Un-Fancy

capsule wardrobe 101

free printable wardrobe planner

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This is going to be fun!

Two years ago, I made this little planner to help you uncover your personal style + build a totally workable wardrobe.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been updating it and adding shiny new sections. I’m so excited about it!

It’s all about turning inward.

Grounding ourselves.

And going our own way.

We all look outside of ourselves for style inspiration from time to time —  Pinterest, other people’s outfits, or what stores are selling. It can be helpful.

But, if we don’t first look inward, it can be tricky to build a wardrobe that’s practical for the life we’re living.

That’s where this planner comes in. 

Click to download the planner

(And click to download an example if you need help getting started)

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What’s new?

There are four new sections to play with. Once you print out your planner, you’ll see that there are instructions that go along with each section, but here are my thoughts on the new sections:

01. Pieces I Own + Love To Wear

I’m so excited about this section — it’s instant style enlightenment. 

You’ll go to your closet — exactly as it is, no cleaning or shopping allowed first — and pull out about 8 pieces that you’ve been reaching for again and again lately.

Under each piece, you’ll jot down the specific reasons you love it, for example: the fabric is soft, the waistband doesn’t squeeze my stomach, the shape feels cool and modern, the heel isn’t too tall, the pattern hides stains/spills, etc.

You’ll instantly start to see some themes. It’s exciting!

Not only will you find some quick style clarity, the pieces you pull out can be the foundation of your capsule. You might already be so much closer than you think!

02. Pieces I Own + Never Wear

I am constantly figuring things out as I go. That’s what the human experience is about — learning from the experiences that present themselves to us.

It’s healthy to acknowledge this constant readjusting — to realize that the things that used to work no longer do and we have to find new things that work now.

It’s a good thing.

It’s fascinating and interesting and challenging.

Seeing change in our wardrobe reminds us that we’re dynamic human beings — even when we feel stuck, we’re not. 

We’re constantly changing, evolving, and growing.

03. Special Occasions + Travel

Ever have a wedding sneak up on you?

You realize you don’t have an appropriate outfit and so all of a sudden, you find yourself at the mall, tearing through the racks with only 30 minutes til your butt needs to be in that pew.

It’s stressful. 

No matter what kind of event it may be — baby shower, wedding, trip, concert — we can skip the stressful shopping trip if we plan in advance.

04. Weather

This section is pretty straightforward, but vital. It’s simply a place to do a little research + make notes on the weather in your area. 

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Trying something new can be a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change your life.

When you try something new — even if it’s something small, like becoming more intentional about your wardrobe — you feel empowered by the change you’re putting in place.

That might make future changes feel a little easier and more doable.

And bit by bit, you’re growing.

•  •  •

Click to download the planner

(And click to download an example if you need help getting started)

The wardrobe planner is free — always has been — because I like you guys and want to give you something valuable and helpful.

If you decide to fill out the planner, I’d love to see it! Instagram a photo of your planner and tag it #unfancy so we can all follow along.

I’d love to hear what you think! What are your favorite sections?

xo

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P.S. If you’ve got questions about starting a capsule, I’ve got a ton of information you can dig in to. Explore my Capsule Experiment page and check out my Capsule FAQ.

Comments

  2. I love this! I’m really into capsule wardrobes this summer because I’m trying to save money for other things. When I read posts like this, it actually makes me excited about my minimal wardrobe. I like the challenge of putting together outfits with a small wardrobe. Thank you for the inspiration,
    Aimee
    http://Www.lifetimeorganizing.com

    Reply

  5. Oh, I can’t wait to have a good look at this. I love the Pieces I own + love to wear! Great for personal style. At the moment I have a notebook where I write down any good purchases and possible gaps for that season, but I will include some of these points too.

    I have just changed from having a 2 season wardrobe of Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter which was just getting too bitty, to changing it every 4 seasons. It is so much easier.

    Great ideas, thank you.

