Happy Friday!
It’s the last post of capsule week — I hope you’ve had as much fun as I have! This week we covered a quick capsule refresh + how my approach has changed over the years, my spring capsule-ish wardrobe, and a tour of my closet, including off season storage. Whew!
Today, we’re tackling three common capsule questions, so let’s jump right in — and then get straight to weekending!
Q: How do you deal with variable weather in your capsule? Do you ever “cheat” because of weather or unexpected needs?
A: It’s taken a bit of practice and a lot of observation, but I’ve gotten better at predicting what I need to stay comfortable during weather swings. In fact, my spring capsule can handle everything from a freeze (we once had one on Easter, so you never know) to a 95 degree spring day (to be expected in Texas).
Have a look:
Interesting, huh? Same capsule, two different spectrums. (If you’re looking for links to these pieces, I’ve got ’em for you right here.)
I can even add extra warmth if needed with a base layer, wool socks, and a beanie. And you would think the cold weather pieces only work for the beginning of spring, but I’ll probably keep them through the whole season because of chilly AC.
Now, if I end up needing rain boots or a coat here at the beginning of spring, you bet I’ll grab ’em. To me, there’s no such thing as cheating, because I’m doing this for fun.
And, like I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I use my garment rack to hold cold weather clothes that are headed into storage, just not quite yet. I keep boots and a few outer layers there, just in case the weather swings. It’s nice having them close by, but separate from my wardrobe.
The key to building a capsule that can span weather swings, is to know yourself + your preferences. An easy way to do this is to start observing when you’re too hot or cold. Then take note of three things: What’s the temperature? What are you wearing? What would make you more comfortable? It sounds simple, but it can make a big difference when planning a wardrobe — or even planning for a trip!
Q: How do you decide what goes into storage and what comes out?
A: When pulling pieces from storage, I gravitate towards the clothes that are speaking to me the most at the moment, and then fill in any gaps based on my lifestyle + weather needs.
Sometimes a piece stays in storage based on the weather.
For example, I’m saving most of my sleeveless tops and dresses for the summer. Even though I could use them in my spring wardrobe, I’m choosing not to. Why? Because I’ve already got plenty of options and it’ll feel fun to pull out some “new” breezy pieces once the brutal summer heat sets in.
Sometimes it stays in storage simply because it doesn’t fit my vibe at the moment — but it will again soon.
For example, I’m also saving my BRYR clog sandals for the summer. Now, I love those clogs. But they have grey undertones, and my spring wardrobe has more of a warm brown undertone — so they just didn’t make the cut. At least for now — if I decide I want to grab them out of storage, I won’t hesitate because this isn’t about structure or rules for me anymore. It’s just about having fun and being mindful.
Q: Do you transition your wardrobe from winter to spring all at once?
A: I don’t — it’s a very natural process. I think we all usually have a day where we “just feel it” — that spring is coming and it’s time to change up our closet a little bit.
For example, this year, we had a few warm days in a row and I started to feel it around the middle of February. So I pulled a few short sleeves out of storage and let them mix with my cold weather wardrobe.
Then, about a week later, I felt it again and put a few of my bulkier sweaters into storage.
At the beginning of March, I did the majority of the switching — but I left a couple of sweaters and boots on my garment rack as “in between” pieces should the weather swing again.
• • •
And there you have it — our last post of capsule week! :)
So now, I’d love to hear from you. Got any tips on transitioning from winter to spring? How do you decide what goes into storage and what comes out? Which post was the most helpful this week?
No new blog posts next week — I’m off to Santa Fe with my husband for some much needed R&R (actually, by the time you read this, we’ll already be there).
Once I get back, it’s time to show you some of the outfits I’ve been making with my spring capsule — woohoo!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xo,
“For example, I’m saving most of my sleeveless tops and dresses for the summer. Even though I could use them in my spring wardrobe, I’m choosing not to. Why? Because I’ve already got plenty of options and it’ll feel fun to pull out some “new” breezy pieces once the brutal summer heat sets in.”
This bit speaks to me, since I was just keeping everything out. Maybe thinning the herd would get me excited about my clothes more. :)
Have a safe and fun trip!
How would you switch up your wardrobe if you lived in a colder climate? Do you think the amount of items in your capsule would have to increase?
