Okay, I’m excited.
This is year two of my grand capsule wardrobe experiment. Woohoo!
Whenever I start a something new — like a new workout routine or a new habit — I like to approach it with a set of rules. I thrive in a structured environment at the beginning.
But … as time goes on, and the new thing becomes a part of my life, I like to loosen that structure up a bit and let it be organic.
So I’ve always known my approach to capsule wardrobes would change over time. Life changes and we change with it.
But I never knew exactly what my new approach would look like.
I finally figured it out.
The solution came out of a moment* of major frustration.
(*two and a half weeks)
Here’s the short version: This winter, at some point, I lost the spirit of why I do this — why I live with capsule wardrobes. I lost the joy, the creativity, the meaning.
I woke up one day and it was just about following rules.
And we all know that anything done for the sake of the rules is bound to fail. Our actions need purpose + meaning behind them.
So I took some time to get back to the heart of it all.
I remembered why I do it: So I can do more meaningful things with my time and energy. So I can avoid emotional purchases, avoid overspending. So I can build an intentional wardrobe that makes me want to do a happy dance.
And most importantly: I do it because I like it. It brings me joy.
Remembering my why helped me figure out my how.
The general concept is pretty much the same, but the frame around it is different. It has room to breathe. It’s a little more flexible, a little more open to spontaneity.
With the first day of spring on Friday, there’s no better time for new beginnings. Have a look at my new approach:
(It’s probably going to look tiny here, since my blog isn’t very wide. Click here if you’d like to see it a little larger.)
My favorite part?
No more rules. Did you notice?
Now I’m approaching them as practices.
As tiny and insignificant as that may seem, something about that simple word swap changes everything for me. It reminds me that this whole thing is dynamic — there’s no such thing as “cheating” or “breaking the rules”. It’s meant to look different from person to person.
What do you think? Does this relaxed version jive with you, or is the original version more fitting for your stage of the journey?
xo
P.S. Just in case you’re wondering, I’m still hanging out around 37 pieces. In fact, my spring capsule only ended up being 34 pieces. But I’m approaching each new season with more of an emphasis on what feels like enough, rather than a specific number.
P.P.S Spring capsule reveal TOMORROW!
Just wanted to tell you that although I have not committed to a capsule wardrobe (you would CRINGE at my closet!!) that the idea and approach still have impacted the way I have shopped and wear recently. I just did a swap for my seasonal clothes (hello spring and summer!) and weeded out 60-70 articles of clothing to give away, consign, or goodwill. I felt so freeing to look at a piece and think “I don’t actually love this, so why am I keeping it to wear? Just to have one more piece as an option?”
I now have closet space in my seriously SUPER SMALL closet. Thanks for your inspiration!
THIS IS SO WEIRD THAT YOU FOLLOW HER BLOG! I’m trying the capsule wardrobe this spring! I’m going to be cleaning my closet out tonight and starting the whole process!!!
Well this is just awesome! I love your infographic and your new approach to how you want to think about this. I think it’s a healthier and more intentional way of looking at it. Also, like I’ve said a few times, I CAN’T WAIT FOR YOUR SPRING CAPSULE. :-D And congrats on the beginning of year 2!
Can’t wait to see your capsule tomorrow! Love this new planner. This doesn’t really work with my lifestyle, but I have reduced my shopping a ton and have two different wardrobes – one for warmer weather and one for colder, with some pieces I can wear in each. I don’t keep track of how many pieces I have, but I look through all my clothes when I go to switch and donate any that I haven’t worn that past season. Almost time to switch over to warmer weather clothes :) (So, I guess I have a semi-capsule with not many rules!)
thank you !
