My first capsule purchase and seasonal capsule thoughts.

Keturah

I made my first fall capsule purchase. And be proud, it's entirely practical: black pants. (Isn't that just stunning, ha!)

They are the skinny leg Pixie Pant from Old Navy. I was expecting a disaster of a pant in the dressing room. But either I lucked out with a great pair out of the 20 on the shelf, or they are a great pant. They're 2-way stretch fabric, so they're comfy. They do stretch out a bit more than I'd like. But that's just ON pants for ya. They aren't huge on me. If I had sized down to a 12, I think they would be too tight. Also, I'm trying very hard to trust Angie and wear my skinnies more relaxed and less body-con, to flatter my hourglass body with fuller thighs.

I also bought a LS v-neck tee in a dark red/wine color. I realized I didn't have any simple, fitted tees to go with my maxi skirt. I've tried the maxi skirt with a lot of my blouses. They don't work. The maxi really needs simplicity on top or it just looks too busy. And I can use a basic tee until it falls apart, which it probably will since the hem is already unraveling.

I'm fairly shocked. I took in 8 or 10 items with me. I came out with 2. I realized I didn't absolutely adore the clearance-rack white boho dress, despite it being on clearance and fitting me. In the past I wold have walked out with it, and the leggings with faux leather patches based entirely on emotion. The dress... I kept thinking about embroidering it, because it felt so blah to me. The leggings just didn't love me back, even though they seemed like a trendy, fun item.

I saved a lot of money. I saved time. I was more intuitive, thoughtful, and logical about my purchases. I left the store without guilt or financial stress. I don't have to make another long commute to return impulse purchases. I filled a hole in my capsule.

I think my only question in the process so far is: I have a lot of different fashion tastes, so how does having a seasonal capsule really work for me?

I have read blog posts on finding a signature style that encompasses variations of a uniform and finding a signature style. Perhaps I do have a signature style and I just don't recognize it. But honestly, I don't know if I do. I love culottes. I love skinnies with voluminous tops. I love wool sweaters and silk blouses and wrap dresses and tons of different styles -- even if it doesn't always flatter me. Fashion is one of the ways I find immense joy and self expression. I love a variety of pretty clothes.

If anything, I'm finding the idea of a single seasonal capsule limiting. I wonder if individual style capsules would work best for me. I could easily own 2-3 capsules at one time - a bohemian capsule, refined lady-like capsule, a 1970s glam capsule... I don't think I would own lots of items for each capsule; perhaps center it around 2-3 outfits, edited for the season. Maybe I would even keep similar color schemes.

My qualms with style capsules is: lifestyle. I go uber casual when I'm spending time with my boyfriend. He is rather casual in dressing, and we spend a great deal of time going on day trips and walking a lot to explore new places. (Not high heel friendly travels.) I can dress as glam or casual as I like for work. I find myself wondering how to balance my needs for comfortable and practical, with pure fashion love. Perhaps it's as simple as, wear the glam stuff to work and the casual stuff out with my boyfriend. But then it feels like that defeats the whole idea of having a simpler, pared down wardrobe capsule in the first place.

What do all of you think? I feel conflicted. I'm sure this is part of just finding what works for me. Or else it's my overanalyzing. Or both.

As always, thoughts, comments, and questions welcome and adored.

11 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Keturah

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

That's exactly why I don't go for a uniform or signature look. I like different looks for different occasions. I do want them all to be flattering in terms of color and shape. I guess that is the reason for having more than one capsule. I do think it makes sense to have an overall color scheme so that many pieces work together, which is where I think you were going ( if I'm remembering previous posts correctly.)

11 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Another vote for overlapping capsules! You can easily have one plan for work and another for BF time. You could "define" the capsules by different areas in the closet or, if lots of items are in both capsules, just use pictures of your capsule items or outfits and refer to though when dressing.

