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Fall 2015 Capsule Wardrobe

Drum roll please…

Here it is folks! My Fall 2015 Capsule Wardrobe.  I had a lot of fun putting this round together, but boy was it a lot of work: both emotionally and physically.

Here’s the thing, I know I have talked about this before (here and here), but my body is not where I thought it would be nine months after giving birth to my daughter.

There is so much messaging via social media that all you have to do is just work hard after having a baby and you will for sure be back to your pre-pregnancy sizing right away.

Well guess what?

I have worked hard. I work out regularly and eat healthy 90% of the time and I am not at my pre-pregnancy weight or size.

In the process of putting this fall capsule together I finally broke down and bought some clothing that fits now instead of waiting for some magical moment in the future when my old clothes will fit.

There were tears and it was hard, but I’m so glad I did because the clothing that is included in this capsule makes me feel good… which is a huge tenant of a capsule wardrobe right?

But to that point, I had to do a LOT of trying on and a LOT of returning.

Before being pregnant I could order everything online because I just knew how everything fit, but I had to relearn my sizing.

Plus, I was working with a limited budget so I had to thrift and eBay the heck out of this capsule.

But then all of a sudden, it just seemed to come together and I was able to breathe this huge sigh of relief. I hung everything up in my closet and the end result makes me really happy.

I ended up with 40 items again, which is funny because even though I don’t have a hard and fast rule on how many items to include it seems like that number really works for me.

I did include a few light jackets in that number, but I did not include my rain jackets or heavier jackets. But you know what?

This capsule represents a step forward and an acceptance of who I have become instead of who I was. This past year has brought a lot of change and I am ready to to change along with it.

Clothing Details:

Fall Capsule 2015 1

White Tee | White Blouse: Old Madewell. Similar. Affordable Option.| Cream Blouse: Old Aritzia. Similar | Striped Tee. Old Madewell. Similar

Fall Capsule 2015 2

Cream Cardigan: Old Madewell. Similar | Graphic Tee: Old J.Crew Factory. Similar | Graphic Sweatshirt: Old Forever 21. Similar | Gray Cardigan: Old Old Navy. Similar. Fall Capsule 2015 3

Cowl Neck Sweater: Old Piperlime. Similar | Crew Neck Sweater: Old madewell. similar | Green Thermal: Thrifted Anthropologie. Similar | Blue Button Up: Thrifted Eddie Bauer. Similar

Fall Capsule 2015 4

Striped Tunic: Old Anthropologie. Similar | Navy Thermal: Old Gap. Similar | Blue Sweater: Old J.Crew. Similar | Red Cardigan: Old Anthropologie. Similar

Fall Capsule 2015 5

Red Tank Top: Old Madewell. Similar | Plaid Blouse: Old Madewell. Same Shirt, Different Print | Striped Tanks: Old Forever 2. Similar | Black dress: Old Old Navy. Similar

Fall Capsule 2015 6

Gray Dress: Old Forever 21. Similar | Denim Jacket: Old Gap. Almost Exact. | Leather Jacket: Thrifted. Similar | Blazer: Old Madewell. Similar

Fall Capsule 2015 7

Black Denim: Old AE. Similar | Boyfriend Denim: Old from Marshalls. Similar | Flared Denim: Thrifted via ThredUp. Similar | Skinny denim: Old from Marshalls. Similar | Chambray Skirt: Old Gap. Similar | Denim Skirt: Old Gap. SimilarFall Capsule 2015 8

 

Heeled Booties: Thrifted Clarks. Similar | Black ankle boots | Loafers | Red Flats: Old Target. Similar | Snakeskin flats: Thrifted. Similar | Wedges: Vintage. Similar | Taupe Ankle Boots | Converse | Riding Boots

 

I would love, love, love it if you shared links with me to your own capsule wardrobe posts.

I would so enjoy seeing how you put your fall capsules together. And if you aren’t a blogger, no worries! I would love to hear from you anyway.

Did you struggle with putting together your fall capsules or was it just a breeze (If so… lucky you!)? Also, if you have any questions, feel free to ask! I’d love to try to help as much as I can.

Also before you leave… Gianna from Family Fun Twin Cities has a GREAT post about creating a capsule wardrobe for your kiddos. As I have not delved into the capsule wardrobe method yet with my own Kit, I will be using her post as a guideline for when I do.  Make sure to check it out and give her some love!