I’m learning with you.
xo
Congrats Caroline!!! I can FEEL your excitement in this post and the freedom you are experiencing!! Your new approach is BEAUTIFUL and I feel so much better about my own capsule wardrobe…I have been going with the laid back vibe for a while and felt like I just really wasn’t playing by the rules so it wasn’t a real capsule wardrobe. Now, I know its just my own style and its okay!! It brings me joy + freedom, which is the whole point!! woohoo!!!!! CANT.WAIT.TILL.TOMORROW 0_0
I really like your new approach. I have had people say things to me like, “I thought you couldn’t buy trendy pieces” or “your closet looks like more than 37 pieces” and you’re right, its not about following rules, but doing what works for you. Naturally, you’ll learn things along the way and adjust. Side note: I literally CANNOT WAIT for the reveal tomorrow!!! Spring is a lot different in Iowa, but I am excited to get some inspiration for my capsule. I am in my 5th month of my current wardrobe (fall/winter=Nov-March) and am slowly beginning to swap in some springy items.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I actually took this approach when I first made my capsule. While my way of practicing this may be really loose, it works for me. I tend to be very rule and structure oriented if I get into it (sort of like what you described). I didn’t want that for my wardrobe. So, for my spring capsule, I won’t even count exactly how many items I have exactly. I’m going by what feels right… And frankly, THAT feels right.
I love it! The more relaxed feel definitely jives with how I’ve already been doing things. A few ways I’ve adapted (am learning to adapt) your approach to work for me:
~I’m a stay-at-home artist mom, so I wear a LOT of jeans/tees type clothes. So for me it works to include a few necessary business attire type clothes with my cocktail type clothes. You know, those things you NEED to have for the times you NEED them but don’t wear often.
~I don’t really wear skirts, so I put in an extra dress and pair of pants or two.
~I am not a shoe girl. Nine pairs of shoes per capsule is way too many for me. I usually include 3-5 pairs.
~I AM a sweater girl. I fill up the extra spots left by shoes with sweaters. :)
~I am reluctantly coming to the conclusion that I really CANNOT wear heels for everyday anymore.
~I don’t really do well with the cool/edgy thing like you do. You make it look so…cool…that sometimes it’s hard to resist copying you. BUT I’m learning to embrace my own quirky/casual/comfy/artsy vibe.
~I start my seasonal capsules in March, June, September, and December instead of April, July, October, and January.
This capsule wardrobe journey has been so FUN (and healthy/helpful) for me. I just am so grateful that you are willing to be so real and kind and inspiring in this space.
Caroline, thank you so much for doing what you do! You are beyond inspiring to me! I am so thankful to have found your blog. Just know that by sharing your journey you are making others feel validated and comforted knowing that none of us are alone in our struggles! You have given me so many amazing ideas and have had a huge impact on my life! Keep doing what you’re doing and know we are thankful!! Can’t wait to see your spring wardrobe tomorrow!! xoxo
I love the new concept! As I made my first capsule attempt, I found myself going only for “useful” items that coordinate. Luckily I absolutely love a few of my purchases. I found myself being very formulaic though which sucked some of the joy out of the process. I gained an appreciation for not buying spur of the moment and feel that is a valuable skill. I’m hoping to grow into this capsule building process and my goal is to love every piece of clothing I own. Feeling pretty and comfy every day would be fantastic!
Unfortunately, I felt like you weren’t 100% into your winter wardrobe while reading your posts associated with it and that made me sad. I really can’t wait to see your spring wardrobe! I’m still hoping to see you posting more “real life” pictures of your outfits… maybe on Instagram, if you’re not comfortable posting them here.
I’m happy to feel your excitement about this new season. Hooray!
I agree. I felt like that maybe after about week 3 of winter. But I also felt that way after a bit because I got tired of wearing over sized sweaters in muted tone for 3 months. Lol. Winter is weird.
I absolutely love this! Love the freedom in your new thinking. Its all about intentions not goals and rules. Therefore you can’t fail or cheat. So the joy is so much more :)
I am having my winter clear out tonight (with husband and his massive clothes collections!) and I am even more excited for spring than before I read this post. Bring it on! :)
Thank you so much!