    Reply

  6. Dear Caroline,
    I have been following you for some time now and you have been a huge inspiration.
    Thank you,

    Reply

  7. Great blog! It changes my “wear life”! Thank you very very much (sorry for my bad english, i’m french ;) )

    Reply

  10. This is perfectly timed! I’ve been gradually purging pieces more and more this year, and since I’m moving next month this will be a big help to make sure I’m doing it in the best – and most methodical – way I can. Thank you!

    Reply

  11. I’ve been excited about this all week! I have recently realized I need a complete closet overhaul. I have had much of my stuff for a long time… too long and it’s time to retire and replace. I am going to do a complete closet refresh with more meaningful purchases.

    Reply

  13. I loved the old planner and was just thinking it was time to go through this again with my wardrobe! Great timing! I’m so excited!

    Reply

  15. Squeeeeeee! I can’t wait to download this and start filling it out! I just ordered my third cleanout bag from ThredUp, and it’s come to the point where I need to start being ruthless. I’m starting to realize there are some items in my closet that are seriously just part of a fantasy wardrobe. I think filling this planner out may just be the nail in the coffin.

    I had hoped this would be a “No Shopping” summer for me, but I do admit to investing in a few pieces. But I do really think these items will be so versatile, and that’s my current goal for my closet. I’m already eyeing up my sweater shelf… come fall, I think it’ll be time for another purge.

    Thanks so much, Caroline, and happy Friday!

    Reply

    • Danielle, I love that you called it a fantasy wardrobe. We all have those ideas that sometimes don’t match what we actually need and use. Good luck purging!! :) xo, Caroline

      Reply

  19. Caroline, you took something that was already a great tool that worked well and somehow made it even better. Brilliant. I’m really loving your new, rules-free, my-style-works-for-me-not-the-other-way-around approach to wardrobe. I think as a culture we’re moving past the rigid capsule and thinking more critically and more globally about fashion. You are on the cutting edge of What’s Next in cultivating practical, personal style. If publishers aren’t clamoring to offer you a book deal, they totally should be.

    Reply

  20. Hi Caroline! I’m new to the idea of a capsule wardrobe and don’t think I’m ready to fully go there, but I do want to use this tool and start making more thoughtful purchases. Do you recommend going through this process 4 times per year for each season? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Cara – I think starting out, it was easiest for me to break it into seasons. It gave me a reason to be thoughtful just as I was getting antsy (or bored) and had the urge to buy new things. But there are factors to consider; weather, location, lifestyle. Once you start using it you’ll see what I mean. There’s no wrong way to do it, so make it work for you. :) Best of luck! xo, Caroline

      Reply

  22. Amazing! I live a super nomad life (currently living in Cambodia and about to move to….somewhere else! No idea!) I’ve always felt like I’ve had a relatively small closet compared to some, but there’s nothing like trying to pack your whole life into a luggage-friendly size and weight that makes you realise you’ve got too much. This week for me has been about trying to get my whole wardrobe down to a suitcase or two – good for all occasions, climates and cultures. No easy feat, and planning is crucial! No multiples, easily mixable colours, nothing that needs ironing! Looking forward to having a managable wardrobe that can be taken with me wherever I end up :)

    Reply

  23. Perfect timing. I’ve read Un-fancy since the early days but have never tried the planner. Recently I’ve noticed that I’m reaching for the equivalent of a capsule wardrobe anyway so formalising things can only help to get me started!

    I’d much rather have a small wardrobe I love that covers all the situations I need to dress for than a huge wardrobe that I have to fight to coordinate and make outfits from. :)

    Reply

  25. I wish I had this sooner! I recently got rid of A LOT of clothing… but in some areas I was almost TOO enthusiastic so it’s actually quite hard to put outfits together and some stuff isn’t really appropriate. Whoops.

    Aisling | anthologie.

