On Capsule Wardrobes

pattern mixing

The rain stopped. For a moment, at least. Hurrah! The rain stopped!!! 

Shh, let’s keep quiet about it, let’s not jinx it…

OK, what I really wanted to talk about was capsule wardrobes. That’s why I’m wearing the same top I was wearing in the last two posts, and the same scarf and shoes I was wearing with the down jacket. And of course the same sunglasses I’ve been wearing in just about every other post this year…

So, about capsule wardrobes…

I’m a huge fan of capsule wardrobes Yet, I’ve never actually created one, and I have neither the patience nor the interest for KonMari anything. In fact, my wardrobe is a huge mess. Always has been, and I don’t think any amount of decluttering will change that (Hmm, maybe I need bigger closets…). Sure, I declutter once or twice a year, when I have time and feel inspired (this year I just haven’t got to it yet, I wonder why…). But I’m digressing here. I definitely did not want to talk about my mess of a wardrobe but about capsule wardrobes.

That is, a lazy girl’s capsule wardrobe. Let me explain. I’m often in a hurry in the morning (I’m so not a morning person…), and I don’t have time to look for something to wear in my (very messy and disorganised) wardrobe. And the thought of choosing an outfit the night before is too much work; it’s just not going to happen.

The solution: (almost) everything I have can be mixed and matched. And, like most women, I probably only wear about 20 percent of my wardrobe. But I’m OK with that. I keep wearing my favourite clothes over and over again, for a few weeks or months at a time.

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pattern mixing

The Seasonally-appropriate capsule wardrobe

Most of my clothes are seasonal. I won’t be wearing my ‘autumn clothes’ in winter, or my winter coats and cashmere jumpers in spring or summer.

In other words, my (very messy and disorganised) wardrobe contains several seasonally-appropriate ‘capsule wardrobes’: I have a limited number of clothes I can wear for a limited amount of time. And when the weather gets colder or warmer, I will need to move on to the next ‘capsule collection’ of seasonally-appropriate favourites.

fall smart casual

And this is what you’re seeing here: an autumn outfit with a long-sleeved top and cords (warmer than jeans), a scarf and a smart coat.

I think I need at least 2 coats per season: one smart and one casual.

It doesn’t really matter what’s under the coat; the coat sets the mood and defines your style. And a smart coat makes an otherwise casual outfit more elegant. Just compare these two outfits:

casual fall outfit

smart casual fall outfit

Outfit details:

coat: Hobbs (old) / top: Gant / trousers: Marks and Spencer (old) / scarf: Marja Kurki (old) /

shoes: Ara / bag: Longchamp (old) / sunglasses: Marc Jacobs (old)

How do you feel about capsule wardrobes?

Tiina

PS: have you seen the new Dilettante Artist post?

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en Rose,  Living on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink FridayFake FabulousLazy daisy JonesVanity and MeSheela WritesJodie’s Touch of StyleGlass of Glam

8 Comments

  1. debwlv
    17 October 2017 / 12:00 am

    I never thought about capsule wardrobes and seasons before —- you make perfect sense! I live n southern California where a capsule wardrobe would make more sense, as I believe it also means limiting the number of pieces owned in general—much easier to do in a somewhat season less climate! And, I agree with you about the coat choice —- it makes a huge impact on the overall look of the outfit.

    • Tiina L
      19 October 2017 / 8:09 am

      Having 4 seasons does complicate things a bit, it's like having 4 wardrobes. And with limited closet space (and limited funds), I need to consider carefully what to add to my already bursting wardrobe. Or maybe I should pack away the summer clothes and make some space in the closets…

  2. Nancy's Fashion Style
    17 October 2017 / 6:35 am

    I don t understand capsule wardrobe! I just buy whatI like. And often I don t have anything that matches my new purchase…..

    • Tiina L
      22 October 2017 / 6:00 pm

      I also often buy whatever I like. But it usually goes with what I already have in my wardrobe. I guess I keep buying the same stuff over and over again…

  3. señora Allnut
    20 October 2017 / 8:08 am

    I agree totally, the coat defines the mood!, a casual coat makes you look casual even when you're wearing a dress or suit. I like to play this game too!Your striped top and beautiful scarf make a perfect combo, and they look fab with both coats, that's really a versatile outfit!Neither am I a mornings person and I dislike picking an outfit the night before, so every morning I run from a wardrobe to other, opening and closing drawers. I'm not very sensible.besos

    • Tiina L
      22 October 2017 / 6:03 pm

      I like mixing casual and smart elements in my outfits. And I think I feel most at ease when I add something casual to a more formal outfit, or something more elegant to an otherwise very casual outfit.Mornings are the worst… If I could have my way I would never work before late afternoon…

  4. Radostin
    28 October 2017 / 6:52 pm

    I love the contrasting photos of that outfit with the two coats; both great and so different! I love that scarf of yours so much.

    • Tiina L
      29 October 2017 / 7:26 pm

      Thanks! I got the scarf at an outlet sale a couple of years ago, and I've been wearing it a lot recently as it goes with most of my clothes.

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