This resonates so much with me! You’ve managed to strike the balance between being a leader in the capsule arena while also supporting some serious individuality and flexibility. Thanks for naming that people have the space to make this system work for their lifestyle- and where they are now. I got caught up in feeling guilty for not following the rules with my winter capsule, and then felt ridiculous for feeling guilty. It’s all supposed to be about joy! And at the end of the day I need to make the rules and guidelines work for me! I need to get as much out of the capsule system as possible, and there is no room for feeling like a rule breaker in that equation. I love the concept of principles. And I LOVE the new approach. Everything feels so fresh! Thanks, as always, for your beautiful words and phenomenal inspiration!
I’m a person who loves to play by the book, but this word swap is so awesome! I have my 37-piece spring capsule ready to go (first official one, yay!), but I don’t know about the summer one… I live in Florida weather and it’s so stinking hot! Not even sure how many times a day I’ll have to change tops or something like that…. plus I have so many different Havaianas flip flops that my aunts bring from Brazil whenever they visit that I can’t have less than 15 pairs of shoes during the summer since I love them all! lol
With that said, I’m relieved that it will be a practice versus following rules. I can approach it with a more enjoyable and fun attitude knowing that I may choose to have less pieces, but I’m certain that I’ll definitely wear everything that I have because what I’ll have is what I reaaaaally like! :)
Can’t wait till tomorrow!!!
I’m so excited for the spring wardrobe! Winter always seems like it’s going to be exciting at first and becomes such a drag by the end. I always love your capsules though – they are so inspirational and you pick out the best stuff each time!
I’m so excited to see your spring capsule! Your website has been such an inspiration :) Thanks for sharing!
i have a hard time letting go of “rules” (because I can be a bit of a perfectionist), so i love swapping the word to “practices.” i started using a capsule this fall, and really loved fall and winter. in fact, i think next year i am just going to do a “cold weather” capsule because all the pieces were pretty much the same for those two seasons. i am having a hard time making the switch to warmer weather, though, because the spring is actually still a bit chilly where we live now, and summer is supposed to be quite hot and humid. so…i may end up with three capsules? or sort of 2.5 (making the month or two of Spring a very in-between time of my warm weather and cold weather capsules).
also, i am letting my capsules be a bit more fluid. my problem used to be that i’d go on one big shopping trip a couple times a year and just buy a bunch of stuff i thought i needed/liked. i don’t really like shopping, so it was sort of a way to get it over quickly and painlessly. very few of the purchases were thoughtful or planned, and i ended up quickly not liking some or they’d all wear out around the same time or i’d get bored with all of them at the same time. now, i am trying to build my capsule with mostly clothes i already have, but i have a plan for the items i’d like to replace (either with a similar item of better quality or with a totally different item), and i leave a couple slots open for specific items i don’t have yet but want. then, i purchase one or two items at a time to fill in those slots or swap out an old item for a replacement. it takes some discipline because i’d like to just go out and get all the “perfect” items now, but that’s just not in our budget. so it forces me to prioritize which items i really want and which are the most useful, and it also helps me to look at some less than perfect items and figure out new ways of wearing and enjoying them until i can snag their replacement. it is also less overwhelming for me since i don’t really like to shop. i can focus on finding one or two items at a time rather than trying to find an entire wardrobe and then just settling on whatever halfway fits because i want to get it over with.
i guess that just goes to show we are all different – a capsule wardrobe for me has helped me break shopping down into smaller, more focused chunks throughout the year, while for others it has helped them limit their shopping to just a couple times a year!
Love it! What a fresh and inviting way to present the concept of a capsule wardrobe! Funny thing is, my interpretation of your original more structured version, actually looks more like this second more relaxed version. Does that make sense? Guess I’m not much for strict rules, even though I love the concept.
I wanted to add that I too cannot wait for the big reveal tomorrow! I am seriously way too excited about this :)
Also, I love the visual layout you created for the new concept. It is clear, simple and beautiful.