    Reply

  29. Hello Caroline, I know many people say this to you but you are such an inspiration. Thanks for the planner, it is an awesome tool. Thinking about my wardrobe I notice I don’t use or think about my accessories enough, wish I could use them better. Do you have a post about this somewhere? It would be nice to have a guide for choosing and using them in everyday outfits. Thanks a lot again! Happy Sunday :)

    Reply

    • Hi Julieta! I haven’t down a post specifically on accessories in awhile. Probably because I keep them so minimal. But I’ll keep that in mind for future posts. :) Thanks. xo, Caroline

      Reply

  32. This came at the perfect time! I was needing this so much!
    Thank you for doing this for us, i think you know you help lots of people to find and be happier with themselves.
    The capsule wardrobe changed my relationship with personal style and my wardrobe forever and all i can say to you is a hundred times thank you!

    Reply

  33. Awesome…I love the flexibility this time around. I was so excited to try this when I originally discovered your capsule wardrobe plan, and I got a decent start, but then fizzled out. I like the updated version and I’m SO DARN GLAD you gave the example…that’s how I learn best. As I read through the planner, I already know some of the pieces that are absolute go-to pieces. And this time around, instead of putting unnecessary pressure on myself to do it perfect (which is probably why I fizzled), I will keep the Mary Poppins notion that “In every job that must be done, there is an element of FUN”! Thanks (again) Caroline!

    Reply

  36. I love the self reflection built into the wardrobe builder. How would you suggest using it if you’re a teacher/professor? My lifestyle really changes when I’m on summer break, when I’m not teaching (well, I’m almost done with a summer class) but writing/researching/house painting. Yet, I don’t want to devolve into wearing workout clothes, etc. for the rest of the summer. But I’ll be back to my semester at the end of August, so my day to day lifestyle will completely change. Do you suggest a summer wardrobe capsule and then an early fall semester one? Where I live gets cold by November, so I can’t expect what I’m wearing in late Aug/Sept/Oct to carry through to November.

    Reply

    • Hey Lindsy! Yes, you’re on the right track — that’s exactly what I would suggest. A summer capsule that you can enjoy, then change it out based on the seasons. Good luck! :) xo, Caroline

      Reply

  37. I am very excited to begin the journey to building a capsule wardrobe! When I lived abroad for a year I functioned similarly (due to lack of funds and space), and living off of one hanging rack was the most freeing feeling! And not having the money to spend kept me out of the stores. I really want to continue this now that Im back home.
    Im very curious as to how this functions beyond the first year. Within the first year I aim to build 37 items per season, purchasing a few select items at the end of each season. In the next year’s rotation do I keep the same items, only swapping out due to wear and tear or fit? Do I try to maintain 37 (Or other number) items each year? Help!! :D

    Reply

  38. Love this concept! I have filled in my printable planner. Trying to use the on line capsule and struggling with the pics (some save, some don’t) and what happens after a capsule is created to create outfits?

    Reply

  40. I have been tinkering with my wardrobe for weeks now. Some clothes went to my friends, some… I don’t even understand WHY I had them in the first place… ended up in a recycling container. There are a few pieces which are rather quirky and valuable, so those I do not want to part with (just yet), but I have a feeling their days are numbered anyway. :)
    It feels great to downsize and I am not applying this only to clothes. Art supplies, fabrics, yarns… projects, and even certain thoughts – all this is undergoing a massive spring cleaning. Considering it’s already July, I am running a bit late, but I’ll get there! :)

    Thanks, Caroline!

    Reply

  41. Yay! You’re back! I didn’t realize you were back to blogging until tonight. Perfect timing as I was up all night with a sick toddler so while he’d doze (but I couldn’t…I can never sleep when they’re sick) I could binge-read your blog and get all caught up. So glad to hear your mom is doing ok and your pictures with her warmed my mama heart. Thank you so much for the free wardrobe planner!!!

