Forced to use a "capsule" wardrobe for a month

Christina F.

We have to have some work done on our bedroom and since we live in small NYC one-bedroom place, we decided the best course of action was to put some stuff in storage for a month. So I'm currently using something of a capsule wardrobe, which is not natural to me as I'm a maximalist (for the space I have - I don't have a shoe closet like Carrie Bradshaw or anything). I didn't plan out the capsule strategically, as there was no time once we decided not to hold off on this work. I just picked a variety of things since the weather is in flux. I can dip into storage if a cold snap comes before early November, at which point I'm going to Chile for 10 days. So I've also tried to keep out of storage what I might pack. After Chile, all can go back to normal.

However, now that I've gone through my wardrobe to store things, it's come to my attention that while I do have just enough enough space for my wardrobe, the way I store it (spread between half of our one closet, a bureau and some plastic drawers under the bed), isn't optimal because I forget I have things. I also MUST use seasonal storage, for which we have space in the basement. I'm trying to use a wardrobe app to help with that aspect of things.

I'm going to get rid of the under the bed storage (except for seasonal shoe storage) and hang up some Ikea clothing poles on my walls. Then, I'll be able to see my wardrobe better, and can use the bureau mostly for things like underclothes and lounge clothes. This new system will work better if I reduce what I have at least somewhat.

I need to shop less and more strategically. My wardrobe has drastically changed over the past two years. It was needed, but now it's time to SLOW DOWN, and not just because my clothes are living in storage and plastic bins for a month or so. Shopping has become my hobby since leaving academia, though. I don't have time to take up something else till the stuff in our house is fixed.

I purge small amounts periodically, but I can be indecisive. I also feel the dreaded guilt if something perfectly nice didn't work out after a couple of wears. I suppose tracking wears would help me decide when I'm on the fence? I also hope that some of the stuff I put into storage because I don't NEED it will be easier to purge when it comes back out. I'm looking for tips, I suppose, but I mostly wanted to vent a bit because I know my sisters and brothers here will feel my pain!

8 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Christina F.

RobinF

Veteran

It should be eye-opening for you, I know it would be for me. I hear you on shopping as a hobby. It has been for me for a long time, even though I don't really spend a lot. And yes, I feel very guilty when something doesn't work out. I hate purging an item that I haven't gotten much use out of.

When we did our kitchen a few years back, I was so relieved when we could get out of boxes and back into cupboards! I imagine it will be the same for you. But it will be worth it.

8 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Sounds like this event is helping you realize a better way to organize your stuff. That is a good thing.
With purchases that don't seem to get much use, I ask myself a number of questions. Is it for something that doesn't happen often? Can I dress it up or down to make it work? Or is it intrinsically flawed, like it is itchy. Getting items that I won't wear out of my closet makes it easier to make outfits with what is left.

8 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

I also use a variety of storage areas - closet, dresser, and storage. I put clothes that I don't need to see to make outfits - socks, bras, underwear, camis, etc in the dresser. I also put gear and lounge clothes there. I store special occasional dresses and shoes out of sight as well. I keep items that I need to make outfits - pants, skirts, tops, shorts, dresses, etc. in the closet where I can see them easily. I go through my closet twice a year to switch summer and winter clothes and purge at that time.

8 years ago

shiny

Veteran

During our reno I lived out of two carry-on sized pieces of luggage: one with work clothes and one with casual. For NINE months!!!

Everything else was packed up in moving boxes (on wheels, so we could move them room to room), and covered with cloths to protect from all the construction dust.

Part of the reno included decking out a walk-in closet for me, and building a separate closet for DH. We are fortunate to have the space in our master for both. It was one of the major selling factors for our new place, as our last place had very little closet space.

I was never so happy than when I could finally unpack all my clothes and put them away!! And yet... I realized quickly

1) I kind of liked the closet nearly empty (when I first unpacked the carry on luggage) and then again I liked it barely/comfortably full, before I unpacked the seasonal stuff too... and it was too much stuff.

2) Capsules definitely have their pluses and minuses. As does being able to see all 4 seasons of stuff, if you can. I know this can be difficult/ impossible.

3) After all that time -- and with better closet lighting than I've ever had -- I realized I had a lot of stuff (particularly shoes) that had seen better days, OR I was just bored with even after being without after 9 months, OR were totally out of style. And I tossed a lot of items. I am still tossing.

8 years ago

Keturah

Veteran

After having my son last December, I was forced into a capsule wardrobe. I wasn't about to buy a lot of nice new clothes when I desired to wear all my smaller clothes and return to my happy weight.

