October 8, 2013

Back in September, I got inspired to try a few capsules. After one misstep -- a capsule of outfits that, however good in themselves, didn't really answer to my daily needs all that well -- I came up with this one -- a more casual capsule for work at home days during transitional early fall weather.

Not only that, but I rashly promised to wear it -- and report back on my experiences.

Here I am with that report.

Let's cut straight to the chase. This was a massive fail. I couldn't stick to it! I managed to wear capsule outfits for approximately 10 days out of the possible 30 (or more, counting weekends). A few of those appear in Pics 1-4.

So, what happened to my fine intentions?

I. Got. Bored.

Seriously bored. And hey, there was other stuff already in my closet so I started putting it on. (See Pics 5-7)

Oh -- and then some fab new stuff arrived, and that was much more fun to play with!! (Pics 8- 14)

Plus, I had various occasions to dress for, which threw the capsule out the window anyway. (I can give myself a pass for those days, right?) (Pics 15-19)

What I've learned:

While a small capsule is a great way to begin experimenting with different combinations, I am one of those people who needs a medium sized wardrobe that I can treat essentially as one BIG capsule (with overlapping and interwoven sub-capsules).

At the same time, it's really useful for me to think occasionally in terms of purpose-driven capsules, to ensure that my needs for different kinds of activities are covered. And I've learned that I need more variety than I thought in my work-at-home capsule.

Except for travel, I don't want to wear the same few items all the time. Even if nobody is seeing me except the cat.

I love my pretty new things best, no matter what. I am so, so, so firmly on Team Wear it is ridiculous.

BUT I do mix in my new things with old things. Look how much wear those white jeans got! (I actually wore them way more than this -- this is simply a sampling of photos.) Ironically, I was almost going to dye these jeans last fall until Angie talked me out of it!

Capsule making can offer surprises. I loved the look of Pic 1, but the rolled up jeans there drove me batty with their ill fit. After three wears, I tossed them. As for the print pants in Pic 3, before this capsule making exercise these were in my donate bin. I'd forgotten that they are the absolute perfect weight for transitional temperatures. I got a lot of wear from them in the past six weeks, drastically reducing their CPW. The capsule exercise was useful for that, if nothing else!

The best part about doing the capsule was the way it provided me with some FFB outfits for those days when I really couldn't think all that creatively in the morning. I already knew how the outfit looked and felt (from having taken pictures). I just pulled it on and went with it.

What about you? If you tried a capsule, how has it worked for you?

Posted in the Dressing category

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

38 Comments

K. Period. replied 10 years ago

Fast fallback outfits. That's the best benefit of a capsule in my mind. Not just one FFB outfit, but a whole grouping so that if one doesn't work because of weather or cleaning or durability, then another in the capsule will. I'm with you--too enamored by new and fun to stick with the same things again and again. But the capsule exercise is useful for FFB. Secondary benefit? They help me break the cycle of wearing one thing with another without ever breaking them up. Breaking the "best match" mentality is huge.

By the way, I think you look fantastic in all of these outfits. Total win. :)
replied 10 years ago

Suz, I love that taupey drapey shirt so much. I hear you on the capsule too. I haven't done one yet but wanted to try the BR one...I suspect I would end up in the same boat though of getting bored or wanting to wear something different.

You look amazing though.
Runcarla replied 10 years ago

Have to admit I'm a card carrying fan of the capsule. The Angie inspired (3 bottoms, 6 tops, 2 toppers, etc.) IS the perfect size for a month of outfits. (My UK travel capsule for example.) However a smaller capsule, like the BR challenge, is maybe even more do-able and more fun. I can't believe the number of outfits I'm going to get out of those 8 garments! Far more than the 12 combos shown.

Now just around the time I joined YLF, I challenged myself to a full month of wearing purple, followed by a full month of cobalt, which was followed by a month of brown and green...and never a duplicate outfit! I think capsule fashion appeals to the OC in me!

BTW your fashion looks are taking a real turn for a luxe-casual vibe that is enormously appealing.
Angie replied 10 years ago

Great insights, Suz. You look beautiful and gorgeous in all these outfits. I vote killer all round.

