https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:29:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for/page/2#post-2095005 Sat, 25 Jan 2020 17:14:50 +0000 Angie 2095005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread :)</p> <p>I've built a capsule for EVERY aspect of my life FOR THE WEATHER and my sartorial preferences. The only item I could not get dressed for at this point is a ball because I don't have a fancy gown.&nbsp;</p> <p>My items are very versatile. I dress down and up what I have. I'm dressy, but VERY practical with footwear so it's easy. That's my secret. I also don't wear items that are too tight so I can move in all my stuff. No pencils or sheaths. That makes my dressy stuff a lot more down to earth and PRACTICAL. Absolutely no heels.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wear what I usually wear when I work from home for the day or travel. I don't have "work from home clothes" or "travel clothes" - despite my frequent walking and travelling. I wear casual or dressy stuff depending on my mood. I travel and walk Sam in pearls, blazer, styled hair and make-up + SNEAKERS plus CROSSBODY.&nbsp;</p> <p>If I needed to camp - I could&nbsp;</p> <p>If I needed to snowboard - I could (although my stuff is 16 years old).</p> <p>Funeral - covered. I went to one a month a go.&nbsp;</p> <p>Gala, cocktails, ballet, theater, date night, beach wear, resort wear, yoga, trails, work wear, lounge wear, hike = COVERED</p> <p>The most recent capsule I need to refresh is beach &amp; resort. And I had to add very specific footwear for commuting on foot in ice, snow and rain.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for/page/2#post-2094939 Sat, 25 Jan 2020 02:39:41 +0000 DonnaF 2094939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Graduation/wedding/shower/anniversary capsule. I don't mind repeating, but I don't think I can get away with wearing the same dress to the younger brother's graduation two years later. Too many pictures. Same with another wedding with overlapping guests. Ugh! I am working on shoes right now since they are my greatest challenge.&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess DD must have a funeral/memorial service capsule. Tomorrow she is going to the funeral of a college friend's father; a few years ago she attended the funeral of this girl's brother. And one weekend in high school she attended three memorial services of dads and a mentor. That was brutal, but it was St. Patty's weekend and they were ethnically Irish. . .&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for/page/2#post-2094885 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 21:02:06 +0000 Isabel 2094885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Janet, I have also pulled together a wardrobe that works for most occasions for my life and geographic area. I won't be going to a ball or anything like that.&nbsp; I have some pieces that specifically fit a wide range of needs : a nice black blazer, a black skirt and nice pants.&nbsp; a couple of silk shirts and cashmere sweaters&nbsp; and a black dress. I also have a black pair of Eileen Fisher pleated culottes that are incredibly versatile.&nbsp; I have plenty of accessories.&nbsp;</p> <p>The areas which are&nbsp; very specific are shoes, jewelry and beach. I have a couple of pairs of nice pumps that I really don't use except for dressier occasions.&nbsp; The same for some larger necklaces that are blingy-er. I do want to buy a velour skirt for the holidays. So that's on my list.&nbsp; I do have a small beach capsule with cover ups and skirts to wear with a swimsuit.&nbsp;</p> <p>Finally a small workout/hiking capsule.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for/page/2#post-2094855 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 17:55:38 +0000 Mita 2094855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great question. I had not thought about making these kinds of capsules but will give it a little mental space when next I have some. Like several others mentioned, it is often the shoes that trip me up (lol). Like Angie, I will not wear uncomfortable or tottery shoes any more. So it can take a while to find. In my culture or origin, actually, white is the color of funerals (purity, the soul, etc). Sadly, as the older generation passes I have developed such a capsule (last minute rush to the store). Always have tons of black so set for western funerals. Weddings I really have to purchase at the time as others have mentioned, due to time of day, season, and my body at that time. I try to have a couple of decent dresses that look good as a back up. For work I have definitely settled on a capsule- black pants with stretch, comfortable but professional shoes (ok sometimes I push the barrier with combat boots), fun shirts and easy to remove layers- for the hot flashes, I have developed a fun capsule of jeans and pants for weekend (thanks to Angie's various posts with updated jeans/pants silhouettes). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for/page/2#post-2094826 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 16:46:06 +0000 Janet 2094826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Over the years I have managed to pull together a closet that I can dress from for almost any occasion. </p> <p>I did get tripped up a couple of years ago when I wanted something for my niece’s wedding in London. I wanted something a bit more special than the same floral dress I’d worn to something like half a dozen weddings over the previous few years. It took me months, and I bought a couple of other dresses in the process (one of which turned out to be a bust, but fortunately not an expensive one). But I got a winner that has now gone to a few events, and it’s timeless enough that I’ll have it for occasions for years to come. </p> <p>But for the most part, I don’t have a lot of *dressy* special occasions. I have enough separates that I can dress for a more casual wedding or a funeral or a professional event from my closet with little difficulty. I have more need for sort of funky or creative semi-dressy outfits for art events and the like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for/page/2#post-2094823 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 16:39:59 +0000 JAileen 2094823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had an informal dressy/holiday capsule. &nbsp;I just kept dresses and separates in the spare room closet. &nbsp;Most of it was black. &nbsp;:( &nbsp; &nbsp;If I had an event coming up, I’d go through it and see if I could put together an interesting and appropriate outfit. &nbsp;Now, I hardly need it. &nbsp;I really should donate all of it and free up some closet space. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for/page/2#post-2094820 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 16:36:03 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2094820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm.&nbsp; &nbsp;I guess somewhere along the way, I stopped worrying about capsules.&nbsp; &nbsp;I think, because every week, I dress for anything, from hot yoga, to being onstage, to grubbing around in the dirt pulling up weeds or scrubbing out the garage.&nbsp; &nbsp;So if there's a wardrobe hole, I'm aware of it pretty quickly.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>I try and keep my clothes simple, things that easily overlap, and can be restyled from smart casual to very dressy.&nbsp; &nbsp;(By very dressy, I mean, fit to sing onstage, or to attend something fancy such as the ballet or opera).&nbsp; &nbsp; As an example, yesterday I wore skinny jeans, my black BR Tippi sweater, and some chunky heel pumps to an audition, with a moto-style jacket on top, for an audition.&nbsp; &nbsp;I went to a jazz open mic, and switched out the jeans for a vintage St John skirt, black hosiery with a floral pattern, and black heels.&nbsp; &nbsp;I kept the jacket and the same simple stud earrings and rings that I wear every day.</p> <p>I love knits that fit closely, but aren't Kardashian-clingy. &nbsp;I also favor items that are easily steamed. &nbsp;Not too much that has to be ironed. &nbsp;And I'm gradually getting away from dry-clean only items.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I haven't needed anything truly formal in more than a decade, but I'm a thrifter, and I have a couple of dresses ready to go, should the opportunity present itself.</p> <p>At a quick glance, the capsules I'm working on are 1)&nbsp; underpinnings, 2)&nbsp; pretty shoes that are flat- or low-heeled, and 3)&nbsp; A new bag or two.&nbsp; &nbsp;I'm taking my time with this, and enjoying the process immensely.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for/page/2#post-2094758 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 14:16:33 +0000 Adriana 2094758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have a big closet, so I need to be creative with my clothes and dress up or down.<br /> And I don't have a paid job anymore so no need for pant suits ( that was the only thing I wore to work).<br /> 1 But now I do voluntary work and want to be noticed in meetings. I still use a blazer for those occasions.<br /> 2 Smart casual. For going out with friends, dinner,movie, weekendtrips Jeans, trousers, sweaters, fun jackets, bags<br /> 3 Smart casual plus. My clothes from 2 but with an extra. More polished bag, shoes, jewellery. Different coat. Special ( patterned) sweaters, skirts. For theatre, concerts or casual parties<br /> 4 a few dressy pieces. Dressy skirts. For opera, parties<br /> 5 funeral. Always use my newest dark pieces from the above.<br /> 6 Hanging around at home. Jeans and a sweater ( the ones that are not so pristine any more)<br /> 7 camping more old stuff and bad weather gear<br /> 8 sport. Just a few cheap things. Leggings and shirts for running and yoga.<br /> 9 sleep. No old things here. I change my nightgowns around every few months and I have many. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for/page/2#post-2094754 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 13:52:18 +0000 Kathie 2094754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This, “ Plus, I don't have appropriate winter footwear to go with it. So, while a LBD would check the box - THAT particular dress does not.” hit home for me. One of my big realizations from YLF was that I didn’t need more clothing, but rather more shoes and accessories. Pre-YLF, a large portion of my wardrobe was “not quite right” because I didn’t have the right shoes, wrap/scarf, belt. The past two years I added what seemed like a lot of shoes and accessories (for me.) Whenever I’ve been stumped on an outfit (dress is perfect, but no shoes appropriate for event+weather, for example), I’ve made a note, and shopped for those items. Such a difference, in being able (finally) to get my wardrobe to work across all occasions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094744 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 13:08:10 +0000 Bijou 2094744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The occasions that I build capsules for are:<br />- work (professional suits that can mix and match)<br />- smart casual work (professional work conference - so smart casual)<br />- weekend (casual and more fun than the smart casual work - but lots of over-lap here)<br />- hot summer holiday (coz I live in Australia)<br />- loungewear<br />- exercise gear for gym<br />- dressy cocktail</p> <p>The biggest capsules are: work and weekend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094697 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 03:07:13 +0000 Carla 2094697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Before Polyvore shut down Angie created a weekly ‘ensemble’ post. &nbsp;They were my favourites, and I used my two big seasonal shops to create work capsules inspired by the concept. &nbsp;Using a restricted palette and mix and match pieces has worked for me, regardless of the purpose of the capsule. &nbsp;(Below are some favourite capsules, and I’m sure you can see the influence they had on my style!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094674 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 23:16:29 +0000 The Cat 2094674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes, I have kinds of capsules for:<br /> ● Work<br /> ● Christian meetings / conventions / funerals<br /> ● Homewear<br /> ● Christian field service (house-to-house preaching etc.)<br /> ● Travelling / shopping / sightseeing<br /> ● Parties, from very casual to pretty dressy, incl. weddings<br /> ● Gear / hiking<br /> ● Beachwear</p> <p>For me, it is important to know that I always have some items (that go together) for the occasions mentioned in the bullet points above. So I review my capsules each season and make notes to myself about items that need to be replenished etc. However, most of my capsules are rather flexible, as the majority of my items are so versatile that they can be used in more than one capsule.</p> <p>To answer the question in your last paragraph: For such a party I would likely wear either a simple dress or nice pants and a blouse. Ballet flats, low- or mid-heeled pumps or (depending on the season) nice boots/booties or dressy sandals. Probably a colourful shawl. Medium or large silver earrings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094672 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 23:11:48 +0000 Sal 2094672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is very cultural/lifestyle/climate related isn't it.&nbsp; </p> <p>I am pretty set for parties/weddings in summer but only have one winter option for a wedding.&nbsp; But as I don't have one on the horizon I won't plan for that:)</p> <p>For a funeral here pretty much anything goes but most wear subdued tidy work clothes.&nbsp; &nbsp;I would always have options but if you wore a uniform or had a different sort of job it might be something to have a couple of things on hand.</p> <p>And of course here when temps are often in the 14-25C range with some heating and cooling indoors the same outfits can take me through most of the year.&nbsp; In Canada or Scandinavia I don't think that would hold true.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094671 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:50:22 +0000 kkards 2094671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to have a dressy capsule but I haven’t needed it in years. I kept the dressy handbag just in case, but at this point I can’t imagine needed that level of formal ware again. And it I did, I’d probably rent </p> <p>The closest I have to a capsule is my beach vacation stuff. A pair of flip flops that are comfy but can be hosed down, a hat, and a couple of tankinis. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094665 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:30:48 +0000 LaPed 2094665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My everyday work clothes skew very casual. Thanks to recess duty and nature walks, I'm outside for a good chunk of the day, with kids no less. And when I'm inside, I'm often sitting on the floor, doing art/cooking projects, etc. I tend to think of my clothes in three very broad capsules: work, too-nice-for-work, and not-nice-enough-for work. </p> <p>And then there's outdoor gear, which I divide into a much more nuanced set of capsules involving activity and season...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094661 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:02:34 +0000 nemosmom 2094661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's it, Smittie.&nbsp; I bagged up all but 3 pieces of my office clothes after DS1 was born (6 years ago).&nbsp; I've since added a handful of skirts, but they were purchased completely on whim and not with the idea of coordinating with anything else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094660 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 21:51:14 +0000 smittie 2094660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since my style has taken a turn for the <b>ultra-casual</b>, I'm no longer able to go to a wedding or funeral with my regular 'day' clothes, as I had before.<br />So this makes me think that if you're already pretty dressy, you don't need special capsules.</p> <p>Interesting that you can wear jeans to a funeral in Isreal, <b>Shevia</b>! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094658 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 21:17:37 +0000 rachylou 2094658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve just realised the notion of The Season still applies, when all the social events/theatre/etc. happen, which is winter... So I really only need winter dressy outfits... hmm... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094657 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 21:15:13 +0000 nemosmom 2094657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz - </b>YES! I don't always get notice either - last year we were invited to a conservative bar mitzvah with a fancy cocktail party afterwards. Hubs told me <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-my-mid-month-nosedive">the day before the event</a>. And an unexpected snow storm blew through the morning of!&nbsp; I should have started planning capsules then.&nbsp; I am a slow learner! :D</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094656 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 21:04:25 +0000 Suz 2094656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Nemosmom</b>-- yes! That's it. My moment of truth came one day when I could not for the life of me put together a good-looking winter dressy date-night outfit. I had a pile of separates that in theory could have worked together, but they really didn't, and they wouldn't keep me warm, and I felt like a jittery mess. That's when I decided I deserved a dress or two (simpler) and a pair of "fancy" shoes even if I wear them twice a year.&nbsp;</p> <p>Those occasions don't come up a whole lot in my life -- I'm as likely to wear jeans on a date with Mr. Suz as a fancy outfit -- but I definitely want to be prepared instead of feeling at a loss. Unlike others, I don't always get advance warning of these events (or at least not enough of it for me to shop) so I feel a lot better knowing I'm covered. (Ha ha).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094620 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 18:39:43 +0000 Barbara Diane 2094620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfortunately, I do have funeral capsules, but except for one topper that I haven't worn elsewhere (not my favorite, but worked well for winter burial) they are all clothing pieces that I wear all the time.</p> <p>Weddings are more likely to throw me, as they can vary by season, location, indoors or out, time of day, level of dressiness, etc. If I can wear black I'm pretty well set, but garden party? Or extreme heat? So, often I do shop for these, or at least for one item for the outfit. I have two weddings to attend in 2020, and I will need to either come up with 2 outfits each depending on the weather, or outfits that can work by adding or removing layers.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094576 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 15:17:25 +0000 Kaelyn 2094576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is something I really need to work on.&nbsp; Off the top of my head, I think I have slacks and a shirt that would work for a funeral, but it'd be very plain (which isn't a bad thing for a funeral, but I'm talking <i>really</i> plain).&nbsp; For a cocktail party, I have several things that could be put together--including my statement piece, a giant black sequin bag I got at a <i>thrift store</i> several years ago.&nbsp; My mind doesn't work in capsules so much as what an individual piece would be good for, and then I construct the rest of the outfit around whatever piece that is.&nbsp; I do want to work on occasion-specific capsules, though, especially for occasions that are likely to repeat.&nbsp; Like weddings.&nbsp; Every time I get invited to one, I flip out because I feel like nothing I own is quite right.&nbsp; I think I'd like to take some time this year, after I've worked on refining my wardrobe once I know where I'm going to live for the next few years, and physically lay things out in capsules and make some kind of note of what's in each one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094572 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 15:01:58 +0000 Anonymous 2094572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like what Suz said, and can relate, though my daily wear is "medium level of refinement" (per Imogen's categories)<br /> From dressy to casual my needs are:<br /> Work dressy- for presentations, networking. A few times a month. Dark solid dresses + tall heeled boots or heeled sandals.<br /> Fun dressy-weddings, holidays, jazz concerts. A few times a year. Above + bling or vivid colored or otherwise more festive dresses.<br /> Work daily-days at the office and community outreach. 5-6 days a week. Sometimes dresses but often seperates. Skirts (often pencil), ponte pants, blouses, interesting knitwear, toppers (jacket, cardi, or wrap), heeled sandals, boots or booties, or mules.<br /> Weekend-errands, seeing family/ friends, festivals. About 3 days a month in winter (don't go out more than needed), 6-8 in summer. A hodgepodge of more casual work pieces and/or gear leggings + fun stuff (dark tie dyes, halter tops, embroidered jeans, sarongs, less structured dresses and flowy skirts). Low heeled sandals or boots.<br /> Gear- indoor and outdoor (hot to mild weather only). 5-7 days a week. Bottoms-full and cropped leggings, bike shorts, skorts. Tops-tanks, long sleeved post gym (and yoga when cold). Swimsuits- 1 piece and bikinis. Shoes- trainers, walking sandals, flip flops. Accessories- sunnies, bike helmet, life vest, socks, bum bag for hiking. Should have bike gloves and ear warmer.<br /> Sleep/lounge-daily. Black leggings or shorts, and black fleece/long sleeve t's/tanks, furry socks in winter.<br /> One off fun stuff- dancewear (I don't perform but love it anyway), fire spinning (natural fiber only), and Fairewear (1 day a year).