It was extremely eye opening. I suddenly found myself only buying something I loved. I was also shocked at how little and how much I wore what I had, depending on the item.

Things like...
- I really need at least two pairs of pants/jeans. One pair is not enough with baby spit up to contend with.
- I missed having a lot of color in my closet. I had two items in intense orange-red. It just wasn't enough.
- Yet I did splendidly making do with only one color, a couple of shirts, one dress, and a pair of jeans!

Cutting back helped me see what I really wear, need, and use in a new season of life. I would have never done it had it not been forced upon me by pregnancy weight gain.

That said, I think having a year round capsule is a bit blasé and not at all fun. I would rather trade out clothes every spring and autumn. this also has pluses and minuses, but it is more exciting to me than having the same clothes all the time.

8 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

I used multiple locations to store my clothes and shoes before we moved into an RV. I purged a bit before we made the move, but when the first seasonal changeover came around, I decided that was just too much of a pain in the arsenal. I had to get really honest and really ruthless. It helped that I knew a lot of women in recovery that wore my sizes, and I just let them have at it. Seriously, I bagged up so many clothes and shoes, up to and including a bunch of Armani that I knew I was never going to wear again. It was hard, but not as hard as that first seasonal changeover in an rv. I wish I had some tips for you. I do have some (((hugs))), because I know how hard it is.

8 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

Thanks everyone! We are finishing up separating the stuff today and I purged thee items! One pair of shown looked worn out. One vest didn’t fit well. And one pair of pants didn’t wow me when I wore them a few days ago. I may just be a person who purges small amounts over time, but my new clothing storage plan gives me a reason to try to be more ruthless.

8 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

My cat Dame Judi Dench thanks you all for the support.

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8 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

Thought I'd give an update on how I'm doing with this. I need to pull my clothes out the night before. That said, I had a vague plan of what to wear today, but it had to change when I saw that our office a/c is still broken (has been all week), and they need to turn it down so it can be cooler before it's shut off to be worked on. So I needed layers instead of the long sleeved dress I'd planned on. I wasted time pulling the first outfit, seeing the email, and then changing.

I still feel the itch to shop, but so far have only ordered two replacement items: a new coat (will replace an old one if it works out), and new hiking boots. When I pulled my old ones out, I noticed they weren't in good shape anymore, and I need the new ones before my trip next month. How I can even think of shopping is beyond me, but it's been stressful and that's one of my outlets. At the very least, until my new clothing storage system is up and running, I'll be doing a one-in-one out more strictly than usual.

I plan to go through some of the clothes I put aside but didn't put into storage (mentally labeled as less important to have access to during this process). Most of the stuff in storage isn't for this season. That will happen this weekend. I also wore a pair of colored jeans yesterday that bagged while I wore them and can be passed on - I've noticed that colored denim from Loft does this, and won't be buying any more.

8 years ago

Anonymous

That itch to shop ....

I can't comment because I think I am a compulsive shopper. I used to be a compulsive sales shopper. Now I am only a compulsive shopper so I am making slow but steady progress.

Shopping during times of stress is actually quite common. It is a distraction and distraction is a stress reliever. I think buying hiking boots is a great idea. Will you have time to break them in or is that not an issue for you?

A new coat is always a good idea. (I am not enabling). I feel that replacing older clothing items is a very good idea.

Best wishes on your capsule. I hope you learn lots of things about your wardrobe needs.

8 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

I love Dame Judi. Living with a capsule is definitely not my preference, but it does highlight how you can achieve different combinations and get creative when you are restricted to a smaller wardrobe.

8 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

sterling, I don't think the breaking in is a big deal for me. I have foot issues but they have to do more with needing support. For something I wear socks with, breaking in is not a big issue. I'm going to try to wear them on a couple of long walks, at least. The other boots were just falling apart, and I wanted something lighter weight anyway. My husband, who's an Eagle Scout and has had his boots for over 20 years and been known to keep them together with duct tape, was horrified that I didn't take them to the cobbler. But I really did want something lighter, and those had been secondhand anyway.

Aside from the coat, I also decided I needed a new black blazer (old one too small to be closed) and black cap toe flats (heels were worn away). I've decided to defer these purchases, as they're not urgent. For the blazer, it was from J Crew Factory, so I may just get the same thing in a larger size as they offer it each year.

bijou thank you, she also has a one-eyed brother named Sir Ian McKellen (actually her litter mate). Judi takes better pictures because she likes to stare when it's close to feeding time! Ian is also cute with his quizzical large eye, though.

That's a good point about creativity! That's one of the things i hope will happen. I'm used to wearing the same combos in some cases. I'm especially interested in figuring out how to combine tops with different toppers.

8 years ago

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