The point of the capsule exercise is that you think about how your wardrobe items work together, and how to create outfits with the items that you have. That's the biggest stumbling block when it comes to having a fab sense of style and a functional wardrobe. Guaranteed. Your items work together extraordinarily well because you instilled the discipline upfront. So all you really did is tap into many of your different and delicious capsules over the last month, creating the variety you crave as well as batting for Team Wear. The point is not to wear one capsule for a month unless you have no choice (traveling, or you have nothing else to wear, or you prefer the extreme simplicity of having a handful of outfit combinations).

Good job, Suz. You are a style champion. xo
Angie replied 10 years ago

(I got sidetracked and forgot to check my illiterate ramblings before I hit send. All literate now).

And go Team Wear.
Sara L. replied 10 years ago

I've enjoyed reading your capsule posts, but I can understand getting bored when you have other clothes that are also fun to wear. I've put together a small, very casual capsule for post-partum when I'm stuck home breastfeeding and recovering. I'm hoping it will keep me out of sweats. I'll let you know whether the experiment worked or not in a couple weeks after this baby is born.
deb replied 10 years ago

I think I hesitate to try the capsule is exactly what you experienced. Maybe if I had no other clothes I could suffer through it, but I think I would suffer. You look great in all of these outfits and the ccp of the white jeans has really gone down.
DonnaF replied 10 years ago

I can only bring myself to create travel capsules. Otherwise, I look at the weather forecast and choose an item in my closet that I want/need to wear and may put together an entire outfit the night before. Then, while I exercise walk immediately after I get up, I think about that outfit and may change my mind completely or about its various components.

I generally wash my tops after two wears and my bottoms after two or three wears. Rather than turn hangers around, I hang worn clothes in one section of my closet so that I'm on notice that they may not be as clean as I originally thought. I prefer to launder these worn clothes within two or three weeks of the first wear, so one of these bottoms or tops may form the basis of the next outfit.
Peri replied 10 years ago

I understand because I have the same issues with capsules. I like what you said about a medium closet as one big capsule. I understand things like a formal event capsule, or a travel capsule but everything else seems to just be a fancy way of saying "these things look good with these things", which is how I'm already thinking of my clothes anyway. Granted, I've already realized I have less variety than most.

But...as always, you look fab!

What is that grey sweater in #8 and others. I have a soft, fine gauge grey sweater on my wish list!
Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

Capsules work brilliantly for me for my evening clothes (for DH work functions & other social occasions) & for exercise & beach clothes. Other than that I think that most of my clothes just "go" together. I do the thinking while I'm buying the clothes & when I first bring them home - making sure they work well & they are what I actually need. I also have FFBOs for those days I want to just get dressed but part of the fun in having great clothes is trying new combinations.

Great outfits Suz & # 2 is my very favourite. It's just perfect in a stylishly casual way :)

ETA - forgot to say travel is where capsules really work imo.
Carole replied 10 years ago

What a fantastic set of outfits, I can't pick a favorite-they are all just super fab! I think assembling the pieces for a capsule is just a great exercise for narrowing down some choices and being creative with what we have. I just did this using Angie's recent formula with some items I don't wear often. Planning outfits and hanging them strategically together reminds me to try and work with these first but I have allowed myself to venture away from just these selections. It has taken my "too large" wardrobe and given me a smaller focus which is really useful for me. Instead of feeling like I need to purge purge purge, I have a smaller manageable capsule I'm working with and I like that.
Susie replied 10 years ago

Well you may have failed at wearing just the items from a single capsule but you are hugely successful at beautifully styling your lovely pieces. Truly, you have a knack for wearing your clothes in fresh and appealing ways. I love the taupe top and the gray sweater and you look so fab in your dresses. Definitely lots of winners here!

I definitely feel like my closet is one big capsule, for the most part. I've gotten so much better at choosing items when shopping that I know will work with my wardrobe. I do have a capsule of sorts for super casual shorts and tops for boat weekends and a small capsule ofdressy occasion pieces. And I'm feeling good about my new lounge wear capsule!
Suz replied 10 years ago

Thanks so much everyone. It's really interesting to hear your thoughts.

Caro, you bring up a good point -- workout wear and evening wear and such really do profit from a capsule approach. I think it's much easier to shop for those functions when you think about it this way.

Peri, thank you. And the sweater in 8 is from Zara.

DonnaF, I am really swayed by the weather, too. That was a problem I forgot to mention. Some days were too hot for the capsule I'd planned. Other days were cooler than expected. I really should have expected that in transitional weather. Ha!

