Put on your cozy socks and let’s get excited about winter!
Pssst … here’s a refresher course on capsule wardrobes, just in case you want to brush up. And here’s a quick update about my goals + thought process in building this capsule wardrobe.
In this post, we’ll be chatting about my process of putting my winter wardrobe together + my budget + what I ended up with + finally, where you can shop for each piece.
But first, let’s just get a visual for the whole wardrobe:
Disclaimer: Honesty is awesome, so I chat numbers and dollars in this post. I trust you’ll honor my honesty. Just so we’re clear, everything written here is based on my personal experiences + opinions. Not everything I say here will work for you, but I have faith that you’ll take the information presented and apply some of it to your own wardrobe in a new and creative way.
This post is an overview — keep in mind that I’ll be discussing each item more in-depth in outfit posts.
THE PROCESS
This wardrobe was a happy one. Why? Because it was the first time it felt effortless. It was the first time that I got a glimpse of, “This is working! I know my style, and I’m spending less + buying less.” Which is what this is all about. And that makes me … happy.
Get ready for this: I finished every bit of my shopping in two outings.
I look at that sentence I just wrote up there and think: There’s no way I just wrote that. I’m the girl that has always thought, overthought, bought, returned, and maybe went back and re-bought it again.
But that’s how it went down this time.
You know what that means?
I’m changing. This process is changing me.
And I like it.
So… going back to the effortless thing. Here’s why I think it felt that way this time around:
(A) I just decided that it would be effortless. December is sacred to me, and I crave rest in December. I didn’t want to spend much time out shopping. So … I didn’t.
(B) I had a solid foundation underneath me — I already owned about 80% of these pieces. They were either rolled over from my fall capsule, or they were pulled from storage.
(C) And because practice makes things easier. This is the fifth time I’ve made a capsule wardrobe, and I feel like I just know my style now.
I had one goal:
Major comfort.
Meaning comfortable fabrics + tops that allow me to trade a real bra for a sports bra + flat shoes.
I did run into a little bit of internal struggle, mostly because I knew the wardrobe I wanted to design might seem boring on a blog. I had thoughts swimming around my head, like, “I need variety … or else everyone is going to get bored.” + “I need color … or else everyone is going to get bored.” But the truth is, I had put that pressure on myself – and I could take it away.
Once I released that pressure, I was left with my favorite, most “me” wardrobe ever.
My style for winter is modern + monochromatic + secretly super comfortable.
BUDGET
I’m so proud of my budget. You know how I mentioned I didn’t want to spend much time shopping? Well, I knew I didn’t want to spend much money shopping either.
So I budgeted $250 for my winter capsule and — it wasn’t easy — but I stuck to it. I kept finding myself tempted to spend more “because of the blog” but I’m so glad I didn’t. That’s not what this is about.
Let’s break this $250 down a little bit.
I bought 8 new pieces for winter, and received one more as a gift from my family. (You can see which ones are new in the photo above — they have a little dot next to them.)
My sherpa jacket was an early Christmas gift from my family, so I was able to save there. (Thanks Mom!)
Next, my dress boots actually account for half of my budget. Meaning I managed to get the remaining 7 pieces for about $125. I relied heavily on discounts, using one or more on just about every item — either scoring a Cyber Monday deal, or just googling a discount code. Major victory!
Since I won’t be shopping for the next three months, it comes out to about $83 per month. I’m so proud of that number, I could do a happy dance.
SHOP IT
graphic tee / white tank / classic button up / slouchy sweater (similar)
white cords / wrap coat / white sweater / sherpa jacket (similar)
sweatshirt / cocoon cardigan / midi dress (similar or similar) / marled turtleneck
graphic tee (similar) / chambray shirt (similar) / distressed denim / fit and flare dress (similar or similar)
indigo jeans / tunic top / sweater tunic / wool joggers (similar)
dark grey denim / unstructured blazer / colorblocked sweater / ponte leggings
puffer jacket (similar) / leather jacket / shirttail hem skirt (similar) / leather leggings (similar)
dress boots / cutout booties / wedge booties (similar) / cognac booties (similar)
moto boots / vans high tops (similar) / flats (similar) / slip-ons (similar) / shearling farm boots (similar)
I can’t wait to share more about these pieces (and why I chose them) over the coming season. Happy weekend!
xo
I love seeing repeats from older capsules! You have inspired me to take it one step further and crunching down my capsules even more!
Love to see that you’re back :)
Sincerely, Tania
So much winter white I’m loving this! I’ve gotten crazy good use out of my gray turtleneck sweater, and can’t wait to steal even more inspiration from ya :) Way to go lady, can’t wait to see how it all plays out!
I love it! it’s so great to hear that the process is working for you. I continue to be intrigued and I think I’m inching towards it, I’m hoping to take the plunge in 2015. Getting organized continues to be my biggest obstacle. But anyways, i love it, i would wear every piece :)
Thank you thank you thank you!! This is my second capsule since I’ve started following your blog and all I can say is WOW! You make it seem so easy, especially since I have no head for fashion or sense of style on my own. I’d never heard of chambray or ponte before coming here and didn’t have any flannel shirts. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas and I hope you’re feeling better!!
