With some temporary cooler weather here in Southern California, I was finally able to work my way through some of my winter gear. YAY! But as I reflect on my current capsule and have started to prepare for the transition into spring, I realize I’ve been doing something that seems a bit counter-productive.
I save my favorites. By that, I mean I don’t wear a lot of my favorite pieces as often as I should. I keep them tucked safely in my closet, waiting for the perfect occasion. I think this meme sums up my thinking perfectly.
I used to save my favorites with a larger wardrobe as well, leaving many items untouched for months… or even years! Until eventually I lost interest and forgot why they were my favorites in the first place.
I’m not sure if it’s fear of ruining the clothes (a true fear that comes with having children), or that they will be dirty when I really need them (again, blame the kid), or maybe I still just have too many options in my closet. But it seems kind of sad that they have been sitting un-worn practically all season, because I’m not doing something special every day. And it makes it difficult for me to justify spending money on quality pieces when I choose not to wear them like I thought I would.
So maybe I need to change my thinking – it should not be considered a waste of a good outfit if that outfit simply makes you feel good in some way, any way. Right?
So these last few weeks of winter, I’ll make an effort to wear those things that I might normally push aside for the uniform. Will I wear my favorite heels to go to the park? Haha. No. Absolutely not. And I’m not going to bring my “special event” capsule into daily rotation. But no outfit will be considered wasted, even if it was only worn at home to play with Hot Wheels and blocks. I will wear what I enjoy, mommy schedule (and laundry schedule) be damned.
Does anyone else find themselves pushing aside their favorites and wearing the same few pieces again and again, even with a smaller wardrobe?
Red Sweater: old from American Eagle (similar on sale!)
White Henley: old from Gap (similar)
Bottoms: Gap
Shoes: Aldo (on sale!)
Bag: Kate Spade (similar for less here or here)
Watch: ArvoWear
Bracelets: Alex + Ani
Earrings: Target
Yes! I was doing exactly that a few weeks ago, with a cute little dress that I could’ve been dressing up or down and wearing heaps. Funny thing was, as soon as I decided to wear it more, every time I wore it someone would comment on it and that just made me wanna wear it more, which I have been doing. It has definitely taught me to just wear the stuff I love…
I’m doing this less and less as I’ve begun replacing my old, random wardrobe with thought-through capsules. I have many more favorites now and have also upped the comfort factor (for wear and easy laundering). I still often wear loungewear at home, but I feel like I’m not often worried any more of not having any favorite, easy-to-wear outfits at the ready when that time comes (be it for a family get together, a meeting at work or whatever event makes you put more thought into your outfit). There may be a couple of favorites in the laundry and I’ll still have plenty of options left!
That being said, I do save some stuff for occasions – like I’ll only wear my handwash wool sweaters or my white tops when I know there won’t be much sweating or risk of food spillage involved ;). Luckily with my desk job that leaves plenty of occasions even for those items to be worn.
Hey Jaana!
I am so with you on this one. Just last weekend was my birthday and I was lucky enough to receive two much coveted Ace & Jig dresses as birthday gifts.
As my birthday fell on Saturday, I wore one of the dresses that very day as we were heading to brunch in the city and dinner later. However I still haven’t worn the other, even though I am *dying* to debut it. I’ve told more than one person this week how I want to wear it, but it needs to be for more than just me, the kids and the dog! I have coffee booked in with a friend tomorrow and it’s coming out to play for sure!
Thanks for making me feel like I’m not alone and let’s rock our best frocks together! :-)
Alyssa.
p.s. Caroline, I adore my capsule wardrobe (Winter was my first). Just yesterday I felt spoiled for choice (because while there’s less, I love them all!). Go figure! xo
Oh, I relate so much. I save my favorites for fear of them being dirty when I “really” need to wear them. Terrible! Reading your post, Jaana, was a lightbulb moment. Damn it, let’s just wear our favorite jeans and enjoy em! :)
I do find myself wearing the same pieces over and over. They are the pieces that come through the laundry looking great without being ironed. I half-heartedly began working toward a capsule wardrobe this winter, but I still choose pieces I think I will wear and in reality do not. Button up shirts, for example, have to be ironed and are usually layered with other pieces. I don’t iron or layer. I desperately want a small collection of clothes that I truly love, feel beautiful wearing, and don’t struggle to iron. This capsule thing is so much harder than it looks!
