprise</p> <p>Black + tan + cream + red</p> <p>Spring Navy + Nude</p> <p>It's so easy to see what my color preferences are. Heh. And apparently I friggin' love patterns. Sheesh!</p> <p>I really need a work-quality (i.e., not a cotton tee)&nbsp;white or cream top that is elbow length and maybe boat neck or cowl, or high scoop neck,&nbsp;that can go with dress pants and doesn't need to be tucked. Something with ruching or spandex to smooth over mid-section bumps. (I had one like this from H&amp;M that was sleeveless and absolutely perfect, but as all white tops eventually do, it yellowed and had to be tossed).&nbsp;It would be the top that&nbsp;ties the whole room together!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1118389 Thu, 19 Dec 2013 22:54:32 +0000 shiny 1118389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Rachy.. I think you may be right about that. My eye right now is accustomed to dark, opaque, thick/&nbsp;warm tights, not nude, since we have snow on the ground here and it's cold and I'm living in sweater dresses.&nbsp;But now that you mention it and I think about what my eye liked best in the Fall, I think you are exactly right. I really appreciate the tip!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1118166 Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:11:26 +0000 rachylou 1118166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black hose seems "heavy" to me for the dresses. Nude hose is also just a wee bit friendlier. For first meets, my personal rule is always go serious, conventional and conservative to show friendliness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1118002 Thu, 19 Dec 2013 13:39:19 +0000 Anonymous 1118002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you have things pretty well sorted. If you want to dress down the dresses, you might consider a cardigan as a topper instead of a jacket. To my eye they have a more casual feel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117919 Thu, 19 Dec 2013 06:36:13 +0000 Beth Ann 1117919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny:&nbsp; These are gorgeous dresses -- I can see why you're drawn to them.&nbsp; I like the idea of taking a black jacket, and perhaps a pair of trousers to go with it, and a simple top to go beneath the jacket ---&nbsp; Even a dressy pair of ponte pants could work in a more casual setting!</p> <p>I love the idea of a new clutch purse.&nbsp; It will be quite useful beyond the trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117807 Thu, 19 Dec 2013 02:33:34 +0000 shiny 1117807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, why nude and not black hose?? I can't wrap my head around anything but black tights right now, it's so cold and snowy here!</p> <p>Just did a try-on with my DD (who *finally* woke up) but she was not inclined to take pictures. She did give lots of input. Her favs were #1 and #3, and she proposed another BR dress already in my closet that she thinks goes with the capsule too and should also come along.&nbsp;</p> <p>She's insisting I bring my existing magenta handbag and we figured out that it can just *barely*&nbsp;be stuffed into my carry-on laptop bag -- handles may poke out but I just need it stuffed in there long enough to get through security and on the plane -- she has a point!&nbsp;And she thinks it makes the outfits; I am inclined to agree.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>She likes #2 and #3 best with my charcoal Theory blazer, but&nbsp;I'm leaning towards black AT blazer. If I have room for both I'll bring both-- especially since if I do bring jeans/pants the charcoal is my "go-to" blazer for that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like #3 best without the self-belt -- it has just enough shape it doesn't really need a belt (but it does need a cami). She likes it with the self-belt.&nbsp;</p> <p>Carter, dress #2 is my favorite and I plan on wearing it the first day. It's just so comfy and forgiving and I adore the pattern. I like it best with opaque black tights and black suede tall boots, no jacket. But it also looks pretty good&nbsp;with the&nbsp;black blazer, sleeves scrunched up.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's lined so I think I'll be just fine without a topper. The magenta handbag is perfection with it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't know what it is, but I'm not liking any of the dresses with my black leather booties. They should work, I think it is just my eyes. DD prefers the booties over tall boots,&nbsp;but I don't know. Something is off for me. I prefer with my tall black suede boots, gives a longer, leaner line to my eye. They are very lightweight and I won't overly sweat in them or anything if it's warmer. Actually I rarely wear them here in the winter because of messy weather-- they are more fall boots than winter.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think I may need to shop for some comfortable black dress pumps. I have some, with kitten heels, wore them on interviews. But I dunno. Jonesing for new ones. It's just so difficult to find comfortable heels these days.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117650 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 23:12:12 +0000 carter 1117650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Please try to post a WIW for dress #2. I just LOVE that one! How will you wear it...tights, hose, leggings? Have a great trip! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117637 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 22:51:41 +0000 rachylou 1117637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually think the dresses provide more than enough zing.</p> <p>North Carolina, I'd lean towards the "dressy plain" end of the spectrum (plain being in comparison to wild and wooly California - so sort of low-textured, smoother stuff). No sandals, perhaps not even slingbacks. Low heels, but heels. And also, this is a case where I'd go for something thermal underneath rather than a sweater on top. I'd maybe double-up on hose too (if the office turns out to be really cold). Nude, not black. Heavier blazer. Overcoat. Maybe a pair of pants, just in case, but to travel light I'd be inclined to skip them.