Until next time,

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*some of the clothing in this post are not the actual clothing in my closet.  The reason for this is that a lot of my clothing is either old or thrifted. I try to do my best to find items that are as similar as possible.  Thanks for understanding!

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82 responses

  1. Callie

    This post is so great! I love seeing how you actually put it together and what you end up with for your capsule. It helps give me an idea of what it would look like to actually do it. I am eager to see what kind of outfits you put together from those 40 pieces. That’s the part that I think I would get hung up on. But every time I see you, you look so put together and adorable!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Callie! You’re the sweetest! If you ever want my help ever to put one together, just let me know! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Maggie

    Looks great, Karin! I have serious moto jacket envy, I confess, and that black dress looks like a fabulous transition piece! So glad to hear that you did a bit of shopping – trying to pack a post-baby body into pre-baby clothes is the pits. And I think well-chosen pieces (like that black dress – seriously – love it!) will stay with you and serve you well through continued change. At least in my personal experience, even pre-baby weight doesn’t necessarily mean pre-baby body, so work with what you’ve got, right?!? And this is a topic I have a LOT of experience with!! 😉 Looking forward to seeing some outfit mashups soon!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Maggie! It truly is the worst isn’t it? The black dress is one of my favorites too! I’m glad to know that there are other moms out there that struggle like I do. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Rebecca N

    I love the things you have included it your fall capsule!! Can’t wait to see the way you pair it all together. I have not started my new capsule yet…it’s been 95 degrees here every day! I am also having second thoughts about doing a seasonal capsule and thinking instead I may just edit everything to a multi-season wardrobe. A minimal amount of pants/dresses/skirts/tanks/short sleeved tops/ long sleeved tops/ sweaters, etc, that can be interchanged throughout seasons. We’ll see though….I’ve been working though how the process of replacing and updating would go if I go that route. The thing I’ve liked about the capsule concept was that it controlled my shopping and limited it to one month per season.

    Dressing after a baby is tough! Good grief….mine is 14 and I still struggle with it! 😉 I think you did the right thing of investing in clothes for the size you are now. When you are trying to fit into something that doesn’t quite work yet it can be discouraging. Best to feel great in what you are wearing while continuing to work on your goal. But just a word of advice from someone who has had 4 babies…..you may get down to your pre-pregnancy weight, but still not fit in your old clothes. Childbirth, as well as weight gain in general, has a way of rearranging your body. My body has rearranged after each birth and also when I have gained and then lost weight. I have finally just embraced it! Just continue to make good choices with your diet and exercise, like you have been!! I think you look great!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Rebecca!! I’ve been hearing so much about this multi-season capsule thing and I have been wanting to check it out, but I just haven’t had any time to do so! You’ll have to let me know what you end up deciding to do. I would be really curious to hear what you think if you do go that route.

      It is so tough! I am definitely one of those people that has very unrealistic expectations about how quickly I should see “change” after I start working out. I think it’s partly because you see so many “success” stories on Instagram, Blogs, etc. But the overwhelming message I have received from other moms is just to chill out and realize that, just like you said, this may be my new normal. 🙂 And I am learning to embrace it! And thank you for the kind words… you are so sweet! I guess we can’t all look like we did in our 20’s huh?

      Reply
  4. Janel from NellieBellie

    You know I heart all things capsule wardrobe! This one looks gorgeous!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Janel! You’re so sweet! xoxo

      Reply
  5. Gina

    I love the pieces you chose! I’m so glad you bought some clothes that fit you and that you feel good about and took some pressure off of yourself. Our bodies definitely change after babies.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Gina!

      Reply
  6. Angela

    Hi Karin! I could learn so much from you! If you saw my closet you might cry. After two babies, I’m almost back to pre-pregancy weight, (3 pounds to go! yay) but the body is different. The tummy has been stretched out and my hips seem to be wider from carrying the weight of two little ones, and lets not talk about the breasts. Did someone who had children before actually tell you that your body would return to “normal?” I agree that the weight can be lost, but I don’t know that the body will ever be the same. You’re right. It’s a hard reality, but once we go through the frustration of figuring out the new body. We can figure out how to dress it and still feel good about ourselves. Your capsule is gorgeous and I admire your strength in taking the time to do it all the way to the end. You look beautiful.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Angela! It probably doesn’t look much worse than mine did. 😉 No one really told me that, I think I just had unrealistic expectations. I’m starting to come to a point of acceptance that things are probably always going to be different. Thanks for the encouragement and kind words!

