https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 25 May 2026 14:53:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845981 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 16:46:13 +0000 Toban 1845981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to hear you had such positive feedback, Sterling. Good to keep with a formula that works! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845980 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 16:43:09 +0000 Tanya 1845980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very glad to hear tou gorngood feedback, Sterling. Perhaps you only need to add one more similar outfit to serve the same purpose? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845974 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 15:59:10 +0000 Anonymous 1845974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had some positive feedback from my coworkers regarding what I wore.&nbsp; They thought I looked perfectly professional and approachable in my black skirt/grey silk blouse.&nbsp; Hearing that made me feel good.&nbsp; I will wear the exact same combination should another meeting of this sort occur in the near future.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845967 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 15:23:00 +0000 catseye 1845967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think if you truly dislike skirts and dresses (I know I do), you can safely only wear pantsuits. When I was on the job market the first time 18 years ago, my adviser told me I can only wear skirt suit. I did it but I did not think it was true even then. But I went to graduate school in the South, and my adviser is a very conservative person. Job candidates got jobs in my fairly conservative field wearing pantsuits in my year. At this point, I think you can wear pants to any occasion, you just need the right pair.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845745 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 16:57:59 +0000 anchie 1845745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good planning, it always pays off to be prepared. I am currently in the capsule building mode myself and curious to see what you come up with. What is your approach, couple of full outfits or set of mix and match items? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845731 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 15:59:46 +0000 Janet 1845731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in 100% agreement with Suz. Upon reflection, I realize I have a lot of mini capsules, and many are quite specific to my rather unusual variety of "lives" and activities. I would probably benefit from thinking them through a bit more, because I suspect my actual wardrobe is a bit lopsided in favor of options for certain categories I don't use as often as others. </p> <p>However! One of the main reasons I discovered YLF years ago was because after years of self-employment, I had fallen into a very predictable, boring rut of daily bootcut jeans and tees or button-front shirts. They sufficed for working from home and being out and about, but I didn't feel fab. </p> <p>My life and breadth of activities have expanded since then (working from a studio rather than home, new athletic pursuits, resuming a part-time involvement in broadcasting and music, working on a cattle ranch, etc), so you can imagine how my needs have changed and grown!</p> <p>Hmm, I may need to start my own thread on this as I reflect further so I don't hijack this one. Thanks for inspiring the reflection! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845720 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 15:13:18 +0000 Tanya 1845720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in a very similar boat, Sterling.&nbsp;&nbsp; I have just come back from a 4-day conference, had a super important meeting the day before the trip and will have another important 3-day business trip in a month.&nbsp; I too find that I will need a medium sized power capsule for these occasions that will probably happen ~10 times a year (but some will be multi-day trips).&nbsp; Unlike you though, I quite like dresses and skirts, and they are a fun change from wearing jeans 90% of the time.&nbsp; I am off to a good start, and at this point have pretty good idea hot to proceed, just need to find the right pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845657 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 12:19:07 +0000 krishnidoux 1845657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Suz says is so true. We play a variety of roles, so it's difficult to be seen in the exact same outfits day after day. We need a panoply of "power capsules", since the power is also inherent to the occasion and what the latter will require physically speaking. For instance, Suz sometimes travels, and I'm sure this detail impacts parts of the capsules (I'm thinking footwear? Color chosen? Need for a topper because of A/C in trains?). Even if the event for which the capsule is prepared is rare, it needs thinking in advance.</p> <p>Sometimes it's not even what <i>exact</i> outift will I wear, but rather what <i>range of items</i> do I own that would fit that particular bill given the occasion's parameters, and that could work together or with other things in a most reliable way?</p> <p>(A "master-key" skirt that works well with many footwear and tops for example, or the multy-purpose-always-good jacket).</p> <p>Each item in the list has to be a tried-and-tested bullet proof confidence booster.</p> <p>I make a list, take some pics, or place them closer inside the closet.