I’ve been doing a little bit of personal styling for friends lately and I’m having an absolute ball! Together, we pivot away from the simplistic question “What is my style?” and look at the larger picture of “How can I translate my taste into my reality?” We talk through their practical needs and aesthetic aspirations, and then find the crossover point between the two. That’s where the magic happens!
I’ve enjoyed it so much that I’m planning to open up my styling services to the public soon-ish. I’ll keep you posted here on the blog, so you’ll be the first to know.
But in the meantime, I’ve had so many ideas, I’ve even started making little capsules for fictitious clients. And that’s what I’m sharing with you today!
So, today’s capsule was made for a (fictitious) client who wanted a non-boring work wardrobe that still felt subtle and sophisticated. She loves fashion and wanted her work clothes to reflect that more than they currently did. She needed bags big enough to shlep her laptop and other work things, a couple of light jackets for her overly air-conditioned office, and a pair of work-appropriate sandals. We used three style ideas to guide us:
- a little 70s
- slouchy/cool minimalism
- a dose of artist-in-Paris vibes
Gah, could she be any cooler?? I think I want to be her (whoever she is).
Have a look at the capsule, then keep scrolling for the outfits.
(If you see something you like, you can shop it and support Unfancy by using the affiliate links below. Consider me your personal shopper — when you make a purchase through these affiliate links, I make a commission at no charge to you.)
JACKETS
Max Mara Suede Jacket | Similar: Quince Men’s Suede Overshirt $169 | You never know what treasures await you in the men’s section! This is a GEM.
H&M Gathered Sleeve Blazer $49 | I have this blazer and love it. The gathered sleeves feel so laid back.
TOPS
Madewell Puff Sleeve Printed Top $88
Aritzia Jane Boxy Denim Shirt $88 | Um, I’m adding this one to my cart right now. Absolute stunner.
Nordstrom Satin White Tee $49 | A basic white tee, but make it satin.
BOTTOMS & DRESS
H&M Wide Leg Olive Pants $21 | A good olive pant does wonders in a work wardrobe — it’s infinitely more interesting than black without being too wild. Wait til you see the outfits with ’em — they’ve got so much depth and dimension.
Everlane Baggy Denim $128 | The high rise and dark wash smarten up a baggy jean.
Alex Mill Denim Dress $250 | Similar for less: Gap Denim Dress $65
SHOES
Staud Wally Short Western Boots $425 | Similar for less: Anthropologie Kitten Heel Suede Boots $260
Everlane Day Fisherman Sandals $168 | These are more closed-toe than they seem in the picture above, making them perfect for an office setting.
ACCESSORIES
Sezane Danae Necklace $95 | Similar for less: J.Crew Factory Chunky Beaded Necklace $16
Madewell Metal Leather Belt $58
Banana Republic Factory Vegan Leather Slouchy Tote in Black $75
Madewell Essential Bucket Tote in Dark Caramel Suede $178 | I recently got to see this bag in-store and it’s GORGEOUS. I wouldn’t be too precious with it — I can imagine it in 10 years, looking stunningly patina’d.
OUTFITS
(bottom, left) Wear the dress open, like a long duster.
(bottom, left) Denim on denim feels very of the moment. The whole look is timely without screaming TRENDY!
(bottom, right) Love how this outfit strikes a different tone than most of the other outfits here. Feels very minimalist, very The Row.
(top, right) Remove the denim belt that comes with the dress and wear the black western belt instead.
(bottom, center) Leave the dress buttoned up and let the pants peek out underneath. An incredibly non-boring and fashion-forward outfit done in a subtle way.
• • •
And there you have it!
I’m really enjoying making capsules for lifestyles other than my own — so let me know if you have any capsule requests and I’ll try to do a few more of these posts. Also! I’d love to hear what kind of styling services you might want me to offer in the future.
Thank you for reading Unfancy today. It means so much to me. Feel free to subscribe at the bottom of the page or find me on Instagram, LTK, and Pinterest.
This is such a fun post! Yes to more of these, and I am thrilled that you are getting to exercise your skills amd creativity in this way! Way to branch out!
Thanks Jen!! <3
Love this! Would def be interested in a seasonal capsule kind of service.
I’m a work-at-home mom and I really like to look pulled together, but my lifestyle requires very casual and comfy clothes.
I’m a deep winter coloring with an odd mix of minimalist, low-key clothing meets Frida Khalo-inspired accessories.
I figure things out as I go, but man, I’d love help so I don’t have to spend too much time updating each season.
Gotcha! And Frida Khalo has such cool style, love it.
Love this, it is very practical and stylish
Hey! You rock this is so exciting!! 👏
How about some inspiration for
– exercise like walks outside, pool (cheap: read, chlorine…) and pilates. Maybe some travel comfy hits in there too
– options for feminine business casual in a cold climate’s winter.
