YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Spring Capsule (long)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Spring Capsule (long) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Hank Frey on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2265480 Tue, 31 May 2022 10:31:29 +0000 Hank Frey 2265480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great! This will provide you with more interesting options. Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258691 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 12:56:57 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfrumped when I first arrived here I bought many jumpers (2nd hand) as where I lived previously there was no real winter.  It has taken a while to realise I need different weight/material ones.  For example, I have way too many pure cotton ones that are only usable in April and October.  So now I know not to purchase any more of those, or until those wear out!  Also dresses really only work for me in high summer here, which is very humid and hot, so must be pure cotton or linen.  So I understand now too that I need fewer items for each season that are actually appropriate, and if they are in a co-ordinating color palette even better.  Getting there, a WIP :)  Btw, our climates sound quite similar. unfrumped on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258688 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 12:31:26 +0000 unfrumped 2258688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your plan sounds good. I am also in a 4 season climate though and though winters are not brutal, I need very cozy clothes in winter, which then are impossibly hot in summer. Also I do a lot of yard and garden work and tend to have separate items for that but also with different temp controls. Then different categories such as what I prefer to wear if home all day vs going out ( which has been very pandemic- limited). So I tended to overbuy in a given season ( or weather pattern) as well as activity category. It has been helpful to me to embrace my need for very different weights and fabrics throughout the year, and that some of these won’t be needed for months at a time, but that I can function well with much fewer pieces in each category, which feels less wasteful. Still a work in progress though, as I still like to buy some new things and have to think now if replacing, 1 in/ 1/ out or 1:2, and some intentional category shifts, from professional/ dressy to casual or style shifts. Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258684 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 11:34:21 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi JenniNZ, thanks for your thoughtful reply.  It does sound like your list is being used like my capsule.  I am aiming for a wardrobe that is around 100 pieces plus shoes, hats, etc.  over 4 seasons.  Then I won't need capsules (like you) as it will be a manageable size for me.  This is going to take years.  I am using a one in and two out system on the rare occasion I buy something.  I am now running two lists; one with all the items on, and one for the Spring capsule.  I am sure the info garnered is going to be useful going forward.  I have been running the main list since January 2021 and am making much better informed purchase decisions because of it.  I had never lived in 4 season climate before 2015 and that is why my wardrobe is in this state.  I have way too many clothes that are now only suitable for a couple of months of the year, but I really like them and think it would be wasteful just to purge them.   That fact that you were able to reduce your numbers thoughtfully gives me the confidence to do the same. Jenni NZ on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258676 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 09:46:51 +0000 Jenni NZ 2258676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Star I have been thinking about your post ever since you wrote it. I have been doing other things. When I joined the forum in 2017 my numbers were about 200 of clothes and shoes plus many other dress-up, sentimental etc etc items. I have been winnowing it down since and was delighted to recently hit 150 for the first time- 37 of which is shoes. Then I bought a thrifted blazer and went to 151! But 150 was my aim for the last several years. Obviously that “magic number” could vary for us all, depending on tendencies towards either minimalism or wanting lots of variety. I am now using a holding zone, currently has 5 items in it. They are all over 30 wears, which is important to me, so I will be happy to either edit them out or bring them back into rotation within the next year or so. They are not being “counted” at the moment but will be if I bring them back in. I use my pen-and-paper list to try to help me increase wears of less worn items, then that helps decide why they are less worn. So I think maybe I use the list a bit like you would use a capsule? Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258675 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 06:53:00 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Unfrumped, your comments totally resonate with me!  I have implemented a holding zone as of this year and have managed to edit 14 items out.  Also on team wear to assess.  Great insight. unfrumped on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258607 Sat, 09 Apr 2022 16:43:41 +0000 unfrumped 2258607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just a general comment— I think a benefit of working with a seasonal subset of your wardrobe—a capsule- is a good idea if a large wardrobe is seeming overwhelming. I say again, I am so learning , now in pandemic- retirement, that I need to Wear My Clothes. When I have a lot of clothes I’m not wearing or not wearing very often, it’s very hard for me to keep track of what fits, whether I like it, what goes together- why am I not wearing something? Is it truly special for an occasion or is it a form of duplication I don’t need? Do I like it on the hanger but not on me? Was it something I really like as to color and fit, but it’s too hard to take care of- have to iron every time, can’t rely on it for travel, too much moth bait, etc). I have been changing color palette somewhat also - do I like where it’s going ? And if not discarding an item, decide to move to holding zone. So, some of these ideas may be things you work through if you can do so in smaller chunks. Angie on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258599 Sat, 09 Apr 2022 15:44:16 +0000 Angie 2258599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay, Star! Fun addition! Sounds like the light snake skin pattern is lovely with your new silver hair, too.  Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258568 Sat, 09 Apr 2022 12:22:18 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie I have added my snake print skinnies.  Yay, they are fitting comfortably!  They are white with a grey/taupe snake print.  They co-ordinate with many of the tops and really lighten an outfit up.  More Springy!  I wore them yesterday with my light grey bomber which is actually silver-ish, looks good with my new silver hair, DH approved which is always nice! Angie on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258446 Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:29:22 +0000 Angie 2258446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay! That will give you more fun options Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258396 Fri, 08 Apr 2022 06:18:31 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie I am going to hold off adding some bottoms as I am hoping by mid-May my snug pants and jeans will be less snug! Sal I have been recording wears since January 2021 and it seriously is an eye-opener.  I think I may not be able to get rid of black completely either, but for now I want more navy. Sal on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258365 Fri, 08 Apr 2022 00:34:14 +0000 Sal 2258365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It looks good to me.  I think it's an interesting exercise to see what works and what doesn't and focus on the current season at hand.  You could keep a tally of what you wear and how many times - when I did this I was surprised how often some things got worn.  And the pieces that didn't get worn - why not?  Sometimes it was just that there was always a better option!! I use polo neck too as a term!!  I am also reducing the black in my wardrobe but still have some, and can't see it disappearing entirely as it is so useful!  I just added a black tank as I needed one to go under current jackets and with bottoms. Angie on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258313 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:17:22 +0000 Angie 2258313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "Oh and a poloneck = turtleneck"m .......you speak my language! :) Star, it took me YEARS to swap out the black for navy in my own wardrobe - but you will get there.  I thought the same thing as Brooklyn. Few bottoms and no dresses to compensate for that. Do you perhaps need a few more bottoms you can wear now?  Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258285 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 12:05:48 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brooklyn good observation.  I like to have a minimum of two tops per bottom, maybe even three.  In this case because of the Cool Spring in April and then Warmer Spring somewhere in May there is definitely many more tops.  By the time Warm Spring rolls around I will pack away most of the long sleeve knits.  The bottoms will be the same for both Spring periods.  I have other bottoms I also usually where in Spring (white jeans, cropped jeans, camo pants, etc) but they are currently quite snug due to a little weight gain - working on this currently :).  With regard to my entire wardrobe numbers you are spot on - I have way too many tops.    I tend to only wear dresses in high summer.  I live literally in the sea (a peninsula) and with the exception of July and August there is always a wind and jeans just work better.   Thanks for your insight! Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258280 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 10:49:17 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jaime I agree that is a sensible closet editing question. Cardiff girl It looks way more when written down - I have two shelves for most of these items and one is partially empty!  The button downs & jackets are on hangers.  I will report back.  Thanks for the interest, and let us know about your capsule experience too. Brooklyn on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258279 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 10:47:22 +0000 Brooklyn 2258279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It seems a little top heavy. Lots of tees, shirts and knitwear but only 6 bottoms. 1 x skirt, 5 x jeans. No dresses or pants. Am I right? (I don’t mean it as a criticism, just an observation.) In terms of wardrobe planning decisions, that might provide an insight. Tops are easy. Bottoms are not (speaking for myself anyway). Maybe going forward you need to focus more on purchasing bottoms, and fewer tops. Jaime on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258260 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 01:53:17 +0000 Jaime 2258260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am also more of visual person with these things, but I think the concept is a good one. I am usually happy that my clothes don't wear out very fast - perhaps that should be a closet editing question: do I want this to wear out faster ? Cardiff girl on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258223 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 18:39:37 +0000 Cardiff girl 2258223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Looks a lot more when it’s written down doesn’t it!Like you l am feeling like l might have too many clothes and l did a similar exercise but on my style app.l plan to pull out the capsule l have created and wear it later if/when spring actually arrives.Winter has come back here at the moment.l have done a virtual one for summer and will do the same for autumn/winter at that time.l am finding it very informative. you must let us know how you get on with your capsule,whether you wore everything or not and whether you had to add other pieces from your wardrobe. l agree that having more clothes means that you just do t put the wear on them. Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258204 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 16:22:44 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lana Thanks, yes definitely ample choice but still co-ordinated IFYWIM.  I guess my outfits will be navy/dark denim, black and grey mostly with pops of a color which is kind of where I was hoping to go. In future I may add more white.   I previously loved lots of color and pattern and this has become more subdued in recent times.  High summer will probably be back to brights and patterns. Lana on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258203 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 16:17:57 +0000 Lana 2258203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am terrible about visualization without photos, but seems like you have a lot of variety and ample choices. Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258201 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 16:01:02 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou we are currently experiencing the cruel spring, really warm (23 degrees C) some days and then 11 tomorrow.  Very uncomfortable sudden changes.  Our town is in the sea though which also explains the unpredictability.  Cold misty mornings in April and if we lucky warm afternoons. Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258200 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:57:36 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi not necessarily wet here at this time of year, although if it does rain my black jacket with hood is waterproof and I do have a pair of wellies I can pull out although not included in the capsule. rachylou on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258198 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:55:08 +0000 rachylou 2258198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Seems tidy and orderly! I do seasonal switch outs. It does make things easier. Should have a look myself soon for warm weather things. Zaeobi on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258196 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:51:17 +0000 Zaeobi 2258196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm seems to be a good list (from what I can visualise) but how cold & wet is your typical spring climate? Am wondering if you need waterproof shoes (don't know if your ankle boots include rain boots/ wellies), & perhaps a raincoat? Star (Lise) on "Spring Capsule (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spring-capsule-1#post-2258193 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:33:31 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi All, I have been playing with the idea of having a separate capsule wardrobe for Spring, Summer and Autumn for some time now.  I have a very large wardrobe of around 250 pieces and more (excluding shoes, scarves, hats) and I find it a bit overwhelming.  Also hardly any of my clothes wear out because they are not worn very often. Yes, I actually want some of them to wear out :)   I am not talking about winter.  Winter is long and boring in terms of clothing.  I have the necessary warm turtleneck jumpers and puffers.  So I did a closet move around as the weather has warmed up enough to stash the washed heavy turtleneck jumpers at the very top of the cupboard.   Since my hair is now silver I am drawn to a navy/grey/white and pops of color for a palette.  So I pulled together the list below from my cupboard just pulling out items that I really want to wear and guess what, my preferred color palette has come together organically.  Yes, there is still quite a bit of black, it will take a while to replace the black with navy, and fortunately it does still suit me.  I consider dark denim navy.  Overall I am really happy with the color mix.  There are a lot of items, around 45, excluding shoes and toppers.  This is because we have a Cold Spring for a month, and then a warmer Spring which takes us into the middle of June.  So this is really 2 capsules in one. I do like variety as I am sure is quite evident.  I have blazers and leather coats I can call on if need be but decided not to include them in the capsule. Any suggestions and comments welcome.  Sorry no pics.  These pieces are all thrifted or fairly old.  Hopefully my descriptions make sense, as they are in my own shorthand (eg. M's = stolen from my husband :)) Oh and a poloneck = turtleneck. CAPSULE ITEMS FOR SPRING 2022 (April to Mid-June) Black Poncho Black Zipper Cardigan Sisley Black Knit S/Less Funnel Neck Grey Leopard Duster Kelly Green Cardigan Black Mockneck Knit Blue 3/4 Sleeves Knit Blue/White Striped Pullover Knit Teal Cashmere Poloneck Magenta Funnel Neck Knit Mocha Knit Pullover Pale Yellow Poloneck Cotton Knit Black/Taupe Chain Pattern Tissue Mockneck Black L/S T WW Navy/White Striped Cotton Knit L/S T Navy Graphic Cotton L/S Sweatshirt (M's) Navy L/S T CK (M's) Khaki L/S T Dusty Mauve Graphic L/S Cotton Sweatshirt Mauve 3/4 Sleeves Top Magenta L/S T Red/White Striped L/S T White 3/4 Sleeves T Navy Levies S/S T (M's) Navy HK Graphic S/S T Navy Dance Graphic S/S T (M's) Light Grey BG S/S T Light Grey/Black Striped Knit S/S T Black MRP S/S T (M's) Black S/S T WW Black S/S T Fresh Magenta S/S T WW Red/White Striped S/S T Turquoise S/S Poloneck T Cobalt Blue Plaid L/S Button Down (M's) White/Purple Plaid L/S Button Down Light Grey D/Layer S/S Button Down Denim Chambray L/S Button Down Navy/Green Plaid L/S Button Down Black Camis X 3 Red Cami Denim Pencil Skirt Dark Wash Bootcut Jeans WW Dark Wash BF Jeans Charcoal Grey BF Jeans Mango Light Grey Cord Skinnies Cerise Pink/Red Cropped Jeans Light Grey Bomber Jacket Black Hooded Racing Jacket Navy/Red Polka Dot Moto Jacket Red Suede Moto Jacket Cognac Teddy Jacket Red Loafers Red Mules Pale Blue Mules Blush Puma Leather Sneakers Navy Ankle Boots Camel Suede AnkleBoots Black Chelsea Ankle Boots