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Organising my wardrobe into capsules from the challenges

Sal

Veteran

Hi All

With the SYC closet challenge, and the tracking challenge, I decided to get all my wardrobe into finds (all custom finds). I have found it a fun exercise to see all my dresses or footwear options together - I can instantly see I have a good range of neutral coloured shoes from light to dark.

I have also been doing a small amount of reading and viewing about capsules - Useless, The Anna Edit, and Audrey Coyne.

The first capsules I read about did not appeal or work for me. Our climate is relatively trans-seasonal and while I like neutrals, I do like pattern a lot. But as I am a happy repeater I felt I could still incorporate these types of pieces and organise into capsules.

I have discovered that a large all year capsule, alongside three other capsules works for me.

There is some cross over as my work is not terribly formal, and my social life is not terribly dressy.

All year includes jeans, pants, sweaters, some jackets, footwear like sneakers and tees. Pieces I might wear any day of the year. Some are more fringe season like the olive jacket.
Winter capsule - boots, coats and one or two pieces that I only like to wear from May-early October.
Summer capsule - sandals, sun dresses, short and pants that I would only wear late October-March. It includes a couple of more boho tops that could be worn in winter but that I like to wear in summer.
Occasion wear capsule - evening and dressy pieces .

My greatest needs are in the all year basics capsule and this is fairly lean in parts. When my black lululemon pants wear out, I will need to replace them promptly along with my navy sweater. There are some pieces in the all year capsule that are not essentials such as the kimonos. Many of the pieces are essential workhorses however. There are a few in the summer capsule that don't get much wear either- the yellow floral tee and the coral tank are two that might get two wears all summer. Yet I like them both a lot!!

Here are the links if you are interested.

Winter capsule https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=6396

Summer capsule https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=6398

All year capsule https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=6394

Occasion wear https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=6397

I think I have about two more pieces to add into the finds - one beach dress, one day bag, and my evening clutches. Aside from gear, beachwear and true loungewear, the rest is there.

My observation is that I would like to add in more tomato red to the winter capsule or all year capsule. And another structured blazer - maybe in the red!! Dresses and pants work hard in my closet, as do my day options for shoes. Some of the heels do not get much wear, nor do some of my tops.

Has anyone else organised their wardrobe in this way?

Thanks
S

(This is a bit self indulgent but it has been a helpful exercise for me)

29 replies

Latest reply was from Stagiaire Fash

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is terrific Sal! (Just a note -- the summer capsule comes up as the winter one so the link must be incorrect.)

I haven't done precisely this but I did for a couple of years put most of my S/S items and my F/W items into two collections. I think I may follow your example now that I am in a more temperate place, but I still need to add a few custom Finds to include all my things.

I do see lots of heels and suspect the flatter shoes get a lot more wear, so perhaps you could shift the balance. On the other hand, you really enjoy dressing up and going out, so it doesn't hurt to have a few extra dressy shoes, really, if you have the room! (Says the woman with more footwear than she can shake.a stick at.)

Lynn

Veteran

Hi Sal- I have also been reading a lot about capsule wardrobes as I develop a plan to rebuild my own wardrobe. Thanks for the sources you named- I am not familiar with them. Some sources I found helpful in addition to Angie's posts in the archive are Into Mind https://anuschkarees.com .(blog archives) , Vivienne Files 4 x 4 and Whatever's Clean wardrobes plans, and Un-fancy http://www.un-fancy.com/capsul.....e-planner/ although the latter is more about seasonal capsules.

I like your idea of having an all year capsule with smaller capsules added to it for summer and winter months. I think that might be a good approach for me also although I do tend to like different colors and fabrics in the spring vs fall.

You have some cute clothes in your finds.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Suz - changed that now.

I am on a heels buying break - I am okay with a heeled boot or a low chunky heel - but no more mid-high heels for me at the moment.

Yes with your change in climate I suspect a similar system would work for you. I do wear tees or sleeveless tops in winter here for example and I do wear long sleeve blazers on the odd summer day. It does take a while to load the custom finds though doesn't it especially for older pieces where a photo is needed!!