– some basic casual outfits (blend comfy, outdoorsy/ sporty and either a pop of colour, joy, or a feminine touch for weekends when it’s cold and raining (read: good footwear).
It’s great if these can transition temperatures with layers.
Ooh boom, it’s a lot 😄 but would be cool!
Love all these ideas Rosey!
I love this! Can’t wait for more.
I’ve followed you for 10 years- since your beginning. Love your content. Really love seeing your growth and changes! I love you are doing this!! Please consider my request.
I’d love to see a midsize (size 12-14) capsule for a Medical Professional- Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Manager/Physician.
Classic, with eye catching details, not afraid of pops of color. (I live on the NC coast- warm weather most of the year.)
Needed items: closed toe shoes you can walk in comfortably- but also walk safely on slick hospital floors seeing patients, Modest (no cleavage) tops/dresses, and skirts above knee. All clothing items would be worn under a white lab coat at work- but it would be great to have a few pieces that transition to “after work” looks when needed for dinners/cocktails following work. I’d love to see your take on this!
Got it Janelle! Are there any specific colors you gravitate towards or steer clear of? And THANK YOU for your support throughout the years. Means so much to me. <3
Long time follower, first time commenter! 👋🏼 I think working with you for styling services would be amazing! Personally, I need help figuring out what my style is as well as what to wear to showcase that style. After spending the last 5 years having kids and being back and forth between sizes and clothes that were available for me to wear, I’ve found myself just making due with what I have but I have no joy in getting dressed! I don’t even know what I like anymore and I don’t really know how to figure it. I want to have joy in the clothes I wear!
Gotcha! I’m curious — is there one piece in your closet that has brought you joy recently? A piece of jewelry, or shoe, or even bag?
Another long-time follower since the capsule days, and LOVE that you are doing this! I love the daily outfits and the way you are blogging now, I loved the way you blogged then and the capsules–this is the best of both worlds!
I’m an author who often goes on book tour, and I’d LOVE to see your take on a capsule for that! Some constraints are: you only want to pack in a carry-on because if you leave it behind, you’re in a mess since it’s a different city every night), the temperatures and weather can vary wildly from city to city, you want a long skirt or pants because often they put you up in front of the audience on those awkward tall stools, haha.
And I’d definitely be interested in your service if you end up doing that!
Thanks so much Ally! Ooooh yes, this sounds like a fun challenge. Do you like to wear statement pieces (bright colors, printed pants, show-stopping textures, etc) or more low key pieces (jeans, cardigans, flats, etc) when you’re on tour? Are you wanting to blend in with your readers, or stand out?
These are such great questions! I think my general style is simple and low-key but polished, so I feel most comfortable with that on tour as well. And I’ve noticed that both black and bright colored tops (I’m more of a blue/green, jewel tones) look good in pictures without the focus being too much on me and me alone. Weirdly, it’s also nice to kind of match your book cover or wear something that looks good with it since you’re holding it up in so many photos. And I like a bit of a lift from whatever shoes I’m wearing since I’m pretty short, but comfort is also key! Sometimes you’re rushing straight from the book signing to the airport.
So fun to think about this–thank you for these questions!
I LOVE this!! People are going to be lining up for your styling services, congrats!!
Aw Liz thank you for the support! <3
Similar to Ally, I’d be so interested in a long term travel capsule. I spend a month in London each summer teaching a study abroad course and I somehow don’t seem to get any better at packing a combo of casual outfits (think walking 5+ miles with a gaggle of college students) and smarter fits I can wear to dinner/drinks/theater. It’s hard to find the balance between having options and not overpacking, especially as I tack on some personal travel at the end. Also, I loved this post and am so excited about to learn more about the styling sessions!
Love that you get to teach abroad! Coming up with a solid capsule for that sounds like a fun challenge. I’m curious — can you share a little more about what hasn’t worked for you in the past?
I think I struggle with balancing the practical and the fun, the comfortable and the stylish. Like I’ve brought my Everlane black tank dress the last couple of years and it’s a useful blank slate but I’m kind of bored at the idea of bringing it again. Or I really need my tennis shoes when walking about during the day but struggle with pairing them with items that aren’t athleisure. I’ll bring some items that I may only end up wearing once or twice (like the red floral midi skirt I packed last year), which feels like a waste. On a typical day, I might take a class on a walking tour in the morning and then hold lecture/discussion for another class in the afternoon, and then head out to dinner or drinks or the theater in the evening. The day might start or end a bit cool but be quite warm at midday. And basically, my brain wants to explode figuring at what to wear that covers all those bases!
Beautiful, wearable, very inspiring. I always enjoy reading your posts, thank you very much! This one is soo cool!
Thanks Britta!