https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:11:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1367082 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 18:09:07 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1367082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like a variety of silhouettes when it comes to everything from skirts to pants, to dresses , etc... In order to continue to be a mood dresser and use styling as my artistic expression variety is key for me....Who knows after I finish homeschooling my youngest and find another outlet for expression this could all change, but for now capsule dressing isn't in my vocabulary.. I do however make sure all purchases can go with at least 3-5 things I already own...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1367075 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 17:39:05 +0000 SandyG 1367075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading this is a real learning experience for me regarding&nbsp;capsules, preferences and functionality. Much to contemplate!&nbsp;Must re-read every week until my brain learns that shopping for 'splashy' individual items isn't the wisest use of my time or my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1367026 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:46:21 +0000 Mo 1367026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would say it's not for me, but . . . in essence what I brought to FL was one big capsule. &nbsp;True, it was 80 pieces (!) but that was roughly half of the 150 I currently own. &nbsp;<br />If I use the term very loosely to differentiate type of clothing into use (workout, casual errands, dressed for a night on the town) or seasons (hot FL weather vs cold Tahoe snow) it works great for me. &nbsp;Once I try and micro manage it into tiny 3 month parcels it starts to go awry. &nbsp;<br />So when it comes to knowing what I need when shopping&nbsp;and where I'm going to be wearing it, I have that capsule idea in the back of my mind, but as for partitioning out my wardrobe into small portions that I pack away and unpack, and agonize over choosing just the right _____ to wear for the season, I'm out!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1367022 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:39:36 +0000 Alassë 1367022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope you do a capsule post, Suz; I'd love to hear your thoughts on the process &amp; on what you ended up doing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1367013 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:24:25 +0000 Suz 1367013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was actually going to post something similar -- that my attempt at a "warm fall" capsule literally cap-sized when I found myself pulling things from the summer closet back because of unseasonably warm weather late in the month, and in the end I decided, I want my whole wardrobe (or at least my seasonal wardrobe) to be my capsule!! I like the variety.&nbsp;</p> <p>Mind you, I have kept away several heavier cashmere sweaters that I will pull out when it starts to get really cold. For now, I can wear the lighter weight knits.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ultimately, I think the whole point of doing these exercises is to achieve what you have -- a clearer sense of your own best practice, which might differ from other people's.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like capsules for travel and for specific purposes. But for every day wear I like to option to choose whatever I like from my in-season options. Stressing over choosing 37 or 33 or 45 or (gasp!) 10 items makes me feel horrid.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1367003 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:11:41 +0000 Keturah 1367003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, dear Fab'ers! I did not fall off the face of the earth I'm here and very thankful for all your replies. My schedule got crazy, and I just couldn't check-in until now.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div><b>Alasse</b>, thanks for the link! I'm keeping an eye out for my size!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Staysfit</b>, I really adore oversized blouses and fluid, softer tops&nbsp;&nbsp;with pencil skirts. There's something really lovely about it. I feel a fluid blouse softens the overall look of a pencil skirt very much. I also realized that stopping to think makes more sense than impulsive purchases when I'm caught up in a fashion moment. At least I can go home and think "Golly-gosh, I really love this and need it for my wardrobe" instead of having regrets and returning it.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Crutcher</b> did you try #40?? </p> <p></div><div><b>Elly</b>, all of my friends do too! I think it's a Colorado thing. A lot of them even will climb in jeans, which I have done as well.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>rachylou</b>, I know how you feel. We experienced a very short summer here. So I really didn't get much use out of my summer clothes. And our fall is only a few weeks long -- it will probably snow in a couple weeks. So, really I focus on winter, and then clothes for our short summer.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>E,</b> blush coloured skinnies?! Those sound marvelous! And well-done maneuvering down hills in them. That's talent. I love your idea to incorporate more boho styled jewelry. &nbsp;That makes more sense to me.