Love everything in this post, Caroline. How reassuring to see so many pieces reworked into this season, and your budget is sizably less as well! Score! I do hope to see more outfits that feature the Madewell vans. I purchased them for my fall/winter wardrobe after finding (and loving) them in your fall capsule, and would love to see more ways you style them. Looking forward to seeing your winter outfits!
Loving the pieces in your winter capsule wardrobe! Some of my favs are the white cords, the grey midi dress, and the shearling farm boots! Can’t wait to see the outfits you make with these pieces! And I’m sure you’ve got some colored accessories to liven up your “boring” (your word, not mine!) wardrobe.
I am quite jealous of your easy shopping experience- something that I will work towards while building more and more capsules each season!
Hi Caroline! I randomly found your blog a couple of weeks ago after searching for “how to wear winter thigh high socks” haha (I can’t remember if your blog actually showed thigh high socks or not :-/). However, it doesn’t matter now because after reading about you and your blog and following your posts via email and instagram, I now know I found something even better than thigh high socks when I discovered your site. I live in Madrid, Spain and I know the harsh realities of letting your clothes wardrobe go to save space, time, money, stress, etc. Alternatively, I think this idea of wardrobe capsuling is a perfect way to help Americans who have XL closets downsize and/or “minimize” to…well mini-sized wardrobes in Europe. Best of all, it allows us to keep our own style and experiment with our creative minds. I’ve been anticipating this winter capsule reveal. Now is the best time to begin planning my first wardrobe capsule! I’m making this my New Year’s Resolution … and I think it’s a realistic one that, in the end, I will love. Thank you so much for the inspiration and help. xo Susan
Susan I totally agree! I live in Paris where you pay an arm and a leg for 2 feet of space so it’s awesome to see an example of someone doing so much with a small wardrobe!
Hey Caroline! Just wanted to let you know that your consistently positive attitude, even in the midst of adversity, is truly inspiring. Each day your new post is a bright spot in my day – I look forward to your encouragement and appreciate your authenticity.
…and this winter capsule looks ultra cozy + attainable! I love that you are recycling pieces you own and stuck to a modest budget. I CAN do this!
Thank you!
Thank you, Caroline! Your blog is amazing and addictive :-) Your attitude and values had a great impact on my life.
I LOVE your blog. Love. I mean, I totally get the buying just to buy, and out of boredom, and really, I probably don’t wear most of my clothes. But at this point, I am still very clingy to them. I like them. But you always make me think… maybe I would be happy with less? Thank you for inspiring and making me think about my choices!
Hi Rebecca – your comment really resonated with me, because that was me just a few months ago! Then I stumbled across Caroline’s blog and was inspired to do a huge wardrobe clean out. I took ALL of my clothes out of the wardrobe, storage etc. and put them in my spare room – and then I had to sit down and have a cup of tea because I was so overwhelmed by it all. Seeing them all in one place was a really eye opening and emotional moment for me. Once I realised that even though I liked the clothes I had purchased, they were more a sign of boredom and unhappiness than anything else, it made it a lot easier for me to let go. It’s still a work in progress – don’t get me wrong, I’m not at capsule wardrobe stage yet, but I’ve already sold over 60 items on ebay and there are still plenty more that I can’t wait to get rid of. Every time I go to the post office to send the sold items, I feel lighter. Good luck! You can do it! I believe in you :)
I’m so excited to start a capsule wardrobe after the baby comes and I get a new normal! Your posts inspire me to give birth and get back into shape!
Would you mind giving a ballpark estimate of how much you used to spend per month on clothing before you started doing these capsule wardrobes?
Ooh I wish I could reuse clothes from the previous season, but I don’t think the weather where I am allows it! I’ve only been following you for one season, so I did a bit of a double-take when I saw the image of your winter capsule and then saw the thumbnail of your fall capsule in your sidebar. I thought you had accidentally forgotten to change the image when you changed the title! The way you work the items in capsules is just amazing! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Loving these pieces!! Can’t wait to see how you style them and steal inspiration from you :)
Can’t wait to see how you style these pieces!! You made some great choices and I’m excited to see it play out on the blog. Keep up the great work!
Love the whole capsule. Can’t wait to see what you do with it. I broke down and ordered the cocoon sweater and leather leggings.
I love how monochromatic your capsule is this go around. I find myself doing the same thing for winter. Pretty much all black, white and gray. Truly minimalist and easy!
Same here! I’m all about the monochromatic this season so I’m excited to see how you pull it off Caroline!
Love the simple and classic pieces you’ve incorporated! And for all the hard work you put into preparing these posts!
I have a question for other readers who are experimenting with capsules. This is my fourth go round and I’m noticing a trend that I feel more compelled to shop to create the “perfect capsule.” I buy a whole lot less in between capsule changes (almost nothing) but find that I make excuses to buy more when shopping for my capsule. Is anyone else experiencing that same urge?
