I’ve got fancy clothes on the brain right now because it’s about time to start pulling them out! In October, my hubby and I are celebrating our 3 year anniversary. (Insert heart and confetti emojis here!) In November, there’s Thanksgiving and the start of holiday gatherings. And in December, there’s the Nutcracker ballet, Christmas, and New Years. So much fun stuff to look forward to!
You’ve probably gathered this by now, but I don’t include special occasion clothes in my 37 piece capsule wardrobe. Why not? Because I want my capsule wardrobe to serve as my everyday, real life wardrobe. It’s only once in a blue moon that I need a fancy dress.
BUT. On the rare occasion that I do need to dress up, I’m so glad to have these three looks prepared + ready to go.
Let me paint a picture for you:
In the past, I would fling open my closet doors day of, realize I had nothing to wear, and impulsively go shopping for the perfect outfit. I usually ended up feeling frustrated + rushed and I’d inevitably end up with a ball of guilt in my stomach because whatever I’d bought wasn’t something we had budgeted for. Oh, and because of that guilt, I had settled for something cheapy that didn’t fit quite right and deep down I knew it was just going to end up in the donation pile. Oh, and then I didn’t feel all that pretty for the special occasion anyway because of my new ill fitting dress.
Tsk Tsk.
Now, things are different. Special occasions aren’t stressful because I have three totally different looks that I L-O-V-E. (Cue Nat King Cole)
Now all I have do to before a fancy night out is shave my legs. No guilt, no frantic last minute shopping, no ill-fitting dresses. Much better!
Let’s get into the how-to of it.
How do you build up a collection of high quality, fancy outfits without breaking the bank?
I mean, these pieces weren’t cheap — they are decidedly marvelous with each dress coming in anywhere from $180-$350.
The answer?
- Take your time. I’ve built up this little fancy capsule slowly + intentionally over the years. I got the striped dress in 2012, the fit+flare dress in 2013, and the fringe dress in 2014. Just one a year — totally manageable.
- Start building your collection before you need it so you don’t suddenly put unneeded stress on your budget the day of an event.
- Go for distinctly different styles so you have something for any occasion.
- Ask for them as gifts – or – ask for gift cards to go towards them.
- Build one complete look at a time (including undergarments) so you don’t end up with several unfinished, unwearable outfits.
- To cut down on cost, try to use a bag + coat from your regular day to day wardrobe. For any of these looks, I’d carry my everyday Marc Jacobs cross body + I’d wear my grey cocoon coat.
PLAYFUL
striped dress: old from Anthropologie — there are a few on ebay or find similar here and here
chunky heels: Steve Madden
CLASSIC
fit+flare dress: old from White House Black Market — similar here and here
classic pumps: old from DSW — similar here
MODERN
fringe dress: old from Topshop — similar here (pricey, but awesome) and here (for less)
ankle wrap heels: Steve Madden
xo
It’s as if I wrote the part of this blog post that describes the impulse buy… I know the feeling all too well. Especially because I so RARELY wear fancy outfits. But it’s the season and I’m stressin’… Would love to see a post about cute holiday outfits with jeans as the base. I think that would be interesting!
In the meantime, I’m going to start the search for the perfect LBD. :)
Nicolle
Hi Nicolle! Definitely planning on sharing more casual holiday outfits as we get closer to them. :) xo Caroline
How do you feel about reusable dresses in the form of renting, like using Rent The Runway? I have used them several times and been thrilled each time. I keep to a budget ($50-$100) and have basic staples of undergarments and shoes already so I don’t have to worry about those. I’ve enjoyed having a “new” thing to wear, that’s more than I would spend (or afford), and I enjoy the reusing aspect of it. Seems like it would cost about the same as the fancy capsule, assuming you don’t have tons of special occasions to attend. For me, I have found I would rather spend $350 getting 4 different dresses short term than 1 dress to wear many times, but I would love to hear your thoughts!
To me that seems like such a waste of money. I rather pay to keep items for multiple uses then just pretty much throwing it away. A dress does not take up that much room.
Well she did say she would rather have a new dress every time—so for her, it seems to be a good option. Plus, depending on the size of the wardrobe, it can be less stress than owning even extra outfits! But to each their own—I am definitely someone who likes to rewear pieces!