Hi Michele.
I wear my button downs without ironing them… Unless I’m going to a party I simply spin my shirts at the lowest number, shake them hard and heng them to dry on hangers.
Works for me :)
Tanja
Thanks for the tip!
Invest in a good steamer. This has been my lifesaver and works beautifully on all my button ups from cotton to silk.
Thanks for the advice! I’ll try that!
I avoid anything that needs ironing, on the basis that I hate ironing so I never end up wearing them!
but when it can’t be avoided, hang them in the bathroom while you take a shower.
(Oldie but a classic)
Yes! I thought I was the only one who ‘saved’ pieces that I really love (especially my Anthropologie clothes which aren’t cheap). It’s so good to hear someone else has that issue too. I have done that as long as I can remember.
I have never seen a woman who would look that fresh in red O.O
You should definitely buy and wear red more often :)
I do this constantly!! I thought I was the only one… I work from home often, so I never want to “waste” good outfits when no one (other than my husband and baby) will see them. But then when I open my closet, it is filled with lovely things that I rarely wear – and doubling troubling, since I see them on a regular basis I feel tired of them (despite the lack of wear!).
Love this look Jaana. Simple but cheerful. Could you share your spring capsule wardrobe when it’s done? Love to have your inspiration.
Yes! I will for sure on my blog :)
http://www.thismomsgonnasnap.com
As a middle class child I was taught to have play clothes, school clothes, and special clothes, but in the 50s, each category was fairly small. Then as an adult in the 90s,I fell prey to marketing and the easy availability of relatively inexpensive clothes and the special clothes category got huge and unworn while I constantly donned the play clothes though few were worth wearing at all. Now I’m totally on board with un-fancy and Janna–both on style and attitude!
Oh my gosh 110% agree – this is my problem!! But the “excuse” for me is that the pieces I love are so few, I haven’t mastered the capsule thing yet and somehow the cheap and easy clothes seems like a safer option. I feel like I need enough justification to wear the good pieces for fear of getting ruined or worn out. Thanks for sharing
I’very always been this way, even as a teenger. No more! Today I am going to wear my new favorite office shirt to work, just because…
Yes! Get it girl :D
Oh man I totally do this too! I thought I was the only one. I also am not really sure why I do it but I’ve also recently made the resolve to start wearing some of my favorites for not-so-special days too. Sometimes at school I look around and see some really cute outfits but something about being stuck on campus all day just makes me automatically grab from the same comfy jean & sweater pile time after time. Time to pull out the favorites even for seemingly mundane activites…I think you’re right about it making you feel good even if you’re not doing anything special. Good luck to us!
Now that you mention it, I find that I do this all the time! I save my special pieces or outfits for a special day that never happens! It does make sense to wear the clothes that make me feel special more often, not less. I’ll have to fix this!
Yes, I do that too! It drives me crazy…as in what, “What am I waiting for?” It’s like that idea that you should use your china for Tuesday night meals — it IS special when you use it and it’s ok to enjoy the things you have. Glad to know I’m not alone in this plight ;)
Yes! I do the exact same thing! Ugh! ! So glad I am not the only one who does this and I hope to be better about it as well.
I know exactly what you mean! I’ll either save my favorites, or wear a few faves constantly until I wear them out and get bored with them. Then never wear them again. That’s why I love the capsule wardrobe idea because it forces me to wear everything. Love your posts, especially your outfit today, Jaana!
I absolutely LOVE the bracelet!
I haven’t struggled with saving items as much yet (still only finishing my first capsule), but lately I’ve been susceptible to overscheduled-ness and laziness, resulting in me wanting to wear a sweater/sweatshirt, jeans and whatever shoes are easiest to put on. My goal for my capsules is to try to work with this, and find pieces that look great and require minimal effort on my part — so I’m not always looking like I’m dressed to run errands.
