About Capsule Wardrobes

pattern mixing over 50

Mix and Match

Yes, this is another one of those ‘instant outfits’ that take 5-10 minutes to put together… It helps to have a wardrobe full of separates in navy and / or navy and white stripes, of course. Because then you can literally just grab whatever random clothes you see in the wardrobe, put them on, and go. 

In a way, I have a capsule wardrobe. Most of my clothes can be mixed and matched endlessly, but I don’t limit the number of clothes I own. I don’t think it’s particularly useful to have a set number of clothes. I know I don’t want to have a lot of clothes; I just don’t like limits or rules. And, contrary to popular belief, not everything in my wardrobe is navy-and-white, or even striped. I know, it’s hard to believe, given the evidence you see on these blog posts…

how to wear a graphic t-shirt over 50pattern mixing

Anyway, I could easily pack a suitcase for a week or two with clothes that all go together yet give me enough variety for several outfits. And yes, that would probably be mostly clothes in navy and white, with some brighter colour (= red or burgundy) thrown into the mix.

But I definitely don’t want a wardrobe full of nothing but clothes that fit this navy-and-white capsule. That would be boring. Instead, I like to think that my wardrobe consists of several capsules: one mostly in navy and white; another one in more earthy colours, such as brown and green, for example.

And then I need some items that can bridge the various capsules / colour combinations: red, burgundy, pink, purple… These items can be mixed and matched with just about anything. Does that make sense?

50+ blogger

Outfit details:
t-shirt (old), skirt, cardigan: Esprit / bag: Marimekko (old) /
shoes: Clarks (old) / sunglasses: Prada (old)

Tiina

Are you a fan of capsule wardrobes?

Linking up with:

Elegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleA Labour of LifeCurly Crafty Mom, Doused in Pink,  Not Dressed As LambLiving on Cloud NineElegance and Mommyhood, Nancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the EdgeA Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashAway from the BlueMummabstylish Mutton Years Style and I, Confessions of a Montreal Styling DivaIndependent Fashion Bloggers

6 Comments

  1. 27 August 2020 / 11:44 am

    Firstly, I love your outfit, the stripes and the red touches are so fab!, and also love your cute bag!. Comfy and elegant!
    I have never considered that my suitcase is also a ‘capsule wardrobe’, as everything can be matched endelessly. This makes me think that even a maximalists can create a capsule and be minimalistic for a while. ;D
    And I like your approach to the theme. Totally understand that you can have two different ‘families’ of clothes in your wardrobe, one being navy and white and the other earthy colors. And then you have those intermediate pieces which can match both families.
    I think that being conscious of this makes a difference. I have my own ‘families’ and ‘intermediate pieces’ and always try not to buy things which don’t fall in these cathegories!.
    Besos

    • Tiina
      Author
      28 August 2020 / 11:07 am

      Thank you! The bag has become a quick favourite for these walks, so easy to carry and fits everything I need. This also seems to be my favourite Marimekko pattern as I also have a pair of shoes and and two dresses with the Unikko print.
      I think these days we’re all more conscious of what we buy and how we wear our clothes, and try to create these ‘capsules’ to make the most of what we have and avoid wasting money and resources. For me, having limited space has always been the main reason for curating my wardrobe. But I’ve also realised that I’m a minimalist at heart, and for me, having less stuff means a calmer, more relaxing environment. However, it is challenging at times because in Finland you need a completely different wardrobe for each season! Never mind how much I declutter, my closets are bursting with coats…

  2. Lise
    27 August 2020 / 4:13 pm

    Yes this totally makes sense! I inadvertently gathered an olive capsule and a rust capsule, which are now more intentional. I bridge them with blush, reds, oranges, black. And even the olive and rust pieces combine well together too. I am thoroughly enjoying this approach, so easy to make outfits as you say. Navy and white stripes also work with these colours. I love stripes too.

    • Tiina
      Author
      28 August 2020 / 11:11 am

      Well, you seem to be drawn to these colours, so the capsule sort of developed naturally. And now it’s easy to add to it, and create a well-curated wardrobe more intentionally. It makes getting dressed so much easier, doesn’t it?

  3. mireilleftm
    27 August 2020 / 4:13 pm

    I like packing somewhat of a capsule wardrobe when we go on trips especially abroad: choosing less things that can all work together and fit in small suitcases helps to travel lightly.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    • Tiina
      Author
      28 August 2020 / 11:16 am

      Oh yes, absolutely! I always take a suitcase (unless it’s just a weekend trip) when I travel because I don’t want to be one of those people who how all the overhead locker space with their carry-ons (or should we call them ‘stuffed-to-the-brim-wheelies’). And I want to have some space in the suitcase for shopping and souvenirs…

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