      Reply
  7. Maureen Lake

    Hi! Your capsule is wonderful and so helpful for not only new moms but all moms. I had my children years ago, but the story never changes. Please give your body time to get back to its old self, it will— I promise you! You look amazing in the pictures too! There is nothing to compare with the time of your life right now!!! Enjoy it!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Maureen! You are so sweet!

      Reply
  8. Tammy

    this is a great post and very informative… I don’t have a preganacy as an excuse for my weight, but I do have the 50’s fat that I work on daily… I love the idea of actually finding/buying clothes that fit right now…I am so going to do this.. I love your capsule and you have inspired me.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Tammy! I have definitely found that clothing that fits increases self confidence 10 fold!

      Reply
  9. Heather aka HoJo

    Maybe I’m in the minority, but I don’t really own seasonal clothes. Yes, I have a few things that get worn more during the cooler months, but I don’t do a wardrobe overhaul. Hmmm… Maybe I’m missing out.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Could be where you live too! In Minnesota we definitely have to dress for the seasons!

      Reply
  10. Brian@The Results Guy

    Looks like there is a lot of internal transformation going on with you there. I would love to hear more of how all of this is taking place. Maybe a Youtube video…?

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Brian! I have thought about it! We’ll see…

      Reply
  11. estrella

    I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe, and I have one for work, but I don’t know if I could do it for my entire wardrobe. I love colours and patterns, it usually capsule wardrobes don’t have that (mainly so that clothes match with each other). I adore many of the items you’ve chosen though, so maybe I’ll give it another try.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you! I have seen capsules that do a lot of colors and patterns… it should definitely be tailored to you!

      Reply
  12. Melody Maynard @ Joyfully Ever After

    This looks like a great wardrobe! I haven’t had a baby, but my weight fluctuates a lot (partially due to blood sugar), and even when the weight isn’t visible, my comfort level changes a lot. I bought a pair of jeans a couple months ago, then put on some tummy weight unexpectedly, and they’re suddenly unbearably tight. Do you have any hints for a wardrobe that works with fluctuating weight?

    Reply
    1. Karin

      I would just keep a couple of pairs in different sizes and then pull out the ones you need. I’m fully comfortable with having things on hand to pull out during your current capsule! You want to love what you’re wearing right?!

      Reply
  13. Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama

    So they idea of a capsule wardrobe has really seemed appealing to me lately. I love how your colors complement each other so that the pieces can be used in so many ways. The cream cardigan is definitely my style, too! By the way, it can be hard, but give yourself grace after pregnancy. I have had 3 kids, and I always made sure to allow myself a full year to return to my pre-pregnancy size. I tended to keep on some pounds while breastfeeding that dropped when I stopped at a year. You’ll get there 🙂

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Sarah! You are so kind. I have wondered if breastfeeding was keeping some of the weight on me. Honestly, I think that it is good for me to not be able to control it… I can be kind of a control freak. 😉 And thanks about my capsule! I am refining each time I do a new capsule so it’s been fun to see how things have evolved.

      Reply
  14. Jen

    You know, I was just thinking that the idea of a capsule wardrobe was overwhelming…and then I realized that I pretty much wear the same things anyway…and have been for years. When we moved at the beginning of the summer, I got rid of so much, but there are still a few things that I kept but I now see probably should have gone.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Then you most likely already are doing one without even realizing it! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Ciara

    Karin, we are on the same wave length. I have a little girl who is just about to turn one. I too had to do the SAME thing, tears and all. I’m with ya. It’s not easy, and no matter how much exercise and eating right, after having a baby your body is just blah! Now, my fall capsule wardrobe looks a bit different because I’m in a very warm weather climate…but.. I have a pair of skinny jeans (dark wash), boot cut jeans (also dark wash), 2 solid tshirts, 1 print, 3 graphic tanks, 6 light jackets, a variety of tank tops, 3 dresses, and two neutral colored (black and beige) wedged heals. I look forward to follow you.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      I’m glad we’re in this together Ciara! My daughter will be one if a few months as well. 🙂 I’m learning to accept these new changes though and being OK with them! Thanks for sharing your capsule! I’m realizing the power of a good dress for disguising the bumps and lumps! I think for my spring and summer capsules I’ll be a lot more heavy on those than my first capsule. I’m glad you stopped by! I look forward to having you around!

