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Lovelies! Usually, I am excited to get starte547o/9/m/d on my next capsule wardrobe, it means shopping and all things girly that go along with creating a wardrobe. This fall I started out excited to open, put together, and then close my wardrobe but I quickly ended up frustrated and hating my closet.
What?!? That is NOT what a capsule wardrobe (for me, anyways) was intended to do. It is intended to free up my brain, free up my time, free up my pocketbook, and make me excited to know that I look gooood without much thought and energy. Because this is crazy…
In 1930, the average American woman owned nine outfits. Today, that figure is 30 outfits — one for every day of the month.
Each year chicks spend more than 100 hours on 30 trips to shop for clothes, 15 shoe-shopping excursions taking 40 hours, and a full 50 hours per year window shopping.
I want all that time spent on drinking coffee and reading books not thinking about closets, thank you!
A capsule wardrobe absolutely HAS BEEN a game changer for my day to day life. It has given me more confidence, time, energy, and joy. I am a big advocate of the concept. But, this season’s creation of a capsule wardrobe has me rethinking the capsule wardrobe altogether. Kind of. Mostly.
The lessons I learned this fall has me rethinking my use of the concept. But, more of that later. Right now let’s talk about what went wrong for this season’s capsule wardrobe…
Mistake #1: Buying items online.
Because a capsule wardrobe is made up of only a few very good pieces of clothing, I really should intend to try on and feel every. single. piece. in my closet. Each piece has to fit and feel amazing to be worth the space in my closet.
I am passionate about not purchasing clothing from brands and stores that aren’t free trade/ethically sourced. Because that is quite difficult to do in brick and mortar stores to do I ended up ordering several pieces online. They didn’t cost me a whole lot because I did get several on sale however, it was enough for me to be dedicated to making the pieces be AWESOME for me regardless of what it took.
Problem: it took me several weeks to realize how much I DIDN’T like them. Really, really didn’t like the cuts and the style. But because I had paid good money for them, and couldn’t return them, I was bound and determined to pretend and force them to work. And I knew that if I repurchased pieces they may not have the same free trade status.
Note: I did buy a few pieces from traditional brands. But, I was lucky to find quite a few pieces at our local vintage store. Score!
Mistake #2: Not listening to myself.
The clothing I got online was from a very reputable and high quality company making me feel like the problem was with ME and not with the clothing. I convinced myself that the clothes really did look good and I just couldn’t quite see it. That thinking is probably partly true. But my capsule wardrobe journey isn’t for anyone else but me. If I don’t love the clothes… it just doesn’t matter. I simply didn’t listen to myself from the very first time I tried those pieces on and knew they weren’t something I loved.
Mistake #3: Getting it right.
When I first realized those clothes were all wrong I should have put them in a bag and gifted them to someone else.. and tried again. Instead, I tried for several weeks to wear them every which way and get the look right. I put tops with pants I don’t like so that it might “work”. I even bought an accessory just to get a look I might like. Mistake, mistake, mistake! But at 37 years old I didn’t want to admit that I STILL don’t always understand my own style. Geesh. That sounds so looserish. Yet, if I had admitted it and simply tried again I wouldn’t have several weeks under my belt of being frustrated every morning getting dressed, feeling a bit off in my own skin, and wondering why on earth I did capsule wardrobes in the first place!
Mistake #4: Following the rules.
I believe in lists, organization, and plans for your wardrobe when working with capsule wardrobes. Frankly, for any kind of wardrobe. I think they save you money, time, and energy. I don’t want to purchase shirts that only work with one pair of pants. Or a pair of shoes I can never wear simply because I loved them in the store. Having a wardrobe plan, color, and style is always a good idea.
But I followed the plan far, far too carefully and didn’t allow myself to get a blouse just slightly off the plan because I loved it. You know maybe, I could get a white shirt instead of a white button down? Just maybe that would work?
Of course it would. But I was so set on conquering the list and getting the white button down checked off that I settled for something that I secretly hated. Sure, I felt like a champ for finding a white button down from a great brand. I CONQUERED that list!