<br /> Eta- funeral wear I haven't needed, thank God, but at least 40% of my wardrobe is black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094547 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 12:30:39 +0000 nemosmom 2094547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Well, I typed up a longer response, and somehow it disappeared. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, <b>everyone</b>, for your responses! <b>Suz<i></i><i></i><i></i></b> I think you summed up my frustration:<br /> <i><br />"I realized that my most panicked wardrobe related moments happened<br /> precisely because I didn't have the right clothes for the occasion.<br /> Never because I had "nothing to wear." But rather, because I had nothing<br /> appropriate for this particular activity."</i> <b></p> <p></b>YES! This exactly. I have pieces that could theoretically work but, in reality, that isn't the case.&nbsp; For example, I have a sleeveless black sheath dress. I have a winter event that is conservative.&nbsp; I could think black dress=sorted, BUT, the dress needs layers! The cut of the dress won't really work with a sleeved blouse <u>under</u> it, my sweaters are too casual to go <u>over</u> it, and I wouldn't want to keep a coat on indoors. My dark blazer is navy - not a bright navy, but navy that when worn with black looks like I got dressed in the dark. Plus, I don't have appropriate winter footwear to go with it. So, while a LBD would check the box - THAT particular dress does not.</p> <p><b>Carla</b> - I love your mix and match capsule approach!<br /></div><br />I am off to play in the closet.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094546 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 12:23:48 +0000 Helena 2094546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a little more in <b>Shevia's </b>camp: over the years I have found that most occasions I attend don't require anything particularly distinct. I agree that this is cultural, as well as partially just my style and lifestyle.</p> <p>I've gone through those exercises where you are supposed to divide up your time to figure out what you need, and my list always is a spectrum of casual, from active-casual to dressy-casual. So, instead of distinct capsules, I've realized that a few 'outfit modifiers' are enough to get me to 95+% of my activities. For example:</p> <p>- navy sweater and jeans, with sneakers and a hoodie for a morning walk<br />- swap a scarf and ballet flats for daytime errands<br />- add a blazer or layer a collared shirt underneath for a business meeting; maybe swap the jeans for pants<br />- swap big earrings, darker makeup, curled hair, and heels for an evening out with friends</p> <p>For outlier events, I usually see those coming far enough in advance to be able to shop if needed, and I'm actually a bit wary of shopping for these 'in case' because really dressy events are rare for me and what I bought would probably be out of style by the time I needed it!</p> <p>I do have a pretty versatile LBD that would do for most things in a pinch. My 'business casual' look suffices for funerals.</p> <p>Whatever approach you decide on, have fun with it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094539 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 10:17:17 +0000 Jenni NZ 2094539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well Nemosmom I don’t specifically plan such capsules at all, but I must just have built them up over time. I can go to a funeral any time, I have blacks and greys summer and winter weights. I lead meetings occasionally so I have professional clothes for that, and for my day job. I have a “farm” capsule for winter tucked away in a chest. I have stuff for tropical holidays, even “beach shoes” which we used to call aqua socks. Sporty stuff would be my only lack, I grew out of the wetsuit I used to own and donated it to DD2.<br /> I could have even been to my own daughter’s wedding in an appropriate outfit last year if I hadn’t wanted a new dress- in fact for the second event, the reception a week later, I wore a red dress and red sandals from 2017.<br /> We also have a dress-up cupboard. But to get to this happy state of affairs has taken 10 years. 10 years ago when applying for an extra seminar presenter’s job I panicked with the dress code for the group interview day of “professional wear” and hired a stylist! I spent money on the outfit and didn’t even get the job!<br /> But the following year I got another one that was better, and my confidence in dressing myself has much improved over those years. I hadn’t needed to apply for a job for 6 years before that one and being a presenter was a little scary. I should probably thank that organisation in a Kondo sort of way for what that whole episode taught me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094535 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:26:08 +0000 Cardiff girl 2094535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not very good at this but have sufficient clothes in my wardrobe that I can make up outfits &nbsp;for most occasions so maybe in reality I have capsules,l just don’t see them or view them like that.Most of my day is casual/ home stuff so I empathise with your difficulties in specifying specific capsule categories other than”at home/casual”Maybe this is why we struggle ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094526 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 06:09:04 +0000 Gigi 2094526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my life is casual (I work part-time at home and part-time in a business casual environment that allows jeans), so I haven't had to work too hard to plan capsules. They just kind of created themselves. My capsules (in hindsight) would be:</p> <p>. Work from home<br />. Work on site (lots of overlap with work from home)<br />. Formal office wear (one outfit, for an interview or the like)<br />. Exercise gear<br />. Pajamas<br />. Casual dancing (jeans and a tee, or a casual dress/jumpsuit)<br />. Dressy dancing (nice dresses/jumpsuits)<br />. Formal dancing (uber-nice dresses/jumpsuits)</p> <p>The dance capsules pretty much have me prepared for all occasions, since the wardrobe items span all types of formality.