Thank you, Deb!

Sara, can't wait to see your post-partum capsule!

Angie, you are always both literate and gracious. Thank you for your wise guidance!

Carla, I am in awe if you can make a small capsule last a month! I can do it when travelling, too, and that is fine, but for regular wear, I definitely get tired of it.

Ceit, thanks - I love that H&M linen sweater, too. Useful item. I also love the silk shirt.

K, thanks - and high five for the FFB!

ETA: crossposted -- Susie, Carole, I am blushing! And you both have fab wardrobes that I know you wear brilliantly.
Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

Wow Suz - this is super impressive!

First of all, every single one of these outfits you are showing us is gorgeous. Full stop. PLUS they all look like YOU. You have developed a fantastic, individual style that is to be admired.

Secondly, your analysis of what worked and didn't work and the WHY of those questions is fascinating to read. I can really see how the capsule exercise can be so helpful. Thanks for sharing with us.
Jaime replied 10 years ago

Capsules are a tool but looking this fantastic and being happy with your clothes is the goal. You therefore are a champion because you look absolutely style icon worthy, super fabulistic in all of these. Not bothering to pick favorites but am totally inspired. Thanks Suz!
Sveta replied 10 years ago

Suz, this one of the reasons I have never wanted to experiment with capsules: I knew I would be bored after 3 days! I understand their value and ability to make dressing easier but I am not sure this is my goal. Anyway I think I can pull out 80% of my closet and this would be one huge capsule I can mix and remix! :-)
Scarlet replied 10 years ago

This was an interesting read. I am here to say though that you look all kinds of right in dresses and magenta/raspberry. Those outfits really stood out to me in the sea of good looks here. Well also your new DVF sweater, I think it might be.
Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

4, 8, 11, and 15 are my faves.

I think this is a great looking capsule, and it's certainly a step up from most "work at home" outfits! You are so amazingly consistent with fit and proportion. Huzzah!

I, too, am easily bored -- and not just with fashion! Variety and choice are crucial to creatives. It's part of our natural, daily process. That said, as you well know, too much choice or too little can paralyze an artist.

I wonder if the right amount of choice (hats off to Barry Schwarz and "Paradox of Choice) isn't particularly important to people who work in creative fields. I think this would be more pronounced for those of us who practice our craft at home. Perhaps we need more "stimulation" to stave off isolation. My form of art may be noisier, but there is a lot of practicing and preparing for each hour on stage!
Isabel replied 10 years ago

I have been in love with the idea of a capsule for years. I have tried, really tried , Project 333. But I cannot.get.passed.choosing.pieces. I can't do it. I love practically everything. I committed to doing it at least for the month of October. Well, I couldn't do 33 pieces ( and I didn't count camis/tanks and outerwear or accessories ). Then, I settled on around 45 and we are having unseasonably warm weather. UGH ! So I am trying again for November and December. However, I think that you have nailed if for me : I like having a "wardrobe capsule". I have always been good at mixing and matching so maybe I already have a "capsule" of sorts.
Joy replied 10 years ago

My experience with my early fall casual capsule was much like yours. First the weather turned too hot to wear anything but summer things. Then I did start wearing some of the outfits but usually had to change to something cooler by mid day. It was great to have outfits I'd already tried to fall back on. Then I also felt a huge urge to incorporate other pieces in the closet...nothing new but pieces I wanted to wear because the weather was right or I wanted more color. Another capsule I started based on blush, brown and burgundy keeps getting combined with the original red, grey, black one.
I have learned the importance of variety and some patterns in both tops and bottoms, but haven't found the right patterned jeans yet...too many are ankle length. I need to plan on working in summer pieces. Tomorrow it will be in the 80's. Last week it went from 90's to 40's in just hours.
All your outfits are wonderful on you. Capsules can be made to be broken (up).
jayne replied 10 years ago

I am so impressed with the effort,not only the theoretical capsule but the implementation. Your style shines through and you look lovely every time. Your insights confirm for me that trying to live a limited capsule would be frustrating and I think you are right on about medium size. It was great to hear from Angie though, that the point in her capsules is not limiting to that one group of clothes for a season, but helping create ways to use and reuse items.

Thinking and writing here..., I guess she means by trying to see what we have that can be the basis of a capsule, we are challenged to see both what we have that can/will work together and what we don't have that might finish it off.