Hey Jessica! I am only on my second capsule so I’m definitely still discovering the tendencies I have when it comes to this stuff. But I can definitely relate to having some issues with pulling it all together for that “perfect” capsule. It’s really easy for me to get stuck on a set number that I have to stick with or keep adding more than I really don’t need because it would work perfectly with my other clothes etc. I even delay deciding on what items I’m going to keep because I want everything to work perfectly. I noticed I do this more on my second than first. I think I gave myself more grace on the first bc I didn’t know what I was doing and knew I’d pick some poor choices. I think more than anything it’s all about learning each season. So I do think I have put a little more pressure on myself to get it right as I go along. Plus if it’s the perfect option I find myself willing to pay more for it. At the end of the day I have to remind myself that it’s just clothes and Ive come a long way from just buying what I loved with no thought to how I’d wear it. Anyways, hope that makes sense and thanks for sharing! It’s helpful to hear where you’re coming from :)
Same here Jessica. I’m only on my first capsule but I’m noticing some seriously anal tendencies, and tendencies to want my wardrobe to be perfect in a way it never had to be before. Hmm.
Thank the gods that white tank from J. Crew was still there when I ordered it. Thanks your abundance of great clothes, beautiful style, and great fashion advice!
Please know there are many like me who feel you blog has made a made a huge difference in our lives. I stumbled across un-fancy a couple months ago while researching how to simplify my wardrobe . Shopping had become an expensive and unsatisfying “high” for me: a stuffed closet and nothing to wear! Fast forward to today: thanks to your inspiration, I have gotten rid of 90% of the clothes I owned, leaving me with things that go together and that I love. If I purchase something now, it is only after significant reflection & with intention. This is starting to flow over into other areas of my life as well. Enuf with the stuff!!! And I have you to thank, Caroline. Reading your blog is like spending time with the best kind of friend: kind, non judgmental, uplifting. Thank you!
Just want to say thanks – both your inner journey and outer clothing journey really help me! Keep the thoughts and clothes coming – I’m new to the capsule idea. But I love the motivation behind it. I have too many capsules, even after sending some to consignment and donation. But you’ve inspired me to create capsules, set other things aside, and rotate, so that the clothing feels ‘new.’ Hope December ends up all you’d hope for!
I have been following your blog for months now and look forward to your seasonal updates. I have found that I really appreciate a smaller number of items combined with accessories ideas that you have suggested. I finally enjoy putting outfits together again ! I have saved both time and money ! Thank you so very much,
Hooray, Caroline! I’ve been waiting for this for weeks. Looks great & I can’t wait to see your outfits. You inspire me all the time to recreate what I have!
Just chiming in to say thank you for all your inspiration and for ‘laying it all out there’. I have built my second capsule wardrobe, thanks to you, and it felt good to stand in my closet the other day and realize I don’t need another piece of clothing this season. I may *want* something, but my needs are covered, and I am content! Constant accumulation is not the answer, and I credit you for helping me realize that. You are doing a good work for many. Keep on keeping on! I look forward to your winter outfits!
My day just got better! Thank you Caroline!
Loving the winter white and the monochrome. It’s so clean, classic, and very Olivia Pope (love her style on that show). :)
Can’t wait to see the outfits!
What kind of promo codes do you use for Madewell items? Even with their 30% deals their sweaters are still way over $50! :(
Yay! Beautiful wardrobe, and that is so impressive that you stuck to your budget! Very inspiring.
I am SUPER bummed not to see the Dr. Marten boots in your capsule! I put them on my xmas list as soon as I saw them on your “maybes” & mine are sitting under the tree waiting for xmas day. Was hoping to get some inspiration on how to wear them without looking totally grunge.
You’ll get the inspiration from Carolines outfits with the moto booties. The Dr Martens are really and hopefully you’ll love them and wear them for years.
Tanja :)
* the Dr Martens are really cool, it should say :D
They’re going to be SO RAD! I’ve wanted a pair of 8 eye boots since high school :). They will last forever.
your docM’s will go with EVERYTHING – from pants to skirts! I had a pair I wore for 10 years and they were STILL in great shape [indestructable] – Enjoy and I totally agree that as far as Inspiration from Ms. Unfancy :) can be substituted for anytime she posts pics wearing the moto boots.
Caroline, I’m not a commenter typically but found your blog just before Fall and fell in LOVE with your style, method and approach. It is so refreshing to see someone SIMPLIFY! I too am in Texas, so your seasons are perfect for me as well. I refer to your site often and have been eagerly awaiting your Winter capsule. It doesn’t disappoint! I’m loving this new way of thinking (for me) and how comfortable and effortless it feels. In light of recent events here it seemed important to say THANK YOU and to let you know how much I truly appreciate you.
Great post. I especially love the teal dress!! Very pretty! And, the booties. I bought a few for my wardrobe for the first time this year. Even some with heels which I never do anymore.
