Capsule wardrobe thoughts?

Has anyone created a capsule wardrobe from scratch?

One of my biggest style problems is buying unique pieces that are tough to mix-and-match. As a result, I have SO many pieces and am bad about rotating through them.

I've been semi-seduced by the capsule wardrobe ideas but question how easy it would be...and whether I'd get bored, or the outfits would all look "the same".

Would love to hear about people's experiences with this, good or bad. thank you!

-Penelope
ps here's my latest blog post:
https://stylishapples.com/10-s.....ple-shapes

8 years ago

Shopping

9 replies

Latest reply was from penelopestylishapples

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hi Penelope, I didn't get round to replying to your original post. Your blog looks great. I wasn't originally an apple but a slim pear, now an apple-middle pear, with some "high hip" or 8-shape thrown in. I haven't found the capsule idea helpful at all. I think I would get very bored. I love print, bright colours, flowers, sparkles, and like a lot of choice. I have still wanted to cull down and while very slow I'm having some success with tracking wears, noting what is not getting worn so much, trying to wear it if it fits and is in good condition, then considering culling if still not loving it. A 11 month project so far starting May 2016.
I am like you, have a lot of options, but gradually getting more disciplined!

8 years ago

Liz

Veteran

I think the usefulness of a capsule depends on how you define it. Lots of people in the internet world talk of it as a small mix and match collection of clothing, and use it in the context of minimal wardrobe of very few items.

I have so appreciated Angie's approach that a capsule is simply a collection of items [see blog post] -- and that you might have several or many capsules within your wardrobe. Thinking of my closet in this way has really helped avoid the problem of "too many clothes and nothing to wear."

8 years ago

Penny

Veteran

Along the lines of Liz's suggestion, could you try to create capsules within your existing wardrobe? Then it might be easier to spot wardrobe orphans that you may not want to keep, or holes where purchases may allow you to complete outfits.

8 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You might also find it helpful to identify your personal wardrobe essentials. Not the "crisp white shirt" that "every woman" is "supposed" to own -- (unless it works for you) -- but the glue items you personally need to make your collection of interesting pieces workable. Angie's great on this. She had a blog post very recently on the subject.

8 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Like Suz, Penny, and Liz have said, putting together a capsule isn't about limiting your choices as much as it is an exploration in the inherent possibilities of your unique pieces. For example, grab two or three of your unique pieces which have some commonalities--maybe a dress, a couple of tops, and a jacket--and see what bottoms, shoes, and accessories work with them. If pulling together outfits is tricky, then you'll quickly see where you might have some wardrobe holes to fill. Check back in Angie's blog archives to see what suggestions she has for working with your current wardrobe's patterns, shapes, and colors. Try swapping other unique pieces in to see how your capsule shifts and changes.

Capsules stimulate your thinking; used in this way, they keep you from wearing the same pieces in the same way over and over again.

8 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

Instead of thinking of mix and match, I'd start by thinking about full outfits you love that incorporate your unique pieces. Maybe each piece only works with one combination in your wardrobe, or maybe you wear them a few different ways. But either way, thinking of full outfits lets you identify pieces that are missing (eg, if you never wear slightly cropped tops because you have no high-waist pants - this is something I noticed in my own wardrobe recently).

I do this for packing for travel, and I think of the outcome as a capsule even if it's not super mix and match.

8 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I agree with choosing a couple of your favorite full outfits and begin from there. What makes them favorites? Color? Shape? Style? This seems to be a way towards more of a capsule mentality.

Greyscale makes a good point about travel - even if you aren't going on a trip, think about what you would pack for a 3 day getaway in a small carry on. That should help you create a mini-capsule.

8 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I too am drawn to bright colourful pieces that are hard to combine- I have tempered this somewhat over the last couple of years.

It sound like you need a tight group of workhorse essentials- good jeans, plain tops to wear under bold jackets or with patterned pants etc. I like the other advice- I have a medium sized wardrobe but repeat often, but find my navy and black tops, black pants and jeans, cognac bag and sandals - are all very well worn.

8 years ago

penelopestylishapples

Active Member

Whoa, all these great replies! I will try to address everything in this response. First, Jenni, thanks so much for your kind words about my blog! Sounds like we might have similar issues with the closets. For me, I love bright colors, unique cuts and patterns, and super dressy stuff (but rare occasions to wear it).

Liz, Suz, & Gaylene -I will definitely check out Angie's blogs on this, sure there's lots to learn there.

I love the idea of creating a mini-capsule as though I were going off on a trip. and using my brain (gasp!) to try to create a few outfits out of existing unique pieces that I have. I will read more about capsules and try out some of these strategies. may even post with pictures for more specific guidance. thanks everyone! I'm so glad I found this site!

8 years ago

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