    Reply

  42. Hi Caroline! My sister introduced me to capsule wardrobes last year and I am so glad she did! Your blog has been a resource for me as I figure it out. Your worksheets have been sooo helpful. What a breath fresh air it is when I visit your blog and read your post and not be plastered with a million things to buy. While I love fashion, home decorating is my passion. I struggle with some of the same things in my home as I did with my wardrobe, so I decided to take some of the principles I learned from capsule wardrobes and apply them to my home. It has worked wonderfully and completely changed my mindset on decorating for the better. I feel more content, happy, and less stressed decorating – just as you did when you started a capsule wardrobe. I created a system to help others simplify decorating the way you have simplified getting dressed. If you want to learn more about my system and how you can make decorating easier, you can find all the details here >> bit.ly/29xbve5

    Reply

  43. This printable was so useful and got me excited to create my capsule. I was convinced that capsules weren’t for me, but the way you break everything down feels very approachable. I linked to this in my own post. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  45. LOVE this! I was introduced to your blog a couple years ago and i tried out the original planner. I went from a 3br/2bath condo, taking up half my huge walk in closet and another closer to a 375 sqft studio taking up half of a standing wardrobe. Couldn’t have done it without your help!! *lifesaver* … I’m excited for the lives I love + wear and the weather sections. Yes- weather. I have too many long sleeve tops to be living in Hawaii. Go figure.

    Reply

  46. Hi caroline,

    thank you, sometimes we dont know i much we make a difference in people life.. Even so far..

    Here from montreal

    Reply

  47. Can you pleeease make a blog post on how you take care of your clothes and accessories (post-wear cleaning and storing)?

    Reply

  49. Hi Carolina! I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but I live in Brazil and here the weather don’t change a lot in a year, is basically 10 months of summer and 2 months of a “winter” ( not real winter, just not too hot, like around 18 degrees Celsius) . So, how can I make a capsule from this kind of weather? Sorry for my English. And I love your blog, always help me a lot!

    Reply

    • Hi Barbara! Thanks for writing :) I think you can definitely make a capsule wardrobe, yours will just look a little different. It won’t be as seasonal, but I think the steps and the concept will still look the same (planning mostly for summer weather). You can even have a small separate capsule that has your winter clothes for that short time when the weather is cooler. Hope that makes sense! If nothing else, it will help you pare down your closet and nail down your style. Would love to know if you give it a try! :) xo, Caroline

      Reply

  50. Well, I will try my capsule experiment again this Autumn/Winter (last one (Autumn 2015) was aborted since I could NOT make a capsule with temperature differences of 15 degrees (Celsius) and the fact that I a) have to look presentable while b) traveling to and from work around 20 miles per bike. I don’t own a car so swanky heeled booties or light clothes are not an option. I ended up being sweaty all the time (of course, I opted for warm jackets…) and not having enough shirts for underneath my sweaters (serioulsly, WHO wears a woll sweater without anything underneath it????) in order to make the numbers even. Due to heavy use (I don’t wear a shirt twice due to the biking-action) a couple of my shirts and leggings (and those weren’t necessarily cheap ones) were torn by the second month. It was a disaster.

    I would appreciate it, if you could elaborate more on how to keep clothes intact. I tried my luck with vinegar and baking soda (for those nasty yellow arm pits) and failed… Plus an honest review on how so called “quality pieces” do fare better than cheap stuff. In my experience they lastet about the same…

    Reply

  51. I am in the throws of this right now. I cried, wanted to quit several times, but I feel amazing right now. I am UNDER my 37 pieces so, you know what that means. This is great, thank you.

    Reply

  53. I have no idea how I didn’t stumble onto this sooner! I love the additions you have made to the planner. I’m starting it now and can already tell it will be extremely beneficial to me! I’ve had a capsule wardrobe for a while, but have constantly swapped out pieces as my tastes changed. I’m hoping this planner will help me figure out exactly what my tastes are, and help me find pieces I can love more permanently!

    Reply

  54. This is the greatest! I”m a teacher, and balancing my wardrobe has never come easy to me. Some of my wardrobe words were “lucid” and “movement.”

    Reply

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