And, I, too, love your blog. It’s sad the FEW negative voices are often the ones that seem the loudest. There are so many people who enjoy your blog and wish you well. Keep focusing on the positive. But, man, that’s so hard sometimes!!!
Happy wkend!!
Hi Caroline–
I like that you’re embracing your monochromatism–I recently accepted the fact that all I really want to wear is navy, gray, and white, and it’s been very freeing. I had a question about your white sweater–do you have to wear something under it or is it thick enough for you to wear on its own? Thanks!
Looks great! I had a little squee moment ’cause the ‘moto joggers’ from GAP are my current favorite thing. I actually bought four pairs, one in each colour. Probably not doing so well on my capsule wardrobe, haha. BUT THEY’RE PERFECT. ;p
New to your blog and I love this concept. I am trying to figure out how I can take this and adapt it to my life (corporate manager + mom + not as skinny as you + older than you + yankee in the north). Haha. I think I can still a few ideas and still manage to make it work. I am trying to minimize my entire FAMILY’s stuff and it seems daunting!
Can’t wait to see what you do over the winter!
Oh my, how beautiful! Thanks for sharing. My family is always late on Christmas gifts and this gives me some inspiration of what to ask for, as I’m building my first-ever capsule wardrobe for winter!
YAY! I thought I was going to have to wait another day for this. Love that grey dress!
I love seeing you use clothes from previous capsules- I find that very encouraging for people on a budget like myself who aren’t able to do a complete closet overhaul each season.
I also can’t WAIT to see what you do with that fit and flare dress. GORGEOUS.
Caroline, where are the cognac booties originally from?
Hi Phoebe – not sure if you are looking for the store or the brand for the cognac booties, but they are Sam Edelman. I know Amazon had some similar ones as of a week or two ago, but not the exact same. Nordstrom also carries the brand and sometimes has great sales!
Happy Friday! What a nice way to spend my Friday not working and blog viewing instead. I love this wardrobe. simple, light, cozy. Nailed it!
I have to say you and your un-fancy keep impacting my life and those around me as we are inspired to find our style. I decided to try to create a capsule both Fall and Winter by shopping only my own wardrobe. With the exception of purchasing- guilt free- 1 pair of boots and 1 pair of jeans. It has taught me to turn my negative look toward my close to a positive, I have tossed tons of items that are not “me” and I have and will continue to save money not buying random items. So cheers to you and Un-fancy. Cheers to keeping it real and Thank you for doing what you love.
First of all, Caroline just want to say I am obsessed with your blog! I look forward to your posts everyday and love your style. I’ve been so inspired by what you’re doing and reading your old posts, totally relate to how you were before you started your capsule. I don’t even know how much I spend a month on clothes/accessories and I always feel like I need more. Now I am building my winter capsule and looking forward to challenging myself to be happy with what I have and not shop for the next 3 months. I somewhat started the process this Fall and have gotten rid of so many clothes that just aren’t really my style. I’ve already noticed how much easier it is to get ready in the morning without all the clutter of tops that don’t fit right or that I don’t love. Even just the process of moving my summer wardrobe out of my closet have made my mornings so much simpler! Thanks for what you do :)
And for everyone else, I love that cocoon cardigan and wanting to add to my winter wardrobe. But since it’s all sold out, I started searching for something similar and found a great alternative at Nordstrom that I included a link for! Looks almost identical to the one Caroline has. Just ordered it so hoping it works out!
Sorry here’s the link!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/paper-crane-toggle-cardigan-juniors/3897341?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_
Whoa. That IS almost IDENTICAL!
For those you still looking for this sweater I stumbled across another almost identical one! Here’s the link!
http://www.longhornfashions.com/black-and-white-knitted-sweater/
Thank you so much! I ordered the DEX cardigan from Lord & Taylor but it ended up being too big. :( They’re now sold out of it, so I’m thankful for the link. <3
I just want you to know that one of the major reasons I read your blog is because it is ‘real’ and practical. There are plenty of other blogs out there with crazy, designer, runway looks and they’re beautiful to look at (as is yours) but let’s be honest, we aren’t all millionaires and we don’t all want to be Carrie Bradshaw and walk down the street in a bra and a tutu. Your blog is realistic, in comfort, budget, and most importantly in inspiring readers to create outfits for everyday life. So…please stay true to yourself and your purpose and keep it real. I have no doubt your readers will love you (like totes forevs) for it!
Ditto what Jamie said!!!
Double ditto!
