https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:03:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long/page/2#post-1766345 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 16:28:15 +0000 Angie 1766345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NOW, you have to pick your essentials and form a separate list.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long/page/2#post-1766312 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 14:27:05 +0000 unfrumped 1766312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this post!</p> <p>I do sometimes get the terminology mixed up but still keep on moving forward with it.<br /> I think one can start with even generic lists as well as actual pieces. For example, for me , "work pants " is clearly one! But then the further test is, which styles or silhouettes do I reach for. It can be this simple at first because for other people, dresses or skirts might be there. </p> <p>Yours is great because if how you've thought it through. </p> <p>What has been helping me is thinking of what are my existing essentials vs what items SHOULD be present, that is , do I have ENOUGH "glue" or what; for example, did I have to give up something due to wear or fit and its absence is making it harder to create outfits.<br /> And also, your review of Angie's list is a great reminder that these have to be kept current.<br /> For me, " current" can mean "modern," with a definite style twist or evolution, but also can be just, does it have perfect fit and flattery and comfort so that it does function as an essential ( maybe a new brand or size fits better or fabric is more comfortable ). </p> <p>Thus ask helps focus my shopping list. I find sometimes I might buy something random when really I need to focus on a new essential -usually this is when somehow I'm not happy with the fit-- pulling or creasing or too short or something- so it's hanging there but not working for me. </p> <p>Anyway this is helpful for my wardrobe edit because having " enough" of these, but also not unnecessary dupes, helps me see where to go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long/page/2#post-1766258 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 03:58:24 +0000 Anonymous 1766258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see how that would be a side benefit - the freeing up part . And July is as bad as January . It's so hot it's ridiculous . We are a country of extremes , that's for sure Anyways - between you and Shedev , I'm newly inspired and even a tad invigorated by the ideas . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long/page/2#post-1766257 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 03:46:46 +0000 Meredith 1766257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I would be happy to visit you and photograph your clothes...in July! I've been to Canada in January before and it was the coldest I've ever been in my life! </p> <p>I hope you are able to devise a strategy that works for you. I actually think doing a little planning up front has freed me to be much more intuitive and impulsive (in a good way) with purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long/page/2#post-1766252 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 03:08:46 +0000 Anonymous 1766252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would you please come over to my house and fold and hang and photograph my clothes so they looked so much nicer , as yours do here ? </p> <p>In all seriousness , I'm very impressed . I only wish I had a quiet empty room in which to sort stuff out like this too . I rebel quite strongly against planning and thinking about wardrobing , for a few reasons . But it's so painfully obvious that the work manifests itself in a useful working closet . Why am I so resistant to this ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long/page/2#post-1766124 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 19:56:11 +0000 Meredith 1766124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie: Even though I put a lot of work into organizing this to give me versatility, I repeat a lot. Skinny jeans and chunky sweaters are my uniform for cold work from home days.</p> <p>Angie: Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long/page/2#post-1766103 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 18:39:12 +0000 Angie 1766103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YES. That makes sense. <b>WELL DONE.&nbsp;</b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long/page/2#post-1766008 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 16:09:00 +0000 Anonymous 1766008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks good and I understand what you're doing. I think.</p> <p>This type of thing doesn't work so well for me, probably because I'm more of a uninform dresser and wear skinny jeans most days.</p> <p>The skinny jeans are really the only "glue" I need.</p> <p>But if you have a more complicated wardrobe, I can see how you would need to put more thought into your essentials. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1766003 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:49:58 +0000 Carla 1766003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've done some heavy lifting here, Meredith! Thanks for the screen shot list. Brilliant selection of stylish low heeled footwear too! I am looking forward to your WIW posts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1766001 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:39:47 +0000 Meredith 1766001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Texstyle: You are right! I have many more tops in my closet, I just don't include them in this particular mix and match capsule. Part of the reason is that most of the pants in this capsule will be worn 8+ months out of the year whereas I will change tops seasonally.</p> <p>Staysfit: Thank you! It does feel calming to know I have the bones of my wardrobe assembled. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1766000 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:35:38 +0000 texstyle 1766000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like a great capsule Meredith, though I wonder if you can really get by with so few tops compared to the number of bottoms and shoes you have? For me, tops seem to always be the largest number of items in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765999 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:34:43 +0000 Meredith 1765999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thanks for the question. Perhaps I'm not explaining this well and I'm probably not using these concepts in the exact way you describe them. It's a mix and match capsule with at least one item from each of my essentials categories.