11 years ago

celia

Veteran

Congrats on the well fitting black pants
I do prefer to have different capsules for work and free time but I am not very strict about it. If I feel like wearing a work blouse on the weekend I surely will.
Also having different fashion personas doesn't necessarily means having different types of clothes. Accessories and the way you combine items can give different vibes.
Also( I don't remember where you live) different seasons and even different times of a season(Canadian winter, I am looking at you ) can be more conductive to a certain type of outfit.
There are a lot of ways of making a capsule wardrobe feel less restrictive, you just have to figure out what works for you.

11 years ago

Keturah

Veteran

Ummlila, I do like the simplicity of having a capsule. And just thinking more in terms of capsule wardrobes has been extremely beneficial. I'm learning a lot and have lessened buying clothes I feel less than head-over-heels about, spending less money, and really loving what I own and war.

You have a good memory! I am thinking an overall cool scheme is best. Doing that has been more challenging. For the most part I am realizing I do seasonal color schemes. Greens, blues, and corals for summer. Dark reds, plums, greens, and golds/oranges for fall/winter. Everything else is neutral. But the good thing is, I really don't deviate from that general scheme. But I wouldn't mind trying to find a more year-round color scheme maybe.

11 years ago

Keturah

Veteran

Beth Ann, lol! You totally keep saying this and I need to listen more. I get myself boxed in with doing the whole capsule thing "perfectly" according to a person.

As far as BF capsule... I'll definitely play with that idea. BF is impulsive. Sometimes I end up leaving my house with a bag that has another outfit in it, hiking shoes, and hair pins because I have no idea what we'll end up doing that day.

Celia, there is something to be said for a pair of well-fitting black pants.

Thank you for reminding me not to be so strict. Usually I'm not so strict, and wear whatever I feel like. But trying to be more true to seasonal capsule has me being more strict with myself. And I don't really ever think of how accessorizing can make things different.

I feel for you and your Canadian winter!! I'm from Nebraska, and winters there are brutal. I live in Colorado, about 10 minutes from the RMNP entrance. Winters are okay. Temperatures are usually 30s-40s, with hot sun, freezing wind, and varying amounts of snow from October through May. (last winter it was like being in the Midwest, though. ) But I end up wearing a lot of layers and boots, nonetheless.

11 years ago

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

I definitely have two distinct capsules for each season. Now mine is mud and city, but the principle stands. Actually, there is a third year round collection, the black tie type stuff, with its own shoes, handbags and accessories. Some folks consider their hanging out lounge wear to be a separate capsule. Or beach stuff, etc.

I think the value of the concept is in the planning a coherent set of outfits for the various activities that arise in real life. I don't think it has to be limiting on what styles you put in that section of the closet, so long as it works like it did for you in the dressing room. That's a huge accomplishment right there.

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

It sounds like you did a great job in the fitting room! I have noticed things like that too, that stuff that I would have happily taken home with me before YLF now just doesn't cut it, because I have higher standards and more of an idea of what I want to get out of my clothes.

I agree that maxi skirts can be kind of hard to style and that they work best with a very simple, form-fitting top. I really struggled last winter with my maxis, because all I had to wear with them was one navy turtleneck and one cream turtleneck. This fall, I managed to find a brown long-sleeve tee that should work too. I am so excited to have a third option for a shirt to wear with the maxis!

I am with you on sometimes feeling limited by a capsule. I have different style personas too. I am doing better than I thought I would with a capsule format for fall, but that is because I already have a nice base wardrobe and am now just adding some tweaks and a new style persona (French chic). If you start feeling limited, it's time to make tweaks to your method, because you won't be happy if you just make intellectual decisions about what you're going to wear simply to stick with your capsule. Your idea of doing 2-3 outfits per persona is a fine one, and that's what I do. I have small capsules of different clothes for various personas; the capsules aren't big at all. Really, as long as you think in terms of outfits, you should be OK and end up being able to mix and match within your small persona capsules.

I wouldn't get too hung up on the idea of a signature style. I really think that that is something that will develop over time. I don't consider myself as having one and don't know if I ever will!

