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Seasonal capsule wardrobe?

Keturah

Veteran

I found this blog, Unfancy

I love her styling and choices tremendously! I'd definitely make the whole look more bohemian glam. Still, she inspires me greatly.

That aside, I noticed she is a proponent for seasonal capsule wardrobes. The idea intrigues me. But it also seems a bit extravagant to buy a new wardrobe every 3-5 months. (Winters in the mountains last forever, and spring is a two week interlude to summer.) And what about really gorgeous pieces that you can't part with after one season? (I'm thinking of a persimmon orange silk shell I bought that I have worn off-and-on now for 5 years...and I still can't give it up.)

I did read a few capsule forum posts, but it all has left my head spinning. And a lot of it seemed aimed more towards an everlasting capsule wardrobe, not necessarily seasonal.

With that... Part of me really wants to try this. But I'm also a bit afraid. (Although, considering my buying habits, I think I probably already do this to a small degree anyway!)

I'm sure there are lots of posts on capsule wardrobes, so forgive me if I'm adding another post to a topic that's already been well discussed.

Thoughts, wisdom, advice, suggestions -- all are welcome.

xo

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from Keturah

Kim

Veteran

I'm kind of intrigued by this idea too,but I didn't take it to mean a whole new wardrobe every season, more like 3-5 new pieces per season to add to or replace your existing wardrobe (as you see fit) with regular culling to keep the numbers manageable.

I'm seriously considering this for the fall. I have lots, but want to have only things I LOVE, and want to wear what I love to bits, so I think I'd like a smaller wardrobe like this. Changing seasons would give me enough of a change to help with the variety I crave. Buying a couple of new things each season would help me to buy better quality because I'd only be getting a FEW things every 3-4 months.

E

Veteran

Ditto what Kim said. I think the idea is to add a few pieces for style or function reasons at the start of every season, but most of the capsule should come from your existing clothes. And depending on your weather, there could be a lot of overlap between the items in each season's capsule. So your silk blouse is safe.

E

Veteran

Oh and of course you'd adapt the seasons for your area! Perhaps instead of a spring one, you'd do 2 winter capsules. (I live in south Texas, where summery weather reigns from late April to mid October, so I have a variety of 'summer' clothes, including a 'hot fall' capsule that features autumnal colours in warm weather appropriate fabrics/cuts.)

Keturah

Veteran

Kim and E - That makes so much more sense! I actually find myself doing this quite a bit already. I can't say I only own a 30-something number of clothes: I've never counted. It's probably a bit more than that. But that really doesn't concern me. It's more about being balanced and thoughtful.

I think the idea appeals to me because I'm already doing it rather unintentionally. So I think being more intentional is the key. In the end, I only want pieces I absolutely LOVE and wear them to pieces. I also crave change and variety. And I want to really my wardrobe manageable. And I just like shopping each season for a few really beautiful, lovely things that I can just wear to smithereens.

Oh and E, 2 winter capsules is a smashing good idea! As is your "hot fall" capsule. I won't need a hot fall, but perhaps a "cold spring" capsule would help me get through the crazy springs we have.

I think I feel a very long post coming on, where I can sketch out what I do have and see how it all fits together for my Fall and Winter capsules.

Melaine

(website)

I have been reading that blog for a couple weeks and am totally intrigued. I really love so many aspects of capsule wardrobe. As our family continues to bulge at the seems in our small home I am finding the ideas of simplicity, loving and using your possessions (rather than being overwhelmed or burdened by them) so refreshing.

I think one of the reasons I balk at the idea is that I just love to shop. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and I treat it with shopping (plus meds and coffee). I read on un-fancy that she was in a similar position and creating a capsule wardrobe gave her a sense of control and helped her deal with the anxiety rather than distracting herself by more shopping. That resonates with me a LOT. Like, I am stewing on this a lot. Very tempted to make a big change.

The other thread that was eye opening to me, was the question, "which do you enjoy more buying or wearing"? Almost everyone replied wearing and I didn't even have to give it a moment's thought: I enjoy shopping more. But I don't like that answer! I want to enjoy getting dressed, enjoy opening my closet and enjoy feeling great about myself. I don't want to waste time and money shopping for things I don't need. So yeah, timely post and I will be watching for more discussion!

Keturah

Veteran

Melanie that's really interesting about using shopping for anxiety. I have experienced anxiety before but usually didn't choose shopping to deal with it. However, I can be quite the spender. That's why having a capsule wardrobe rings so beautiful and freeing to me.

I know a lot of women who shop when they are anxious, life is out of control, etc. I think it's cool that she used capsule wardrobe to regain her control and deal with the anxiety. I think some women really struggle with emotional shopping, which just makes our hearts and souls heavier. Though, sometimes purchasing the occasional nice lipstick, pedi, or shoes can be soothing -- just makes for a terrible habit if it gets out of control, I think.