If you are comfortable doing so, I would love to see your actual closet space and how everything is organized. Your wardrobe is so inspirational to me. I am sure your closet would be too :)
I really love this approach! I’ve been reading up on capsule wardrobes and minimalism for a few months but have been having a tough time getting myself excited about adhering to such strict guidelines. This more fluid approach is much more in line with my way of thinking and approaching new things! I did fill out the capsule planner which helped me cut down on shopping tremendously. But I’m not forcing myself to go by numbers, and I’m allowing myself to shop throughout the 3 month period for items on my list that I couldn’t find, or need to replace. I can totally relate to what you say about going by feel as well — when I first cleaned out my closet I immediately recognized the feeling of things missing/being incomplete. After a few thoughtful purchases to fill in gaps, I feel like I have enough now. Great post.
I whole heartedly agree with everything you mentioned in this post! I started out this project actually wanted to really emulate you. 37 pieces! 37 pieces! I ended up with less and my choices were very much unlike yours. I need my capsule to stretch from brunch to the courtroom. My initial reaction to my smaller wardrobe was “YES! I have less than 37 pieces! Shopping time!!!” Then, like you, I thought about my intentions and then thought how lucky I was that I only needed 34 pieces to get me through the winter and how that money can go to brunch, instead of a new outfit for brunch!! I can’t wait to see what your spring capsule looks like! Mine is most definitely still a work in process!
x Bonnie @ http://www.cocktailsandquinoa.com
Out of curiosity, what do you do with your off-season shoes & clothes? Where/ how do you store them? Inquiring minds would love to know! :)
I am curious about storage too. I am about to move from a house with a basement into a studio apartment and storage is definitely going to be an issue. I am planning (hoping) that my currently in use clothes will fit in one small dresser and a clothing rack. Right now I’m thinking of storing the rest and out of season clothes in my luggage under my bed and/or in my coat closet (wherever it fits). I will probably deeply regret that decision when I need to use the luggage. But it seems a bit silly to me to buy under-bed storage and also have to store empty luggage..
I have my stuff in clear plastic bins that I stack on top of each other next to my clothing rack. In a small space, vertical is key. Like my scarves I hang on my wall as decoration cause they would not fit in a closet setting.
Caroline has mentioned in the past that she uses storage bins under her bed.
I LOVE this, Caroline. I believe you’re right in the simple power of a word – Rules to Practices. It is amazing how something that simple can change your perspective, your attitude, and totally focus you in another direction —— or keep on on the same path. ;-)
Also, loving your infographic, pinning it now. And FYI – I typically hate infographics. Not this one. Did you do the water color graphics? Love them, makes it feel very personal. Great job!
Can’t wait to see your spring capsule tomorrow!
I just pinned this infographic to both my Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter Capusule Inspiration boards on Pinterest. :) Just in case I forget what I’m about when I’m messing around over there. The changes that you’ve made really reflect the way I’ve been looking at the idea of a capsule wardrobe. I guess I’m not so much of a rule-follower where clothes are concerned. I loved all of your winter looks, but I agree with the other commenters who said you didn’t seem as excited about them as you have about some of the other seasons. How fascinating! I can’t wait to see what you’ve chosen (COLOR!) for spring. I swapped out my closet yesterday — probably a little premature, but I just couldn’t look at those sweaters anymore.
This is exactly how I felt when I created my first capsule wardrobe. I knew that setting a strict number of clothes wouldn’t work for me. So instead, I just made sure that I had everything I need (and love to wear!) and that it all fits comfortably in my closet. (But when transitioning seasons – like this winter/spring – I am a little more flexible.)
I love living with less! Every time I open my closet, I feel instant happiness and contentment. There, neatly hanging in my closet, are a minimal amount of clothes that I love to wear.
I used to dread deciding what to wear. “I have nothing to wear” were the five words I’d mutter every single day. But now, I’m always excited to peek into my wardrobe and see what I can create!
Thank you Caroline for your continual encouragement and instruction in this journey! It’s amazing to think that we’re all in it together!