</p> <p>I'd say my essentials for cold weather months are layering sweaters, button front shirts/blouses, cozy turtlenecks, jeans, flat shoes/boots, puffer coat, vintage jewelry. The capsule contains the most versatile piece(s) in my closet from each essential category plus extra neural modern classic items to round things out. Does that make sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765985 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:03:09 +0000 Angie 1765985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing, Meredith. I love that you thought about this and created a system.</p> <p>I'm a little confused though - but perhaps I'm missing something. Are you using these items as your "Wardrobe Essentials", or as a "Mix and Match" capsule ? The two groups of items are not the same. Wardrobe Essentials usually form part of a Mix and Match capsule.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765951 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 11:08:01 +0000 Staysfit 1765951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is something so calming and reassuring about your capsule! It looks deceptively simple but I know it isn't easy to put something this elegant together. I am impressed with your work. IMO it is more difficult to create a small well functioning capsule than a large coordinated wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765886 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 02:05:36 +0000 Meredith 1765886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I haven't read Vivienne Files, so I can't make a comparison. I do think my capsule is more about categories than color, I just happened to limit it to neutrals because it made the planning process easier. </p> <p>It does sound like my capsule might be similar to your "core wardrobe" items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765882 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 01:56:50 +0000 Suz 1765882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah. So "essentials" for you are basically core neutral items -- sort of like on the Vivienne Files? I started a capsule like that, too, "core wardrobe items" or something.&nbsp;</p> <p>For me that would be jeans, a turtleneck, a blue blazer, a pea coat, boots, a dark pullover, a silk shirt.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hmmm. I think I need to review this whole idea -- Angie breaks it down by category -- e.g. turtlenecks, denim, trench, watch, etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765864 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 00:46:45 +0000 AM 1765864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm doing this kind of "work" -- or it is it play -- myself. Thanks for the inspiration. I have much to do and this post is cheering me on to continue. Congrats to you on being so productive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765856 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 00:13:43 +0000 Meredith 1765856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alexandra: Thank you! It really is helpful to have the pieces visible, at least at the beginning of the season when I'm thinking through my needs. My things don't stay out permanently either (guests and all), but it's nice to have a work space to play around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765854 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 00:11:30 +0000 Meredith 1765854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, you are making progress and you have such beautiful pieces! Thinking in terms of subseasin can be very helpful!</p> <p>ETA: I decided this fall that most seasons I want a couple colorful sweaters, a flannel, a black top, and some sort of statement top. I decided to think of these as the bones of my tops capsule rather than include them with my essentials. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765843 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 23:33:10 +0000 Suz 1765843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. So I made a new one for this year. It's missing some items because I have not yet got around to doing Custom Finds (a winter project for me this year) and so...&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=3735">http://youlookfab.com/finds/co.....ction=3735</a></p> <p>The thing I ran into when I was trying to do this before sounds similar to what you mentioned -- I <b>need </b>colour!! And pattern. So I had to put some of it into my "essentials" capsule. But the minute you start doing that, it starts to look like your whole wardrobe is going in there.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway, I do understand what you are saying about "my version" of x. I didn't start with a template, though -- I am just going with what I actually reach for the most often/ what I can't function without. (Mostly those are the same but not entirely -- I don't reach for a dress that often but if I don't have one, I run into trouble when I need to go to an event.) &nbsp;And my rationale is as follows --</p> <p><b>Neutrals </b>-- Navy (and denim), black/charcoal/ white&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Footwear</b> -- I went with weather proof and in most cases more rugged which is what I actually ned to wear most of the time.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Coats</b> -- I am missing my black trench and my pea coat here. (Custom)</p> <p>Shirts -- I went on the theory that I need one silk, one flannel, at least one that has elements of light and/or pattern (two achieve this), and one dark.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Knitwear</b> -- I wear these as tops in my climate as well as pullovers (over a shirt) and they are crucial. </p> <p>One dark turtleneck (navy -- could use black or charcoal, too)<br />one dark crewneck<br />one bright cashmere<br />one bright merino<br />one print cashmere<br />one light modal (for less extreme temps)<br />one dark modal.&nbsp;</p> <p>The rest is pretty straightforward, I think.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hmmm. As I do this I realize that really, I need to have separate "essentials" capsules for fall and winter. They're quite different. I'd choose different footwear, different outerwear, and different tops. I wear the shirts much more in fall, the cashmere only in winter...&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe that is my solution -- to break it down again by sub-season.