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I don’t have defined capsules, per se, but this is pretty much exactly how I think of my wardrobe. I have maybe 4-6 (a couple more if you count shoes) pieces that I put away on a lower shelf for summer and winter, respectively, plus a small capsule of things I only wear for dressy events, and the rest of my wardrobe is year-round. Right now, I have more winter-only than summer-only items, but that ratio will certainly flip next year.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Lynn - I looked at those capsule people too. Whilst I liked them all I found the other style suited me more due to lifestyle, climate and work situation. I don't have many seasonal colours - but I think you could tweak to include those.

Jenn- yes I think I knew you did a similar system. Mine is definitely more summer skewed - partly due to climate and partly due to my love of summer pieces!! And I think that with Christmas and New Year and end of the school year in summer here that we have a huge burst of summer occasions and a long dull winter with not much going on.. It will be interesting how yours develops next year.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Hi Sally, re the red blazer, Myer has this linen viscose blend blazer in the Piper brand. I currently have one in my possession but I haven’t decided yet whether I will keep it. I think it may be too big around my shoulders and not quite “my” red (it’s a bit more tomato than burgundy). But it’s similar to our Witchery jacket and very nice for the price. Lightweight. Do you have Myer? If not and you are interested let me know if I can help out.

I don’t divide my wardrobe into capsules in any formal way but I do aim to have as many pieces as possible that are trans-seasonal, given my mild climate. And lots of mix and match possibilities. Great work getting your whole wardrobe into finds!

https://www.myer.com.au/p/blaz.....038;size=L

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Jane

Veteran

Well done Sal, I’ve got most of my wardrobe on finds, but haven’t done capsules. It’s a good idea. I also haven’t been able to keep up with putting my new purchases on finds.

It is the super colours that jumps out to me and I think a red blazer would be a great addition. The overlap between your home and work wardrobe should I think adds flexibility.

I love the striped green dress, and I did just wonder if you had an olive jacket, might it be an easier item to wear on not so dressy occasions.

Is it worth thinking about another pair of white jeans?

rachylou

Veteran

Very cool. You can really see your color palette this way, can’t you.

jussie

Veteran

It’s a fantastic idea. So much easier than trying to remember in your head all the different pieces. Have you seen Anchies capsules? They’re great too.

jussie

Veteran

Oh my gosh Brooklyns red Piper jacket would be perfect for you!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

So much pattern! Hi five for that! I want to say yes to the red blazer, simply because I’ve been enjoying my red puffer jacket so much, but then I see you have a red bomber jacket already. If this was my wardrobe, I’d look for something different, like green or paisley, but that’s just me. Your year-round wardrobe has a lot of black. I can see that it goes well with your black & white patterns, and many of your brighter pieces as well. I’m just surprised because when I picture you, I don’t see you wearing black. I suppose that when you posts WIWs, I focus on the color and don’t really see the black supporting act.

I saw your comment up thread on heels vs flats. The same thing has happened with my shoes. I insist on being able to run in any shoes I wear, and think of myself as being all flats all the time, but then I look at my actual shoes collection and see that isn’t true in the least.

I like the idea of a year-round capsule, but I think it works better in your climate, or the city I moved from, than here. I might wear jeans or black pants next summer. We’ll see.

As for capsules in my wardrobe, I’m going the opposite direction. I started with capsules and have broken them apart and mixed vigorously. Capsule #1 was the things I bought here last fall. Capsule #2 is my ~30 day fall challenge last year. I made a note that I needed to add jeans or black pants and a red cardi, and packed it in a vacuum bag, along with a few pieces that were too warm to wear in Florida (including a sweater I wore yesterday). My winter challenge fizzled out before it ended, but I went back and packed up the pieces for capsule 3. I popped those in my suitcase and added the warm—thermal underwear, T-necks, scarves, mittens, sweaters, etc. I have a small “winter festive” capsule, and will probably draw from it 2-3 times this year.

Summer clothes are another story that I’m putting off until I have to deal with it, lol. They are all in a suitcase.

Thanks for sharing your capsules.