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gigi</b>, I'm realizing it's more than okay to avoid the idea of capsule dressing, so long as I have a good idea of what I love, what flatters me, what fits my lifestyle,&nbsp;etc. Also, incredibly&nbsp;good advice not to build my wardrobe too quickly. I will be working on fashion patience as I shop, think, dream, and wear my clothes. Sometimes I get in a hurry and end up making poor impulse purchases. Capsule wardrobe has actually helped me slow down and consider before I buy.</p> <p>xo you wonderful ladies!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357965 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 03:33:06 +0000 Gigi 1357965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keturah, good for you for trying the experiment and analyzing why it wasn't working! I tried doing a whole capsule early on when I came to YLF, and after getting started, I realized I felt the same way as you for the most part: I need more variety. But I think part of the idea of a capsule is to get us thinking in outfits instead of in just individual pieces.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am somewhat eclectic too, and I have learned to be patient with building my closet. Over time, I have found my style tastes to change in minor but important ways, so I'm glad I didn't build my "perfect" wardrobe my first year. Having lots of holes allows me to fill those gaps with pieces that inspire me currently, which are often a little different from those that inspired me a year ago.</p> <p>It is exciting that you have made this discovery about yourself! This will be so helpful as you continue on your style journey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357845 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 00:47:53 +0000 E 1357845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not really a capsule-r either, except for colour capsules! I went for a walk in the woods today that was mainly on simple paths but also&nbsp;saw me sliding down a steep bit on my shoes wearing blush coloured skinnies. LOL They survived without a spot of dirt on them, and my new LL Bean boots didn't mind the sliding at all. Short of temperature restraints, or multiday treks that require easy laundering en route, I'm clearly of the school that you should wear whatever you want in the woods&nbsp;as long as you've got sturdy shoes on. ;)</p> <p>If you wanted a boho touch in your F/W formula, what about big earrings and/or necklace (if your hair covers your ears)? I'm more boho in the warm weather too though: those boxy silhouettes just keep me so much cooler.</p> <p>I very much enjoyed reading your list, so thanks for sharing! And perhaps a pumpkin loaf recipe? (Says she of pumpkin brownies, pumpkin scones, pumpkin pie, but no pumpkin loaf...hehe) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357832 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 00:27:33 +0000 rachylou 1357832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really good thoughts and interesting about the style dichotomy (!) I have seasonal style dichotomy, but not one that pleases me. I was trying to address that this summer... only summer did not come, and it's starting to feel like fall already. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357768 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 22:40:42 +0000 Elly 1357768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm from Colorado and I hike in jeans-- weird, huh?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357743 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:50:29 +0000 crutcher 1357743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keturah...Thank you...I have been muddling along not really inspired and BAM...I read your #40 on Into Mind...and that is what I am going to do to get my lazy stuck self going...Great inspiration...will let you know how it goes...<br />smile.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357724 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:23:42 +0000 Staysfit 1357724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keturah, you have such great insights from the fall capsule exercise. I am still formulating mine. I am wearing my clothes and figuring out what I like and don't like about them. I ventured into a new silhouette with the pencil skirt and fluid top and I think it's working well. I have enough variety by mixing in items from my previous wardrobe along with my fall capsule items. </p> <p>My biggest insights have been the surprise that when I stop and consider what I purchase and how it will fit into my wardrobe, it works better than my impulsive purchasing. I know that shouldn't be a surprise but I am pleased with the result. I also loved the mood board at the very beginning. I still think my three items are very representative of my mood and style for fall. There is probably more, but I need more time to think about the process. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357723 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:22:51 +0000 Alassë 1357723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here you go, Keturah.&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/Tops-Blouses-/53159/i.html?_from=R40%7CR40&amp;_nkw=anthropologie+ascot">http://www.ebay.com/sch/Tops-B.....ogie+ascot</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357695 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 20:21:56 +0000 Keturah 1357695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i></i><b>Elizabeth, </b>yes, you said it perfectly: it's about making conscious intelligent choices, not about fitting it all into a traditional box.