You’ve made me so happy :) I was looking for for this. But since there was troubled waters in the past days I thought it wouldn’t be a new post today. It’s a little late here where I live but I decided to check out your blog…wonderful surprise!! Thank you!! I didn’t had the time to comment in the other posts, but this is what I wanted to say:
You’ve really changed my point of view of my wardrobe like no other blog. I’m so loving this idea of yours. Your project, your writting, and even if your style it’s not entirely the same as mine, it’s so inspiring to read your posts. So as you must have noticed you are having a tremendous positive impact in a huge group of people. I took the decision not long ago that I’m commited to buy essentially fairtrade and good quality products. This means that I’ll not be shopping much since my budget is 100 euros for the season :) but did I felt anything wrong with your fall lookbook post? Only happiness by you sharing it. There is the worst kind of hate is the one that for one moment we think “oh, they have a point saying this to me”. No. Hate is hate. Just because the flag of this blog is not conscious (well, actually I think that shopping less is so and more important than shopping fairtrade in the big wheel of things) shopping it doens’t in any way take away the value of your work. Your value. Your gift to us. So thank you for your blog! (ps- sorry for English mistakes, it’s not my first language!)
This is a really lovely capsule wardrobe, Caroline! I love that you went with your gut and stayed neutral because it felt right for you. I’m a total neutral lover, so seeing this shown on another blog gives me the warm fuzzies. I’m absolutely loving all the winter white! I thought my winter capsule would be almost a repeat of my fall capsule, but I’m waiting to see what comes under the tree and now I have a few ideas from this and I may tweak a couple things.
The conversation that’s gone on Unfancy the past few days has been interesting and at times tense, but I think you handled it with so much grace. You have a big heart, my dear, and that takes a lot of strength! Keep up the amazing and beautiful work! You help a lot of people and do a lot of good!
I was so excited when this post came through. I was sitting in bumper to bumper traffic and this totally kept me entertained while I waited. (Don’t worry, I wasn’t driving!) I love every piece and I, too, am thrilled to see familiar ones! I’m so looking forward to seeing what you put together. Can I just say that my favorite colors are black, white, gray, denim, and cognac?! This is gonna be good.
Just taking a quick glimpse back to Fall, I wanted to share my FAVORITE outfits. Now, I loved every single one, and some are very similar to what I’m attempting to have going on. But the outfits that stuck out to me, ones that I would’ve never thought to put together are: 4.22, 4.27, and 4.35. Like, I can’t get them outta my head! Favorites.
P.S. – And the first picture of you on 4.45 is the cutest picture ever! It looks like you and Aaron were really having fun. ;)
Love the new capsule! You’ve inspired me to do my own version…
I’m so happy I found your blog! Excited to try your idea in the near year! We have a whippet too!!
Gah! I am loving the monochrome feel of this! It’s just beautiful! And cozy feels just right for this time of year. Loving what you have done and what you have figured out this time around!
Love the Wardrobe!!
http://simpleplaintruth.blogspot.co.uk
Your capsule wardrobe reveals are probably my most favorite posts! But if I’m being honest, every post is my favorite. You keep me coming back for more every day: for inspiration in my own wardrobe, for style tips, and most importantly for the encouragement you give in this process. I’ve learned so much in the past months of following along on your journey. It’s been challenging at times to (in a good way). The way you’re stretching yourself pushes me to do the same for myself, because why on earth do I need as much stuff as I have?! I always appreciate your authenticity & I love the voice you have in each & every post. So keep on keeping on. You’ve brought a lot of people along with you on this journey, so thanks for the open invite to us all!
Love it! Very inspiring. I need to pare down just a smidge more but I’m so psyched for spring because that’ll be my “one year ish anniversary.” lol, I wasn’t too surprised the midi didn’t make it since I didn’t notice you wearing it much. And anyways, dresses can be layered a bit, too! You showed grace under pressure, girl!
Just had to chime in with the rest of the voices…thanks for being you and sticking to your original vision of what a capsule wardrobe is supposed to be to you. I can genuinely sense the freedom and your contentment in your posts. Hooray! Even though it is sooo easy to get distracted by what we think we don’t have, or what others think of us, seeing someone else do it in such an honest way makes us all realize we can do it too! Reading your blog is like a breath of fresh air in so many different ways. P.S. I actually just bought that Forever 21 Sherpa jacket as part of my winter capsule! : ) I gave myself a high-five when I saw it listed here today!
Hi Caroline! This is my favorite capsule yet too! I agree with the rest of the lovely commenters here; your blog is one of my favorites for all the reasons above. :) but I do have one question… Where is the Sherpa jacket in the photo from? Because I might be in love, but the f21 version isn’t quite doing it for me. If you could let me know I would be forever grateful!
Love it and took your advice with my winter capsule. It is my second capsule and I’m enjoying the process and growing from it. I went for comfort and spent about $400…. I feel a little “guilty” as I pretty much replaced my entire winter wardrobe. I hope that I will feel like you next year – only needing to add a few pieces. But for now I’m stressing to myself that I should enjoy the process……it is hard because I still feel I have too much though I’ve gotten rid of so much…. but it is a process and I’m determined to enjoy the journey. I keep telling myself that I’m not buying between capsules and that’s major. Also, my fall capsule simplified my life SO much.
Thanks Caroline for being so honest and sharing ALL your details… it so helps me.