      Reply
  16. Stephanie @ Crayon Marks and Tiger Stripes

    Those are great choices!! So cute and stylish 🙂 I am 9 months postpartum as well. Just show yourself grace! You will get there! Just look at that precious little face and know that your baby was worth a post-baby body! Just look what your body did! It grew a human!!! So awesome!!!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Stephanie! We’re right at the same stage. 🙂 It really is amazing isn’t it?!

      Reply
  17. Aimee

    I recently read Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and purged a ton of clothes. Now, I have just what I really wear, only I still struggle having coordinating clothes. I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but I hate shopping and spending money. I am going to take another look at what I have, and see where I can start to add a few things in to create a capsule, though. I know it would make dressing so much easier, and I’d probably be able to get rid of even more! (I linked my post about “Kondo-ing” my clothes above.)

    Reply
    1. Karin

      That’s great Aimee! I actually just bought her book and I can’t wait to dive into it. I would say, in your case it’s probably just best to take it slow. Buy a piece here, a piece there and just gradually get to a point where you feel satisfied. 🙂

      Reply
  18. Helen

    I have never heard of a capsule wardrobe before and I just love it! What a great idea. I’ve signed up!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      That’s great Helen! I’m glad to have you around!

      Reply
  19. Antionette Blake

    Tomorrow I take a few bags of clothes to our local Goodwill and will then try to find a few more blazers to add to my fall wardrobe. These are all great suggestions, however, I very rarely wear jeans.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Antoinette! It’s great that you’re donating as well as shopping at Thrift stores!

      Reply
  20. Rena McDaniel

    You have a lot of pretty things put together here. I had never heard the term “capsule” referring to clothes and I must say its rather fascinating. I have the hardest time shopping for clothes. I’m at the in between age where I’m to old for the younger things and to young for the older things. Its hard to find things that work and I usually get it all wrong when I do.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Rena! I completely understand having a hard time shopping! It takes a bit of effort to nail down your style, but it’s so worth it when you do!

      Reply
  21. Vasantha Vivek

    Idea of capsule wardrobe is innovative. Thanks for sharing. I also love capsule wardrobe for kids.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Your welcome Vasantha!

      Reply
  22. Macy

    LOVE this post! I am new to your blog from Blogelina, and I am now following! I would love to build a capsule wardrobe once I reach my goal weight!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      That’s great Macy! You know where to find me when you do start one! 😉

      Reply
  23. Margo

    It is time for me to do something like this capsule idea. I have absolutely no fashion sense, and I have gotten to the stage where there are times when I would like to know that I look good- not just ‘practical’. I recently lost the extra weight I had put on and am back at my goal weight (as I sit here eating jelly beans *-*), and it is time… thanks for the wonderful ideas!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      You’re welcome Margo! I’m thrilled the capsule wardrobe idea will help you out!

      Reply
  24. K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy

    After having two kids, I have come to realize that my body will never be exactly as it was before kids. In the meanwhile, I’ve been enjoying having a real excuse to go shopping for new clothes! I think a wardrobe capsule is a great way to keep track of what you have in your closet or even to keep track of items you want to add to your closet.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      I’m coming to that same realization! I completely agree that it is a great way to keep track!

      Reply
  25. Marie

    I’m so glad you are accepting your body! It is so hard to handle the drastic changes pregnancy does to our bodies. Also, those flare jeans absolutely rock! Love those!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      It is isn’t it?! And thanks! I’m so glad Flares are back in style!!

      Reply
  26. Tara

    I love the photos. I’m a visual person and that means much more to me than a list of what to buy. The clothes are beautiful too. Give yourself credit for exercising and eating right most of the time. Love your new body–it gave you your baby!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Tara! I’m the same way. And thank you! I appreciate your encouragement so much!

      Reply
  27. Anne Campbell

    I think your wardrobe is beautiful–I love the color palette. It looks like you will be able to mix and match almost everything, which really increases your options. I really missed my maternity wardrobe after I finished having babies, because it was so much easier to get dressed when I had a certain amount of choices. Simplifying and paring down is really a wonderful time saver.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      I know what you mean Anne! I really loved having limited options when I was pregnant as well. It really did make everything so much easier! And thank you! I do love the versatility in my current closet!

      Reply
  28. Beth~ A Disney Mom’s Thoughts

    I love this idea!! I too have way too many clothes that I never wear and will probably never fit back into after my 2 babies. 🙁 I’ve never thought of a capsuled wardrobe. I need to get started!

    Reply
  29. Be Gracefully Inspired

    Great Post! I really love the pieces you’ve put together! I really should start working on this for myself! Keep learning to love yourself at all phases of motherhood it is a beautiful mess.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you! And I love how you put that! It really is a beautiful mess isn’t it?!