11 years ago

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

I don't suppose there is such a thing as a bohemian hiker, is there?
I have a work capsule, an "at home & Errand" capsule and a "winter outerwear" capsule and all that means is that I keep the clothes fairly separate from one another and try to make sure I have enough of what I need withing each one. You BF hiking capsule: how "big" does it need to be? You can think of it like you would a collection of gear--'cause that is what it is, isn't it?

And only use the notion of a "capsule" if it is useful to you. What was it about the capsule concept that appealed to you, in the first place?

11 years ago

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

Cap overlap is where it's at!

11 years ago

Aida

Veteran

I'm an eclectic dresser and don't use capsules (doesn't work for me), but I do divide my wardrobe loosely between work and weekend. As you said, the glam stuff gets worn to work and simpler stuff on the weekend; and there is plenty of overlap between the two. This past summer I realized I needed a sub-capsule for weekend for active-casual wear, and that was a HUGE help for my lifestyle; almost none of this overlaps with work wear, but some can be worn for weekend wear. Splitting it up this way works really well for me, but of course we all need to figure out what it is that we need for us. I'd suggest trying to quantify more concretely how you spend your time to determine what areas need more attention. If you're casual overall, like me, there's a good chance you'll have a lot of overlap in your capsules anyway.

And I do feel that capsule dressing can be tough for the eclectic dresser, but if you're looking for wardrobe simplicity then perhaps the approach of a small 3-5 items per style persona would work. You'll probably have to test it before you know, though.

11 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I think you are on track already. I think it will be nearly impossible to create one capsule that is suited for office work and hiking.The capsule idea is very appealing to me, too, but like you, various lifestyle and climate conditions make it impossible to have only one minimal capsule for all occasions. I need at least three or four capsules plus one for very dressy occasions. What I've done lately is to build a foundation of seasonless (as in suitable for at least three seasons) clothes in my base colors, and then add some pieces to this each season. This really helps me keeping the numbers of clothes down, and allows for better quality in each piece.

11 years ago

Keturah

Veteran

Rambling Ann, well said. This past year has made me realize how my wardrobe doesn't always fit my life. There were (still are?) gaps. I know what I love, and it usually isn't casual wear. But thats what I need for brewery tours, hiking, and the like.

Gigi If you start feeling limited, it's time to make tweaks to your method, because you won't be happy if you just make intellectual decisions about what you're going to wear simply to stick with your capsule.
Yes, it's true. I have decided that I don't like having just one set style. And I like lots of variety and interest. Some days I want simple. Some days I want to mix 2 or 3 (or more!) prints and colors.

Alana, I think the word and concept of "capsule" appealed to me because I wanted to be a better dresser, have more time, and curb impulse spending. And honestly, it seems to work for so many other YLF'ers. But I don't know that it's me. I am eclectic, a free spirit. I like dramatic, even when it's simply a t-shirt and jeans.

The hiking capsule really doesn't need to be huge. It just needs to have a level of comfort and practicality. I'm realizing I can wear nice things that make me feel good. I need to make it simpler, and wear comfortable walking shoes of some kind. (And bring a pair of hiking boots along!) It's all do-able. I needed to think about it out loud. Thank you for listening and giving feedback

thimblelina, I like it!

Aida, have I told you that I believe you and I are kindred closets? Or perhaps twinsies? I do wonder if the capsule wardrobe isn't for me. I see over the years and even recently that while I have an enduring undercurrent of dramatic and glamour to my dressing, I am still eclectic. Perhaps the idea of having weekday and weekend wear is the way to go. I think perhaps what I need to do is figure out what my needs are! And that is what I was hoping the capsule wardrobe would answer. In a way it has. It has shown me a traditional capsule wardrobe isn't my thing. And that sometimes my wardrobe doesn't fit my life

Ingunn, what a brilliant idea! Perhaps, just perhaps, that is a better direction for me to go - focus on seasonless basics, and then add pieces to mix with those. That definitely gives me a direction to go in. Actually, it reminds me of the Vivienne Files basic 12 with another layer or dynamic added to it.

Oh my gosh, you girls really are fab. You've given me a lot think about!!! And that is extremely helpful

lots of fashion love xoxoxoxo

11 years ago

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