I have noticed too that I bought some items that were a little out of my style range and was really unsure about them at first. But now that I’m nearing the end of my fall/winter capsule, I find that I’m reaching for them constantly because they’ve added an extra “something” to my wardrobe. I forced myself to learn how to incorporate them and I’m glad I did, so I can use some of them for my spring/summer capsule!
Yep, I do this too! No more, my favourites will now get worn and dirty.
Love your outfit. I never thought of putting a Henley under a sweater. Looks great!
I was going to say the same thing about the henley! I’ve tried layering long sleeve crewneck tees under sweaters like this, and the neckline always looks awkward. The henley is a great, more casual alternative to a collared button down.
You look terrific in red!
This is totally what I have done in the past! I have two little girls and there were a few times some of my favorite items received some added color due to our regular day activities. I started wearing my “play” clothes all the time. My clothes I really loved were in a drawer hardly ever to be seen. Within the last 6 months however I realized 1. what a waste (of space and money) and 2. I was just feeling drab all day. So I started wearing more of the things I love (granted it is in moderation if we are painting I’m not bringing out my favorite pair of jeans) and it feels great wearing my clothes I absolutely love! And it helps knowing that my money isn’t just sitting in a drawer! Thank you for this post because I totally can relate to it!
I definitely also do this. It also spills into other parts of my life- saving that special bottle of wine for the “right occasion” instead of enjoying it whenever I actually want it, not using my “good” plates or serving dishes when we don’t have company, etc. Sometimes we just have to live a little and make everyday special!
I do this, too! I am telling myself that even if my favorite jeans from 3 years ago get ruined, the stores still sell jeans and I will find another pair. It’s just that jean shopping is such agony — I don’t want to go through it again. So, I wear the less flattering jeans to save my good ones. Silly. I am also like another poster who hates to iron … so button downs don’t get worn often by me. I do like them when I wear them, just don’t like caring for them!
A blog post by Roo of Semiproper is the best thing I’ve read about using/enjoying your favorites instead of saving them. She talks about how her husband questioned why she kept heavily burning her favorite candle instead of saving it. “This candle – this tiny, inanimate object in a jar – brings happiness to my day. It evokes a sense of pleasure while I write. I like lighting it. I like smelling it. I like looking at it. When I’ve used it up, I can either be sad that it’s gone, or I can be thankful for all of the joy that candle brought me” (http://semiproper.com/use-it-up/).
I think it’s a good way to look at any possession. Yes, it will eventually wear out, but the fact that it has worn out means that it has served its purpose and was well loved. So wear your favorites and enjoy them while you can. In the words of Roo, “Everyday living is a special occasion…”. :)
Love your comment!
Such a perfect comment and great analogy. I also burn my good candles. They give me joy :-)
Fantastic metaphor!
LOVE THIS! Since my grandma died, and I got some of her ‘special’ things (dishes, etc.) that she was always “saving for good”, I have made of point of using them as often as possible. I have yet to find “good” on any calendar. And, if they get ruined, or used up, then, they’ve lived the life they were meant to live.
Yes, yes, and YES! Sooo much yes. I think this is part of what drew me to the capsule wardrobe concept– I would get to/ be forced to wear my faves more often. But I still do it a bit too. And it depends on why it’s my fave: a sweater cuz it’s cozy & I don’t feel like I’m getting dressed up when I wear it to work- like I’m incognito, because nobody knows I don’t want to be in work clothes that day, or because soemthing is my fave color of the moment, or is super soft, or is a signature piece, or something is new, or always gets complimented… So what I’m waiting for to wear them is different. And even tho I just wrote a novel about this, I do it less since I dipped my toes in the waters of capsule wardrobes… But it is still a very real consideration I am fighting when I get dressed.
Jaana–Ah! A thought provoking post. I love reading the post and the comments. Thanks to everyone. Now, to make use of all your insight and stop saving my favorites and also honing my capsule skills so that I have more easy-to-wear favorites!
I thank Caroline for helping me find some inexpensive favorites that I don’t save (marled t neck sweater from Forever 21?!). Winter was my first capsule, and with help from all of you ladies, I am learning.