&nbsp;It helps to really sit down and think through my style choices, instead of just buying something just because. Glad you found my own experience helpful! Let me know how your own fall capsule challenge goes!&nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>As for jeans... I don't really do a lot of hiking. It's mostly day trips to various mountain towns. When I do hike, I'll still wear jeans. But definitely need some snow pants or something like that&nbsp;for snowshoeing this winter.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Alasse</b>, you own and wear&nbsp;one of those tops?! Gosh, what a find. Should I hug you or be incredibly jealous? <a rel="nofollow" href="http://into-mind.com/2014/04/06/50-ways-to-break-out-of-a-style-rut-feel-inspired-again/">Here's the link for that exercise</a>. It's idea #40, listed&nbsp;&nbsp;under the <i>Styling Challenges</i> heading. Let me know what you think! </p> <p><b>Joy,</b> I'm looking for burgandy/wine jeans, so wear your red ones! Colored denim seems to be in style, though it seems grey and black are dominating the trends. Interesting thought about a small capsule for items that don't get a lot of use. Could you perhaps just move them into a "holding zone" and let them rest there? If you don't miss them after a few weeks or couple months, you can let them go. My own thought is, if you don't really want to wear them, why force yourself?</p> </div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Isabel<i>,&nbsp;</i></b>thank for for saying that!! I respectfully (and joyfully!)&nbsp;accept your feedback.&nbsp;I guess it didn't work out how I had expected it to in my head. But I learned a lot about myself, so it was totally worth the experiment.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>AND PS - I LOVE that you love&nbsp;whimsical, colorful accessories! My favorite are really beautiful, colorful leather gloves. For some reason, they just scream tasteful and whimsy to me.&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357656 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 19:05:37 +0000 Isabel 1357656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Respectfully, I think that it DID work for you...just not in the way that you had imagined. &nbsp;Your insights are just fantastic.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do well with capsules, I have learned. &nbsp;Mostly because I am not eclectic and I don't like a lot to choose from. &nbsp;I tend to wear neutral colors and plaids, stripes or maybe small polka dots. &nbsp;What I do love with color and some whimsy are accessories. &nbsp;Everything from hats to scarves to gloves. &nbsp; : &nbsp;)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357643 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 18:49:47 +0000 Anonymous 1357643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been thinking about fall mini capsules but it is just beginning to be early fall here and time to actually get things changed out. I realized yesterday that I'm trying to work things into a small wardrobe capsule that I don't wear much but feel should get more wear...like red jeans. Is anyone still wearing them?<br /> It would make more sense to include pieces that I actually wear a lot and style easily. Duh.<br /> Like you, I'm an eclectic and crave variety. But I learn a lot from capsule building.<br /> Although it is a lot of work, it is wonderful to have several outfits that I know will work to pull out without having to think about it. My biggest challenge is how things layer together and proportion. What looks great laid out on the bed may look a mess on the body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357634 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 18:30:17 +0000 Alassë 1357634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keturah - &nbsp;that's my top in the catalog! (5th page, mustard top with print skirt &amp;&nbsp;red bag.)&nbsp;He he. Now I know how old it is (acquired second-hand). </p> <p>Would you mind including the link to Into Mind's exercise? That sounds rather interesting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357576 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 17:07:26 +0000 Elizabeth P 1357576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First thing that struck me funny about your post is that while you're wrapping up your capsule experiment, I haven't really even started mine!&nbsp; Sept is really crazy for me, so while I may ponder, any thinking and articulating and actual experimenting has to wait until early October.&nbsp; I actually intend to do this for my "early fall" wardrobe.&nbsp; I'm still in "late summer".&nbsp; </p> <p>But in reading what you wrote, I suspect I'm going to end up in a very similar place.&nbsp; I did do a post on how I was struggling with the whole capsule concept, and got some great feedback on capusles as functional collections, not based on colour in the more traditional way.&nbsp; I also like varying silhouettes.&nbsp; I think the whole point is to make conscious intelligent decisions, regardless of how you organize everything. Which is exactly where you ended up!</p> <p>So I think this is all adding up to being able to approach my personal wardrobe challenge with a lot more info and ideas - thanks!&nbsp; </p> <p>PS.&nbsp; I'd never hike in jeans :).&nbsp; For me - rugged, quick dry material all the way.&nbsp; Thank goodnes for "sporty luxe!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357560 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:51:33 +0000 Keturah 1357560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Alasse</b>, that's actually what I'm leaning towards. I love a large spectrum of color, shapes, styles, and different proportions. So I'm leaning towards a mini capsules, and then will mix-and-match with those.