By trying on the capsule combinations, we learn about the ways the items actually go together..maybe in theory 3 pants and 6 tops look great and interchangeable on the bed, but when we put on each combination, the proportions are off, the styles clash or whatever. And we find great combinations we will love to wear and ones to put aside.

Next time I am starting a SYC, this is a great starting point. But for everyday life, I thank you for doing the experiment so I won't have to (he he)
Freckles replied 10 years ago

You look fab in each different interpretation, such amazing style.

Thank you for your capsule review as it is an interesting, insighful read as well as helping me in my own problem areas.
ManidipaM replied 10 years ago

I think Jayne is on to something. The capsule exercise is invaluable for honing shopping and styling skills. If you already have and apply them, capsules work in a restrictive way ... to identify FFBOs, to plan for travel, to put dividers in a large wardrobe, to corral functions... or leave you reaching beyond to the greener grass! It's more useful for those of us who still buy thinking item A goes with X, Y and Z... only to find that it really does not.

Btw, while you have here a month of looking flawless, I am especially struck by the chambray shirt and white jeans. Simple and classic, but the personality and modernity are all in the styling.
Suz replied 10 years ago

Moni, thank you - and I agree - one of the most helpful aspects of capsule creation is helping us distinguish that "in my head" or "in the closet" going-together that just doesn't pan out in real life. I certainly discovered a few of those!

Freckles, thank you.

Jayne, you said: I guess she means by trying to see what we have that can be the basis of a capsule, we are challenged to see both what we have that can/will work together and what we don't have that might finish it off.

I think that's it, absolutely. One other discovery of capsule creation for me was that I ALWAYS wanted more footwear options than what the capsule exercise suggested. Two pairs of shoes just didn't cut it for me, even over a five day period. Fascinating, since before YLF I only owned two pair of shoes!

Joy, interesting that your experiences were so similar. Since you're an elegant eclectic it doesn't really surprise me. Like you, I often struggled with the weather -- I pretty much continued wearing my summer clothes with minor variations the first few weeks and even later.

Isabel, the interesting thing for me is that I actually DO a modified version of 333 -- in the sense that I have about 35-45 non-gear, non-footwear, non-outerwear items in my closet at any given time to play with. Not on purpose -- this is just the size of my wardrobe so far, and it seems to be working pretty well. There are a few areas where I feel as if I could still "beef up" and others where I figure I could "cut back" -- but I'm almost at the one-in-one-out stage. And as long as I have the full complement of items I don't get bored until midway through a season, when I've realized it's good to have a bit of cash to buy a few new goodies to help revitalize the scene. ;-) But tell me to limit clothes to 3 bottoms and 6 tops for a few weeks and I run screaming!

Beth Ann, great observation -- it's choice in just the right balance that is key. And it's true that as a creative person I might need more variety than some. Funny that I never realized it before.

Scarlet, thank you -- those berry colours are definitely some of my best.

Sveta, that's right -- your whole closet forms a pretty cohesive capsule. That's what we all aim for!

Shevia, Shannon - thank you!
texstyle replied 10 years ago

Well, capsule or no capsule you look so freaking amazing in all of these outfits who cares? LOVE this - it's so great to have so many inspiration outfits to admire.
Lisa replied 10 years ago

Some great insights here, thanks for sharing! I think my preference is similar to yours. I have also found capsule exercises helpful in having ready to go outfit combinations, but I've realized that I tend to focus on a smaller number of outfit combinations for a given item. I tend to find just a few combinations I like and then I just keep on wearing them. To mix things up I reach for additional outfits.

For a small, successful capsule, from what I've learned it requires one to come up with many outfit combinations with a small number of items. I use a larger number of items, with a smaller number of outfit combinations. This is probably why after reducing my 4 season wardrobe from over 300 items to about 150 now, I've stalled. At least for now, I'm at a number that seems to work for me.

My latest change has been to regroup my closet into outfit combinations. This has saved me a lot of time in the mornings lately. The closet doesn't look as tidy because everything is mixed up (instead of a row of blazers, a row of jeans, now it's a mix) but so far it's working well. The great thing about organizing this way is, if I really do tire of a combination, I regroup and then feel my closet is refreshed because I start sporting a new outfit combination.

I always envision my closet as really small, with high quality wardrobe workhorses, but so far, it looks like I need a medium sized wardrobe with a mixture of price points to keep me happy.