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845617 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 03:00:08 +0000 Toban 1845617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Jenni -- I should clarify that these are research physicians, and often having public health leadership roles, like heads of centers, rather than day to day patient interaction, hence the suits. I suspect US family doctors are similar to what you describe. I am a cancer researcher (PhD, not MD), and interact almost exclusively with other researchers. it is rare for me to need to be more than business casual. However when formality is needed we are strongly encouraged to be remembered for our contributions and not what we wore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845589 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 01:16:43 +0000 Suz 1845589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a wonderful thread, <b>Sterling.</b> I have found the comments so interesting and rich and thoughtful, as always.</p> <p>&nbsp;(<b>Krishnidoux</b> -- what a <b>story</b>!!!)&nbsp;</p> <p>I also think you've hit on something really important for yourself with this "power capsule" and I commend your decision to ensure it is in tip-top shape. It sounds as if you dressed extremely well for the event that was your immediate concern, but I agree it is useful to have a small capsule and I like <b>Sally'</b>s ideas, given your preference for separates.&nbsp;</p> <p>I <b>definitely</b> have highly specialized capsules and do find it useful to think in those terms, even if there is (as there usually is, in my case) a fair amount of overlap. I need these capsules because (like many women) I play a wide variety of roles. I might not be called on to play one role or another particularly often during a given year, but if it's going to happen at all, I need to get dressed. So, in addition to the exercise/ gym/ outdoors capsules (all of which overlap but remain somewhat distinct) I also have teaching/ presentation capsules; city travel capsule; "date night" capsule; "festive" capsule. I have one for conservative affairs like funerals, and one for "artist socializing" type events. My main capsules right now are work-from-home and student capsule (mostly casual); city trips (still casual, but more polished and current as well as focused on comfort and practicality for travel); and my teaching capsule (which is almost identical to the city trip capsule). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845588 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 01:16:21 +0000 Jenni NZ 1845588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Toban. Maybe the US is different to here, maybe we are a little more casual or relaxed here in NZ. I am a senior doctor and I have never worn a business suit in my life. And I do have a successful career. I think perhaps being a family doctor out of hospitals may have made it less formal. In NZ and Australia, family doctors do not wear white coats. I am now interacting with the CEO of one of our largest District Health Boards in meetings. And she doesn't wear a business suit either! And she is paid around $500 K a year! ( No secret, has been published). I hasten to add my pay is nowhere near that level, job well down the hierarchy from that. There has actually been fuss in our newspapers about the CEOs earning that sort of money. That is our precious health dollars we are talking about. Of course the Chairs of the health boards defend the amounts. I digress- not really fashion </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845554 Sat, 16 Sep 2017 23:27:24 +0000 Toban 1845554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni - yes, the women wear suits, too. Adapting to the career norms. A female colleague of mine who works frequently with doctors now consistently wears suits to work to be ready for any meeting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845549 Sat, 16 Sep 2017 23:07:42 +0000 Anonymous 1845549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Krishnidoux</b> -- that is the nicest story anyone could have shared with me. Sometimes late at night I think about all of the woman that pioneered the path for me to have my career. &nbsp;Your Mother would be one of them. &nbsp;I am eternally grateful to them and I send them silent thanks. &nbsp;It is woman like your Mother that are my personal heroes. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jenni </b>-- I think both Gaylene and BC were offering me support. &nbsp;As always, I am grateful to all of the Forum members for their support and therapy. &nbsp;I can't begin to tell you how many times, selfless Forum Members have stepped in and cheered me on when I was feeling insecure. &nbsp;My recent trip to Atlanta was one such time. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845545 Sat, 16 Sep 2017 22:49:52 +0000 krishnidoux 1845545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a thought provoking thread!&nbsp;<br />Power capsule is such a good term.&nbsp;<br />I just went through my bins of cothes - the ones I keep for later when not in my closet. In there, a black lean sweater with delicate cable knits with detachable a white cotton collar and white cuffs. It will stay in the bin, but I can't help but hold it for a while when I see it. It smells of this delicate perfume I recognize. It comes from my mother. She told me it had been her power item during her active career as a researcher and professor in nursing. She actually called it her "lucky sweater" because she got what she was asking for when wearing it, which she admitted was a total superstition, but it seemed to worked. It wasn't without difficulty that she let go of it, making me the indirect guardian of this treasure which obviously meant so much to her. Can you imagine what a career woman in the 70's and 80's having to fight so many obstacles and chauvinism on a daily basis and this sweater was the piece of clothing giving her confidence. I wish I had such a sweater for myself!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845530 Sat, 16 Sep 2017 22:13:54 +0000 Jenni NZ 1845530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also to Toban... do the "physicians who show up in suits" include women? Or is it still unfortunately male-dominated? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845528 Sat, 16 Sep 2017 22:10:16 +0000 Jenni NZ 1845528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel slightly got at here by what Gaylene and BC have just said...I was hoping that you could be seen as "just as professional as anyone else in the room" Sterling, as you wrote. I am sure you would not dress inappropriately and I wasn't pressuring you to show "overt individualism". I wondered if you were feeling a little of imposter syndrome/imposter phenomenon. Have you looked into that? It used to be relevant to me, I have checked it out and become a lot more confident since. I agree that our personalities are different, me extrovert you introvert, but all the same... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845521 Sat, 16 Sep 2017 21:41:19 +0000 Anonymous 1845521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto what Gaylene just posted. I'm a big proponent of dressing appropriately for the occasion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules/page/2#post-1845463 Sat, 16 Sep 2017 16:30:42 +0000 Gaylene 1845463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, I don't think dressing for others, instead for fashion or for personal preference, reflects insecurity. To my mind, it's as legitimate a choice as the other two. </p> <p>It bothers me when I see women being pressured into thinking personal expression has to mean differentiation and an expression of overt individualism. To me, the essence of personal expression means giving me the freedom to choose the message I want to send with my clothing.</p> <p>Choosing to align myself with my audience's preferences and expectations allows me to focus other goals which may be more important to me than making a statement about my own sartorial preferences. To me, understanding the impact my clothing choices can have in different situations, and choosing to use that information to shape my image, reflects knowledge and power, not insecurity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845387 Sat, 16 Sep 2017 11:37:33 +0000 Anonymous 1845387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni</b> -- I am most definitely <u>not</u> an extravert. &nbsp;</p> <p>For events that are far outside my comfort zone, I try very hard to match what others are wearing. &nbsp;This reflects personal insecurity and not fashion choices. &nbsp;I dress to please myself when there is no pressure or stressor, but these types of meetings and events throw me into different territory and I use my outfit as a professional shield to make up for my feeling of insecurity. &nbsp;I have found myself at these meetings more and more doing these summer months. &nbsp;I don't know if this is new trend or if these meetings have been a fluke. &nbsp;Time will tell. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845279 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 23:03:44 +0000 Jenni NZ 1845279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling we've cross-posted. I would have hoped your third sentence in your most recent post would apply. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845278 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 23:01:18 +0000 Jenni NZ 1845278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Umm...can't ageing give its own power? I do remember it was the term "professional dress" that sent me to a stylist in 2010 for clothing to wear to a seminar presenter's group interview for a day. The term petrified me at the time. I didn't get the job but have progressed in my career nonetheless. Before that my previous interview was 6 years earlier, a job I had got easily. Now at age 56 I feel so senior I don't really feel intimidated by anyone more senior in my field. So I wear what I feel like within the wide bounds of appropriateness. Maybe being an extrovert helps? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845274 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 22:52:47 +0000 Anonymous 1845274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Smittie</b> and <b>Jenn</b>, you are right. &nbsp;<i>&nbsp;</i>I hate&nbsp;<i></i>dresses/skirts. &nbsp;I thought I had reached a point in my career where I could dispense with dresses/skirts and be viewed just as professional as anyone else in the room. &nbsp;This just is not the case for a very small subset of meetings. &nbsp;And I am finding myself at these meetings more and more recently. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>I ended up wearing a black skirt cut to just above the knee (with my one pair of nude hose), a silver-toned silk blouse, and flat black shoes because because I was on my feet for most of the day. &nbsp;No jewelry because I had badges, stickers, and tags all over my body. &nbsp;No topper because it was warm. &nbsp;Black and grey are safe, comforting colors for me. &nbsp; </p> <p>Although it is true I normally would not have felt my true authentic self in a skirt, given the setting, I made the right decision. &nbsp;Slacks would have been a major miss ... especially if they had even a hint of trend (i.e., cropped or slouchy). &nbsp;As <b>Unfrumped</b> pointed out, I was lucky I could fit into the skirt. &nbsp;It might have been as long as a year since I last wore it and it was a bit tight. &nbsp;</p> <p>Right now I own one black skirt, a lot of really nice slacks, and assorted silk blouses. &nbsp;Before I invest in any more pieces, I am going to see if these meetings are a real thing or just a fluke. &nbsp;</p> <p>Side note: &nbsp;the other women wore skirted suits or sleeveless sheath dresses with coordinating blazers. &nbsp;Some wore heels. &nbsp;Some wore flats.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845264 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 21:33:09 +0000 Jenn 1845264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my gosh...what <b>smittie</b> said! You wrote earlier this year:<br /><i><br />"I hate wearing dresses. I never feel natural or authentic. In 2017, I finally gave myself permission to stop wearing dresses to all those functions I was told I had to wear a dress."