fall capsule wardrobe inspiration
Looking ahead to fall, I really wanted a wardrobe that worked like a slightly bigger version of the mix & match suitcases I create for travel. I feel like those are so successful in having a minimal number of items that all go together and make a bunch of outfits that I’m really happy with, and I want that feeling for every day.
So while it might not solve all my wardrobe issues (those “I have nothing to wear” feeling days might just never be erased, because style can be an emotional thing!), I think taking the plunge and paring down my wardrobe to a minimal seasonal collection is worth a try – and I’m teaming up with Jacquelyn to do a linkup series so we can all inspire and encourage each other in the process (see her post today for more as well!).
I might figure it all out in this first go, but I have high hopes that having fewer items will make for more wardrobe satisfaction. Thinking of what kinds of outfits I’ll need/want for fall - in the way I always think about what I’m going to be doing on a trip and then pack accordingly - should be really helpful in having a cohesive wardrobe rather than an overload of individual items. It’s also really helpful in making useful/smart additions to my wardrobe right now, and hopefully it means less desire to shop later because I have a set of things that work and that I really like.
So that’s why I’m doing the capsule… here’s what I’m doing.
top row: left | middle | right bottom row: left | middle | right
Process
1. Clean out: I started by cleaning out and donating/consigning all the items in my closet that didn’t fit my body or my lifestyle or that I just didn’t like. I was really serious about this and really pared down.
2. Figure out lifestyle needs: Then I worked through the wardrobe planner worksheet from Caroline of Unfancy. I have a pretty good handle on my personal style (“basics with a twist”) but liked how it guided me through figuring out the types of outfits I’ll need based on lifestyle and events/trips coming up in the 3-month period, and thinking about color palette key pieces that will be the basis of go-to outfits (for me, a lot of jackets and denim).
3. Pick pieces: From there, I made a spreadsheet of the pieces I want to include (many in my existing wardrobe, and a few that went on a shopping list), for which Caroline’s rule of three was really helpful - for each category, like t-shirts, sweaters, dresses, pants, flats, etc. I made three slots and filled them in with specific items in three levels: one basic, one fun, statement piece, and one piece that falls between the two. This gives variety and helps cover the range of casual/fancy I might need.
4. Plan outfits: And finally I made another spreadsheet of outfit ideas using the capsule pieces, categorized by the types of things I do - working from coffee shops, casual weekends, date night, church, getting together with friends. I’m up to about 45 specific outfit ideas and can definitely keep going, which I think means 37 items is plenty for a wardrobe and I’ve picked items that work well together and for my lifestyle. Success so far!
5. Assemble the capsule: Now I’m gathering all the items - readying the ones I already own by hanging them on nice new velvet hangers front and center in the closet, and scouting out the right style and fit on the ones on my “wardrobe holes” shopping list.
Inspiration
I had quite a revelation when I was coming up with inspiration for what outfits I’d like my capsule to be able to produce for fall: take my go-to summer outfits, and create the fall versions of them. I know what I’m loving and feeling great in now, so I’ll make that work for fall by doing things like turning the go-to striped tank dress into one with long sleeves, and the cognac sandals that make every outfit snazzier into booties that can do the same.
I also created a Pinterest board with outfit inspiration I’m drawn to for the season, and as you can see, several themes emerged, which is really helpful in choosing items for the capsule. I’m going for plenty of neutrals to mix & match with a few pops of color, and key pieces will be jackets (cargo and denim especially), stripes, dresses and tops that can be layered and dressed up/down with accessories/shoes.
Process
1. Clean out: I started by cleaning out and donating/consigning all the items in my closet that didn’t fit my body or my lifestyle or that I just didn’t like. I was really serious about this and really pared down.
2. Figure out lifestyle needs: Then I worked through the wardrobe planner worksheet from Caroline of Unfancy. I have a pretty good handle on my personal style (“basics with a twist”) but liked how it guided me through figuring out the types of outfits I’ll need based on lifestyle and events/trips coming up in the 3-month period, and thinking about color palette key pieces that will be the basis of go-to outfits (for me, a lot of jackets and denim).
3. Pick pieces: From there, I made a spreadsheet of the pieces I want to include (many in my existing wardrobe, and a few that went on a shopping list), for which Caroline’s rule of three was really helpful - for each category, like t-shirts, sweaters, dresses, pants, flats, etc. I made three slots and filled them in with specific items in three levels: one basic, one fun, statement piece, and one piece that falls between the two. This gives variety and helps cover the range of casual/fancy I might need.
4. Plan outfits: And finally I made another spreadsheet of outfit ideas using the capsule pieces, categorized by the types of things I do - working from coffee shops, casual weekends, date night, church, getting together with friends. I’m up to about 45 specific outfit ideas and can definitely keep going, which I think means 37 items is plenty for a wardrobe and I’ve picked items that work well together and for my lifestyle. Success so far!
5. Assemble the capsule: Now I’m gathering all the items - readying the ones I already own by hanging them on nice new velvet hangers front and center in the closet, and scouting out the right style and fit on the ones on my “wardrobe holes” shopping list.
Inspiration
I had quite a revelation when I was coming up with inspiration for what outfits I’d like my capsule to be able to produce for fall: take my go-to summer outfits, and create the fall versions of them. I know what I’m loving and feeling great in now, so I’ll make that work for fall by doing things like turning the go-to striped tank dress into one with long sleeves, and the cognac sandals that make every outfit snazzier into booties that can do the same.