I think it depends on how much you want something new vs. tried and true? I personally go to so few “fancy” occasions that having one really nice dress for summer and one for fall/winter is plenty, and on a “busy” season I might wear it twice. So I don’t mind wearing the same thing for a few years because it’s so infrequent. But if I had 4-5 events a season with a lot of the same people, I’d consider either having more “looks” or doing something like renting.
Hi Courtney! I love that you brought this up! I think it’s a brilliant option, especially for ladies who really love trying new things. And you’re right — the “recycling” aspect of it is so awesome. Personally, I like having a few great dresses in my closet so I don’t have to remember to place an order or deal with fit issues. But I definitely see myself trying it someday. :) xo Caroline
I’ve used Rent the Runway as well and love them for fancy wear that I wouldn’t otherwise invest in. It makes a special occasion feel all the more special. I have some formal things in my own closet, but RTR is a great way to go to try out couture for an affordable, formal wear switch up. And there’s no need to worry about it taking up your closet space! :-)
I love Rent the Runway! I work for a non-profit and I attend multiple gala dinners a year. Their dresses are affordable (I usually spent between $40-$60/dress).
To me, it’s a great way to wear something brand new. I do own one very nice LBD that I wear when I don’t want to rent.
For me, even if I did save up–I don’t want to buy a dress that I can wear again and again because the same people are at my events. I like being able to mix it up!
This is greatly needed. I got my office/everyday stuff down to a T, but fancy garments are meh. I really only use them for random fancy dinners and holidays. I love that you have three nice ones that you just use over and over. I used to be guilted into getting a new dress for new occassions because that’s what magazines told me I needed.
Question – how do you account for weight fluctuations and style changes? I’m guessing you’re at the weight you want to be and can maintain. I am usually in the same range, but I didn’t know if you had tips on this. In terms of style changes, I am thinking about shapes. Like how different cuts equate to different year range. Do you think you will update these every… 5 years or so? Or do you look for something a little more classic so you’re not affected by the changing trends? I don’t even know if that’s a factor in your decision making.
Thank you for this post :)
Sincerely, Tania
Hi Tania! I think I’ll probably keep adding in one fancy dress every year to accommodate for new styles + weight fluctuations. When shopping for a fancy dress, I look for a dress that’s so distinctly “me” that I know I’ll be drawn to it through the years even as styles change. :) xo Caroline
Hi Caroline,
This post is very helpful! Wondering if you have “special occasion” outfits for each season? When you shared your spring & summer capsules, did you have fancier outfits/dresses in your closet that were saved for specific events and that weren’t included in your everyday capsule?
Hi Katie! These three are my only special occasion outfits and they aren’t included in my everyday capsule. I use them for any season — it works for me. Eventually though, I would like to get some sort of floral dress in there for spring + summer. :) xo Caroline
Hi Caroline! I came across your home tour online and was wondering where you got your headboard from? I love it and have been looking for a similar one for a while now. Thanks!
Hi Siv! My headboard is from Jordan Taylor in Southlake TX. :) xo Caroline
This post comes at the perfect time for me, as I was trying to figure out what to wear from my capsule wardrobe for my anniversary dinner date with my boyfriend this weekend! This gives me permission to wear fun, fancy items that aren’t in my capsule that I still love and have always saved for special occasions. And, I love the idea of having a small “fancy” capsule to pull from!
xo Julie
Cap and Gown Style
This post was amazingly helpful! I ALWAYS end up stressin’ before an event and in some cases it ends up ruining the actual event, which makes absolutely no sense. I have been using your blog to widdle down my everyday wardrobe, but always wondered what you do for special occasions that you mention. So, thanks for sharing! I am going to do a fancy dress clear out this weekend.
P.S. The tip about undergarments and accessories is great too, because if you have a great dress and the wrong bra it’s the worst.
-Allison
Love these ideas! Can you also suggest some holiday outfits with jeans or pants. Any non dress version.