The list is a guideline. Go off course a bit if you want. Your wardrobe and clothes are there to serve YOU, not the other way around. I let that list run my closet. Darn it.
Mistake #5: Only including one season.
Here’s that rule thing again. I have committed to 38 pieces of clothing in my capsule. This fall I had allowed myself to go up to 40 to allow for the need to have clothing from temperatures of 40 degrees all the way to 75 degrees. Yes, this is a typical MN fall. And, it’s not like it’s cool in the morning and warms up in the afternoon kind of weather where layering is effective. It’s 50 degrees for a couple days and then 75 degrees for a couple days and then oh gosh… 40 degrees the next. We are talking full outfits for both seasons need to be in the closet. I totally underestimated what that would do to my closet. It was stressing me out. I really, really needed a few more items in order to easily use my wardrobe. But those items didn’t fit, gosh darn it.
Mistake #6: Having fun.
I’m a girl. I should love to shop, right? Well, to be truthful, I’ve never been one whom loves shopping. This is partly why the capsule wardrobe appeals to me… it limits my shopping. However, I do love to shop SOME. But this fall, I was hating it. Nothing was fitting the rules. And every store, every brand… stunk at life.
Of course it was me, all me, that was the problem. Once again I was obsessed with the rules and order that I forgot the rules were intended for me to better enjoy my wardrobe and the process of putting it together.
Gah! Will someone slap me next time, please!
When I finally figured out they I was way too absorbed with the rules and threw them out the window for a day… I found my groove. I kept my goals in mind when I shopped but allowed myself to try on a top that I simply thought was pretty. And you know, I still didn’t buy anything that didn’t fit within what I actually needed, I found I really didn’t like them. But funny enough, I found that I truly DO know my style. I know what I will or will not wear. I simply need to allow myself to enjoy looking at things I find pretty knowing full well I’ll probably not bring it home. It’s okay to look, try on, and enjoy something totally outside what you know is probably best for your wardrobe. And hey, if you bring it home and make it one of your items…own it and have fun with it!
Mistake #7: The “maybe” pile.
When I would go shopping to fill my list I would have three piles in the dressing room…
Pile 1: Hate it.
Pile 2: Maybe. Fits the rules, would work well with outfits.
Pile 3: Love. Yes Yes Yes!
Pile 2 shouldn’t exist. Ever. There are so many clothes in the world that if I don’t love it… it goes. Yes, I will find something else I love. It’s simply a mathematical probability. And no, it doesn’t matter how deep it is on sale, or what brand, or how perfect it fits into the rules… it goes if I don’t love it. And that, my lovelies, is a very freeing moment. That moment when you allow yourself to “love” what you put in your closet. Not that it looks good, or your friends like it, or it fits with what is currently trendy. That YOU love it. No maybe’s, only love.
And so, I’m keeping the idea of the capsule wardrobe. The lessons of simplicity, purpose, and waste that I have learned. But I’m challenging myself to make my own rules. To be thoughtful and purposeful of every. single. thing. that comes into my closet. And frankly, my home… but that’s another story that I’m excited to bring you.
Yet, I am scrapping the capsule wardrobe in my own life. The “mistakes” I made are simply lessons for the future of my closet. Going forward I will have a Purposeful Wardrobe.
(yes, I totally just made that name up. “Purposeful Wardrobe”. It’s good, isn’t it!)
More posts in the capsule wardrobe series are:
CAPSULE WARDROBES: the ultimate guide
CAPSULE WARDROBE: beginners guide
CAPSULE WARDROBE: is it for you?
CAPSULE WARDROBE: accessories
6 Steps for successfully using thrift stores8
Eliani Berman says
Why capsule wardrobe is not for me.
#1 I’m a wild child. Give me a rule and I will break it. Capsule rules are You will ONLY buy and wear items that are interchangeable. Oh yeah….watch me. Reminds me of Catholic school.
#2 I sew as a hobby. Fabrics inspire me to create. I cant imagine passing up a purple italian print because this season capsule is based on blue.
#3 I can not pass up a good sale on a quality item that I love simple because it wont fit in the capsule. I would then have to create another capsule to fit in that item which defeats the purpose.
