https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:30:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1935318 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 03:09:00 +0000 Christina F. 1935318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admire your efforts in this front! I find I can’t create capsules beyond the very basic divisions of “work,” “non-work casual,” and “dressy.” I just have a mental sense of what goes with what, and I lik to mix and match items alot, but maybe I create too much work for myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1935276 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 01:30:03 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1935276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just packed clothes for a move. Fall and winter capsules put together with help from people here. I packed them up at the conclusion of each of those seasons and haven’t touched them since. I’m confidant that they will carry me. For summer, I tossed a bunch of stuff together and hope it’ll all make sense. (last year, when I tried to plan this capsule here, I got a chorus of “NO, you can’t plan for anything other than RIGHT NOW”. Le sigh).</p> <p>Also, one other capsule that has a lot of olive in it, and is all a bit smaller than I am now, because I expect to lose weight rapidly once I get rid of the car. It’s kind of “shoulder season”, and could be adapted to any time of year. Again, no help from the forum, because it wasn’t what I needed at that instant, so I didn’t bother asking. </p> <p>I cheated a bit and added some under layers and sweaters to go with the fall &amp; winter capsules. Even though I couldn’t wear those things here, I had them in mind as I put the capsules together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934922 Tue, 10 Jul 2018 00:10:30 +0000 Aida 1934922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking at functional capsules like this can be super helpful! Sounds like they've already helped you identify and address some wardrobe holes, which is excellent. I don't have strict capsules, mostly rough formations in my head, except in a couple places where there are items that do NOT cross over into normal wardrobe -- proper gear for various activities, workout stuff, and part of my active-casual wardrobe which is reserved only for this use. That seems to be enough capsuling for me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934646 Sun, 08 Jul 2018 17:20:38 +0000 Cardiff girl 1934646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>An interesting thread.l always enjoy reading how others plan and think about their wardrobes.I would say that I’m a funny mixture in that I don’t consciously plan my wardrobe at all but I do organise my holiday packing along capsular lines quite strictly and always have done.l also do the same with my daughters wardrobe.So I think it’s probably the limitations of packing and of growth spurts that have caused me to do so.Why I don’t feel so restricted with my own wardrobe is an interesting question and one I<br /> shall ponder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934591 Sun, 08 Jul 2018 12:26:04 +0000 cindysmith 1934591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The closest I would ever come to capsuling would be seasonal, which in my case would also be somewhat by color. I have historically been drawn to lighter colors in summer: tan, pale blue, pale pink, light grey, etc. I've recently been inspired by the idea behind "palewave" street style, and in my post with an outfit, Aida mentioned that she like a more saturated version (she thought of it as gelato, which I loved). Part of me wants to go nuts and buy palewave/gelato colored clothes for cooler months, but i also know that historically I go darker with my colors for cooler weather. I also have to keep some dark colors for work for summer, but I don't like them because they make me feel hotter.</p> <p>My fall/winter clothes have historically been loaded with navy, charcoal, black, burgundy, olive, and browns.</p> <p>All of my life is really casual, so I don't have to have career and weekend capsules (which makes life so easy for me lol), but I enjoy learning how you guys deal with having separate capsules for different areas of your lives, so thank you for sharing your navel gazing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934559 Sun, 08 Jul 2018 08:18:06 +0000 Jessikams 1934559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking about color, too. You’ve got your pastel Care-Bear grouping and also periwinkle. So you can analyze those and see “I already have a periwinkle shirt, maybe time to add this color in a shoe or pant so I have a lower-body option...”</p> <p>I have hugely limited my general clothing palette this year. I’ve purged ALL red (just hating it this year, who knows why), and I never had any purple. So I have shades of denim and navy, shades of pink (true pink for summer, burgundy for winter), green (olive for hot, emerald and forest for cold), and the neutrals white, black etc. This really helps to limit options when shopping and encourages things to go together, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934558 Sun, 08 Jul 2018 08:06:44 +0000 Jessikams 1934558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This idea of functional capsules was a breakthrough for me. I feel much more in control now that I am thinking this way! What are these items for, and what do they need to match? </p> <p>I have a lounge capsule, all in mid-gray and mid-denim to mask cat hair :)</p> <p>And a gym capsule, all in tones of blue/gray/black. I used to just buy whatever was on sale but ended up looking like a crazy bag lady when exercising... now I only buy things that will coordinate. Haven’t quite gotten the footwear and outerwear working here though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934557 Sun, 08 Jul 2018 07:10:59 +0000 jussie 1934557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everyone: Thanks for your informative responses. &nbsp;I always appreciate the chat.&nbsp;<br /><b><u>Liz:</u></b> It has been helpful for me in a couple of ways:<br />1) It has helped me realised categories that I simply did not have anywhere near enough clothing in. For example, I only had 2 pairs of tracksuit pants, and one was so bad I couldn't wear them out of the house. &nbsp;Now I have four pairs. Also, I didn't have any where near enough coats, after analysing my whole coat capsule I have added 2 this winter and am much more comfortable. &nbsp;My jeans capsule was too big- 9 pairs. &nbsp;So I have donated 3 pairs. 