Tammy
You will enjoy it. Trust me, you start to notice favourites- like a plain but elegant tshirt in grey and one in white are must haves for me in every season. I used to think my summer ones should be ok for all the year but now I feel like I need something just slightly sifferent for Canadian winters- like T’s with longer sleeves or slightly cozier material. I’m a lot pared down and happier, more creative with what is in my closet/drawers.
YAY new capsule! Love the blog and the fab photography. I have learned so much about styling from you, so I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you :)
Paula
Caroline,
I’ve been really struggling with the quality issue for my second capsule. I’ve read the link to the into mind article you had linked but still feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to trying to determine the durability of clothes. I especially would like to purchase a couple classic sweaters that could last years and not pill. Any wisdom you can share? Or any readers who have any tips or brands they recommend from experience?
How do you personally decide which items you purchase need to be quality or are trendy enough it doesn’t matter? I noticed a lot of blends and synthetic fibers this capsule (now that I’m looking at that in clothing) and was thinking those don’t hold up as well…but I genuinely don’t know. Help! :)
I have an old Aran knit sweater from Scotland that I bought when I was 18. Now I’m 54. It’s exactly me- color and all- and that’s a sweater I would pay for quality. I also wanted a quality ski/Nordic type sweater lately but I couldn’t find one- when I do I’ll trade up but meanwhile I found a great, inexpensive one at H&M. I have to admit, though, I don’t wear it tons, and I’m careful with laundering. So maybe I won’t want to bother with upgrading. I think if you just love something, it’s fair to splurge on- just my opinion. I’m also really into knitting shawl-type things to wear as wraps (were talking simple rectangles cause an expert knitter I am not! I’m making a pretty pale blue one for summer and a grayish/brownish one with some texture for next fall. Shawls are surprisingly warm.
Oh plus- I know if I’m going to splurge there can’t be any buts for the item ( ie. this shape is so perfect *but the weave has black in it and I’d reacher it just be navy or, this item is perfect *but the neck is a just a tad wider than I like. Trust me, this has resulted in a lot of wasted purchases! Splurge only when all elements are to your liking. Be picky.
Love the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but, how does it apply on tropical weather? We don’t have seasons. We only got sunny mornings and rainy afternoons throughout the year.
So happy to see the winter wardrobe reveal is up! I just received my year end bonus and instead of spending a portion on immediately gratifying purchases and then regretting the ‘waste’ of money I’m saving it for my shopping trip for my autumn capsule! I must say that shearling jacket and midi dress have my name on them…
Love the winter capsule! I’m trying my version of finding my style out of the over-abundance of clothes/make-up/blah blah blah that I already own [can you say “TUBS!”]. I’ve gone through and gotten rid of a lot..and now I’m going through and keeping stuff out a little at a time and “HAVING TO” wear it all [slowly but surely]. This is helping as it’s making me really decide on what I like…the things I decide I love I am then putting away in a tub marked “LOVE IT” and then I pull out a few more items out of the other piles of stuff I already own…I’ve decided not to spend any money on clothes this year because I have so many I can’t wear them all anyway and a bunch of it I completely forgot about anyway…so now it’s about whittling it down to the pieces I really love [from clothes to shoes to jewelry & purses]. Then once I have those then I’ll move forward with the seasonal capsules – which I’m REALLY looking forward to!
Your blog is an inspiration to keep to the convictions to getting to your ‘easy’ place of having all pieces you love, feel good in and look good on you. Can’t wait to get there. By the way, I also discovered Madewell brand this last year and OMG love the items I’ve gotten from there – ALL of those items are in the LOVE IT tub! [and they are styles I will wear for YEARS so I’m not worried that they are packed away for the moment]. Thank you for your posts, your grace, your advice, and inspiration – how cool is it that you are effecting/affecting [?!] so many people!
I recently discovered your blog through Into Mind and am so inspired by the posts I’ve read so far. My style is similar to yours and I’m in desperate need of simplifying my wardrobe and only owning pieces I love and that flatter me. I’m also leaning more and more toward a neutral palette and am so drawn to your beautiful, simple palette. I guess I should be able to tell from your pictures, but what season/color type are you? I am an Autumn (deep Autumn, I think) and don’t look good in white. My neutrals tend to be dark- black, dark navy blue, dark grey. I would love to add more whitish clothes to my wardrobe, but have a harder time finding shades that don’t make me look washed out. I’d be interested in hearing your take on color type and how you narrowed down your color palette.
really nice clothes! XOXO
R.Y.W.
facebook page
Aloha Caroline! Just wanted to say Thank you for sticking to your guns when it comes to your blog. Please don’t mind the people who are being negative on your blog! You are amazing and refreshing when it comes to honesty in your posts. I’m a true fan girl of your blog and love every aspect of it. You’ve even helped me change my lifestyle around and try out my first capsule (which I’m loving,even in Hawaii). Please keep up the great work, you rock!