That's a great question! I do choose Team Wear. I love to buy clothes, but it's so I can wear them, even if it's just a few times. (That's where I've been guilty of making impulsive, unintentional closet additions. Sometimes they really bite me in the butt!) I think as you begin a capsule wardrobe it will actually make your shopping more enjoyable! You'll be looking for things you love, enjoying your time and even enjoying spending money a new way. I think it will be more about joy and less about anxiety, which should make the shopping experience more enjoyable and richer.

Just my thoughts. Let's keep this discussion GOING! I'm planning on sketching out my fall wardrobe this Sunday or Monday.

AND...here is the link for Unfancy's free capsule wardrobe planner. I think it will be helpful. I plan on using it, or at least giving it a try.

http://www.un-fancy.com/capsul.....e-planner/

Keturah

Veteran

Do we want to try a Season Capsule challenge/post kind of thing for our Fall wardrobes? We can start a new post for it, or just post here.

Whatcha think?

xo

Hil

(website)

Veteran

I think I have done this, without realizing it, for our winter season and it has worked so well.

At the beginning of winter, I went shopping with a set budget and a list. I bought most of what was on the list, within a few excursions. I have also bought the odd item as the season has developed, but the real shopping trip happened early in the season. As a result, I am enjoying my winter wardrobe immensely and really looking forward to planning my summer season wardrobe similarly. The thing with where I live (South Africa) is that there is loads of overlap through all the seasons.

I don't know the numbers in my wardrobe, but I have found my formula and with a couple of wildcards thrown in, my mornings have been a lot less stressful.

crutcher

Veteran

I am always fascinated with wardrobe planning...Limiting, seasonal, capsules, unfancy...Now, there is quite a jump between being fascinated an loving to read about it and actually committing this idea to practice...I loved the Unfancy blog...bm'ed it and will enjoy slowly going over her ideas...
I do like the plan of buying great pieces and wearing them across the seasons....
I will watch your progress as you guys decide to uncomplicate wardrobes...
smile..
(Toby sends Millie Moo a hug......)

Keturah

Veteran

Hil, so cool to hear from someone who is currently practicing this! Sounds like it is really working for you, and that is most encouraging me. We have a lot of seasonal overlap (or extended seasons? ) in the Colorado mountains. It can be rather frustrating, if only because it means winter is long, summer is short, and spring and autumn are each a couple weeks long.

crutcher I used to be fascinated with it. And now I see where I am beginning to implement and practice it on my own. So a little challenge for myself seems to be the right direction. Keep our progress in your thoughts! Here's hoping it is a good experiment

(Millie Moo...oh she and I both LOVE it! Mille sends a kiss and wag to Toby-Dear)

Anonymous

Uh oh, I'm recognizing myself here too. And now I have another blog bookmarked (un-fancy). I'm with you Melanie, in that I like buying things better than wearing them and that shopping is filling a role that something else should play. I love this capsule idea too, and have been reading lots about it on this site, and trying to figure out how I will start. I've done a huge spring/summer closet purge and it already feels better. Onward I go! Good luck Keturah , you're not the only one out there figuring this out:)

rachylou

Veteran

Oh modgrl needs to see too!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I am obsessed with this blog, since seeing Caroline's interview on Into-Mind last week. Just as the other ladies, have said, it seems to be more about rolling over the items that work into the next season, pulling other items from storage, and then shopping the rest. I really enjoyed reading through Caroline's process of planning, culling, and shopping, two weeks before the next season begins. And finally, I see a process that makes 'sense' to me, having basics, statements, and mid-pieces. And her capsule doesn't feel punitive or stingy or unstylish - her outfits are beautifully executed.

I did see her recent laundry post where she talks about her loungewear, etc., which is not counted in her season capsule. That is where I am kind of ambivalent about this challenge. For one thing... I don't usually do just one thing all day. I might wear one outfit all day - or I might find I have worn two or even three different ensembles, depending on my schedule. Often, my 'loungewear' or 'gear' is actually my work clothing. I want to feel like, regardless of what I am doing, or however sweaty or gross I am going to get, that my style is an all-encompassing, 24/7 thing - and not me, coming home, changing out, and lounging around. If that makes any sense. I want to have momentum throughout my day, and I want that momentum to carry through with my clothing choices.

That being said, I am so intrigued at the idea of a challenge! It would be fun to try

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

We were talking about this blog a few days ago when her interview on into mind was posted. I really liked the idea of only shopping once per season but the limiting items didn't grab me as much. Although I do like the idea of thinking of themes and a color scheme, and then switching it out each season.

LBD, that's interesting about her loungewear. I assumed that she must have pjs or something that wasn't counted in her number of pieces otherwise things didn't add up, not to mention the laundry issue. I think Claire said that her 10 item wardrobe works in part because she almost never wears 'real clothes' at home - she takes off her good clothes and puts on loungewear as soon as she gets home. I am like you that that wouldn't work for me - I prefer to be dressed all day even if I have to change sometimes.