6 is plenty.&nbsp;<br />2) It helps me build sets of themed clothing that have harmonious colours. For example the boho capsule is olive, camel, cream, brown, denim, faded blue/grey. It all co-ordinates, and has the same rustic feel to it.&nbsp;<br />The care bears capsule is: mint, soft pink, baby blue, butter yellow. Again, there are no clashes here, and it all has a bright, happy vibe.&nbsp;<br />Also it enables me to focus any purchases I make so that they fit perhaps with the existing capsules, so I know the new piece won't become an "orphan"- it automatically has a group of co-ordinating items similar to it.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934540 Sun, 08 Jul 2018 02:42:11 +0000 Anonymous 1934540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once I tried to form a fall capsule based on one Angie made. I learned so much about her choices doing this, I sort of make seasonal capsules based on color and neutrals, more to uses more of my wardrobe and being change into my seasons to avoid boredom. However, I also like to find items that can be used across seasons, so that messes things up, but I like to get more wear out of my clothes before they look too dated.<br /> Try capsules and see how they work for you. They can make shopping and getting dressed easier. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934523 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 22:29:29 +0000 Sal 1934523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do think of capsules for-<br /> - exercise/gear - in good shape<br /> - occasion wear - in good shape<br /> - summer vacations- some items wearing out<br /> - winter woolies - okay but could be better</p> <p>The rest kind of merges in together- I have a casual dress code at work, temperate climate and work from home regularly. I guess I have been building a navy capsule though with boots, bag, two scarves, tee and sweater.</p> <p>I think it can be a way to see how items work together and to build a cohesive wardrobe. I do find a lot of overlap happens- which is good.</p> <p>Periwinkle is a yummy colour - not the easiest to find though:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934505 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 20:08:55 +0000 rachylou 1934505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do think it really helps to think in capsules to form a functional closet. I go by activity and by style. I’m Quirky Waif in the maIn, but I have for example an emergency Preppy Capsule and an emergency Visiting the Suburbs capsule, lol. It’s rather to difficult to just think ‘closet’... that’s too big a category for me to get my head around... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934500 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 19:22:45 +0000 Anonymous 1934500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love where you are going with this. &nbsp;Anytime someone has a plan, they are already a success. &nbsp;You have thought this thoroughly through. &nbsp;You have a plan in place. &nbsp;YAY. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934488 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 18:12:12 +0000 Suz 1934488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I define capsules mostly by function and item type and this helps me to focus my editing and buying. Like <b>Smittie</b>, I tend to stick to roughly the same colour palette all year, with only slight seasonal variation (more white and cobalt blue in summer, more ink, cranberry, and fire engine red in winter.)</p> <p>My functional capsules include:&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Gear</b> (for gym, running, ice skating, hiking, swimming, yoga etc.)</p> <p><b>Basics</b> (undies, camisoles, and insulating layers, socks, hose).</p> <p><b>Sleep and loungewear</b></p> <p><b>Work-from-home wear</b> (need comfy and casual items that work for two distinct sets of weather conditions. This includes jeans, knitwear, tops, knit and some woven dresses.)</p> <p><b>Outside the home smart casual </b>(ditto above re weather -- these are clothes for teaching, meetings, visiting with friends, presentations, big-city visits.There is substantial overlap with the work-from-home, especially in denim, but this is the capsule that includes slightly dressier or more structured items such as jackets, wool trousers, silk blouses etc.I tend to overbuy for this capsule.)</p> <p><b>Dressy Capsule </b>(need items that work for two distinct sets of weather conditions).</p> <p><b>Footwear&nbsp;</b>I tend to treat this as a separate capsule because my seasonal needs are so different and also because I use footwear to update my wardrobe. Since I'm hard on shoes I have to replace them regularly anyway and it's a big chunk of the budget. Thinking of footwear in seasonal capsules prevents me from buying anything I happen to love. Am I missing a colourful shoe? A shoe in my favourite neutral? A casual shoe in a fun colour that works with this season?</p> <p>I sometimes also look at other item types as a capsule, e.g. coats -- if I already have a dark trench coat, I don't need another one, but it might make sense to add a light one. Etc. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934482 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 17:37:39 +0000 Like the Season 1934482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting to hear how others do this. Thanks, Jussie.</p> <p>I use capsules to some extent. Small groups of items are reserved for hot weather or cold weather, plus I keep separate my loungewear and exercise/outdoor gear. And I've almost completed what I'm calling my "serious" capsule, appropriate for interviews, funerals, etc.</p> <p>I live in a mild climate, and my smallish wardrobe is mostly based on layers and has a pretty consistent color palette, so I don't usually feel the need to categorize further. Also, I have a casual lifestyle and workplace, so there's no reason to define work vs. weekend, for example. </p> <p>Not very exciting, but it's what's working for me at the moment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934478 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 17:12:18 +0000 Becky 1934478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to do some serious thinking about capsules. I feel like I have a reasonable number of separate outfits, and some pieces that work with various outfits (usually pants, toppers, or shoes), but not a cohesive mix and match capsule that results in a number of distinct looks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934439 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 14:09:58 +0000 Anonymous 1934439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a good round-up of capsules, and yes, they’re a great way to identify holes and over-bought areas.