Take it easy,
M.H
Well, my good intentions of creating a fall capsule never turned into a reality. I’ve been getting so frustrated trying to find great pieces that fit well and are good quality and actually work together. And can i just say, business casual (no jeans) is TOUGH! I am hoping to pull it together for winter… Thank you for the inspiration!! Your blog is so fresh and lovely, I just love how you lay things out and keep it simple (even though the amount of work it must take to track down all these links and images and make everything so consistent and visually appealing….wowza, I just don’t know how you do it!!)
This is great work, Caroline! I am really looking forward to seeing how you style these pieces.
Simply lovely! I look forward to see how you style and accessorize your capsule items! You know what’s funny? I used to think that I didn’t really like color very much, but looking at your capsule makes me feel quite the opposite. :) That’s the beauty of this method. It’s so easy to make it your own.
The high top Vans are killer. Love them. I like the idea of a capsule wardrobe as it seems you can effortlessly pick out an outfit was th the items you have.
:] // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
I love this! All of the pieces look like they will work so well together, and I especially like the black shirttail hem skirt – those are so versatile! I just made one for my clothing store and I have been wearing it constantly. (if anyone is interested you can find it here: http://olafdesigns.co/collections/skirts/products/paper-bag-waist-skirt-in-black )
I love how your put your wardobes together.
Hi Caroline,
Just a quick note to say THANK YOU for your fabulous blog. I live in a different climate (Ireland), so the outfits are sometimes a little light for our weather here, but for the most part I end up looking super stylish thanks to you!
I’m not usually an internet-commenter-type-person but seeing how much that completely needless drama on Tuesday affected you, I just had to jump in and remind you that you an inspiration to SO many women all over the world and not to let those suffering from anger issues bring you down to their level.
Please keep being you!
Fiona xxx
Hi Fiona,
Just joined here, i also live in ireland, do you mind me asking do you buy all caroline’s capsule wardrobes on sites in america or elsewhere? i’m looking to invest in key pieces so i am not shopping all the time!
Thanks
marie
Beautiful capsule. Even though you say you didn’t spend too much time on it, it does seem very in line with the daily style pics we get to see. Congrats with that!
I have been wondering about two things that maybe you could write about at some point?
1) You transfer quite a few pieces between seasons, maybe you can tell us something about what makes a piece have great ‘transferrability’ for you? This will not hold for everyone of course, due to different seasonal requirements, but I’ve always looked at your blog as one (very pretty) example of how to do the capsule wardrobe.
2) You’ve done a full year of capsule wardrobes now. Would you feel confident sharing how many clothes that makes in total? Like, combining four capsules? I understand that this might provoke negative comments as there will always be people who will think any number too high for a minimalist. But I’m really curious as I’ve been downsizing my wardrobe with the capsule concept and for me the total number is also something I really want to work on.
Love, love, love. Keep doing what you do, girl! It is wonderful to see your authentic voice in all you do.
I read this as soon as you published but I was on the way to hubby’s work’s Christmas party so was just re reading and I feel the same like the post ends on a cliff hanger! I am now waiting to find out more about each item! And how you brought them all together to form your wardrobe.
Looking forward the next week of posts! Thank you for opening up your wardrobe and thoughts up to us all. Thanks for all the inspiration :)
Loving the new capsule!! i tried to do one last go around and failed. I did manage to clear out the clutter and re-organzie my style thanks to you. I’m hoping time time around it won’t be spending and stay strong to my capsule. I’m loving all the new pieces but will definitely need to make adjustments due to the very cold weather here in the northeast. looking forward to seeing your accessories also. keep inspiring us – thank you!!
We love your blog! We’ve been reading for some time and just love the way you write and style all your outfits!
M + K
New outfit ideas with the new hair-do. Can’t wait!
Love the look of that teal fit-and-flare dress.
Admittedly, I am probably missing something here but I only see a link to boots that are similar to the Sherling Farm Boots and not any info on these that you have used in your wardrobe….. and I am just so much more in like with the ones you have than the ones that are similar. Will you share info on yours, please? :)
Yes, I agree – please tell us where the original boots are from! Thanks!
I believe I read in one of your posts that you’re from Austin. If that’s the case, what are some of your favorite stores here in town?
love love love. keep sharing!! im so inpired!
I am curious to know if you are advertising a similar sherling jacket for the readers, but you purchased the Acne jacket you showed on your list? I am a bit surprised for being a photographer that you do not actually just photograph the physical product you purchase verses taking an image that isn’t actually in your collection and dispell it with a “similar” item which is somewhat, but not actually the same. It feels a bit false in what you are advertising to people.
xo
maryanne
I love this site and am going to Un-Fancy my wardrobe in 2015. It doesn’t look like any of the links for this post work–they just keep going to an image file.
Hi – LOVE your blog and approach and clothing choices.
I am curious about what software you use to put together the pictures of a whole capsule wardrobe and the “love it” writing. (I would like to do that with my own wardrobe items.)