YES! So excited for this spring refresh. I love your new philosophy. xox
This is beautiful. I love it!
When it comes to clothes I’ve always been a natural minimalist, maybe it is just the way I was raised and where, we didn’t have a lot of money, we wore hand me downs and the closest mall was an hour away. I never realized how many clothes people had until I went to college and saw the other girls overflowing closets. Being on the penny pincher I am and also how much I hate clutter my closest has stayed pretty minimum… but that still didn’t mean I liked my clothes. I went shopping and didn’t know what to get to be “in style” and was easily swayed by friends opinions to buy clothes that didn’t fit my style or life style. I’m glad I found your blog (and a couple other blogs with similar philosophies). It has helped to actually take the time to think about what I like and don’t like and what sort of clothes fit into my life (aka running after my two year and caring for my baby). Being intentional and knowing what I like and don’t is very helpful and now when I go for clothes in the morning it is becoming closer to clothes that I love wearing and that feel more natural to who I am. Although my wardrobe is still more in the 15 pieces range, but that’s all I need and I’m content with it because it fits my lifestyle and me!
Thanks for your blog and I’m really looking forward to seeing your spring capsule wardrobe!
I much prefer this structure, the 3:3:3 rules on top of the basic structure was a little overwhelming and I think made me feel constricted. I’m trying not to pick a particular number but stick with what FEELS right. I am just now finishing the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up (I think is the name?) and am really intrigued by this point she writes about, where we eliminate enough to hit a point where we intuitively realize that we have “just enough.” I’m realizing that has really been my search through this wardrobe process, and the Capsule Wardrobe is perfect for it.
This post is exactly what I needed to get over the hump and actually commit to a capsule wardrobe for spring. All those rules really freaked me out. I’m going to start with these guidelines and see what makes sense moving forward. Thanks!
Hello Caroline,
I am new to your blog. I recall a comment which stuck with me but unfortunately l can not remember who said it :{ lt went something like this, when you are ready to learn, a teacher will come to you…I have been ready to learn how to ‘dress myself’ for a while now and you have come into my life to give me some much needed instruction. l am grateful for this particular post as it will suit me better. l need to have structure yet not be binding in those times when l need flexibility. Thank you for taking time to share what you are learning and for providing a basic foundation for learning and for growing in my own direction. l look forward to learning more about my style and comfort zones and in being able to stretch the box a bit as well!! looking forward to those Spring styles you have chosen.
lindalee
i really have to start doing this.
I think I’m most curious to see how you approached shopping for this capsule. By publishing your content online, and thus opening yourself up for feedback, I wonder if it makes it hard to shop. Just like they say never to take too many other opinions along when you shop, I wonder if you don’t take all of us readers along with you mentally… I personally will love to see what happens with your three “empty” spots this quarter. Now that your shopping is under control and your style is more defined, I wonder if you will see a must-have item and actually feel like it really adds to your current season.
Glad to see you embrace the evolution of the concept. You have a strong archive of “rules” content for those who need it.
love, love, love this!! i have felt the ebb and flow of satisfaction with this whole thing also. i guess it’s like anything…we are never going to truly be content without exercising our content muscle, so we have to keep trying. it’s that crazy balance between trying to be better and also trying to be content. anyway… :) i have been so inspired by project333 and your blog, but i’ve never actually set a number for myself. using the idea, i’ve always come out around your numbers though. i just don’t really like rules. i like choices. :) can’t wait to see your next collection!
I love this!
This is how I approached a minimal wardrobe in the first place. Structure without strict rules is how I like to work in all aspects of my life. The pressure of such exact self discipline just sets me up for failure – I completely freak out! Without confining myself by numbers and rules, I was able to learn so much about my personal style, living minimally gratitude and appreciation of the few things I do own and chose to make investments in. It’s incredible how my closet was the gateway into living minimally in every part of my life (food, home, relationships, etc).