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765842 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 23:22:57 +0000 Alexandra 1765842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Impressive! I really like how you hung the whole capsule in a separate place, visible at all times, to help you in the process. I've pulled out my essential pieces before and took a picture of them on the bed, but they went back in the closet that night so I could sleep in that same bed. I may need to bring the clothes rack upstairs. Thank you for the inspiration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765837 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:50:10 +0000 Meredith 1765837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ginger: I think it's helpful to consider it s process. Sometimes it's enjoyable for me to think about and a good distraction. Whenever I get frustrated I set aside the project and stop over analyzing for a while! I didn't take many WIWs last year, but it is a goal for 2017! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765836 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:48:02 +0000 Emily K 1765836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the shopping info, Meredith. &nbsp;I like the bag in nude, also, but I think I prefer yours in black.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765835 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:45:05 +0000 Meredith 1765835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Many of you seem interested in the process, so I'm adding a screen shot of the sheet on my phone that I use to keep track of my thoughts. Far left are the inspiration essentials, next column my translation of those items into a "hot fall" capsule, next column my running thoughts on cool weather version. </p> <p>-Strikethroughs: Don't need this after all. For example, I decided it's too cold to wear tees. Thought about replacing those items with sweaters, but decided I'd prefer to wear colorful printed tops from another part of my closet.<br /> -Bold: This item is in the capsule, but I'm on the fence about whether it should stay.<br /> -Blank/?: I'm looking for the right item to fill this hole. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765833 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:44:03 +0000 Ginger 1765833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, that makes sense! It's very reassuring to see how extensive it is - that's part of why I wondered and had to ask. I would love to see some of you WIW's and how you deploy your essentials. So inspiring!&nbsp; I'm with you, I MUST have colors and prints. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765830 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:36:47 +0000 Meredith 1765830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ginger: For me, this is absolutely the foundation, not the complete wardrobe. That being said I, I've added enough quantity that I probably *could* dress from the essentials capsule most days. I wanted it to be substantial enough to function in that way, but I rarely only pull from the essentials. I don't have many of my colorful items in my Finds, but I must have color and print to be happy!</p> <p>Jenn: Thank you! There is something freeing in the organization! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765828 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:28:19 +0000 Ginger 1765828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so impressive! Wow, you worked very methodically and came up with a capsule that seems to work really well for you.</p> <p>I do share some of Suz's confusion still over the "wardrobe essentials" concept. Angie's definition seems very clear, but I stumble when I try to apply it! :p&nbsp; Is this a capsule that makes up a complete wardrobe? Or are these items the foundation for lots of outfits you create with other, "less essential" items not shown? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765826 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:24:01 +0000 Meredith 1765826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LP: Only flurries here! I like white in accessories and pants and even the occasional topper, but something about tops doesn't work for me.</p> <p>Joy: Isn't the fireplace fun? Unfortunately it is just decorative now. That room used to be the master bedroom in our 30s house, but someone built a master suite addition along the line-wish they would have added a fireplace to that room! It was/is hard to have the discipline to buy the more go-hum essentials, but I do feel having them in place gives me more versatility to work in the statements. I like your thinking about dark and light neutrals. I think it's good to have some variation! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765825 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:22:32 +0000 Jenn 1765825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this post. It's really inspiring to me how you started from such a clear template and filled in your own items. I'd like to do something similar with my own closet, actually defining a capsule and working with it to cover most of my everyday needs. There's something quite lovely about such an organized approach. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essentials-capsule-long#post-1765819 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:07:27 +0000 Meredith 1765819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen: I love the metallic, too, and definitely needed to break up the black.</p> <p>Suz: This is the result of over a year of trying to think through some of these issues. I tried mix and match capsules last winter and spring. They didn't work out so well, but I learned in the process. I also think it's helpful to let go of anyone else's definition of what is or is not an essential. For example, a crisp white shirt seems to be on everyone's list, but just hangs collecting dust in my closet. I seriously questioned if there should be more dramatic pieces in my capsule (because I would be very sad in only classics and neutrals). Ultimately I decided not to and I won't go into all the reasons. It was helpful to start from a template and think, what's my version of X. For example, the stylist article mentions a leather skirt. Well, I wouldn't wear a leather skirt, but I would wear a printed skirt. So I hung a printed skirt in the capsule, but I never reached for it. Ultimately I decided I wanted that skirt in my closet, but not in my capsule. Another example is the article suggested a navy pea coat. I subbed in a navy cocoon coat I already owned, but I suspect I'd get as much versatility and more joy out of a brightly colored Pink or citron coat from J Crew. So there's an item some might consider a statement that might eventually work its way into my capsule. I see it as a fluid process. Sorry for the long response! Still working through this mentally! </p>