And gorgeous outfits! All the white jean looks are lovely for cooler days and I bet they will work well during cold spring days too. And #17 is my favorite because you have the fun blazer mixed with a berry color, unexpected but it works so well.
Elizabeth P replied 10 years ago

I love the idea of capsule wardrobes, but I'm kinda like you - I'd get bored. Plus, well, you know the weather in the maritimes! If you don't like it, wait 10 minutes. I could also never see the point of restricting clothes when they are hanging in the closet. That being said, I DO love having some capsule ideas on hand for travelling. And I DO think they are great for identifying holes, and for forcing more mixing and matching.

Great post!
rae replied 10 years ago

Small comment between lunch nibbles... I am joining you on Team Bored. :-)
Amy replied 10 years ago

I thought I posted a comment last night, but guess I just imagined it. Anyway, I wanted to say that I enjoyed seeing all of your combinations and insight about why this didn't exactly work for you. I would probably get bored too, bit am sure it would be a good exercise!
CocoLion replied 10 years ago

I think I would feel bored and limited with a 30 in 30 type of capsule approach. So I like how Angie points out that it is the process of thinking through how things work together, that is the whole point of capsules. (Whew awkward sentence there. I remember a teacher once said of my writing: "wordy but clear.")

You look stunning in all of these outfits -- modern classic dressing defined. I particularly like how you wear the Report Marks booties, they are a great item for you.
kellygirl replied 10 years ago

Such a great capsule and a fab exercise. I totally get the part about being bored and agree with the part about having FFBO. The boring part is why I still haven't finished my latest capsule exercise. I do think the capsule are crazy valuable when it comes to figuring out what works with what though. Loved looking at your outfits. You really know your style!
rachylou replied 10 years ago

I know exactly what you mean, Suz. My colour-based capsule wardrobe has long gone by the wayside. But it was an education in restraint and editing.

I love the ensemble in #1 and the dress in the last.
replied 10 years ago

I love your style! 5, 6, and 10 are my favorites here. This makes me want to get up off my butt and finally try to put a capsule together...it helps if I remember that I can have a casual weekend capsule. I generally wear dresses to work so I've always felt I'm not really remixing much there. But I don't play with my weekend outfits enough!
cheryle (Dianthus) replied 10 years ago

Suz, I need to know about that last dress. I LOVE it and if I can hunt it down, I might get one too.

I agree with you about capsules. I tried it too and it just didn't work well for me. I am more impulsive and lack the discipline to stick with a plan. We all have to do what works for us.
replied 10 years ago

Insightful post. I've never done a capsule other than for vacations. Putting a capsule together would feel like packing for said vacations. I HATE packing. I also know that from extended vacations I do get bored with limited choices. It is cool what Angie said "Your items work together extraordinarily well because you instilled the discipline upfront." Can you now come over and do the same for my wardrobe?
Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

I think I am getting lazy thanks to you Suz!
Still haven't completed my 'Capsule Homework', but I almost feel as though I have by reading your insightful posts.
I really can relate to your style- except in the skirt/dress section- and am gaining great advice by following your posts. Thank-you!
Laura (rhubarbgirl) replied 10 years ago

As always it's great to read your thoughts, Suz. What I've figured out from my capsule experimentation is not only do I get bored and want to go 'off the rez' some days, 1 week's worth of stuff is not enough to rotate. Even if I do laundry once a week, that means that the air-dry stuff and the stuff that needs to be ironed is not available for a while (usually the next week to be honest) which suggests that I need two weeks worth of stuff. And once you're at two weeks worth and include different levels of dressiness for different days, you've got 'capsules' that are as big as other people's regular wardrobes, and I'm not sure there's a point to it.
Vicki replied 10 years ago

I love your insights and honesty with yourself and I'm joining you and Rae on Team Bored.

Angie's comments were fantastic and spot-on. You have a deep understanding of your wardrobe and where to take it, Suz.

This experiment WAS successful, because you know yourself even better. You love to,have fun with fashion and you (we and those of us on Team Wear) love the thrill of the new.

Thank you for sharing your report. It's a win-win for all of us.

P. S. We're also striped tube skirt twins, which makes me happy.

Pix-Elated

Cap-sized! Lessons from my casual fall capsule. Pic heavy.

38 Comments

You need to be logged in to comment

Categories

Blogroll

Archives

About