I pretty much have worn a version of this outfit every day this summer. Especially after I broke the rules and bought a pair of shorts that I actually feel comfortable in. In fact… I’m wearing a version of it as I type this post. It’s just so easy and flattering. I was a little worried about having so much white in my capsule being that I have an eight month old, but it has actually been fine! The white shorts were a bit trickier, but I haven’t had an issue with my white shirts. With that being said, I’m realizing that I need more color in my capsules. I’m pretty typically a monochromatic kind of gal, but it’s nice to have the option of color for the occasion when I’m feeling in the mood for it. I guess I just like have options you know?
So today we’re talking about the second phase of my capsule planning for this fall. After I figured out what exactly I needed/wanted and verified that it fit with the overall aesthetic that I’m drawn to (more on that here), I start to organize everything into piles based on categories of clothing. Have you noticed that I’m a visual person?? I like to lay everything out on the floor so I can see how all of the colors and textures meld together. This step is really important because in order for a capsule to work it has to be versatile and multi dimensional. This is where I start playing around with everything and deciding whether to keep something in the capsule or to take it out based on how it works with everything else. Each item that I include has to work with at least three other items in the capsule. As I start to make decisions on what to keep or not, I start typing it into a document so that I can see the exact numbers that I have in each category. I really try to make sure that I have overall balance. I mean, I will obviously have more shoes than cardigans, etc. but I don’t want to have a ton of long sleeve shirts and no cardigans. Right? Alright. Let’s leave it there for now. Next week I’ll share with you how I make the final decision on what to keep and what to toss. Do you have any tips for finalizing a capsule wardrobe? How do you decide how many clothing items to have in each category. I’m especially curious how you whittle down your pants and shoes… especially for fall? Let me know in the comments below!
Also, just a reminder that I’ll be sharing some content on Monday with just my subscribers. Make sure you are subscribed so that you’ll be in the loop!
Until next time,
Outfit Details:
Blouse: Old Madewell. Similar
Shorts: Old Old Navy. Similar
Sandals: Birkenstock
Clutch: Old Madewell. Similar
I think that the shoulder seasons are trickiest (at least when your weather is highly variable) when it comes to truly seasonal capsule creation. That’s one HUGE part of what’s pushed me toward a season-less capsule wardrobe, while my consistently casual (work and home) life is what’s pushed me to a boundless capsule wardrobe. So having the ability to “keep” summer shoes (Converse, sandals) and break into winter (boots) makes it super simple. If I had to narrow for fall specifically, I’d probably do one pair of sandals, Converse, a ballet slipper, a pair of ankle booties and my moto boots. I think that would take me from hot to cold weather and stay at home to working Mama. Looking forward to a peek at your fall capsule!
Thanks for the insight! I honestly haven’t looked into the whole seasonless capsule concept yet. I’m not sure if it would work where I’m at because we have cold cold winters and hot hot summers. I think it would feel like a waste to keep sandals around when I know I wouldn’t use them. I haven’t dug through this blog post yet, but the Lovely Laura Life wrote a blog post about Creating an All Seasons Capsule Wardrobe. You should check it out!