-Kirsten // pork & cookies
Hey Kristen, it would probably take some trial and error and experimentation with layering pieces, but ultimately if I felt I needed to add more pieces to make it work, I definitely would. :)
Thank you for this post and this week – it’s so nice to see the real and authentic side of capsules. Have so much fun on your trip!
https://everydayjoys.blog
Your outfits are adorable and so is your style. I’m a nurse and wear scrubs while at work. Your casual look is what I’m looking for coming to and fro. Problem is im 52. Do you think I could wear the same outfits as you? Your very young!
I’m sure Carolyn has thoughts on this but I hope you don’t mind if I jump in here and quote Tavi Gevinson: “Wear whatever the heck you want!”. There are so many frankly ridiculous articles telling women of different ages, shapes, and skin tones what they have to wear– then the next article contradicts the first. We only get a little on this planet so I say wear what you want and if you don’t feel comfortable, change the game plan! XO
I’m 45 and wear many of the same styles as she wears. I find it’s what fits, is flattering and feels comfortable. If it feels like you’re trying too hard, you probably are but it’s flattering, feels good and makes you feel smashing then by all means, go for it!!
I think you can wear very similar outfits. I am 53 and get a lot of inspiration from Caroline’s posts. I don’t find I can pull off high waist jeans and cropped shirts with my build but I can find a similar vibe with pieces that flatter my figure.
I’m 55, so I was just checking out her clothes with my age in mind. I think almost everything would work except the items that are short. For example lengthen the dresses, turn the romper into a jumpsuit. I’m really liking the longer cardigan to make a simple tee and jeans look more polished. I’ve been wearing my winter, wool one a lot, and maybe need to look for a spring version. I also have cutoff jeans that I made, but I cut them a lot longer. Too cold to wear them here in Oregon.
Some of Caroline’s particular items may not work on you, but if her style fits your style then you can style similar items that do look flattering on you in similar ways to see if it works…use what you have to figure it out…if you love it and it feels comfortable, go for it! Personally, I loved the idea of the skinny overalls and bought some – but to me it looked odd and uncomfortable [returned]…but skinny jeans with a longer cardi as she’s styled the overalls works for me and I feel like myself. Do what works FOR you and FEELS like you. Play with it.
As long as it is respectful wear what you want. The style on this blog fits my style much better than blogs that are aimed at women my age-57. ( I don’t do the short shorts or cropped top unless I have a longer blouse underneath.)
Question though: when is the best time to buy for the season? I really don’t know what I need till I’m I the season and then things are gone but when I buy early I find things later in the season I’d rather have.
And how do you style your long cardigans?
I am Loving all these posts from women in their 50s and 60s (I’m 57)! I agree that the short shorts, crop tops, and short dresses don’t work for me, but otherwise, Caroline’s style is often spot on for my life and taste. I’m finding longer cardigans and skinny pants work very well for me in all kinds of situations and have sort of become a “uniform” for me. Caroline had a post with several different ways to style her long cardigan just a few posts back. Have a look!
Don’t let age intimidate you about what you like to wear. I’m almost 67 and I wear pretty much the same wardrobe … minus the crop tops.
I’m 60 and I don’t wear shorts or spaghetti straps, but otherwise, I would wear anything posted here.
Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in! I’ll be 47 this summer and I got some great inspirations from Caroline’s posts. Some items though are a definite no-go for me and for my work dress code: minidress with bare legs, overalls, distressed jeans. Please follow your heart and build your own outfits instead of copying someone else’s style.
I once read that as you get older, it is not so much style of garments that needs to change, but rather the quality of garments that needs to improve. Caroline’s garments are already high quality from what I can see, so it should be no problem for a person of any age.
Great post! quick question, what brand are your open toe booties? I have a black pair, but they stretched out & just didn’t last, but one, very full season. Thanks! Enjoy your trip! I just packed for my beach vaca??
Hey Marti! In case you’re looking at options, I wanted to recommend these guys from Lucky Brand: https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/lucky-brand-barimo-bootie/363805
I got them on sale last year in the cognac color (a bit lighter than the photo represents) and they are brilliant. The lower heel also suits me because I’m on my feet a lot.
Cheers!
June
Hey Marti, they are from Steve Madden, you can find them here: http://bit.ly/2ncSlzE :)
We have crazy, unpredictable temperatures in Arkansas, too. I find out I can tough a chilly morning running errands in a couple of layers and cardigan with no problem since I am primarily in buildings–but those layering pieces still have to be available.
I am wondering how many pieces you still have from your original capsule from way back when. Do you know? I am always curious how much thing evolve for people even over just a couple of years. For me, I’ve had a number of turnovers (things wearing out or no longer fitting), but the basic look of my capsule is still the same (shades of blue, denim, black, and white with a bit of orange).