      Reply
  30. Monique

    “This capsule represents a step forward and an acceptance of who I have become instead of who I was. This past year has brought a lot of change and I am ready to to change along with it.” < This is such a BEAUTIFUL realization, I love the way you think. It is 100% about acceptance, and you are so smart to realize that! Such a beautifully put together capsule, I hope you have a wonderful fall with your little one!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Monique! You are so sweet!

      Reply
  31. dawn

    Capsule wardrobes are new to me and it seem like an interesting concept. Feeling good in my clothes is so important to me. I’m glad you were able to put together a wardrobe that makes you good.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Dawn! I agree that feeling good in your clothes is so important!

      Reply
  32. Kelly Canfield

    I am so glad that you shared that 9 months post partum, you’re not back into your regular clothes. It has taken me longer with each and every pregnancy to get back to my pre baby size. (Baby number 3 is 6 months old, and my abs…well, let’s just say that they are a few work out videos short of a six pack!) 🙂 Great pieces in your capsule wardrobe. I am a sucker for cute boots! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Kelly! I hadn’t realized how much I had let Hollywood affect my expectations until I had a baby! It’s so encouraging to hear from other moms that its completely normal to not lose all the weight right away. 🙂

      Reply
  33. Keelie Reason

    I have read a lot about capsule wardrobes. It is much easier to pick out something to wear if you don’t have a ton of stuff. I like having outfits to mix and match.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      It really is! I have enjoyed taking some of the guess work out of dressing… although I do still feel like I have retained my creative element to dressing!

      Reply
  34. Jamie

    I am going to be honest and say that I had never heard of a capsule wardrobe before this post. I am not someone who likes to shop so this may be something I should think about doing! I do like many of the items you have in your wardrobe!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Jamie! It definitely eliminates a lot of the need to shop so if you don’t like to, it might be a good idea for you!

      Reply
  35. Icar

    Great selection of wardrobe! They are versatile and simple. Returning to pre-pregnancy size is one of the most difficult phases after giving birth and you are not alone in that dilemma. lol

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Icar! I thrive off of versatile clothing! 🙂 I’ve been hearing from a lot of other moms that they deal with it too and it makes me feel a lot better!

      Reply
  36. aaronica (the crunchy mommy)

    first off, you look great and are so beautiful! but i can totally relate! after a year, i managed to lose my weight but then put that back on and then some. like you, i did a wardrobe capsule (http://www.thecrunchymommy.com/my-30-day-wardrobe-capsule-clothing/) but in reality, i suck at this!!!! once they got dirty i forgot what i’d chosen and it just took too much to get them back together.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you! You are the sweetest!! I’ll have to check out your post! I know it’s not for everyone though. 🙂

      Reply
  37. Camesha | Mama Motivator

    Great choices. Such classic pieces. I love the sweatshirt and the cardigan. I need to get my wardrobe together. I’m busy getting rid of things now, then I’ll really see what I have to work with.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you! That’s definitely the best place to start!

      Reply
  38. Debbie @ Traveling Well For Less

    Love your Fall capsule pieces, so cute, classic, and practical.

    Thanks for the reminder that we should accept ourselves for who we are and not how society feels we should be.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Debbie! And you’re welcome!

      Reply
  39. Michelle

    What a great concept. I haven’t jumped on board with today’s “in” clothes yet, but I love the basics.

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thank you Michelle!

      Reply
  40. Anne Marie

    Ahhh!!! I want brown ankle boots!!! Thanks for this GREAT list!! Fashion is SO not my thing. This is helpful for those of us who have trouble. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Karin

      You’re welcome!! And I love my ankle boots… they go with everything!

      Reply
  41. Heather @GeminiRed Creations

    You feature some really great pieces! I love a pair of red flats (which is why I have 2 pair at the moment). You can do so much with the clothing options you shared! And…I’ve never had kids, but I can tell you – stop listening to everyone who thinks you should be at pre-baby weight by a certain time. Just work at being healthy and ignore the hype!

    Reply
    1. Karin

      Thanks Heather! I love red flats too. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement!

      Reply
  42. Day 9: My First Capsule Wardrobe | Living Tiny, Dreaming Big

    […] today I made my first clothing purchase since before I started the capsule wardrobe. Karin of TruncationBlog.com inspired me to buy some red shoes because red is the only color she has in her current wardrobe […]

    Reply
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