Staysfit

Veteran

This was very ambitious! I like the idea of thinking this way. I can see the utility, and also how it would aid in shopping, and In my case, limiting what I purchase. I have started to think in general capsules, my current division also being seasonal, gear, and dress. My cross seasonal items include my jeans, jewelry/belts/fashion scarves, and maybe some tees and camisoles. I haven’t considered my shoes as as a component of a capsule, maybe I should? Since my big edit, the colors in my closet have become much more defined. I have greys, blues, pink/reds, and light teals/turquoise’s/aquas. I can probably make seasonal capsules from each color. Figuring out how to divide things is a great thought exercise, and there are multiple ways to create capsules. Thanks for the great references to bloggers who use capsules. I like the essentials, basics, etc. recipe that Angie recommends, but I’m not sure if this is a capsule system? Perhaps a capsule challenge should be my next venture!

Anonymous

I LOVE all these posts related to capsule building. Thank you for the new resources you mention. I will certainly be checking into them this weekend.

Uploading your wardrobe into finds is great idea. Visuals will are so amazingly powerful. In an instant you can see numbers, colors, textures. It comes so clear. As a planning tool, nothing beats a visual. And I say this after having spent years trying to do the same thing using spreadsheets. Just not the same.

I organize my wardrobe by Activity. Within each Activity, there is a seasonal component that I try hard to capture. I use Stylebook to achieve the same visual effect as finds.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(Brooklyn, I think you need a size down in the blazer - did you try that? Does look big on the shoulders).

Sal, what a fab idea. Nice to have a large all-year capsule. That's something we can't enjoy as much in a four season climate. Good job identifying the need for basics, which are often neglected. You rock.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Brooklyn. I have not done this before and will keep it pretty loosely I suspect given my personality. I do like the red jacket - we don't have Myers here. I have seen one that I might try here with a brand I really like....but it will possibly be an autumn thing when I start thinking about cooler weather purchases (or maybe an Italian purchase!)

Jane, I have a cropped olive jacket which I do find useful. I agree a casual dress code for our business means a wardrobe can be smaller - I do have a small number of more corporate pieces but I could only get through two-three days worth of outfits.

Thanks Rachy.

Jussie - I did look at Anchie's capsules - hers are much cleverer than mine which is pretty loose. I will take another look.

Fashintern - thank you. The red leather jacket is a darker red and was a gift - I like it but I don't wear it enough. I wear black quite a lot - partly because it allows me to keep a tight wardrobe, and partly because I prefer it as a neutral to grey and optic white - which have been the most common ones available. I have dipped into navy but I don't know if it is better than black!! Three tops are actually navy but look black, and one dress is actually a dark teal but the find is black. I would like to get a few more warm toffee/caramel tones.

Staysfit - thank you. Your climate will be more extreme than mine so less pieces would work all year I suspect. Within this I do have a dressy work capsule (not in the best shape) and I also have a summer holiday capsule (not all in finds) and I guess a weekend sports watching capsule. I haven't defined them as yet - I might do the work one as I would like to extend mine further. Audrey Coyne is US based, she is quite classic in her dress but her pieces have longevity- and she mixes classics and trendier pieces well. Useless is Danish, and The Anna edit is UK based. I like them all for different reasons.

Sterling - pleased it was helpful. I don't track wears but I do have a spreadsheet of my clothes as well. It is early days for me but I can see already a few things - I do want more red, I don't need any more heels, and I am very lean in some areas (pants and jeans) but have quite a lot in others (summer dresses for example). Activity capsules make sense too - and I do have them but pretty loosely except for gear.

Angie- my climate does make it easier. I suspect except for some jeans and mid weight tops, most of your clothing is either summer or winter, and not likely to be worn outside those seasons. Thanks is to Greg and yourself for creating the finds, and allowing the custom finds - such a clever system!!

Anonymous

re:

My observation is that I would like to add in more tomato red

Absolutely! I noticed this.
Also: greens.
Less black, Sal.
I am loving all the camel/beige.

How about ivory for winter?

Your capsules are so inspiring. I need to do this. I love being able to see all the colours at a glance.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Smittie!! I think there will be more neutrals available for a while - there has been a lot of black, grey, white and blush here for the last few years - none of which are my best.

I do like ivory and I do like green - the right ones:) I would like some knitwear in these colours - more tailored styles.

You have added in some lovely winter pieces this season that are inspirational - I might do some imitation next year ....

anchie

Veteran

Your capsules are fairly lean - I am little embarrassed now with my 8 capsules, but I have an excuse - don't have overlap between seasons, and between my weekend and office wear
Because your main capsule is the the All Year one - I would address this one first. Are you happy with it? Do you have enough in each category? If I were you, I would probably split this capsule into two - one with essentials and neutrals, and another for color and statement. That way it will be easier to spot the holes.