Hey Amy, Looks like I’ve still got 10 of those pieces: In my current capsule, I’ve got my knit vest, black tank, and open toe ankle booties. In my home drawer, I’ve got my boyfriend jeans and home tee. And in storage I have my leather jacket, black dress, flowy shorts, knit skirt, and patterned skirt. Not bad!
Yes..not only fun but like I’ve said before…a road map to having lots of choices with our favorite pieces. Happy Friday to you too!-Laurel
No tips – I think you said it all!
I love your capsules and I love seeing the evolution!
Good morning!
Your posts this week have been “fantastic”…! I’ve been working on my Capsule Wardrobes since January. It’s been a wonderful journey to discover my style. In response to Bernie above, I believe you can wear outfits similar to Caroline’s. I’m 57 and I created “my version” of her style. Two accent colors that work for me are cranberry and olive green. Instead of the very short shorts, I wear denim bermuda shorts. The journey of figuring it all out is so much fun!
Thanks Caroline!
Daedre
I’m from Munich, Germany and imo there are two kinds of people: you either need to keep warm on the top of your body or on the bottom. Some will first change from booties to sneakers while other will trade in their winter coat for a leather jacket. I’m in the second group as I hate to have cold feet ;-)
Where did you buy that clothing rack? I’ve been looking for something exactly like it!
If you look at her last post, I think she links to it as as well as a few other options. :)
Hey Shea, what Lisa said. :) Link is here: http://bit.ly/2cM3Afg
Capsule week makes me so happy & inspired! Keep on keeping on, Caroline!
http://www.madsmuses.com
Another great post!! This week really knocked my socks off. Thank you for sharing your lovely capsule, closet, and thoughts!
We have had family here for a few weeks, so I’m looking forward to more switching next week. I will still keep a few proper winter coats and boots, as well as thermal base layers, as it can be cold in the UK! I do think it’s a challenging time of year with very variable weather and all too easy to end up with loads of clothes out in case.
Favorite post: closet tour :-)))))))))))
personal thought on transitioning clothe from one season to the other: I believe in seasonless clothes and keep some tees in my closet all year round. I do put away summer dresses / really warm sweaters when they are not in season because I don’t like a crammed closet. But generally I try to wear as many items year-round as I can. Have a wonderful vacation in Santa Fe:-)
Your closet tour post was my all time favorite in your blog!!! Looove them doors you got.
Something I was left wondering though: where / how do you store your wool coat when you won’t be needing it anymore? I don’t have any extra hanging space (like, zero) and I don’t really like folding big pieces like this and I don’t think it’s good for structured pieces to shove them in a bin. So I was just wondering if you have some fantastic idea :)
I’ve recently become a devotee of Command hooks — if you have a piece of wall you don’t see much, maybe you could put up a sturdy one and leave your coat there for the summer?
We live in a tiny loft-style flat so we have no doors and no walls that aren’t clearly visible :)
Loved the posts….have a good holiday……
Loved your post this week and thanks for answering my question. I was thinking about those clogs when I wondered what you left in storage. Somehow your storage method has given me permission to stop feeling I am doing something wrong if I can’t incorporate all my seasonally appropriate pieces into each capsule. Thanks for the many light bulb moments your blog has provided me.
So jealous that you are going to Santa Fe or Sani Flush as I like to call it. I grew up near there and it was a great escape from the small town i am from. Enjoy and as for me. I normally keep a bit of both spring/summer and winter together when we are in that lovely transition because here we can go from 70 degrees to below freezing in one day or the usual 30 degree drops in temperature are not unheard of. It stinks but, you manage.
Love Love Loved this whole Series Caroline! Seeing your layout for the Capsule-ish Spring was just what I needed for inspiration! I really loved you doing it this way to help me see potential in a mindful selection of clothes. The closet org has me assessing my own and I’m having a blast!
I have loved this capsule update! I love Caroline’s style and I am 56. I would feel comfortable wearing everything in the capsule. If the crop top is too short, there are always similar styles that are longer. I have used the capsule packing tips for several trips this year alone, and bringing less stuff with me has been so freeing!!
Such an informative and helpful post – I’ve been feeling a rejig for a while now and I think today is the day! Thank you for the motivation.
Elisha-Maé | http://www.elisha-mae.co.uk
I always wait for when the weather gets really warm to put all my winter items to storage and just keep somme pieces for layering if it gets chillier like cardies for instance.