</p> <p>My one big trouble area is funerals. I have only one pair of black pants, and they are too tight in the hips, though I can manage to zip them up. I have no suitable black dress, so if someone dies, I will be feeling like a sardine in my black pants and a black top.</p> <p>ETA: Just remembered that I have a gray skirt and some gray tops. I'm covered for a funeral!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094522 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 05:28:53 +0000 Suz 2094522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh. This is a great topic.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like <b>Carla,</b> it took me about 6 years on YLF to get this sorted. Despite the superb advice I got in the interim from <b>Angie</b> and multiple forum members. Blame my thick noggin. And then I needed to find the right pieces, and be able to pay for them.&nbsp;</p> <p>One excellent piece of advice I got here, early on, was to consider my roles. How I actually spend my time. And I should budget for my wardrobe accordingly. That's why, for me, paying for jeans I really love makes sense. I wear them almost daily for several seasons. Whereas if I can find a sparkly top at discount or thrift -- that's probably a good way to go -- I'll only wear it twice a year.&nbsp;</p> <p>Another -- and seemingly contradictory -- piece of advice -- was to make sure I had weather-suitable outfits for every single thing I actually do -- even if I rarely do it. Which of course...duh...meant at least occasionally spending money for clothing for those infrequently adopted roles. <b>This was hard for me!</b></p> <p>Until, that is, I realized that my most panicked wardrobe related moments happened precisely because I didn't have the right clothes for the occasion. Never because I had "nothing to wear." But rather, because I had nothing appropriate for this particular activity.&nbsp;<b><br /></b></p> <p>Also...it took me a while to fully appreciate that we're all different in this regard. Even though <b>most</b> of my life is work from home/ parent on the go, I also have to dress for a lot more varied situations than those labels might suggest. Unlike some people who work from home, I'm also in the public eye a fair bit. I have to give presentations/ readings/ moderate panels/ attend ceremonies from time to time. In addition, I'm a teacher, who's also a student. I exercise indoors and out...and so on and on. That's just me. For another person, the issues might be completely different.</p> <p>Having identified my key roles I made sure (over time) to have at least one weather appropriate outfit (or a small capsule) for each main type of event in my life. </p> <p>Because I wear a lot of separates, it's largely mix and match. Again, like <b>Carla</b>. For teaching I can wear my work at home outfit with the addition of a jacket or a scarf and long cardigan -- basically moving from casual to smart casual. For a presentation, that same jacket might be worn with a slightly dressier or more colourful top and statement footwear. The blue dress I wear with bling for a winter date night can also work with more sober jewellery for a funeral. </p> <p>But there are also items that don't really crossover. Those sparkly tops, the exercise gear.&nbsp;</p> <p>My main functional capsules then are:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Work from home/ teach/ casual dates. (Casual to smart casual).&nbsp;</li> <li>Exercise gear. (This includes indoor gym wear and outdoor gear for skating, hiking, snowshoeing etc.)&nbsp;</li> <li>Sleepwear/ loungewear.&nbsp;</li> <li>Dressy and occasion -- this includes pieces bought for presentations/ public facing events and "fancier" going out wear.&nbsp;</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-occasions-do-you-dress-or-build-capsules-for#post-2094518 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 04:27:48 +0000 Kathie 2094518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s taken me 2.5 years on YLF, plus a few years of lurking before that, to have a wardrobe that is functional for most events. This is made somewhat easier, since I enjoy wearing black, and I have a couple black dresses that can be dressed up or down, depending on shoes and accessories. It has taken quite a bit of thought to assemble a wardrobe that spans four seasons, business casual to business formal, with MOTG on the weekends, and not overbuy in any category. I’m grateful though, because I no longer feel as if I need to plan for specific events, since I almost always have something appropriate. (And, when I don’t, I note it for the future.)</p> <p> Summer business formal is my weak area, since I have a very limited need for those items. But, it’s been 7 years since I made any significant additions to that category, so this year it needs some attention. </p>