</p> <p>I have a few capsules along functional lines and like to stick to the same colour palette across all of them. I try not to have too many styles either (so I wouldn’t have a boho capsule and a preppy capsule—I just try to mix them together a bit). All of this is to ensure a smaller cohesive wardrobe. I don’t have the space for lots of clothes! (The downside is that it can be a little boring.)</p> <p>Summer gear capsule is one where I never invest enough! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934434 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 13:58:47 +0000 SarahD8 1934434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been thinking about my wardrobe in terms of seasonal capsules oriented around different color palettes for a while now. But I’ve had trouble getting those to function in the way I wanted them to — so they would support almost frictionless mixing and matching.</p> <p>A recent breakthrough in my thinking has been the idea of capsules as being made up of (again color-based) complements: neutrals, major colors, and minor colors. That has helped me begin to see (it’s very much a work in progress at this point) how to get different colors in the right places to support my preferred outfit formulas.</p> <p>As an example of how all this can be helpful, I had this idea that in summer i use black as a “minor color,” but when I sat down and listed out the warm weather black items that I own I realized no, it’s a full on neutral. In turn that led me to realize that I have this group of black, white, and medium/cobalt blue items that I have mentally labeled a “Greek isles” cluster. Now I’m excited to explore different ways of wearing those items. I guess it might seem a little precious or overly complicated but I think that having such conceptual frameworks in mind helps me dress more deliberately and get more wear out of my clothes (and also contributes to the pleasure of getting dressed, for me). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934432 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 13:50:50 +0000 Liz 1934432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Jussie, you said you're finding it helpful. Can you say more about how capsules have helped you or changed you? Hearing that could help the rest of us. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What problem were you trying to solve, or why did you start experimenting? Hearing the problems others are solving always helps me!<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934424 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 12:58:46 +0000 Anonymous 1934424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do colour capsuling - and find it effective for me. &nbsp;I pull the colours from whatever capsule I want to wear for a couple of months and put them on a small rolling rack in my bedroom. Not the most aesthetically pleasing to have out in the bedroom &nbsp;, but it makes getting dressed quick and easy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934413 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 12:14:11 +0000 3style 1934413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For a while I was totally obsessed with collecting every interesting Pin on Pinterest which showed various demo capsules. I found it useful to think about whether I wanted lots of bright colors or pastels or gray shades, to name a few examples. And none of those really appealed to me. But at least I was conscious of that in my shopping. </p> <p>What I did choose to focus upon instead of these more common ideas developed organically. Suddenly, in the last 12 months there have been lots more good options available for items in green. I’ve ended up with green as a signature wardrobe essential. </p> <p>So I think that having a better sense of what isn’t important helps me to see what is important when I stumble across it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934412 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 12:13:49 +0000 bridgie 1934412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't add anything at this time.&nbsp; You are doing great with your capsuling .&nbsp; I am still working on mine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-about-capsules-long#post-1934409 Sat, 07 Jul 2018 11:45:03 +0000 jussie 1934409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi guys, I read through Angie’s old posts on wardrobe capsules, they are super helpful. The last 12 months or so I have been experimenting with a couple of different methods of capsuling. By colour palette, outfits for particular activities, and so on.<br /> I’m nowhere near practical and restrained enough to do true “mix and match” minimal capsules, so the activity based or colour based are working better for me.<br /> I’m also thinking of developing a couple of themed capsules, somewhat akin to Brooklyn’s idea of her “dark romance” project.<br /> Here are the capsules I’ve got happening at the moment:<br /> 1) Loungewear/exercisewear: tracksuit items- Cadet blue, charcoal, light speckled grey, sky blue with watermelon accents.<br /> 2) My essentials capsule: mid wash blue jeans, black jeans, black, white, navy tees.<br /> 3) My coat capsule: 2 l/s puffers, 2 puffer vests, 1 black coat, 1 tan wool coat, 1 two-tone black/cream wool coat, 1 pink wool coat.<br /> 4) Bohemian capsule: quite small atm, but I’m thinking about building it up a bit.<br /> 5) Dark periwinkle capsule: Fave colour! Sleeveless top, skirt, 2x dresses. See find below for an item I’m thinking of adding to this capsule.<br /> 6) “Care Bear” colour palette capsule: approx 6 items. I’d love to build on this further too.<br /> 7) Dressy capsule: Won’t bore you any longer with details!<br /> 8) Workwear capsule: Again, won’t bore you with the deets :).<br /> Anyone else have any capsuling ideas/thoughts to share? I’m actually finding it extremely helpful to identify wardrobe holes/excesses.<br /> Thanks to all for reading this. </p>