♥☻♥☻♥
Jeanne
Leather Dungarees, Ruffle Sweater and Princetown Mules
I live in MT, so lots of winter wear, and I need it out nine months of the year. I used to change out my closet to “summer” clothes, but now I just leave everything out all the time. It’s just simpler for me. I find that I don’t have to put energy into deciding what and when to switch. Does anyone else do this? I do have a very small wardrobe, even for someone who needs a lot of cold outdoor wear.
What a nice post, I think your idea is really interesting! Thanks for sharing
NEW POST: https://lotofdots.wordpress.com/2017/03/21/rome-bound-ii/
xx
I live in the Northeast so I usually let the temperature and calendar be my guide but after the first day of spring, I try to switch to spring colors. This past weekend, I put away all of my very wintery looking clothes and scarves/hats. After yesterday, no more winter plaid or tartan, no more maroon. Since it is still not that warm, I am still wearing sweaters and other long sleeved clothes but am wearing more spring colors. A lavender sweater instead of a hunter green sweater. I will also start wearing my light tan ankle boots instead of the dark brown and switched my nail polish to lighter, more spring like colors. Changing colors for the season changes the feel while still keeping you dressed appropriately for the temperature.
Your post are so helpful and inspiring, so thank you! I took your advice on the underwear drawer and now I love it! I’m also in a continuing process to sort through my closet and honestly see if my clothes fit best on me or if they are what I would ideally like to wear (so hard). My question to you, Caroline, is how to do figure out what items are missing from your closet? It’s probably a convoluted question, but I feel like it takes me a while to find that particular shoe, or top that would fill that spot.
Hey Kim, To figure that out, I would try a week-long experiment: When you’re getting dressed, observe your thoughts. Watch for thoughts like, “Well, I can’t wear this because I don’t have that.” What is the “that”? Write it down each day and after a week, go through your notes and look for patterns. Those patterns make for a great starting point.
Hey! great post. I am looking into getting a pair of BRYR clogs. Do you recommend these? I wondered which styles/colors you have and which size heel you got.
Thanks so much!
Hey Kyra! Yes, I loved my first pair so much that I couldn’t resist another. :) Highly recommended. I have the “Miranda” in blush, and that’s a high heel. My second pair is the “Clementine” in sable, and that’s a mid heel. Hope that helps! :)
I always love seeing your capsules, Caroline! They give me inspiration for my own wardrobe, so thanks!
Question – how do you decide on colour palette? That’s often a sticking point for me as I love neutrals as much as pops of colour. I can never narrow it down to just 5-6 colours that can all be worn together.
Hey Steph, Looking back, I can see that I generally added one color each year. In 2015 it was blue. In 2016 it was that warm cognac color. And now in 2017, I’m going for a dusty peach. So, for me it came about naturally over time.
But you could also just start by making a list — in one column, list the colors you love. In the second column, list the colors you already have in your closet. Which colors are in both columns? Start there.
I keep forgetting you’re in Texas (I’m from there) and can attest to the bipolar weather! Once it was 85 degrees in the morning, and I was wearing shorts, and it snowed that night! Looks like you’re making it work though. ;)
Hope you’re enjoying your trip away!
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
Hi, I love your Tirhas Saddlebag (and your blog in general :) but read in the reviews that people have had trouble with it getting quite damaged even in light rain. I love the design but would have trouble avoiding the rain completely, so I was wondering if you had had any trouble with it in that regard?
Thanks for your great content! :)
As I’m keeping off season clothes into plastic bags without air, I’m doing transition mostly on one day. This year was today. Therefore, all autumn / winter dedicated clothes went aside, even if I’m keeping my pair of jeans all over the year, and few other items too. All my spring / summer clothes are out now! As I do not want to make too much mess there are only two changes each year. I will probably be cold some days, mostly mornings, but it will be alright!
Did you recently share a website for saving things in a common “shopping cart” from multiple websites? I thought I saw it here but now can’t find it. Thank you!
I am new to capsule wardrobes, and my main question is this: Where do you keep your stored items when they’re not in use? How do they not get damaged, wrinkled, musty? Do you fold them? Hang them? Put them in a separate closet?
Hi Alexx! Great questions! Here are some resources you might find helpful:
Here’s a look at how I used to store my off season clothing: http://www.un-fancy.com/capsule-wardrobe-101/closet-tour/
Here’s my current off season storage: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17961161509200354/
And here’s how I store them to ensure they stay in tip-top condition: http://www.un-fancy.com/laundry-care/clothing-care-4-ways-to-make-your-sweaters-last-longer/