Hi Sana! Definitely! Once we start getting a little closer to the holidays, I’ll be posting a lot of party outfits made from my regular capsule wardrobe. :) xo Caroline
Thanks for this. I have several ‘best’ dresses that I wear about once a year and the rest of their time is usually spent in the basket waiting to be laundered. I think I will pull a couple together into outfits ready to wear and the rest could be considered for my every day wear as regardless of price any wear is better than no wear! (They are not as fancy as your occasion dresses though!)
Kate
This is such an excellent point. I have often done “desperation shopping” in the past, especially in that few years where it seemed like ALL of our friends were getting married at once. I’ve finally learned to buy ahead of time, especially if I’m out shopping and fall in love with something that’s “too fancy” for my daily life. I used to do this too much in college – I dreamed of having a “cocktail party” sort of life and would buy all sorts of impractical dresses I never wore. But now I have just one really nice dress per season, which is just right for the VERY FEW fancy occasions I have these days. I like the idea of having 2-3, though, and building it up over time. And then in 4 years or so, you can start swapping things out.
You seriously amaze me sometimes. I am 50-something, and often I still do not have the organization skills and financial common sense that you do at 20-something.
Your special occasion outfits are excellent investments: classically beautiful looks that won’t go out of style with the latest fad, and will always stand apart from casual or work clothes. I just love them (and your entire fall capsule too.)
Also, congrats on your 3-year anniversary! That’s exciting!
I perform (classical pianist) & go to frequent black-tie & some white-tie events, so I have a separate capsule wardrobe for this. In the early 1990’s I bought the following: four black evening-skirts–1 short pencil & 1 floor-length slim, 1 short full-skirt & 1 floor-length full skirt (the kind you like to twirl around in as much as possible on the dance floor like when you were a girl…); and one long-sleeve black wool-crepe sheath LBD. Then I bought black-fabric classic pointy-toe heels and evening-clutch to match. Over the following few years I bought 1 summer sleeveless and 1 winter long-sleeve evening/sparkly-blouses (for a total of 12 blouses) in each of the following colors: white, black, red, sapphire-blue, gold, and silver. And that’s my capsule event- & performing-wardrobe that I’ve been wearing ever since.
I bought a knee-length black-velvet cape a few years back, and that’s my dress-up wrap. There is no special event either matinee or evening that I don’t have something appropriate and fun to wear every season of the year.
Congratulations on all the fun and memorable dress-up events you have this season!
Nicely done, Glenda!
Thanks, Cynthia! Sure works for me.
This sounds like a much better capsule wardrobe than the one Caroline has created–you’ve got versatility, timelessness, and style. Way to go (and I’d rather see a blog post of your pieces)!
The best thing of all about capsule wardrobes is that there is no rule-god who is setting rules that everyone else must strictly follow or else they will be completely wrong, so in real life everyone is truly free to approach their own capsule wardrobes in their own unique way–via la difference! Hooray for freedom and different people with unique personalities and style.
Throughout her life Dina Merrill wore mainly, if not exclusively, nude pumps with everything because she said it made her legs look longer. My granny & mom loved them for the versatility and so do I. My nude pumps and navy pumps still get a workout in my wardrobe after all these years.
Thanks again, Caroline, for bravely showing to the world an intimate peak inside your unique way of styling your own capsule wardrobe, and marching to the beat of your own drummer regardless of the way of the rest of the world. Keep on keepin’ on!
Do you have photos!? I would love to see.
Yes! I want to see, too!
Thank you, how kind of you to ask! I’ve never done a layout like Caroline does. It’s a good idea, though. Maybe someday I will.
One of my students read this post, and volunteered to do a polyvore for me of my event-wardrobe! Thanks, Jolette! None of the clothes in the polyvore are the same as mine because I bought mine years ago & they are no longer made, but the shapes and styles in the polyvore are Very similar to those in my evening capsule. Also, even though it is in my polyvore, Jolette did it all & deserves all the credit.
Here it is: http://www.polyvore.com/event_capsule_wardrobe/set?id=137015377
P.S. After all these years, people still ask me how I manage to have so many different, beautiful, and chic dress-up outfits to wear all the time–so you really can buy clothing styles that look great “forever”.
Obsessed with the gray cocoon coat, trying to decide if I should take the plunge. Can’t wait to see it on you!