</p> <p>For the more glam 1970s/ladylike thing, I need to make a couple more purchases for that. But otherwise, I'm extremely happy.</p> <p>Into Mind had a creativity/motivation&nbsp;exercise on her blog. You&nbsp;find a style blogger you love so much, you&nbsp;would wear anything they styled&nbsp;and posted, without changing one thing about it. It isn't a style blogger, but I found an old Anthropologie catalog I had saved and realized why. It's 3 years old,and yet today,&nbsp;I would still wear every single outfit in it without changing a thing.<div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="http://icatalogapp.com/webapp/anthropologie/August-2011/include.php?w=800&amp;nt=12">http://icatalogapp.com/webapp/.....#038;nt=12</a></p> <p></div><div>I think it says a lot about my style, even if I can't or don't dress that way every-day.</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357550 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:37:34 +0000 Alassë 1357550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yum, pumpkin loaf.... Those are some great realizations, Keturah! You certainly learned a lot about your style from the capsule exercise. Do you think you could have capsules/mini-capsules in all your styles that then combine to form one giant eclectic capsule?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-continued-thoughts-on-capsule-dressing-i-dont-think-its-for-me#post-1357537 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:26:24 +0000 Keturah 1357537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>So, my continuing thoughts on my capsule wardrobe experiment.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>1) I need a hiking/daytrip capsule. It must not be&nbsp;frowsy and boring. It needs to be chic, comfortable and simple. I realized that is where a formula is going to be items with great lines, more Euro Chic for colder months, with softer bohemian pieces for warmer months. AND...&nbsp;really comfortable shoes I can do a lot of walking in. Dansko, Camper, Converse sneakers, and Birkenstocks fit that bill.&nbsp;</div><div>F/W:</div><div>jeans/shorts&nbsp;+&nbsp;oversized top/simple tee&nbsp;+&nbsp;topper (sweater, down jacket, etc.)&nbsp;+&nbsp;stylish comfortable shoes&nbsp;<br />S/S:<br /></div><div>jeans/shorts/harem pants&nbsp;+&nbsp;top/blouse + light topper + sandals</div><div>OR<br />dress + light topper + sandals</div><div><br /></div><div>2) I'm an eclectic dresser. I have a reoccurring style&nbsp;undercurrent to be sure: I like&nbsp;drama, color, glamour, sophistication, bohemian, and&nbsp;Euro chic. Ain't no doubt about it. I always want my&nbsp;style to look like it was effortless to wear and enjoy life in. (Never like I'm afraid to walk, talk, smile, or breathe like Victoria Beckham looks! I actually want to give her a dessert, some tea, and an oversized sweater and leggings, while she sits on a comfy couch, listening to fun, happy&nbsp;music.)</p> <p></div><div>3) I also learned...&nbsp;<br /></div> <ul> <li><b></b>I need (and actually usually purchase!)&nbsp;a core wardrobe of basics.&nbsp;the items I end up wearing&nbsp;to pieces are usually well-made, slightly trendy,&nbsp;well-fitting basics.&nbsp;Then I'm free to buy wonderful pieces that I can wear with basics and really pile&nbsp;on the pepper, salt, sugar, and spice&nbsp;:D</li> <li>Buy and wear what I love with delight and&nbsp;abandon</li> <li>Really look at the needs or categories of my life, and have capsules that fit the need, as well as my style and taste.</li> <li>Be smart. Evaluate what I already own,&nbsp;so I don't buy 3 and 4 of a similar thing or make impulse purchases. (See 2 comments above.)</li> <li>Don't be afraid to experiment. Before I started the capsule wardrobe, I really didn't mix-and-match my outfits very much. I found outfits that worked on their own, an occasional uniform look,&nbsp;and left it at that. But &nbsp;the capsule wardrobe helped me realize I can mix and match a lot of things, regardless of color, regardless of texture and pattern, for a great look all my own. It might be retro-ladylike meets rocker-bohemian with a dash of British or French&nbsp;girl thrown in. YAY! (Actually I feel all of those looks are similar in some ways.)&nbsp;</li> <li>Go with my heart. Intellectual dressing and shopping just doesn't suit me. When in doubt, when questioning, go with my heart. It's okay to do that.&nbsp;</li> <li>I have a definite S/S color palette (lighter and brighter, more navy and white), and F/W color palette (darker and richer, more black, grey, cream, and pattern).&nbsp;</li> <li>I also have more definite styles based on the seasons.&nbsp;I tend towards Bohemian Chic&nbsp;for the summer, and more Euro Chic&nbsp;for the winter.&nbsp;</li> <li>I love sweaters.</li> <li>I love lots of lip color and blush&nbsp;in the winter; I love lots of eyeliner and bronzer&nbsp;in the summer.</li> </ul> I realize this is a huge list. But it's helpful for me to put into word what I wasn't able to before.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The capsule wardrobe challenge has been a success in terms of learning. I don't think capsule wardrobes are for me. I like variety a bit too much. But I can make better&nbsp;clothing and shopping choices to fit my style and budget based on knowing myself. The limits of a capsule made me learn about my style, shopping, tastes, and closet.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>win-win, I think.</div><div><br /></div><div>Off to eat some pumpkin loaf...</p> <p>xoxoxo</div> </p>