Capsule wardrobe take 2 - YouLookFab Forum

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Capsule wardrobe take 2

em

So here is a hypothetical fall/winter wardrobe based on items I own or appeal to me. (The fab plaid pants will never make it into my closet as they retail for over $1K.) The burgundy shirt is ribbed and the white one has a flat cable-knit, so both are way more interesting in real life. Frankly, I would prefer to have a wardrobe of knits like these, but I added some blouses for versatility.

I petered out making combos towards the end.

Anyway, I'm still trying to achieve something like "minimal luxe" but don't feel I've quite got there. I'm going to try to get more adept with wearing scarves.

What would you do to up the ante here?

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16 replies

Latest reply was from Cee

rachylou

Veteran

I really like it! I think good fit would provide all the zazz needed.

em

I swapped out the black heels for one in a metallic snakeskin, and as it's not so harsh as black, I think the look is nicer.

This wardrobe planning sh*t is hard work. I can't believe that some people (Angie!) do this for a living!!!

binkle

Veteran

Plaid is everywhere (or will be, as the fall clothes become available) so you should definitely be able to find affordable plaid pants.

I think texture adds luxury - you've got the satiny/silky blouses (sorry your pix are small so a bit hard to see). Maybe add a velvet jacket, or a suede accessory. If you don't do skirts, you don't do skirts (I am the same), but every once in a while a midi is fun to wear and breaks the repetition.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I'm confused by this exercise; you are planning a wardrobe of things you don't own, some of which you would not be able to afford?

Gretchen

Veteran

I’d like one of just about everything on your list please and thank you.

I think you are light on shoes - only 2 pair? Maybe add in one more in a different style?

Also (hard to see as I’m on my phone) are all the toppers printed/multicolor? Wonder if you might want a luxe leather or suede or velvet topper in a single color?

One other idea - might you consider a wrap or ruana in a deep tone? The combo of texture and fluidity might fit with where you are going.

em

Haha Gretchen: We have similar coloring. I guess that's why we like these pieces!

As this wardrobe is for a day office, I didn't feel comfortable adding velvet. I agree that leather or suede would be divine, but I associate them with outdoor wear. I couldn't find anything that I felt would suit something coming on and off all day long as I needed additional warmth. All of the toppers I chose are actually knits. It's unlikely that I would ever wear them buttoned up all the way. As a for instance, here is how the tweed peplum looks in motion: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/r.....et/5068570

I'm really trying to keep this minimal, which is why I only have 2 pairs of shoes. But I will explore your idea and look for more.

Thanks for the suggestions!

em

Gretchen, Something like this would be perfect, but of course these colors are the worst: https://www.therealreal.com/pr.....d-cardigan

binkle

Veteran

I get not wanting to add velvet or suede (though actually I was thinking more of a suede belt or bag, not an indoor jacket).

Are you feeling it's too monotonous (I don't think so personally) and needs statements? Or that you need more variety of basics - like more tops? I vote for more tops - suit separates can be worn multiple times, but the top is right next to your skin - so you might want maybe 2-3 more, just to ease the strain of laundry. Subtle striped jersey tops?

em

FashIntern, I own similar items to most of these. My plaid pair of pants wore out a year ago and I am looking for a replacement. Before I buy any new items, I am trying to get a sense of how they will contribute to my current look. I want every new purchase to be worthwhile.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You’ve used Basics incorrectly. Wardrobe Basics are items like underwear, sleepwear, socks, hosiery, gear.

Wardrobe Essentials are simpler too. A patterned scarf that adds pizazz to an outfit is not an essential.

What you’ve marked as Basics are actually Essentials.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

With great respect to Angie and YFL, it might have been better to say that that’s the way these categories are used here, and it helps for us to be on the same page. Everyone I know outside of here uses basic as simple in style (or maybe color?) like a basic tee.

em

Oh! Isn't this DIVINE? Too bad about the price!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/s.....er/4975636

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Thanks Em. That makes sense to me now. Wishing you happy hunting in finding pieces to purchase for the actual wardrobe now that you have ideas sketched out!

BD, I agree. That's the biggest smack-down I've seen on this site. As for the terms themselves, my natural inclination is to reverse them from the YLF usage, even moreso now that 'basic" is a slang term.

em

In Style magazine (I think) broke down wardrobe components in an article more than decade ago in a way that resonated with me. They had basics, essentials, statements, and showstoppers.

Underwear, PJs, workout wear, and goof-around-the-house-clothing comprise my category of "intimate apparel" and it's unlikely I'd discuss them on a public forum.

Windchime

Veteran

This is a great capsule already! To up the ante, how about a scarf or footwear in an animal print color which coordinates with the colors in your capsule?

Cee

Veteran

I just glad there are no evil cowlnecks in there !