Is A Capsule Wardrobe For You
In the 1970’s, a London boutique owner named Susie Faux, coined the term Capsule Wardrobe. She thought that a few essential pieces (skirts, pants, and coats) that would not go out of style, could be supplemented with seasonal pieces. It is a wonderful idea!!! But, is a capsule wardrobe for YOU?
Some of the essential items of a capsule wardrobe are:
A little black dress. Every woman should own one. Buy one that can be worn for work or evening.
A day-dress. Something very casual. Perfect for a lunch date or attending church.
Three plain t-shirts. Buy t-shirts made of quality material, and buy all three in different colors of different shades.
A dress top.
A fitted white shirt. An item that works equally for work, or a casual weekend.
A neutral cardigan. Navy, off-white, or camel, colors that can work with almost anything.
A classic black blazer.
A trench coat/rain coat. This is a classic piece, one that will never go out of style. It can be worn in almost any season.
A skirt.
A pair of sweat pants/yoga pants. The perfect thing to wear when you’re exercising or lounging.
A pair of jeans. If you are going to have only a pair or two of jeans, pick a dark pair free of embellishments or rips. (trendy)
A pair of dress pants. Choose a pair that can be worn for work or for an evening.
A pair of dress shoes.
A pair of flats.
A pair of tennis shoes
If you decide to try a capsule wardrobe, I would like to hear about your experience. There is no way that I would even attempt to try. It never fails that every time I give away clothing, I end up wanting to wear that one item. Plus, I have already bought every thing in my closet, and it seems wasteful to get rid of clothing, even if I give it to a good cause. I would probably just end up going out and eventually buying more. So in an attempt to keep my closet organized, I have everything color-coordinated. Could it be pared down? In the word of Sarah Palin, “You betcha”. 
It is frigid cold outside! I was spoiled by our warm winter, and am really feeling the chill. It was 11 degrees outside this morning, and they are calling for 3 to 8 inches of snow over the next few days. I felt like layering to stay warm. I have on a silky turtleneck and an off-white sweater, both from Old Navy. I know the sweater was purchased last year and I think I bought the turtleneck this year, but I can’t be sure. Here is a similar sweater, and here is a similar turtleneck. The scarf is one that I bought from Target, and as I have said before, I love buying scarves there. They have a fantastic selection. I decided to wear the scarf, instead of a necklace, for added warmth around my neck.
The dark gray leggings are another Old Navy purchase, but my mind is blank as to when I bought them. When it is really cold I like to wear thick, or flannel lined, leggings since they are right up against the skin. I don’t want any cold air going up my legs. I am taking every opportunity to wear my Hunter boots, so you may see them often,
I hope you noticed my gorgeous plaid bat-wing cape. It is reversible from the large check, to the small check. Can you believe this was my grandmothers, the one that is 102? I told you she was a fashionista! When I was in Tennessee, my mother asked me if this was something I might like, since it was my grandmothers. I of course grabbed it quickly before she changed her mind. This is so on fleek.
I just wanted to show you our skiff of snow we had this morning. Does any one else say skiff?
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Love the outfit – and you look great in it! I would love to have the cape. It’s gorgeous! Lots of snow in Wise – stay safe!
I meant I would mix the cheetah with stripes and not plaid. Must be the cold here today affecting my brain. But we are NOT getting any snow. You are the lucky ones who will get dumped on. Well, you can wear all your boots!
I wore the animal print scarf because I was not going to be wearing the cape all day. Since it is in the same color hues it still “works”. It would be a little busy for me if I was going to be wearing the entire outfit all day. If that was the case, I would have probably have chosen a couple of necklaces. I like a fashion risk, but even that would be a little much for me. Lol!
Red looks great on you! I have tried for several years to pare down and do the capsule wardrobe thing, but have finally come to the conclusion that I like variety too much. I have also given away stuff(because I was determined to go minimal), only to wish a couple months later that I still had some of that stuff. My husband just laughs at me. I think he knows me too well!
Stay warm!
I love the cape but I wouldn’t mix it with plaid—stripes yes, not the plaid. I bought a cape when I was pregnant with my first son and he is now 46! I gave it to my mom and I think she still has it. Capsule dressing is great especially for travel. Here’s a good formula: 2 blazers OR cardigans; 4 bottoms (slacks or skirts); 6 tops. Each blazer (or cardigan) must work with all the tops and bottoms, the tops must work with all the bottoms. You choose a neutral for your base color (black, navy, taupe etc.) because people remember color NOT neutrals. And then just choose a variety in style and change it up with accessories. You can make 20-30 outfits from 12 pieces. This is a fun way to challenge your creativity and stay on your “financial diet.”
Last time I visited Granny she told me I could have all her capes. True story ???? Sister
Nice try, Sis. That’s what you said about the watches that Granny Lewis left me too.
I’m obsessed with the cape! Gorgeous!
I think a capsule wardrobe is a great idea, and a place to start. However, that is NOT me. I have all of those basic pieces, plus….oh, goodness, I can’t tell you! People would judge me! I grew up in a small town, much like you describe yours. It was an hour’s drive into Houston. Mother and Mimi would send me to school, then pick me up around 9:30. Probably about once every 5 or 6 weeks. LOL I learned a lot from those trips, and not just about fashion. I treasure those memories. Mimi would be 103. Mother is 83 and still dresses better than most women 1/2 her age.
Stay warm and safe. That dusting of snow would put Houston in a gridlock! LOL
Great post, too, but the cape is ah-mazing! Do you think it is made in USA?
I’m not sure , Ana. Because it is reversible, there are no labels. Since it is vintage, there is a high probability that it is made in the USA.
Great cape, I want one but I guess not unless I go back in time! Like you I can’t do a capsule wardrobe. I am very limited in clothing space so I do go through my wardrobe twice a year. I only get rid of stuff because it just looks too worn out or I really don’t like it. If it is questionable I keep it for now.
The cape is fabulous! Even better since it was your grandma’s. We say “skiff”…we got about 3” of snow last night…ugh… Being busty and short-waisted, a tailored white blouse is just a myth…ha!
I know what you mean about keeping clothing. I gave away a pretty red cape years ago and now I regret it. Oh well…live and learn.