LaPed

Veteran

Nice work! I spy a lot of fun prints, high-contrast plaids, metallic shoes, and short/boxy toppers. It's fun to see those patterns emerge.

Despite living in a true four season climate, my divisions are very similar to yours. I keep a substantial chunk of my wardrobe in play year-round. I have a small winter capsule (heavy wool knits, heavy puffers, wool trousers, insulated boots) that gets put away in mid-spring, and a small summer capsule (lightweight dresses and skirts, shorts, sandals) that goes away mid-fall. I love putting the winter stuff away when spring finally arrives, because coats and boots seem to take over the house for the cold half of the year!

Style Bee, a Canadian blogger, just did a nice post on styling "summery" linen for winter; she has some great layering ideas. It made me feel much more justified in keeping things out year-round.

Your dressy capsule looks great. I have one, sort of, but always feel that it needs work...

Sal

Veteran

Anchie - I need to look again at yours. Mine are not really colour based and I could look at them differently as you say. Yes I am happy with my closet and really feel I am pretty well sorted for my current life - but should my work change I would have to get some more office appropriate clothing. It is a work in progress though!!

La Pedestrienne - thanks. I love dressy clothes (and actually have a few older pieces not in finds yet - some I may never wear again - some I may). I have followed Style Bee - I found her through Unfancy - and whilst I like the way they dress and enjoy their clothing and blogs- I don't check in regularly. I also like the changeover process - I sometimes do it in two stages and I find it a good chance to evaluate my pieces regularly.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks for the fit advice Angie. I did try a smaller size - too small I will take it back.

Sorry for the digression Sally. Hope you find your perfect jacket.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh, Brooklyn. Rotten luck. Next.

Sal, yes to some pairs of jeans that are all seasons, but fewer and fewer when I can wear dresses all Summer long

Glad you like the Finds feature. I LOVE having my wardrobe represented that way.

Sal

Veteran

Brooklyn - thanks to you for thinking of me - it was very thoughtful:)

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Angie, a question/request about the Finds tool, which is indeed clever. Making finds for things currently available in stores is extremely quick and easy. I have a couple of suggestions for custom finds. There are times when I’ve purchased something that is currently available, but not at a store you have an agreement with. In that case, my description includes a link to the item. Could custom finds be set up to ask for a link and then either take people to the website as easily as the regular finds do, or to display that link with the item, so people know where to look? My other suggestion for custom finds is for the photos: if outfit photos we post could later be “borrowed” to make a find, that could be really convenient, and might be easier for others to look at than pix of the item on a hanger or lying on a bed. I realize there are no skimresources for custom finds, but these tweets might make the overall tool just that much better.

Sal, sorry to interrupt!

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Sounds like your black lulumon and navy sweater are key pieces. Maybe duplicate them before it becomes necessary?
My wardrobe is similar to yours in that a lot of it works year round but I keep the more wintery or more summery outfits front and center as appropriate. If I could I would keep them in a separate indoor closet, easily accessible, I would, as we can have unseasonable weather, and to make it easier to shop pre-season.

Sal

Veteran

Barbara Diane - I think having finds will help me see gaps out of season.

I would duplicate the black pants but they are no longer being made. The navy sweater I would tweak. I want a couple more tailored fit winter options. I never find wool sweaters/jumpers/cardigans easy.

I have subsequently created a smart work capsule -I think this will help me find one or two key pieces that will make this work more easily, I rarely need to be dressy for work but I have really let this slide and now it is very small - I have footwear options and jackets, but it does not work all that well. https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=6797

Keep in mind what I think of as smart work is not corporate or professional - more for meetings with lawyers, seminars, interviews etc

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Why not a fitted/slightly body con knit replacement for the navy sweater?

Sal

Veteran

Yes I will probably go that way. I will have a look at the end of summer. I find with knitwear that too fitted on me can be a bit bad aging 1950s pinup and too loose can be very unflattering........... I need to be somewhere in between that....

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

“bad aging 1950s pinup ”
Lol!