I really related to this. I do it with my “good” t-shirts. For some reason I always end up with tiny pin holes in the front of my t-shirts and then they don’t feel so perfect, so when I find a really great tee I am afraid to wear it. It’s such a shame because truthfully I don’t find many opportunities that seem to merit wearing my “good t-shirts. I will invest in a good tee from Splendid or Vince and then I default to the Target t-shirt because I am not afraid of ruining it.
I want to develop a new mind set that things don’t need to last forever and that there is always going to be another great item out that to replace what has worn out. Why buy something you are afraid to wear. Either I feel I spent too much on it or I didn’t buy it for my real life.
Oh and FYI hand washing does wonders to make both cheap Target shirts and high end t-shirts hold up longer!
Bronwyn,
That happens to my tee shirts too!!
Like after only what wear!
Some work friends and I have been trying to figure out that mystery forever.
That used to happen to my husband’s t-shirts as well! And then we figured out that it was because of his belt buckle. When he sits down the buckle would pinch his t-shirt and make a tiny hole. He stopped wearing that belt and we haven’t noticed new holes since.
P.S. Love this post!
Yes, yes and YES!!!! This is one of the biggest things a capsule wardrobe has saved me from. I was notorious at this!! I have found since starting my first capsule (last July) I don’t do this NEARLY as much, simply because i have fewer things to choose from. When I am selecting my outfit for the day, and i find myself starting to think, ‘well what if I want that tomorrow when I am going to x’ I squash those thoughts, and just try and embrace today. What do I feel like today? And I find that the next day always resolves itself when I get there, and I am more satisfied each day with my outfits. That being said, I did plan what I was going to wear out for dinner on my birthday and i made sure those items were clean and untouched all week so they’d be ready for Saturday.
Oh my goodness, I SO relate to this. And I didn’t fully understand that I did this till this post. So THANK YOU! I will have to change my thinking as well!
Have so enjoyed the last two post Jaana has made on Un-Fancy. They are spot on for me; addiction and saving. How do they even fit together in the same sentive. Anyway, have so enjoyed your thoughts and looks. Love to see and hear more.
Okay, so I should have proofed my post. Sorry for the type “o”s. Too anxious to get my thoughts out there.
I’m guilty of doing this a lot too, especially to maxi dresses. I keep waiting for special times to wear them when I can easily dress them down.
Ha, I was thinking I don’t really have this problem but you are so right, maxi dresses!!
Enjoyed your thoughts! Lovely post!
I absolutely do this. I am determined to stop. I have a shirt that I LOVE that I bought back in the fall and I’ve worn it a grand total of one time. Because I love it? And now it’s almost out of season. So weird!!!
I absolutely did this until I began using a capsule wardrobe. I wouldn’t wear my favorite blouses or shoes for fear of a 4 year old getting paint, boogers, or worse on my beloved clothing (I’m a pre-k teacher). It look me years to wear a gorgeous blue silk blouse because I was so paranoid that something would happen to it- but then I realized that even if something did happen, I had a lot of other clothes I could wear. I also get most of my clothes thrifting or majorly on sale, so its not like a ton of money would go down the drain if something only a 4 year old would think is a good idea happened to them.
Also, outfits are never wasted if they make you feel great while wearing them. Also something I had to remind myself when starting a capsule wardrobe! Wearing what makes you happy is kind of the purpose of style, right?
Kate
myteacherstyle.blogspot.com
YES! I do this exactly – that mindset of keeping good clothes good, and saving them for an occasion definitely affects my daily outfit choices. I’m at home/playing most of the day with a little one as well (I’m also in SoCal too- Jaana I have been totally loving and relating to your guest posts!) so it seems easier some days to default to clothes that are already “broken in”. I just started working on my first capsule for spring (which I’ll probably start transitioning to in the next week or so), and this is something I’m going to have to be mindful of each day. Thank you for reminding us that function/comfort can be beautiful/stylish any day of the week!
Guilty too! I wonder why we do this? What you say about having too many options makes me think. If we have less, we’ll have to wear our best, right? Thanks for calling this out!
I can totally relate to this! I used to rely on my favorites a bit too much, wearing them out so soon. After that, whenever I would identify a new favorite, it is like I would get afraid of ruining it and would then just “save” it indefinitely, in the back of my closet!