This post made me fall all kinds of in love with my fancy clothes again. I do have a couple of dresses and a few pairs of fancy shoes that I just adore. Now they will get there own place of honor in a fancy capsule, instead of making me feel guilty for having fancy clothes that I wear so infrequently.
Great tips, perfect solution. :)
Love all 3 looks!! I wish I had some occasions that called for something that dressy!! Would black heels be to much black?
Not at all! They would actually be a better option here since the nude shoe is a trend rather than a classic piece. You’ll get much more mileage out of black shoes than nude shoes.
Inserting heart and confetti emojis, Caroline. Happy 3rd Anniversary! :-D
Although I have a few formal dresses, I’m not sure if have something to wear to a destination wedding in Guadalajara. Still thinking on that one. Your striped dress would work, but alas, it is not in my closet. ;-)
This is a brilliant idea. I don’t shop well under pressure, but this takes the pressure off and gives you the power to plan in advance. I love it. Thanks!
totally true! i just had a wedding to go to and spent the week prior as a basket-case trying to figure out what to wear- no white, not too casual, etc. i ended up with a so-so dress and sat uncomfortably the whole evening. by the end of the mess, i could think of a few things i wish i had that would have made me feel…like me! your post is the push i need to make those things happen, so that next time i’m prepared! thank you!
I’ve been wondering about your approach to special occasions and, yet again, I love your plan!
Oh my gosh, I just discovered your blog and I’m about to spend the new 5 hours reading through it all. I absolutely LOVE your style and love your concept on your wardrobe. I’m so lost with my wardrobe right now and just want to find solid, reliable, stylish pieces that will work for my lifestyle. I’m so inspired by the few posts I’ve read and can’t wait to dig in more! SO glad I found your blog!!
Beware that Caroline leans heavily towards trendy pieces and a trendy personal style. A capsule wardrobe, by definition, should lean more toward a classic or timeless style. Good luck on your journey!
Caroline always has a disclaimer saying that her posts are not authoritative. It is meant to teach you a lesson about finding what works for you and create a capsule around it. She is more bohemian/comfy, not the traditional definition of ‘classic’ – but it’s something that identifies with her personality and therefore won’t go out of style.
Who are you to deter a newcomer? Anna already mentioned she loved her blog and choices.
Hi Caroline! I’m a new reader, and just stumbled across this capsule idea. I would love to try it, but I have a few questions you might be able to advise me on. Do you have any suggestions for those of us who don’t tend to choose neutral colors? I always see fashion bloggers mostly in neutrals, but personally I love wearing color (but it’s harder to match!). Also, any advice for finding ways to get rid of or sell clothes that you never really wore (when redoing your wardrobe) in such a way that you don’t feel like you “wasted” money? Thanks! <3
Mara, I think a good way to start might be to pick your favourite 3 or 4 colours and fit them into Caroline’s template. Pick colours that go together. Then you can add any accent colours you like. Right now, I have grey and black as neutrals, but I have loads of bright blues and fuchsias, and pops of bright yellow and emerald green. Blue, pink, green, and yellow can all go together just fine if you don’t over-do it. My bright blues even work well as a neutral in some of my outfits.
You might like yellow, green and blue.
Or pink, purple and green.
Or purple, blue and red.
Or gold, orange, and blue.
I think the important thing is to have a specific set of tones that all go with each other. If you like pink, choose one or two tones of pink, and don’t spread out too much. Coordinating {baby pink, fuchsia, magenta, neon pink, and raspberry} with {powder blue, navy, royal blue, cobalt, aqua and cerulean} is much harder than coordinating baby pink and powder blue, or coordinating cobalt and raspberry. Also, making sure that you have some key pieces in solid colours instead of all pattern might help you fit things together, regardless of their colour.
It’s always going to be a loss, however, there are a few different places you can try: liketwice.com, ebay.com, and your local consignment stores. Also, check out local Facebook groups for re-selling clothing.
In using color, you’ll have to choose whcih colors you’ll use. A capsule wardrobe can be a great thing, but a big and varied wardrobe also has it’s perks so don’t feel the need to shun a big wardrobe that uses a lot of color.
