Carter this is too fun to resist so I am back. I would start with the shoes I most want to wear. #6, #2 and #1 in that order. I also love the boots #12 and #14, which are the same? Please identify these shoes if you have the chance!

Anyway, I would start with shoes #6 with top 16 and pants 34. The colors might not work together but I'd try. I would also want to try shoes 6 with pants 32 and top 18. Shoes 2 need cropped trousers - maybe 33 with top 2 or 11. I would try them with all the shorter jeans/trousers. I want to wear trousers 31 but they seem to need a bit of a heel - hard to assess abstractly. I am more drawn to the wider trousers right now (although would still wear shoes 2 with the skinnier shorter jeans).

Jackets wise I love 23 and would try it with white, black and blue skinnies.
In your outfits you have a leather long jacket (bottom middle of the first outfit set) that I love and would put on top of anything.
Your bags are all terrific so I would just hold them up after I dressed and see what seems best. (Basically this is how I get dressed.)

Anyway, I am sure this is hard to follow, and I got quickly tired of typing the pound sign in front of the numbers, but I had fun!

Oh gosh! Did you do ALL that by yourself? I have to go back and read and soak in as much as my little brains can!

Meanwhile, I noticed the absence of brights too. But I see you are happy with that. I might just go into gloom and doom in this lol!

Wow, you have a lot of nicely coordinated clothes. (This is a good thing. When I did Project 333, I had trouble finding enough garments so I'm favoriting your thread to copy later.) I second the idea of using cards and shuffling them to come up with new outfits - your wardrobe looks totally mix-and-match in the most amazing way.

I love Una's idea of printing each item and shuffling them into outfits. My initial reaction was the same as hers, everything shown here can mix and match.

Another idea I've done before, inspired by Ingunn and one of Angie's capsules, was to do a quick photo session with each iteration. I put on one bottom and then cycled through every top with every topper and took a picture of every single one. This was hugely enlightening.

I think I had 6 of each item at the time, so your set is much bigger. You could do one pair of pants with each other item every day until you had pics of all options. This biggest thing I found when I did this was that I was lacking diversity of silhouettes and I figured out why some of my items were orphans, because even though they were great in theory, they didn't really go well with any of my other things.

Oh my, I am in total awe of a whole bunch of things here... how beautifully all your clothes go together in this soft muted colour palette... how much time and attention you've paid at documenting things... and at your amazing presentation!

I cna't come up with any quick "new" outfit ideas, as there are too many already here, plus I think almost eveyrthing would go with almost everything! I really like Traci's idea - a picture says 1000 words after all. The hard thing is proportions, so things really need to be put on, not just assembled digitally.

I also find it quite fascinating reading the conversation between you and Suz in particular, as you analyze your choices and reasoning. I think I'm still figuring out what works for me, and palying with siloutettes. I'm not sure I'm as good at saying "I love that but it would never work on me..." as I should be.

All this takes so much time, doesn't it!!

Here is mine(didn't read the other's):

Bl&W&grey chevron stripe fluid blouse(2)+black blazer(24) or black waterfall cardi(21)+winter white pants(33) and black flats(1) or booties(12), or bl&w loafers(4) and the white bag(6).

You could change up things with your taupe waterfall cardi(22) and a taupe or grey shoe. Say nr 8?

Surelly the lengths on top would have to corelate somehow...This cannot be seen from picties only.

Carter, this is such a chic and elegant color scheme for a great working fall capsule for work, But I do really miss some skirts and dresses!!! Love the casual capsule too-as I also was wondering where your colors are???

It's so fun to see all the options that never would have occurred to me! I can't tell you how helpful this is. I've put everyone's outfits into the slides below. Now I have to go study them so I will come back with comments. Thanks!

I saw your post yesterday, but had such a crazy day that I couldn't play paperdolls with the other fabbers!

Coming back this morning, I was blown away by the way you've shown the outfits that other fabbers have contributed. How awesome!

