The Transitional Capsule Wardrobe

Karin Rambo of truncationblog.com shares about transitional capsule wardrobes Karin Rambo of truncationblog.com shares about transitional capsule wardrobes Karin Rambo of truncationblog.com shares about transitional capsule wardrobes Karin Rambo of truncationblog.com shares about transitional capsule wardrobes

Hazards of long hair: getting caught in the pacifier!

Happy dance! Yesterday was the first day of spring!!! It’s only uphill from here folks!

And speaking of uphill (how’s that for a transition?)… when I was putting this spring capsule together I knew that in order for it to be successful for the next three months I needed it to be transitional. In a number of ways:

First:

I needed it to be transitional in regards to weather.

Spring can be a real troublemaker here in Minnesota. There is honestly no way that you can possibly predict what it’s going to be like and so I knew I needed a capsule that would work for a variety of weather situations.

So for me that looks like lots of layering pieces: basic tees and blouses, cardigans and jackets, dresses that can be worn with leggings and without, shoes for every weather situation. You get the point. There is an item in my spring capsule for every weather condition and that’s what will get me through to summer.

Second:

I needed it to be transitional in regards to fit.

I am hovering between two different jean sizes… which is really fun by the way. I’ve pretty much become best friends with my belt.

But to be honest, I was holding on to quite a few pairs of jeans that were mostly lower quality and didn’t fit well. A lot of them were jeans that I either had before Kit came along or jeans that I purchased in a moment of panic when, two weeks after I had Kit, I didn’t fit into my pre baby jeans. #realitycheck

So you know what I did? I set those puppies free. Some unwitting buyers on eBay are now giving some tlc to my hormonally induced bad decisions.

I kept one or two pairs that were of higher quality and that fit fairly well.

And I purchased a couple pairs that were also higher quality that have forgiving material. I now have a couple pairs of jeans that will work regardless of how bloated I am that day (we’re gettin’ real today).

So what am I trying to say?

I’ve heard from a number of people that they can’t do a capsule wardrobe because they live in a place with too many weather transitions, or they can’t do a capsule because of weight fluctuations.

But you know what?

I’m here to tell you, that if you really want to have a capsule wardrobe, you absolutely can! If your only issue is weather or weight transitions, then I encourage you to stop trying to fit your capsule into a “mold.” Only include what actually works for you. Tweak it so that if fits your lifestyle. I mean, if all you ever wear are sequin jumpsuits, then by all means only include sequin jumpsuits!

The point is:

learn your environment, know what you’re up against, be realistic, and create a capsule that will see you through whatever life throws at you.

Until next time,

Signature

Leave a Comment

20 Comments

  1. 3.21.16
    Kate said:

    Couldn’t agree more. Capsules are about having a wardrobe that fits you – sizewise, stylewise, and lifestylewise.
    Oh and those postpartum purchasing decisions are really not the best – someone should have hidden my creditcard! πŸ˜‰

    • 3.25.16
      Karin said:

      Yes! Totally! And for real! It was one of the biggest reasons I started a capsule wardrobe in the first place!

  2. 3.21.16
    Sarah said:

    Love this! I get the “I could never do the capsule wardrobe because ____!” And I think it’s because there is a “mold” that people feel they need to be using. So not the case. Make your closet WORK for you! This whole being intentional about your clothes is just rad. FTW!

    • 3.25.16
      Karin said:

      Well put Sarah! And 100% agreed!

  3. 3.21.16
    Caitlin said:

    1. Beautiful photos. 2. From Wisco here: solidarity on the weather, my friend. 3. I love the name Kit! 4. This is a fun idea! Never have I considered it, but maybe I’ll have to get more info on this capsule wardrobe thing. Stay warm, Minnesota! <3

    • 3.25.16
      Karin said:

      Thanks Caitlin! Midwesterners unite!

  4. 3.21.16
    Marloes said:

    Amen to that! Not focussing on a specific theme so much has helped me to create a wardrobe that suits the crazy Dutch weather. Oh and by the way, the lighting in these shots is superb! Hurray for better light πŸ˜‰
    – X Marloes

    • 3.25.16
      Karin said:

      I’m learning to do that! I tried to focus too much on a specific theme in the past I think and I’m ready to diversify a bit! And thanks!!

  5. 3.21.16
    Shann Eva said:

    Great suggestions. I live in WI, so I have the same weather problems. I’m also between jean sizes, so I’ve bought a few new pairs recently. I really need to get rid of my old one. I’m not sure why I’m hanging onto them.

    • 3.25.16
      Karin said:

      Wisconsin and Minnesota are basically the same right? (unless you’re counting sports teams!)

  6. 3.21.16

    I totally thought I was going to have a clear cut spring wardrobe this season. Wrong! I had a week of shorts and then BOOM 40 and windy on Sunday afternoon πŸ™ It hadn’t even be 48 hrs since I finished packing up my fall/winter box when I had to take it down from the top shelf in the closet. So now EVERYTHING I own is hanging in the closet. It’s going to be a bit of an all-seasons capsule until May, most likely.

    • 3.25.16
      Karin said:

      It’s been the same here Lauren! But like I said, you just have to do what works best for you!

  7. 3.21.16
    Liz Jo said:

    I absolutely love your outfit! Yes hair getting caught in everything is a hazard with children! My daughter just love yanking on my hair. Something about hair fascinates babies. Cause they don’t have enough on their head.

    I’ll need to look back more on your capsule posts to make one for myself.

    liz @ j for joiner

    • 3.25.16
      Karin said:

      Thanks Liz! And yes! It’s an occupational hazard!

  8. 3.21.16

    Oh my gosh, I love that dress! And what a great pairing with the jacket. I probably wouldn’t have thought of that but it looks great!

  9. 3.21.16

    I love this! You’re so right… be realistic and know what works for your lifestyle/environment/body type. It’s true for everyone–even those who don’t have a capsule wardrobe.

    • 3.25.16
      Karin said:

      Yes! You’re right Crystal!

  10. 3.22.16
    Kerry said:

    Love, love this outfit! Long hair and babies just never works. Mine is always in her face or her mouth or being yanked on! Sheesh.

    • 3.25.16
      Karin said:

      Thanks Kerry! It’s so true, but I’m still happy I have long hair because of top knots. πŸ™‚

Stay In The Know!

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content.

Subscribe

* indicates required