Good morning, savvy savers. Happy final day of Summer! As its the final day of the season, I wanted to share with you all a project I finished this past weekend, my Fall 2016 & Winter 2017 Capsule Wardrobe.
Just a few things to know about the creation of this capsule:
- This capsule contains only 33-pieces.
- This is a plus size capsule, but each piece could easily translate to a smaller, more petite capsule.
- I no longer work in a corporate setting. As I’ve transitioned to fully working from my home office earlier this year. My capsule no longer includes clothes and accessories for a casual office setting.
- I live in the deep south, which makes for mild, breezy falls, and minimal winter seasons.
- Each item in my post will work with at least three other items.
- I don’t follow an arbitrary numbers rule for my capsule wardrobe but instead, focuses staples.
- Jewelry, including my necklaces, earrings, and wedding bands, are not counted in my capsule.
- I will not be carrying a bag or tote this season, and will instead be taking my money envelope/clutch with me this coming season.
- Also not included: two pairs of prescription glasses, a travel umbrella, and my various canvas totes for the library, groceries, and the weekend farmers market.
My current capsule wardrobe is built upon basic, year-round minimalist staples, all staples which remain in my closet year round. So each season I only need to add a few more pieces to make for room for seasonally-appropriate outfits. This particular season’s capsule relies heavily on three quality pairs of denim pants and numerous scarves, many of which are handmade.
Also, while I am continuing my healthy living journey with PCOS, and in the process of losing more weight, I am looking to wear loose, simple layers that allow me to feel comfortable but yet still allow me to accentuate my style with seasonal, stunning color. I will be wearing all casual attire this season, including meetings, church functions, community activities, date nights with my husband, and the like.
This capsule reflects my current minimalist lifestyle and my plus size frame. For me, minimalism is a concept that can work with any size and with any personal style. This capsule and my personal stance on minimalism reflect’s just that, that in my current season of life, I am a work in progress. I love who I am. The beautiful woman who proudly wears a size 16. This capsule reflects my personal taste alone and is meant to only give others an idea of what may work for their own minimalist capsule wardrobe.
So, without further ado here are my capsule wardrobe pieces:
Tops:
- Basic white tank top.
- Basic white tee.
- Basic Black tee.
- Cents of Style Life is Beautiful tee.
- Basic White Poplin Dress Shirt.
- Tan Cashmere Sweater.
- Grey Tunic Sweater Dress.
- Green Crochet Cacoon Sweater.
Accessories:
- Blue Plaid Blanket Scarf.
- Wool Orange Plaid Fringe Scarf.
- Yellow Crochet Scarf.
- Green Crochet Button Scarf.
- Red crochet Scarf.
- Grey and Beige Net and Fringe Scarf.
- Tan Crochet Beret.
- Cream Crochet Boot Cuffs.
Bottoms:
- Cuffed Ripped Jeans.
- Tuxedo Dress Jeans.
- Dark Rinse Jeans.
- Brown Fleece-Lined Tights.
- Black Fleece-Lined Tights.
Outerwear:
- Grey Fleece Jacket.
- Dark Rinse Denim Jacket.
- Red Wool Pea Coat.
Shoes:
- Black Rider Boots.
- Brown Rider Boots.
- Grey Cowboy Boots.
- Black Low-Rise Cowboy Boots.
- Cognac Combat Boots.
- Grey Slouch Boots.
- Brown Clogs.
- Black Mary Jane’s.
- Red Suede Mocassins.
So, that’s it, folks! There is my capsule wardrobe for the several months. I am super excited by its simplicity and comfort. I am also looking forward to a more simplified, relaxed capsule this coming season. These pieces reflect lifestyle. minimalism is quality. The fewer pieces you own, the more often they will be worn. Not only that, you want a piece to last more than one or two seasons, you want to build a life wardrobe.
Overall, the one thing I tried to focus on in terms of this capsule, and minimalist clothing capsules, is quality. Each piece in this capsule will last more than one or two seasons. This is more than a seasonal capsule, this is part of my life wardrobe. These pieces are easy to launder at home. These pieces bring joy to my life and ease to my mornings. These pieces are frump-free and fabulous. And in terms of a capsule wardrobe, are all I could ask for.
So, you may be thinking as to how you can start your own capsule wardrobe for this coming Fall and Winter, and I’ve also got a few tips for you as well:
1. Clean Out Your Wardrobe: You knew this was coming, right? There is no better way to evaluate everything you own, than going through your wardrobe methodically, piece by piece, season by season. Be sure to donate any piece that does not currently fit comfortably and reflects your true style.
2. Take A Style Inventory: Create a list of all pieces you have and are going to keep while going through your wardrobe. Identify key investment pieces you need and budget for them, including shoes, knits, coats, and bags.
3. Research Twice, Purchase Once: Go online and look at your favourite web stores, Pinterest, and Polyvore, and view their latest autumn/winter collections. See what styles and trends will fit your current tastes, and budget only for pieces you will wear for years to come.
4. Make a Style Inspiration Board: Use Pinterest to curate your favourite style inspirations and to figure out what you want your overall look to be for the season.
5. Reflect on Your Lifestyle: The perfect wardrobe should not only reflect your personal style, but also your lifestyle. Make sure your capsule reflects your lifestyle and not the life of others.
6. Show Your True Colors: A true capsule wardrobe should contain a majority neutral colors,a palette of blacks, greys, whites, and nudes, which allow to mix and match all your staple pieces dozens of ways in each season.
7. Quality Over Quantity: Ideally, a small wardrobe should consist of high-quality key pieces and low-cost essentials. This allows your personal style to shine. While trends may come and go, a great sense of style is timeless.
8. Seasonal Updates: All season trend items should be purchased in moderation. It is still acceptable to buy a few trendy pieces to carry your core wardrobe through each season and to give your wardrobe a refreshing lift, such as graphic prints and stripe varieties.
9. Buy Only What You Love: Careful consideration of what you need beforehand to prevent impulse buys and overspending. You should love everything you buy and each piece should compliment your style and be able to be carried through to next year.
10. Focus on Go-To Looks: Be sure to spend time putting together as many different outfits as you can for every scenario. Pay attention to detail like accessories and styling. Snapping pictures of your outfits can help laying out your clothes for the next morning all the easier.
So, everyone, I hope this post will be a good reference in helping you to establish an affordable, easy stylish wardrobe this Fall and Winter. I encourage you all to look into creating your own version of the capsule wardrobe as well.
Here’s to being comfortable in all your own clothes,