This year, I’m going to be practicing the 5 piece French wardrobe concept – 10 purchases a year or 5 per season while maintaining/updating basics. I set up a nice wardrobe of year round basics last year and want to switch my attention toward purchasing quality pieces, which often cost more. First purchases of the spring/summer season? Birkenstocks!
I love the visual that you created! I feel that I really need to be more strict for now while I get started and then can loosen the rules. That being said, I know that I need to have some flexibility. The weather here just doesn’t adhere to seasons!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
I feel like I might need a printable of these cute graphics to keep handy and help me stay focused while I fine-tune my next capsule! (I’m new at this and need help. I get distracted easily. Oh, look at that shiny beaded scarf…! etc)
Hi Caroline! I just love your blog and have purged so much stuff!!! Looking forward to creating my first capsule for Spring! Have a few pieces already – I am so looking forward to purchasing clothing with purpose vs buying because it was a good deal (I am a sucker for a sale).
I did want to point out you have a typo in your infograph – under the USEFUL CLOTHES section, you have LIRESTYLE. Didn’t see that someone had alerted you yet – so I thought I would mention it. Can’t wait until tomorrow!!!
Laura
I just wanted to say – I love your blog! I’ve been following it for a while now, and I’m trying to move towards a capsule wardrobe. I have the old problem: a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. Yet I have such a hard time getting rid of things, even though I haven’t worn them it forever – there MAY be some day where I REALLY need that top/ blouse/ dress… As a first step, I’m trying to limit my purchases to a few, high-quality, timeless items. I’ll keep at it, and following your blog!
Hi Caroline!
I’ve just set up my very first capsule wardrobe for this Spring and Summer, and this is what I’v already learned about it: In Switzerland, Sprind and Summer cover almost any type of temperature from freezing to heat. So I needed to include some more pieces in order to cover all the temperature range, from woolen sweater to Summer dress. And I’ve discovered that in order to enjoy ma wardrobe, I needed to include some pieces that I just LOVE, although I had already reached my aimed number of items. This is also due to the fact that some items can only be worn during Summer. So: if I don’t include them this year, I wont’ wear them until Summer 2016. And that just felt too sad. Usually I’m a perfectionist and I love the rules I set for myself, but I’m learning to be a bit more flexible with myself, which I think is good! Thanks for all your inputs that make me progress.
thank you for sharing this! love the framing of your capsule wardrobe as practices instead of rules…and i have been looking forward to seeing your spring capsule for an above-normal amount of time. can’t wait!
Love your blog, Caroline, and the capsule wardrobes. In the infographic “how to build a capsule wardrobe” you don’t mention anything about color. Do you have a rule of thumb when it comes to how many pieces should be neutral and how many brighter colors you should aim for? I’m guessing that it’s important for all the colors to be able to be mixed. Thanks!
This approach resonates with me so much that it’s actually the way I’d chosen to interpret the capsule wardrobe in the first place. I immediately realized I didn’t like the idea of trying to figure out how many tank tops I was allowed to have in circulation and did that mean I couldn’t have as many pairs of shoes, but I really think I need all those shoes… you get the idea. So I haven’t been owning the idea that I’m “doing a capsule wardrobe” because I wasn’t willing to commit to the rules, but have just been saying that I’ve been inspired by projects like yours to approach my closet in a different way. So if you can’t tell, I’m all for it—all the joy, no rules. Yay!
This is how I approach my own limited wardrobe and I really enjoy it!
I am SOOOOOOOOO EXCITED about your spring capsule!!!
I’m so psyched I’m gonna do it with you – whoo hoo!
I love this new plan – I work best when there’s structure but not rules! Inspired by your blog I epically cut down on what was in my wardrobe(though I’m selling it on Poshmark instead of donating) about six months ago…looking forward to trying out the 37ish pieces concept for spring this year and hiding the rest for now!