I also created a Pinterest board with outfit inspiration I’m drawn to for the season, and as you can see, several themes emerged, which is really helpful in choosing items for the capsule. I’m going for plenty of neutrals to mix & match with a few pops of color, and key pieces will be jackets (cargo and denim especially), stripes, dresses and tops that can be layered and dressed up/down with accessories/shoes.
top row: left | middle | right bottom row: left | middle | right
Tweaks
In general I’m following the Unfancy process, because I like how she’s got everything laid out, but a few tweaks of my own:
1. 40 items: I like the breakdown of the 37-piece wardrobe, and it works for my life because I can basically do casual style all the time since I work from home - so I don’t need THAT many options. But, to take the pressure off, I’m leaving space for it to be a 40-item wardrobe; I can add 3 new clothing purchases over the 3 months if the absolute perfect thing comes along. Hopefully I won’t, but this helps me get over the (silly) no shopping fears, and it allows for the fact that I may well make some mistakes in the capsule I put together.
2. Investment items: I’m thinking I’ll use my usual August/September clothing budget on filling any wardrobe holes I’ve determined above, to fill out my capsule, so October/November budget could perhaps go toward investment items on my list, like a leather tote or Hunter boots, if I find the right thing (and feel like it’s actually a necessary item in my wardrobe – maybe I won’t “need” them any more after I get used to the capsule/no shopping!).
3. Seasonal "cheats": there's going to be quite a range of weather here in Cincinnati from September to the end of November, so I’m okay with seasonal “cheats” if I need to do things like pull out a pair of shorts for a hot day (or for our trip to Florida).
4. Keepers: though I've done a serious closet clean out, there are certain things that I don’t wear regularly but that I’m keeping anyway, because while my lifestyle is overall very casual, there are still times that I’m going to need an outfit for a wedding or for work travel - so a few things like the black pumps and pencil skirt that never get worn but are necessary a few times a year are going to stay in the back of the closet.
5. Exclusions: I’m not including workout clothes or coats. Necessary and often-used items in my world, but not "real" clothes, so I’m not counting those toward the 37.
Resources
Some great resources I’ve been drawing on to put together my capsule:
Process
Inspiration to take the plunge
I'm getting pretty excited about the possibilities of the capsule I'm putting together, and I can't wait to share it next week - I hope you'll join in!
Tweaks
In general I’m following the Unfancy process, because I like how she’s got everything laid out, but a few tweaks of my own:
1. 40 items: I like the breakdown of the 37-piece wardrobe, and it works for my life because I can basically do casual style all the time since I work from home - so I don’t need THAT many options. But, to take the pressure off, I’m leaving space for it to be a 40-item wardrobe; I can add 3 new clothing purchases over the 3 months if the absolute perfect thing comes along. Hopefully I won’t, but this helps me get over the (silly) no shopping fears, and it allows for the fact that I may well make some mistakes in the capsule I put together.
2. Investment items: I’m thinking I’ll use my usual August/September clothing budget on filling any wardrobe holes I’ve determined above, to fill out my capsule, so October/November budget could perhaps go toward investment items on my list, like a leather tote or Hunter boots, if I find the right thing (and feel like it’s actually a necessary item in my wardrobe – maybe I won’t “need” them any more after I get used to the capsule/no shopping!).
3. Seasonal "cheats": there's going to be quite a range of weather here in Cincinnati from September to the end of November, so I’m okay with seasonal “cheats” if I need to do things like pull out a pair of shorts for a hot day (or for our trip to Florida).
4. Keepers: though I've done a serious closet clean out, there are certain things that I don’t wear regularly but that I’m keeping anyway, because while my lifestyle is overall very casual, there are still times that I’m going to need an outfit for a wedding or for work travel - so a few things like the black pumps and pencil skirt that never get worn but are necessary a few times a year are going to stay in the back of the closet.
5. Exclusions: I’m not including workout clothes or coats. Necessary and often-used items in my world, but not "real" clothes, so I’m not counting those toward the 37.
Resources
Some great resources I’ve been drawing on to put together my capsule:
Process
- Unfancy, of course, for the definition, how-to, and planner worksheet
- The site Into Mind has detailed guides to capsule planning, wardrobe revamping, finding your personal style, and lots of other really helpful stuff.
- Also, I have a Pinterest board with packing inspiration where I've bookmarked lots of great mini capsules, if you're looking for mix & match inspiration.
- Finally, if you want a smaller project: lots of bloggers have done 30x30 remix challenges, which are along the same lines but have less of the closet purging mentality and a shorter commitment. A great way to test things out!
Inspiration to take the plunge
- Jacq, Shea, Kiki, and Katie have all shared thoughts on why they want to do this capsule thing or how they would use it in their lives - I nodded along with all of these ladies, which inspired me to really do it, so maybe they'll inspire you too!
- Valerie, Kate, Rachel, and Laura have all put together (or are in the process of doing) capsule wardrobes. Definitely recommend reading their approaches and taking a look at what they chose.
I'm getting pretty excited about the possibilities of the capsule I'm putting together, and I can't wait to share it next week - I hope you'll join in!
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