I, too, am impressed by the versatility of these pieces -- such harmony. I'll be watching to see how you feel a few weeks into the season. Are your mornings easier with a curated closet? Do you feel chic and put together in a more neutral palette? Do you have enough variety? Come back and share what you've learned!

Loving this thread! What fun. I'm amazed at your organization. How fun that you've created everyone's suggestions!

I haven't read all of the responses, but I wonder if the addition of a brown topper of some sort might give you a bunch of new options. I'm attaching a pic for inspiration. I believe you have pieces similar to all of these except the jacket.

Your neutral capsule has reached Style Zen. WOW. You are a lucky lady who had it has it all figured out for her style.

It's not problem sticking to neutrals when you're seeing clients. Dressing for your audience is a great strategy. Listen to your instincts.

I would put together 11 and 24 with 28 or 33 and add 10 and 6 to get a look that most repressed my own style persona from your neutral capsules.

Wow! Now I am even more wowed - although I wish they were paper cut outs so I could tinker with my outfits!

Your neutral capsule speaks elegance and restraint to me; very chic. What an amazing PPT capsule presentation, not to mention the suggested outfits!

First off, I'm loving all the suggestions! Seeing all these new combos really refreshes the whole wardrobe for me. I can't wait to start trying these on. I will take pictures of everyone's outfits. I took several pieces to the cleaners yesterday and have a few waiting to go to the tailor so everything will be ready to go when Fall arrives. Until I get everything back in my closet, I will play with as many of these as I can over the weekend.

Aubergine, especially love the first one of yours. If it feels too casual for work, it will definitely come out for dinner or a concert! I may play around with a tuck/semi-tuck on the second one, but that combo feels very right to me as well.

Firecracker, holy schmoley. I can't wait to see how this one comes together when it's on! I know the colors are very difficult to decipher on the screen and from one computer to another, but I will play around with this one! I have one cropped sweater that I have yet to wear. I bought it last year online, not realizing it was cropped. Missed the return window trying to decide if I could find a way to feel comfortable in it. I will play with using it for a silhouette change.

Alana, as I mentioned, I am no layering pro, so I will certainly need some feedback when I try these first two on. Super love for your third outfit...the real Alana one!

Debbie, you and I could probably share a wardrobe. Although I haven't reached for this combo before, I would certainly eventually have gotten there and loved it.

Suz! Awesome outfit you built. Definitely adding to my list. Regarding the color separation...you've done a better job of putting into words what I was trying to express. Even though my work and casual wardrobes are very similar in structure, I do like that color makes them different and provides some definition to work time and off time.

Kiwigal, love the whites together with the teal jacket and pewter shoe. I'm thinking belt #7 with this?

Jennifer, yes, yes, yes...any excuse for more bags and shoes! I did have an eye on a pair of dark red loafers that Deb tried, but her review pointed out that they won't work for my feet. I'll keep my eye out. I do have a more casual handbag that is dark red and cognac. Maybe I can work that in.

Joy, yep. I can so do this one!

Caro, hooray for someone who can relate to no skirts! I've stuck a black purse in here, but I do have a dark gray/pewter or dark taupe purse on my shopping list. I need my purse to be hands free for work since I need to have listing sheets, lockbox key (on iphone), business card, and car keys in my hands while unlocking the door;-)

Rachy Lou, the bootie queen! We'll see how I do with booties this year. The three pair here are all brand new and the first booties I have ever owned! The jury is still out. I'll add a bit of color for you in the Winter...thinking dark red and deep teal/turquoise.

Shevia, three great options! I will play around with accessories while wearing my "Shevia hat". You'll have to tell me how I do. The booties are the same in both colors, the Born JEM. Adding the find below. The leather coat is probably my favorite piece in my entire closet. It was my 35th birthday present to myself, so it's 16 years old and still going strong. I live in it during the Fall. I condition it every year, but this Spring I also sent it to be re-dyed. It looks brand new.

Neel, I love your outfits. So wish you'd pull a Neel outfit from my closet!

