Capsule #3 / Outfit 45
We’re chatting about the guts of my fall wardrobe planner so far — and you can get yo’self one right here. This is part 2 — word association.
In this section, I list any and every word I can think of that describes my style. Then I play with them a little, until I’ve got a set of words that guides my style.
If you actually looked at my wardrobe planner right now, you’d see that the word association section has been filled out + erased completely a couple of times. I had a bit of a rough go at it …
Until …
I gave myself permission to go off the path a little (that always ends up being a surprisingly delicious thing to do).
While the words on my list aren’t really “fashion official” they make total sense to me + fit me authentically. Here’s my list:
- cozy
- friendly + playful — doesn’t take itself too seriously
- feminine but not girly
- mostly monochrome
- urban
- a touch of sporty
- confident yet subtle
- basic + understated
I also listed out what my style isn’t — because sometimes that can be a helpful guide too:
- NOT glamorous
- NOT cold, too-cool, or arrogant
- NOT western
- NOT equestrian + preppy
- NOT girly
What’s on your word association list?
P.S. Want to see the rest of this series? Here you go!
Top: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Bottoms: Gap
Shoes: J.Crew (similar)
Bag: Hobo
Necklaces: Madewell
Jen says
September 4, 2014 at 8:03 amLove your black tank! I am a new follower, and I love the capsule wardrobe concept, although I am admittedly a little intimidated by it. I am going to give it a try for the fall, allowing myself a little wiggle room and grace. Can’t wait to see your fall line-up!
Chloe says
September 4, 2014 at 8:29 amSo excited for the rest of the posts in this series. I’m in the planning stage now and have already picked up a few new pieces. The weather is great here in the UK right now so it’s given me a little breathing space with no mad rush to get together my autumn capsule. I hope to have it sorted very soon though.
Please could you let me know what size your J Crew Baseball Sweater is? It’s on final sale so I need to get the sizing right when I order and you look pretty much identical in size to me :) Thank you!!
Sarah says
September 4, 2014 at 9:59 amIt’s been wonderful getting a glimpse inside your planning process. I just filled out the worksheet yesterday! As I’ve been getting ready to implement a capsule wardrobe, I’ve been thinking about closet organization. It would be wonderful to see how you organize your closet, accessories and jewelry! Have a wonderful day Caroline!
Jessica says
September 4, 2014 at 10:30 amI think this is the first time I’ve seen you wear a shirt without the little half tuck in front! :) It looks cute!!!
Melissa says
September 4, 2014 at 11:13 amI am so happy that I found your blog! Your planning process is wonderful–it has really helped me figure out what I need and what I don’t need this fall. I am following along with you and filling out my wardrobe planner day by day. The words you chose for your word association and the ones I am working with are incredibly similar! On that note, I am so excited to see how your capsule ends up. Thank you so much!
Lynn says
September 4, 2014 at 2:49 pmWhere are your non-Berks lately? They would be cute with these lead into fall looks! Keep up the good work, Caroline. I’m fascinated.
Steph M says
September 4, 2014 at 2:52 pmI’ve got put-together, versatile, classic, effortless. The ones I crossed out quickly were grunge, boho, trendy. I’ve got lots of words I didn’t circle but didn’t cross out, either. I think I’m going to need some more development on my word association. :)
Meghan says
September 4, 2014 at 3:21 pmI am so excited to be following along at the development of this fall capsule wardrobe since I’m trying to decide myself on my 30-ish pieces to include and wear for the next several months.
Pia says
September 5, 2014 at 1:13 amI’ve just completed my fall capsule wardrobe, check it out! :)
http://www.lessoftheexcess.com/fall-capsule-wardrobe/
Cynthia says
September 5, 2014 at 11:22 amNicely done, Pia!
Cynthia says
September 4, 2014 at 9:03 pmHmmm, with my own word association, I’m imagining fearless yet approachable and comfortable.
ARC says
September 4, 2014 at 10:09 pmI still can’t believe I’m reading a fashion blog :) I am in the midst of planning/buying my first capsule for “Fwinter”, because in Seattle, our fall/winter is mostly just one season and lasts from about October through March (or later!). Since I’m buying mostly everything online (2 little kids and plus sized bottoms means limited in-person shopping options) I’ve had a flurry of trying-on and returning going for the past week or so, with lots more to come.
I may take a step back and revisit your planner – I love the exercise of defining one’s style using words. I don’t really know what my style is right now (besides “I’m tired of sweats” and “no longer nursing” and “dang, what’s with all the extra weight”).
I also just read Stacy London’s book per your reco and really liked it, so thanks for that. For now I’m staying away from Pinterest – it’s visually overwhelming for me.
Trish says
September 5, 2014 at 7:14 amI also do tons of on line shopping and return so much I am afraid I will be put on some list of bad shoppers. I am really trying to use the advice of know your brands that work for your body. I am frustrated because it seems one of my go-to brands have changed their cut and sizing. It all is going back.
Pia says
September 4, 2014 at 11:55 pmThank you SOOO much for your website. You’ve inspired me to do my fall capsule wardrobe, so I’ve worked on it, planned it, and posted it here on my blog:
http://www.lessoftheexcess.com/fall-capsule-wardrobe/
Agnieszka says
September 5, 2014 at 2:34 amHello :) I’m very glad to be here :) your wardrobe is fantastic :) I’m in the middle of changing my style, my wardrobe and planning F/W outfits. I really enjoy your blog and I’m going to visit it regulary :)
amy says
September 5, 2014 at 5:05 ami’ve tried to do the capsule wardrobe a few times but i love your planning ideas. i’m excited to see your picks for fall.
Taylor says
September 5, 2014 at 10:19 amI think it’s great that you also listed what your style is NOT. It makes things so much easier. Fashion is a lot like art (in fact, I believe that it is an art) in the way that you can appreciate a lot of different styles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s your particular way of expressing yourself. It’s good to know what routes you don’t want to take your fashion.
xoxo
Taylor
kathleen rose says
September 7, 2014 at 6:34 pmA few days late but I can’t resist writing my own words.
words to describe my style:
Graceful
Timeless
subtly feminine
Understated
floral and polka dots and cool (‘soft summer’) colors
classic, Parisian-inspired
what my style isn’t:
flashy, neon, revealing, geometric, sweatpants, young college girl (I’m in my late 20’s so it’s time I dress that way)