E

Veteran

Hmmm: yes, I prefer to wear clothes all day too (I don't switch into loungewear). I think this is, because I'm primarily dressing for myself anyway! I do agree with her 'launder as little as possible' approach, but as I prefer to only do full loads, I don't think I'd be happy w laundry & a very small closet. There'd never be a full load, so I'd feel like I was wasting water!

And even though I have a big closet, because I only wash things that are actually dirty (vs worn once), I still don't get piles of laundry. It takes me quite awhile to get a full hamper, so I usually end up doing 2 medium loads (one dark, one light) when I'm out of undies (which I do wash after every wear!), every 2-3 weeks.

SandyG

Veteran

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed reading Unfancy. Thank you for that clever find.

mintytulip

I think your capsule wardrobe rules can be anything you wish. I think it is just figuring out what works for you. I plan on doing a capsule wardrobe for my move overseas. I am trying to figure out exactly what I need and setting the parameters soon. I was actually thinking of posting here as the clothing rules for my overseas is fairly unique.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

oooh, yes,a challenge thread--its own post! Wonderful idea.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I'm a fan of seasonal capsules, although I cheat, meaning I break out of my capsule and shop my broader closet when I feel like it. I tend to choose capsules that are fairly large and last 6 weeks or so. Right now, I'm in "High Summer." I'm preparing a specialty capsule: "Wild West," for a camping trip at the end of August, and then will segue into Warm Autumn --- I usually switch to True Autumn the end of October or beginning of November, depending on Chicago weather. Thanksgiving it the start of the "Holiday Capsule," and on it goes.

LaBelle, I'm with you on the lounge wear. I spend a lot of time in it --- and mine overlaps with workout gear. I guess I treat it like its own capsule, but I'm requiring that I still make it serve my larger style goals. Right now, I'm typing in a cobalt slouchy top. Fancy? Nope. But it's my signature color, and I still look reasonably put together for my family.

Keturah: Ingunn did a lot of capsule posts last season, as did Suz. Those archived posts would be nice to read.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, I know a cold spring capsule is something I need, that's for sure. And a wintery summer. And a scorching fall. And a one week deep freeze... Lol.

My HEWI is a heavy coat that doesn't look it.

Keturah

Veteran

lisap - I did a huge purge myself earlier this summer. It felt…amazing. I let go of a lot. I still have plenty, even after being ruthless. And…I’m glad I’m not the only one figuring this out:

rachey - LOL!!! You’re hilarious! I think you live in the Cali mountains, yes? It explains the weather you have. What is HEWI?

La Belle - beautifully said! I think Caroline has condensed much of what I’ve just begun reading from Into Mind into a less detailed but still helpful plan, as well as practicing all the info. I don’t count loungewear and fitness wear in my closet. They are their own capsules - except they’re really not that seasonal. And I wear one outfit all day long. I’m find with clothes wearing out. It’s life. I’ve found I rarely wear my clothes out. I sit at a library desk, M-F. And living in Colorado, there isn’t really much of a dress code. Still, I WEAR my clothes. And I think it will be interesting to see how quickly/not quickly my clothes wear out.The challenge is on its way!! I think August is a good time to try it out.

Laura - I think the limiting items is good for me. I used to have all of these pieces that I loved individually but only worked with one outfit, or I wore a few times and then shoved to the back of my closet. It was really wasteful. I have found myself instinctually moving more towards a type of capsule, especially this summer. It isn’t perfect or super intentional, but it seems to be happening organically.

E - I launder as little as possible. I do smaller loads and only do laundry every 2-3 weeks as well. It works super well and I’m happy with it.

SandyG - glad you enjoyed!! It’s a superb little blog.

mintytulip - agreed, I don’t think capsule wardrobes need to be only seasonal. Do post what your overseas clothing needs are. I’m sure there are lots of YLF members who could help.

Alana - Challenge post is coming!

Beth Ann - I’ll probably cheat too. If you own it, why not shop your offseason items occasionally? I love how you’ve organized your seasonal and vacation capsules. That is really brilliant! I’lll look for Ingunn and Suz’s posts!

Keturah

Veteran

Just some random thoughts...

I took a look at Into Mind's blog. Extremely helpful, insightful, and inspiring! Some of it was information overload. But I've already decided to take my day off (Monday) and create a mini mood board on Pinterest and see what is percolating inside me. (I'm so very thrilled about this!)

I'm going to post the challenge thread. I'm thinking it will be up to each individual YLF member who joins to choose how involved in the individual process they would like to be. I'm not against rules, but when I'm jumping into something this new, I like to view it as a learning process and not get tied-up in a lot of challenge rules. I'd rather have some goals to work towards and report in regularly.

Sound good to you all?

Melaine

(website)

I am very excited to see what you come up with. I feel like it is early in myYLF journey to be doing a challenge...But I really like the idea and want to try it. As long as I can be somewhat flexible with the rules I am definitely in! I am at a point where any progress is good, ykwim?

Keturah

Veteran

Melaine - it isn't too early! There aren't really any hard or fast rules for this challenge. You post your goals and participate in discussion at your convenience.

Link is just up:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....al-capsule