<br /></i><br />Are the nylons for a pantsuit? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845251 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 20:13:43 +0000 Anonymous 1845251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read all the comments, and I'll come back later, but here are my thoughts:<br /> - Do you need nylons to wear pants? If you feel uncomfortable in skirts and dresses, then your power outfit needs to have pants!<br /> - Are there other capsules you can identify?<br /> - Do you need a summer and winter version of this capsule?<br /> - How many outfits do you need in this capsule? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845246 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 19:54:34 +0000 plonkee 1845246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need a capsule for presenting to the Board. At my work it's probably the most formal/conservative I need to be, and I certainly want to feel powerful and authoritative. I usually wear my most tailored dress and jacket combo.</p> <p>I need to have a separate capsule for conferences and some external meetings. This is different because it needs to be formal and fashion-forward to match my profession. I typically wear a normal work outfit that I feel nails current trends. This makes me feel authoritative in a very different way. It's not so much that it needs constant updating as a thing (I do actually wear the element and the complete outfits all the time) but it constantly updates as trends and my wardrobe change.</p> <p>I also have the funeral capsule, and the pretty event (wedding, christening, etc) capsule. These are both small but essential. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845088 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 04:34:01 +0000 Anonymous 1845088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This special capsule could also serve double duty as a funeral capsule, another capsule one needs when you may not expect it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845052 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 01:37:55 +0000 unfrumped 1845052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post! I have gbs same thing! It has tweaks within it.<br /> I had to ramp this up when I was changing jobs a year or so ago and I found it really hard to get just the looks I wanted plus options for different seasons. Yes, stuff is " all- season/ seasonless" but really, some things that look right in August and 98 degrees out do not look right in January.<br /> Now things are not as " power" -oriented but I have recurring times my goal is " confident professional chic" , for want of better term. . Not business formal but very polished and need to consider accessories, footwear, handbag or work tote. The whole is more important than the parts.<br /> I needed more options than I thought because I have a situation in which I can attend certain conferences or meetings on certain days if workflow permits, but may have to skip. I won't know until later in the day. So my put- together outfit that day might be "for naught " and then I might want to try to go 2 days later or a week later. I have to think if I want to repeat the exact same outfit and how often. That makes me think of being more careful with adding pieces as I don't need more hodgepodge, it'd instead be great to have more complete outfits. </p> <p>The other lesson I learned is, " wear your power ( or polished) outfits" REGULARLY even if no events. You can't just keep some things hanging in the closet for just in case. Otherwise, I'll put it on and realize there is something off about fit or style or just my taste has changed. If it would be totally wrong for regular work ( not the case for me) , wear it to go shopping or to dinner or somewhere!<br /> Proportions of tops, bottoms and jackets are my biggest issue. It's possible to get it all just so, but takes effort. And the " rear view" matters because I would not be in my lab coat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845012 Thu, 14 Sep 2017 21:58:54 +0000 Jenn 1845012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't normally think of my wardrobe in terms of capsules, but it does help to think of it that way when analyzing needs, doesn't it? I don't know that I have any super-specialized-doesn't-overlap-with-anything-else capsule needs in my life right now. When I was performing dance, I definitely had a specialized capsule for that. And, I suppose hiking and swimming are two specialized gear capsules. Other than that? My life all just smooshes together. &nbsp;:) I kind of wish I had some high-powered meetings sometimes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1845010 Thu, 14 Sep 2017 21:46:01 +0000 Sal 1845010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is a great idea - definitely worthwhile to have something that you feel powerful in for these important occasions. &nbsp;</p> <p>What you choose will be very personal - Gryffin would choose a stunning black jacket, Angie I suspect a bright jacket with white footwear, and I would choose a perfectly fitting dress. &nbsp;I think you need two full outfits - which might mean only one pair of shoes and bag, and maybe just the one jacket or trousers. &nbsp;This means that if you happen to have two of these meetings in a week you can have some variety. &nbsp;I know you prefer seperates so it could be</p> <p>- One perfect jacket<br />- two great shirts/shell tops<br />- two different pairs of pants<br />- two pairs of shoes<br />- one great bag/tote/laptop bag etc<br />- good sunglasses<br />- accessories as you choose</p> <p>I suspect you have half of this already.</p> <p>A fun capsule to put together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unique-and-specialized-wardrobe-capsules#post-1844967 Thu, 14 Sep 2017 18:34:53 +0000 JuniperGreen 1844967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great analysis of the impact of your wardrobe on your work life and vice versa.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p>