Thanks for the help!
Good luck! I hope it works out well for you! :)
Love this idea! I’m a special occasion dress fanatic, and as a result have built up a collection. I’ve rotated dresses back in that are three or more years old, because I always remain faithful to my core style even though they are different looks. The fringed dress reminds me of a dress I didn’t buy, and think about every time I go to grab a lbd from my closet. I guess you can’t buy every dress you fall in love with! BTW, LOVE the classic look! Fit and Flare is my goto.
My fancy-dress capsule wardrobe consists of two looks — one is a svelte black 50’s style dress that I splurged on, the other is an embroidered red maxi. Those are my only two fancy looks. However, that modern fringe dress is everything and I want it. I don’t have a pair of nude shoes either… but I love how you made them work with this wardrobe.
xx Abby a geek tragedy
Nude shoes are very trendy and don’t work well in most wardrobes. You don’t *need* nude shoes. Given your two special occasion dresses you’d be better served with different iterations of black pumps, heels, sandals.
Hi Caroline,
Do you ever have trouble restyling the 3 dresses? Those are 3 very distinct dresses, and although there is some flexibility, it could be noticeable, right? I don’t go to as many fancy events as you, but I feel like I can’t reuse special event clothing as much as day-to-day clothing. Do you have any tips for making the dresses feel unique each time?
In a capsule wardrobe, the idea is to use pieces that are simple enough that they would translate and could be accessorized easily to feel fresh each time. The dresses that Caroline has chosen don’t work like that. They are very distinct and are very memorable (especially that striped number). These dress would feel stale after wearing them one or two times.
Buy a basic dress is a subdued color like black, burgundy, brown, and then accessorize with different shoes, new jewelry, unique handbags and so on.
And happy anniversary!!
Excellent post, just excellent! I’ve been reading your blog (almost) from the beginning, and I just love it – and your style. Thanks to you I’m much closer to really defining my style than ever before, and your 37-item capsules are a brilliant way to build a well-functioning wardrobe. I’ve been looking for a concept that caters to a four-season climate with various weather conditions (I live in Northern Norway) and yours does! Like Amanda I was wondering about your approach to special occasions, and to slowly build a capsule like you’ve done is simply ingeniuos :) I just purchased a lovely, midnight blue lace overlay cocktail dress that I can see myself wearing for a number of occasions, and I even got it for half the price! Also, it’s a kind of dress that I’ve been looking for for a couple of years now, and after reading this post I feel confident that I made the right decision.
xoxo Karianne
http://www.stilsikker.no/
I would love to see a post on how you feel about thrifting! I have found a couple special occasion dresses that were like new…probably from someone else’s “didn’t fit me wore it once” pile ;) but that can be kind of hit or miss!
i have exactly one special occasion dress. BECAUSE THAT’S HOW MANY SPECIAL OCCASION DRESSES YOU NEED IN A FRIGGIN’ CAPSULE WARDROBE.
To each their own, Ama. No need to yell. This is Caroline’s approach and web site. I think that your ‘capsule wardrobe’ could benefit with a bit more social grace– which is something we all should aim to bring to any occasion.
Well said Cynthia. No need to bring so much negativity here AMA. If you have another way to create a capsule wardrobe, that’s fine but it doesn’t mean Caroline or others are doing it wrong. Perhaps you should create your own space with your own ideas if you feel so passionately about it.
It’s great that ONE fancy dress is all you need for your lifestyle, but some of us choose to celebrate more and would like options. From all the commments, it sounds you don’t agree with Caroline’s wardrobe choices or definition of a capsule wardrobe. WTF are you on her blog??
Well, good for you if you only need one. I would feel absolutely overdressed going to a casual summer wedding in Caroline’s classic dress. The playful dress on the other hand would absolutely fit the occasion. Whereas I would not attend a black tie event in neither the playful nor the modern dress. The modern dress calls for a cocktail party or an event that involves going out. Wouldn’t want to wear my best classy dress to a bar, though.
In my opninion, with all those three options you can cover all special occasions without feeling even slightly awkward. Well done, Caroline!