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117601 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 22:20:40 +0000 Caro in Oz 1117601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely dresses &amp; I like the idea of a clutch.&nbsp;I would add a pair of dark pants &amp; a couple of office &amp; dinner appropriate tops maybe a&nbsp;blouse &amp; fluid knit .&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117514 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 20:46:49 +0000 retailgirl 1117514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that sounds great!&nbsp; Good point about the versatility of clutches, although I carry too much stuff to use them!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117509 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 20:40:21 +0000 shiny 1117509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, I intend to go carry on for this trip, because if I lost my luggage I would be a total stress monkey. So I get only two bags, my carry-on suitcase and a large nylon (black) tote that will fit my laptop, iPad, 3-1-1 bag, cardigan, scarf, phone,&nbsp;puffer coat pouch, umbrella, paperwork I have to bring with me,&nbsp;etc. The tote is a nice size -- there's definitely room for a clutch, or small cross-over bag,&nbsp;but not my big handbag.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think a clutch in a coordinating plum&nbsp;color&nbsp;would be a very nice addition to this capsule, and I can always use the big handbag when working locally in the office, or on longer trips when I check my bags. </p> <p>When I travel for pleasure I frequently bring more than one clutch because they are so easy and useful to pack -- take up no room at all, and can be used to hold jewelry and other items.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117492 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 20:20:31 +0000 retailgirl 1117492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Use&nbsp;the big bag you have in the appropriate color&nbsp;as&nbsp;your personal bag, i.e. handbag.&nbsp; And, yes, pack your undies in it.&nbsp; A clutch in wine or cranberry would go, pack it in your big bag or your carry on.&nbsp; Or is the bag that you carry your lap-top in your carry on?&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117480 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 20:10:06 +0000 shiny 1117480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree #1 stands on its own. I was thinking this is the best choice for Wednesday, when I have to fly home. Will need something warm and this dress is substantial weight &amp; lined. I will likely wear my white puffer on the plane -- it packs up into a tiny pouch so it's great for travel.&nbsp;</p> <p>I just realized I *do* have a work-appropriate handbag in the perfect shade for this... but it's big and likely too bulky to pack. Unless I don't go too crazy. I guess I could stuff it with underwear... maybe I need to find a work-appropriate clutch in plum? One that can fit in my laptop/carryon bag. </p> <p>Or do you think a blue-red/cranberry red would "go"?</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117473 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 19:48:13 +0000 retailgirl 1117473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think those dresses would provide enough "zing" for your trip.&nbsp; I think some black basics would be fine, maybe a bag in wine/plum to coordinate,and/or shoes in wine/plum.&nbsp; You could add some scarves or jewelry to go with the black.&nbsp; A jacket would go over #2 or# 3, I think #1 has to stand on its own.&nbsp; I would bring black slacks, or bl/wh tweed pants,&nbsp;black blazer, (I usually wear a blazer when I travel for business), a black cardi with some interest, (buttons, texture,etc.), a black tee or shell, a plum-my tee or shell, a scarf or two and maybe a belt, if you wear them.&nbsp; Silver jewelry would be the way to go.&nbsp; Have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-create-a-wardrobe-capsule#post-1117468 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 19:31:44 +0000 shiny 1117468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The CHALLENGE, should you choose to accept it: <br />Help me develop a wardrobe capsule around the following three dresses -- which I'm keeping from my recent Nordstrom order.&nbsp;</p> <p>SITUATION: <br />A business trip, fly from Boston (brrr) to NC (temps average 50 degrees, but could get warmer). Need to dress for first impressions.&nbsp;</p> <p>PARAMETERS: <br />- I am told the dress code is business casual. I have no clue if people dress on the dressier side of that spectrum, or the more casual side. Will find out when I get there!<br />- Flying in Sunday night (i.e., what I wear on the plane probably doesn't matter; I usually opt for a dress with no constricting waistbands and flat shoes). <br />- Meetings in&nbsp;office for three days. I tend to freeze in the office, even in winter,&nbsp;so propose layers that would work.&nbsp;<br />- There will be at least one dinner with the new team. It is possible there will be as many as three dinners.&nbsp;<br />- Fly home Wednesday evening - going straight from office (or dinner, not sure)&nbsp;to the airport - so will need comfy footwear and an option that can span the temperature change.&nbsp;<br />- Must all fit in a carry on.&nbsp;<br />- I would like to bring another option, perhaps separates/pants, just in case I end up feeling out of place in a dress. Please propose some ideas here.&nbsp;</p> <p>I could just toss a bunch of black into the capsule -- black&nbsp;shoes, black bag, black trench, black cardigan, black hose, black blazer -- but that seems so... boring!!! How can I put some "zing" into this capsule?&nbsp;</p>