Awesome :) Love the way you adapt your thought processes to achieve your end goal xx
After a KonMari style purge this past fall, I’ve been working with something like a capsule for the last 6 months. Minimal shopping, lots of remixing. I do love the blog, and am really glad to see the increased emphasis on the relaxed feeling of having enough rather than extreme minimalism. I definitely get that when trying to make a big transition it can be helpful to be very strict in the beginning in order to engrain the right habits and new ways of thinking. Once the goal has been firmly reached, many of us can ease up – as you are starting to this spring – without falling off the bandwagon. Good luck – I’m super curious to see how your approach to shopping will shift as you allow more flexibility!
This past fall I discovered your blog and around the same time my boyfriend mentioned going through his closet and getting rid of stuff he doesn’t wear/is old and worn, etc. Both you and him inspired me to look at my own closet and do the same. Your blog in particular has made me more aware of the what “useful” clothing is and my shopping habits. I have planned my first capsule for spring and I’m so thankful for this post because I felt like although very useful, a few of the old rules made me feel like I was doing this all wrong. This post remedied that by reassuring me that this is a FUN process meant to make me GROW as a person and LEARN my style while having a MINIMAL closet by my standards. I don’t shop all at once, but I also no longer impulse shop. Also, I only buy useful things I really want or need to replace and I make sure they’re quality pieces I’m proud of. Anyway, THANKS for being an inspiration not just for my closet, but my lifestyle as well.
Oh! Also, I notice one of your practices is to swap out items (store or donate) to maintain your number after purchasing new items because that works for you…. but I was wondering about how many items you have all together (closet and storage) out of curiosity?
Your new “no-rule”- approach is just awesome, and the graphic is great! I’m currently working on my own spring capsule and I’m so excited to see yours.
http://capsulewardrobeexperience.blogspot.no/
January – March 2015 was my first attempt at a Capsule Wardrobe. I really liked it in the sense that I didn’t have to think to hard about what to wear in the morning, but I did find myself getting a bit bored midway through!! I’m trying to approach this season a bit differently!!!
Chrissy x
http://www.chrissylilly.com
Spring will be my third season with a capsule wardrobe. Last fall when I got started, I followed your rules to a T (although my number was 50 since I work in an office and needed to account for that). I noticed the same thing this spring as you mentioned in this post… I was ready to loosen the rules and go for more of what felt like enough (I still ended up with around 50 pieces though without really counting). This time I broke my wardrobe up into categories (Dresses, Skirts, Pants, Jeans, Shorts, Tanks, T-shirts, Blouses, Button Ups, Sweaters, Cardigans, Statement Pieces, Outerwear, and Bags). I ended up with 2-5 pieces in each category and tried to achieve as much crossover between work/play clothes as possible (although I don’t expect to wear my trousers to weekend brunch or a mini skirt to the office anytime soon, so there were a few exception) I can’t wait to see your spring wardrobe tomorrow and start getting ideas for new outfits!
Thanks so much for what you do here! I’ve donated so many clothes since getting started, and not only is my closet de-cluttered, I’ve started minimalizing in a lot of other areas of my life as well :)
Love this so much!! I really appreciate the heartfelt and honest way that you share you feelings on this blog. I actually enjoy reading about the process that people go through just as much as looking at all the pretty clothes.
I’ve been following you for awhile and want to get started on my capsule journey but I’m needing some advice on something. I go to church every Sunday and am going to need more skirts/dresses than u have in yours. Should I do a separate section for them or just increase the number of items?
Similar to Caroline’s separate Special Occasions Capsule, I have a separate small Church Capsule for the clothes I only wear to church–dresses, skirts, a few tops that I never wear with pants, a jacket, and a few pairs of heels. My life and my work are very casual, so I don’t wear those items in my everyday, but I do need/want them for church. (I do have two maxi skirts that work in my regular life, and those are included in my regular capsules.)
love it that you’re open to change and keeping things interesting and exciting for yourself. rules are meant to be broken, eh? :) miss ya!