You are beeing quite rude here, Ama. While we can all respect that you have a different style philosophy than Caroline has, that still doesn’t mean that yours is more “correct” or “better”. Just different. So behave.
I’d love to know what you wear as a cover-up/wrap with these? Always looking for ideas!
Caroline, Do you wear one of your special occasion dresses on Thanksgiving and Christmas day? I would feel over dressed at my family’s gatherings in any of these, but maybe you do more formal family dinners. Just curious. I usually go for a casual skirt with tights and boots/booties so I can be comfortable, still look cute and put together, but not out of place amid relatives in jeans ;)
Hi Erica! Our family definitely goes casual for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. I always end up on the floor playing with nieces and nephews for hours. :) These pieces are more appropriate for some of the events around the holidays, like concerts, ballets, the occasional fancy holiday party, etc. xo Caroline
I just recently became obsessed with your whole capsule wardrobe. So much so, I just cleaned out about 70% of my closet. I have always been a minimalist except with my closet. Your blog provided great information on how to pair down and what was necessary/unnecessary. I know the “special occasion” shopping frenzy all too well. Just recently I dyed two formal dresses from JCrew to fit my special occasion wardrobe. Very scary but the results were amazing. Now I just need to find some great accessories to complete the look. Thanks for all your inspiration :)
I know this is an old post, but I have a question about special occasion dresses. I love black dresses and have several. They are my go-to for anywhere I can’t wear jeans. I have found, however, that even though they are more accepted, I have a hard time wearing them to weddings. Do you have a dress in a color or print that you wear to weddings? Or do you wear the black ones?
Hi Jennifer! To be totally honest with you, I don’t go to many weddings these days because most of my friends are already married. :) So the need hasn’t arisen yet. But I’ll take it on a case by case basis. For example, if a winter wedding comes up, I think I’d be comfortable in the fringe dress. But if an outdoor summer wedding comes up, I may decide to get a new dress. Hope this helps a bit! :) xo Caroline
I love that you wrote: “Oh, and because of that guilt, I had settled for something cheapy that didn’t fit quite right and deep down I knew it was just going to end up in the donation pile. Oh, and then I didn’t feel all that pretty for the special occasion anyway because of my new ill fitting dress.” Hello SOOO many last minute “I’m going out tonight” impulse purchases! I am slowly building my special occasions capsule. It has inspired me to take better care of the purchases that I love so that they last longer!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Hi Caroline! I have a question for you, what would you wear to a business casual party, the playful dress maybe? And what about a formal event, like a funeral or Christmas mass? I’m having a very hard time building a special event capsule wardrobe! I’d like to purchase versatile pieces that I could wear to different special events, but that’s where it gets tricky. Thank you so much for this blog, it’s been extremely useful :)
I love this! Fabulous ideas here. I too have been left scrambling for a fancy outfit, went out shopping in a panic and bought an ill fitting dress. Not good. It’s great to have a plan.
Hi Caroline,
Just wanted to say that I absolutely love your blog. The second post I read was about laundry and after looking at my pile (consisting of about 5/6 loads) I knew this was something I should try.
Many hours and posts later, I was obsessed – I could relate to almost everything you talked aboout. I am cleaning out my closet today and I’m so excited for how much this is going to positively impact my life.
THANK YOU!
Hey Caroline, I have a question…do you wear your special occasion capsule shoes for not-special occasions too? I am building my own special capsule, modeled after yours, but to spend a decent amount of money on shoes I will wear a couple times a year is hard to reconcile.
Thank you! I love your blog and your message and your inspiration.
Hi Jane! Sure — once in awhile my capsules might overlap. It’s almost bound to happen, especially in the early stages, as we are learning what we actually need and use the most from our wardrobes. The important thing is to make it work for your lifestyle as it is right now. So if you aren’t going to wear special occasion shoes, maybe you should hold off on the purchase. However, if they are something that can be used across multiple capsules and occasions then they are probably a great investment. Again, do what works best for you :) Hope that helps! xo, Caroline
love this idea still.
But I was wondering if you could do a quick update, maybe even include a picture of you wearing each outfit. Or if it’s changed.
Hello! This was the latest update to my special occasion capsule: bit.ly/2tDZBWT