Alexandra, high praise coming from you. Thank you! I have bookmarked so many of your blog posts, and it's been fascinating to watch you develop your own VF wardrobe piece by piece. Fantabulous bold colors you're using!

Traci, whenever I get the time, I do try to play mix and match with my items. If I happen to hit on something successful, I do take photo in order to remember it. Trying on is really the only way to get the proportions and exact tones right, but my goodness, it takes some time...especially if I try to accessorize as well. I'll keep plugging along!

ElizabethP, I want an Elizabeth outfit!! Totally agree that proportions are impossible to judge in tiny pictures, but so many of these that don't work for that reason will lead me to substitutions that will make them work.

Lyn67, as I've told you before, I so wish I could rock a pencil skirt the way you do! I have a couple I haven't purged yet that are more of a winter weight. I promise I'll give them a shot. Of course, total love for the outfits you put together. Definitely on my list!

Angie, thanks for playing! I certainly don't have it all figured out yet, but I am working at it! I've added the Angie outfits to slide 3 and re-posted below. When you said, "and add 10 and 6 to get a look...", I wasn't sure whether 6 was a purse or a belt. I threw both into the outfits, but I imagine you had one or the other in mind. Let me know which you intended if you get the chance.

ETA the new slide with the Angie outfits.

I 'll be more generic since the colors may not read true on my monitor.
Though you probably wear a lot more combinations than the few sample outfits, the ones you showed generally mix dark top/light bottom or vice versa.
So one thing I'd try is a total tonal look using the best "light" pieces all together in one outfit, and the same for dark, and maybe belt in a lighter color.

You've got some good pattern-mixing suggestions, and that's so hands-on, to see what actually works with what, but also remember that if you wear one of the bloused under a solid pullover, less is required of how well it goes with the pattern in the trousers than if they're right on top of each other.

Keeping such a strict color palette for your basics actually lets you consider a "real" color for shoes and/or bag without losing versatility. For me, burgundy shoes or bag (don't have bag currently) provide a change from black pants + black shoes. For you, that might be cognac or just the right brown or perhaps teal. Or go with neutral but much different from black--gray flats or flat boots.And your wardrobe is just screamin' for reptile leathers--belts or shoes.
I noted the shoes you have with a bit of 2-tone, and I found that very fun in a pair of loafers I have, without getting crazy with color; I also am looking out for more footwear with 2-tones but subtle and elegant, one neutral and just a touch of a near-neutral color.

Zibbetts, love the idea of a brown or dark taupe topper. Adding that to my list!

Shevia, play around with your outfits all you want. That's what this exercise is all about. It only takes me a couple mouse clicks to make whatever changes you'd like, so have at it!

Unfrumped, much wisdom and insight in your post. Have to run to an appointment, but I'll be digesting this in the meantime. Excellent food for thought. Back later as the thoughts percolate.

I'm back too. How about #'s 22, 2, 34, 2 & 4? This is so much fun. Love the format as well as your capsule.

If you are short waisted, how do you wear the belts? I can't wear a belt to save my life.
Everything is beautiful. Can't see your eye color, but I bet you'd look amazing in a medium blue scarf to go with the taupes and grays.

Like this Ecco from Nordies.

I would totally wear the animal print shoes with the checked pants.

I love una's idea of shuffling cards. Also a couple of bright scarves. Nice !

oh, fun!!

For Work:
Black Blouse #1 with Sweater #20, Trousers#32, Taupe Loafers #10

Black Blouse #1 with Leopard Sweater #17, Winter White ankle pants #33, Black Flats #1

For Play:
White Sleeveless Blouse #13, Blue Blazer #23 with the sleeves rolled, Straight Jeans #30, Silvery Shoes #5, Bag #3, One of your berry/burgundy scarves

Carter, you are so generous and sweet to make up these outfits for us. Wow. I wish I had your skill with a Powerpoint!! This is such a lovely gesture and will it ever be amazing to see them come to life.

What an incredible project. And I am becoming more envious of your beautiful and intelligently planned wardrobe by the minute!

Impressive!

I would wear top #2, pants #26, jacket #24 and boots #12.