Like this:
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c0/83/b6/c083b698474077cd744d52534ee13ee2.jpg
Thanks,
SL
Hi Caroline,
Please help. I’ve been through your site with a fine tooth comb and am still struggling to get my summer capsule wardrobe together (Southern Hemisphere), but my winter one is sorted! Ironically I live I a city that reaches 40 degrees Celsius in summer and is a Mediterranean climate so it’s hardly ever cold. Clearly I prefer winter. We are a beach culture, but I’m finding so many of my clothes coming from my 20’s are no longer appropriate. Being 31 now I’m finally feeling like I’m growing up in terms of my look. I know what you would say… and you are right. I need to take perspective and look within to help sort my wardrobe out. I come from a shop to feel better life and I want nothing like that anymore. So much money has been wasted and for what? My house is also getting a major overhaul.
Your blog has honestly brought me more peace than shopping ever did. Thank you for that!
Love Bron xxx
I have been hosting suitcase rummages in my home town of Brisbane, Australia once every 6 months over the last couple of years to minimise shopping but maximise the use of clothes that I own. When I stumbled across your blog recently it gave my wardrobe a new lease on life. However because I live in Brisbane, Australia I can get away with having the same wardrobe all year so instead of a season based wardrobe I have worked it down to 52 items for the year. Thanks for inspiring people all across the world!!
so when you’re doing this, do you have 37 pieces for each season (I know you use some from the previous season)? i.e. you could potentially have 148 items? and you just store the other seasons away somewhere?
Yes, she has about 147 pieces total. She stores 3 capsules and sometimes uses pieces in more than one capsule. Caroline encourages us to find our way to make it work for our individual needs.
Hi Caroline – I’m new to your blog…Found you via Austin women magazine. I live in Austin as well:-) I’m very interested in buying Ariza unstructure blazer. Do you mind letting me know which size is yours? I think we have about the same size :-) Thank you!!!
i love the simplicity and the monochromaticness of it all. i’m still in the phase of shopping and returning and overbuying and returning and all that jazz. but i’m definitely KEEPING less. really figuring out what works for me. looks great! <3
I’m in love with the idea of creating a capsule wardrobe and I want to give it a shot. However, I’m in need of some [fashion] advice.
I live in a really cold part of the United States (think several feet of snow on the ground right now, layered atop ice and slush). I work in an office where “business casual” is totally acceptable. I know you (Caroline) don’t work in an office, but do you have any ideas about how to spice up my capsule wardrobe so that I’m simply not wearing dark trouser jeans + boots OR black flared trousers + boots every.single.day?
Leggings to work = not kosher. Also, any ideas where my legs would be exposed (even if covered by tights) simply won’t work. It gets down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit on the reg where I live.
Just curious if you had any ideas!
I used to haul a 30″ spinner for a month-long overseas trip (business and pleasure). I died, got resurrected then died again hailing cabs in big cities and stairs only accommodations.
I learned to travel light with just a carry on but I felt I compromised on some style umphh. Going through your blog sparked me again, like a fashion euphoria. #keepinspiring
I just discovered your blog and I love it! Your capsules are great, and you’re proving that minimalism isn’t all boring neutrals. I myself am trying a “30 day challenge” to see if I can survive on 15 pieces of clothing…I’ve gone through 4 days and it feels both liberating and restrictive at the same time. I hope it gets better with time so that I can finally deal with “less is more.”
I get the concept of the capsule wardrobe and it’s a great idea but honestly, I see every single example of one and my brain hits the snooze button. Because monochrome bores me. It’s great to have classic pieces but winter is exactly the reasons why colour is needed, to brighten up the days. For me, most of these staple pieces don’t work in my style and almost none of them work for me because they are too neutral. An entire rail of grey and I want to stay in my fancy pyjamas. I want to like it but I just can’t
I agree Selina, itts a beautiful wardrobe, but by the end of January I need to inject colour to counter the UK grey skies! Plus I have a dog, and some incredibly muddy fields to incorporate every day so white is pretty much summer only. Perhaps Caroline, you could come over for a winter and do a capsule example for me?! In the meantime, I will go away and work on my colour version xx
I love your capsule! Have you seen any wrap coats like yours around? I’m searching the web and everything I’m finding is sold out! What are your tips for finding the perfect piece?
Totally love your look. Inspired by your post, I started my first capsule this month, during my second trimester. It’s been fantastic! My 31 piece wardrobe is here: http://citymomsblog.com/nashville/why-pregnancy-is-the-perfect-season-to-start-a-capsule-wardrobe/
Your ritual is awesome, too. Can’t wait to see your spring capsule!
I just stumbled upon your blog. Thank you!! You are my virtual fashion mind – fashion with budget and simplicity in mind yet without sacrificing quality. So happy to read your posts with the great details and backstory you provide to make sense of it all. Keep it up!
Hi, Caroline! Is it possible to link every piece in your wardrobe to posts where you have shown wearing that piece? This will allow quicker location of posts relating to that piece of clothing and that we could get instant ideas of how to mix and match with that item. Just a thought.
Where are the new capsules?