I have another comment, lol. #1 I’m looking forward to seeing how you style your boyfriend shirt. I have one in a different color and just feel blah when I wear it, but I love the shirt… looking forward to getting some ideas. and #2 I notice you don’t have any capris in your capsule… what are your thoughts on them? I have been waiting all winter for warm enough days to wear my capris and now I’m wondering if they are out of style?! have they gone into the “mom jeans” category?! i hope not!!
“And we all know that anything done for the sake of the rules is bound to fail.” Yes, this is so true. I agree with you that we need to remember the reasons behind what it is that we are doing. I love the new way you outlined the capsule wardrobe, and it’s done so beautifully as well. I think that thinking of them as “practices” instead of “rules” will be more effective for me.
I love it!
we do share the same spirit :)
thanks for this inspiring blog
xoxo from France :)
Ah this is so cool and I feel very inspired to try this philosophy! Glad I found this site :)
You’re blog is so inspiring! I have been doing my own version of the capsule wardrobe thing for the last few months, and I love it! Less laundry, more closet space and still a lot of wardrobe options! In fact, I just posted about my experience so far on my blog. https://theycouldntbespies.wordpress.com/2015/03/26/spring-capsule-wardrobe-challenge/
Niki
I can definitely relate to this. Last summer, as I started to really get into the capsule wardrobe kick (after almost a year of fits and starts and attempts gone wrong), I was counting and organizing and so on. And then, I got really tired of it. I was frustrated by always thinking of my closet in “numbers.” I just stopped thinking about it. But when I did that, after a while, I realized that I wasn’t missing clothes or shopping, and I WAS sticking to a small wardrobe. Moreover, my shopping habits had changed dramatically. I think it’s good to be thinking about these things and conscious of them, but the not having them rule your life or it gets tiresome.
Of course, the real test will be after I have my 5th baby in May. Will I go clothes crazy again…? (But I really don’t think so!)
I love how well you’ve described the liberating value of a well-planned capsule! Isn’t it amazing that LESS clothes is often the secret to dressing better and enjoying your clothes more!
Well, after contemplating this type of things for a while, I finally did it!!! I didn’t think i had too many clothes to begin with, but after going though my closet, I had more than I thought. I’m akso surprised by how many clothes I have that I don’t love… that I never really loved, really. This was quite an eye-opening experience. You can check out my blog post at http://lisabrowndesign.blogspot.com/2016/01/winter-capsule-wardrobe.html :)
LOVE the capsule idea. I’m hoping to do this though using as many fair-trade items as possible & would love to see items tagged as such (if you purchase any). It’s been time consuming to locate a variety of clothing (and shoes!) from online vendors but I’ve built up a small list on Instagram so I’m about ready to start!
I always did this in my professional life and having recently relocated to Hong Kong am starting a new phase. I’m not working and find that I’m “cluttering” my casual wardrobe. That stops today! What worked for me in my professional life will be working for me in my casual life. Spice it up with jewelry, a good hair cut; well kept nails and a happy face. That does wonders.
I have done seasonal capsules for the past year and a half and it has worked well in helping me purge my wardrobe of items I no longer wear and define my current personal style. Going forward, I think it will work better for me to simply stick to a set number of items for the entire year and commit to donating something when I want to purchase something new. I have decided that 80 will work for me: 35 tops, 18 pants/skirts, 11 jackets/cardigans, 7 dresses and 9 pairs of shoes. Thank you, Caroline, for helping me finally get the clothing thing under control.
It’s funny but I’m actually using this experiment to increase my wardrobe. I usually have so few clothes, only a couple pairs of pants, a bunch of tank tops, a jacket, a coat, three pairs of shoes and one lbd. But these days I never feel polished enough and my clothes wear out too quickly, so I’m using this experiment in order to increase the clothes I have in an organized way :) Excited! My style is a lot different than yours but with some similarities. My four words for this winter are: futuristic, burlesque, femme-fatale, organic.
I’m excited that I’m about to have SO. MANY. SHOES. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thank you for your guides!
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