OK Carter, I'll consider myself challenged (hmm, that doesn't sound good). Might be a day or two though, late work night tonight and my DD's birthday party is tomorrow night, so I'll be going into panic mode and ignoring YLF for the most part, starting in about ... NOW!

What a great post! I don't have time to play but I wish I did. Can't wait to see the outfit interpretations. Shevia and Suz's in particular stood out as so "them."

Love love love your paper dolls!

Here is what I would wear (I'm all about high contrast using neutrals):
The dark chevron blouse (#6) layered under a light coloured sweater (the cream V neck #13 or the white crew neck #19) worn with the tartan pants #32. And the sleek loafers, #1 of your shoes. (Ask me again next month and I'd probably add booties and a scarf, but it's only a little nippy out so far, so I'm not feeling them yet.)

Awesome new outfits below!

Unfrumped, I looked back through the outfits I put together and a bunch of WIWs, and you're right! I tend to want to balance dark, light and mid range shades within an outfit. I'll play with some tonight that follow your guidelines. I'm particularly excited about the "light" version! Thanks for the insight.

CC, so glad you came back with an outfit because it's a total winner! Really nice combo. While I'm playing with Unfrumped's ideas tonight, I'll put together some column of color outfits for you.

Thanks, Jaime! I wear belts with my pants only, and I wear my pants miles below my actual waist. I find that it really does a nice job of offsetting my relatively short torso. I have a slightly darker blue scarf. I'll have to give it a go.

Emily, you're an over-achiever! I'm a bit afraid of the whole layering thing (bunched up shirt bugging me under a sweater), but I'll certainly give it a go. Love your date night outfit. That will get worn as soon as it's cool enough.

Awww, Suz! You're so sweet. I'm thrilled everyone's having fun with this, because I can't tell you how much it's helping me!

Banoffi, love, love, love this!

Ok, Elizabeth. I'll wait. Have fun at the bday party!

Tex, I agree with you about Suz's and Shevia's outfits. I think Emily's (in the new batch below) also feel very much like her style. I can't wait to try all of these on.

L'Abeille, I am a virgin pattern mixer! How interesting that you, Alana and Firecracker all put the same shirt and pants together. There's obviously something to that combo, so I will just give it my very best shot!

I want your wardrobe!!!

Carter, your Fall work capsule is such a beautiful thing to behold! I don't know when I've ever seen so many gorgeous, neutral clothes in one picture! I would be in heaven dressing from this capsule.

Okay, check that. It has given me analysis paralysis! I was going to say the white jeans and the dark taupe blouse, but then I read that they are winter white ankle pants, so I'll change it to the light taupe jeans--oops, those are straight leg, and I'd like a skinny, so that leaves the dark wash skinny jeans. Now I have to go back and check out the tops again, because that changes things, lol!

Okay, here goes: Blouse 4, Jeans 27, Shoes 6 (they look comfy), Bag 4, no belt, and a big semi-tuck on the blouse (it looks really long). When I saw the blouse was black and tan and not navy and tan, that sent me looking for something navy, and I saw the navy marled sweater, but I think someone already paired that with the skinny jeans. I know black goes with blue denim too, but I have my favorite neutral combinations.

You're right Carter, this is really hard! I don't know how you get dressed in the morning. There must be a thousand possible combinations if you take all of the footwear and accessories into account. I love your taste, and these neutrals and silhouettes. You have some seriously lovely clothes!

This is tough for me...I'm not so good at styling. Haven't read the other responses. But here are a couple I would try:

top 4, bottom 25, bag 3, belt 2, shoe 5.

And for an equestrienne vibe:

topper 24, top 20, bottom 33, belt 1, shoe 11 (sorry, forgot the bag!)

The possibilities are endless, everything can be worn together. But I see a need for statement or color pieces to be worn with entirely plain clothing combinations.

here is my outfit

bottom 32
top 14 or 19
topper 23
belt 3
shoe 14
bag 3 or 5
scarf from first column either fuchsia or grey/ black cheetah.