I do this all the time! I have to remind myself that everyday is special and it’s okay to wear my favorite pieces over and over again. It’s okay to wear something out. I do it out of fear of ruining it but I had a slew of favs from before I was pregnant and found that they didn’t fit after pregnancy. I wished I would have worn then more often.
Jaana, great post! I’d love to see your ‘special events’ capsule. I’m putting one together and found Caroline’s really helpful and would appreciate seeing another style as well. Cheers!
Do you have a link to the bag itself?!
Sorry no, it’s old.
One more thing, I just LOVE your hair! If I could pull that off I totally would do it.
This was one of my biggest problems before trying out my first capsule wardrobe this winter. But, like other posters have said, when you love everything, you needn’t worry that somethings ‘in the laundry’. My advice to myself — “Dress in a way that you would feel comfortable and confident if you ran into an old classmate, or an ‘ex’ “. So far, that’s worked great. Even if it means that many days I might be a little overdressed for playing with the dog and my grandson, or doing laundry. And, ditto on you wearing red. You look great!
Yes! I do the same thing! I buy clothes and then not wear them for a year or longer. Not all clothes but some I consider favorites. So I never get to wear some of my clothes! Today I wanted to wear a gray cashmere sweater to the park with my 1 yr old granddaughter. It is not a new sweater but still I told myself that I should wear something more practical and wore a sweatshirt. Next time it will be the sweater…. Thanks for nailing that “save the favorites” Gotcha.
Jaana – love this outfit on you!
I too love the Henley idea and have made a note of it.
Ps – for all the comments about little holes in the front of t-shirts – I used to have the same problem and someone told me it won’t happen if you wear a belt. I have worn a belt ever since and it seems to be working…
i absolutely do this! and to the extent that i’ve never worn the dress/ shirt/ whatever because it was too “special”–and then had to give it away when, after years of waiting for the just right occasion–i gained weight and had to give them away.
now, i try to wear my special dresses to work more often (i’m a school teacher, so dressing up is definitely not an every day thing). it feels weird, but it feels good to actually feel special wearing something!
I am so so guilty of this! I always “save things for a rainy day.” I’ve had to start asking myself, “What if a rainy day never comes?” This helps me remember that the purpose for dressing nice, doing my hair, etc., is to feel good, not so somebody will look at me and affirm my style haha.
How lovely is Jaana? I would never have thought of layering a henley under a sweater like this with an open neckline. It looks so cool! Her guest blogs have been really great!
this post made me laugh out loud. i’m totally guilty of saving outfits!
love this look.
:)
I actually wear my favorites until they are totally beyond destroyed! Then I get sad and wish I hadn’t!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
This is such a great post , and one great outfit.
I recently read about what happens to second hand clothes and really began to think about why I don’t wear my clothes until a wear them out (I’ve done that from time to time but it’s not the norm for me). So when planning my autumn capsule I did things a bit differently. Each time is either a basic, interesting or statement piece (thanks into-mind). Then I also categorize each piece into, needs replacing, I should wear this out, favorites. The I should wear this out category is typically something I loved but is a bit tired but perfectly wearable. I’ll make sure to throw that on when I’m home after work etc. Before long I’ll have to think about what to do with items that aren’t me anymore… Suggestion welcome! They may still go to charity. ..
I don’t wear my absolute best around the kids but I like to feel comfortable and stylish, so having a capsule of things I enjoy wearing matters.
I’m not sure why I save my favorites either. It’s almost like I love the clothes so much, I subconsciously want to prolong wear-and-tear.
Thank you so much for being such a huge inspiration for me and my closet. This winter has been my first capsule wardrobe and I am definitely seeing a difference in the way I dress and shop now. I’m looking forward to seeing your spring capsule, as I will be using it for helpful hints as I start to transition my own selections for the warmer weather.
I hear you! I’m SO guilty of this—I believe I can trace it back to being a child and saving all my favourite halloween candy until it went rotten and turned into something inedible. It’s something I’ve been trying to embrace this winter too—wearing my favourite (and more expensive) turtleneck all the time. And you know what, I felt great about all the wear I got out of it. xx
—Rebecca
wanderdust.co