How do you do capsules?

always trying

The only capsules I seem to be successful with are ones for specific functions. I have had one for dressy functions like formal and semi formal that includes everything from LBD to sequins. I am in the process of updating this as I have two formal functions this year, and two semi formal ones.

When you make other capsules like for travel or something do you do it by color, function, etc? My sale tops from Macys just arrived and are both keepers. I have paired up several bottoms to go with the embroidery one, and at least 3 pairs of shoes. This goes from things like bridge class to dressier dinners, etc. Now to put this into a packing capsule, I am stuck as what to do about adding other tops

6 years ago

Dressing

5 replies

Latest reply was from Cardiff girl

always trying

Veteran

Just forgot to say-should everything go with everything else? In other words to be successful should it all be mix and match? also I guess I need to say-dumb question!!!

6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

For a travel capsule, I’d want everything to be able to go with everything... but it’s not necessary.

6 years ago

SarahD8

Veteran

When I make capsules for travel tops are pretty much the last thing I address.

I start with what shoes do I need, then add bottoms that will go with the shoes and are appropriate for the range of weather conditions I'm likely to encounter. Then I sort of titrate tops and toppers that go with the bottoms.

I usually end up with a situation where everything doesn't go with everything else, but each item goes with 2 out of 3 options in every other category. So there is remix-ability even if it's not 100% perfect (I don't need it to be, in the end).

If you wanted to build a travel capsule around one or both of your new tops, I would take the bottoms that go with the new top and then look for a couple other tops that also go with those bottoms.

6 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

I like my activity-based capsules to be fairly mix-n-match. For dressy events, I want to squeeze a lot of options out of the smallest number of pieces. So yes in that case my colour palette is pretty tight and I'm conscious of silhouettes and how versatile the pieces will be when I'm adding them. The only problem, you risk ending up with lots of boring, middle-of-the-road pieces and no statement items.

Travel capsules are a whole separate beast; I see it more as a matter of covering your bases, not so much a complete mix-n-match. So maybe you take one dressy outfit for dinner/shows, 1 set loungewear, 1 gear for hiking or hotel gym, 2 interchangeable casual outfits for daytime sightseeing, plus a designated flying outfit... Maybe you find a few pieces redundant (can a merino tee do double duty as gear and casual? Birkenstocks as both lounge slippers and casual footwear? etc) and trim down that way, but mostly the capsule builds itself according to your itinerary.

6 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I second sarahD8 s advice,for a travel capsule I would start with the shoes.Consider the climate and what you will be doing.Once you ve sorted the shoes you can then add in other garments.I usually pick my bottoms next ie trousers ,skirts then pick tops that will go with most if not all of the bottoms.I usually lay it all out on the bed so I can see everything at once.Intially I will lay out all the tops that go with the bottoms then I will cull depending on how long I’m going to be away for..Don’t forget accessories like scarves and non valuable jewellery which can change your look without taking up much room.Also try and take multi tasking toppers as these tend to be bulky and take up a lot of room.You can always wear your most bulky/heavy clothes to travel to save room in the case.

6 years ago

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