#4 No matter how creative, if every item goes with another item it kinds-sorta looks contrived and I would get bored of it.
#6 Its too easy to over match with capsule wardrobe. Matchy matchy is about the ugliest look ever. Makes me think of square dancers.
Since I am a rule breaker I will break my own no capsule wardrobe rule. I do use it when traveling. I travel only with a carry on so mix and match is important.
Nellie says
Oh gosh…I love this!! Do you mind if I share this with my readers on Facebook? You crack me up and I completely agree with #1 :).
Elsie says
So glad that I read this article. I am on the brink of capsuling, I keep pinning different capsule ideas, and how-to articles. However, I really am a colorful and easily bored kinda gal. I wear business casual to work, but am also busy outside of work, living and playing with my family. the 15 piece capsule was never gonna cut it.
I’m afraid that I would also get caught up in the how its suppose to work, and fulfilling the list, and not love it.
I will take the concept, making the most of fewer things (core). Mix & match with what I have, and snazz up by each season adding a couple trendy and colorful items, that makes me feel good…
Basically, buy ‘good’ mix & match core classics, and have fun with a few extras.
Phew, I feel like I dodged a bullet laced with frustration for me. Thanks. :)
Nellie says
Oh I’m so glad!! I think the concept of the capsule wardrobe…having less…is what it’s all about. Making your wardrobe perform better with less things, doing less shopping, being more purposeful, and all that are what the focus should be. I’m glad you feel a bit more free to be true to yourself and still stay within the idea of less is more :). You rock, and thanks for leaving me such a great comment!
Anna says
Great article. I was trying to accomplish a capsule wardrobe as well, but ended up with so many pieces I hated because “it was the most versatile shirt etc”. I like the idea of a core wardrobe much better (probably because it’s a step before a capsule and is a little easier). Do you have links for all the shirts you shared? I love what you picked out and am looking for great fitting long sleeve button downs.
I’ve also had a hard time finding basic tees that aren’t see ghrough..I live in a state where layering in the summer just can’t be done. It’s a problem when you can see a nude bra through a t-shirt.
Nellie says
Anna,
What a great question! I am right now putting together a post that talks about my favorite brands and stores. The long sleeve button downs are soo hard, agreed! I picked up a top from Madewell and a tunic from Anthropologie. Another one I like is J.Crew for classics. Hope that might help. T-shirts…oh heck, yes! Are they all see through now? Crazy!
Karen Herløv Horte says
I think you might have completely missed the intention about what a capsule wardrobe is.
I have one completely by accident but it came about by becoming pickier and pickier about what I was buying because I don’t have a lot of money and spending it on the wrong things means having to wear something that makes you uncomfortable which is obviously not fun. Also I gained weight and sized out of regular sizes which has put me in the corner of fashion shame: PLUS sizes. I live in Europe and for the most part don’t have access to some of the improving online outlets you have in the States so when I came across ASOS and their curve line I was elated HOWEVER not all plus size styles are flattering actually most are not because the designers are not plus size and don’t know some of the differences in comfort level you need in the choice of fabrics and construction of a garment to not spend a lot of mental energy during the day worrying and adjusting your clothes but that’s how I became an expert in online shopping for me.
Remember a capsule wardrobe doesn’t necessarily contain a blazer or even a skirt – what it boils down to is clothes that match interchangeably so you need less items, freeing up your morning because you just grab and go.
Capsule wardrobes are not for fashionistas. They are for people who like the idea of wearing a uniform – be that a boho-chic, minimalist or whichever style takes your fancy. Find out which colours and cuts suit you and the wardrobe will slowly make itself.
My size demands a few extra parameters when I look for something new. It means that the clothes have to be made of a material that breathes, the construction of the garment have to be right – a hard box for many designers to tick. I have had to forgo many beautiful maxi strap dresses because when the get sized up somehow those triangles covering my boobs don’t seem to get bigger.
If I could I would wear nothing but pyjamas but since the world frowns upon that I try and find clothes that mimic pyjamas in comfort level as much as possible. This means that most of my clothes are made from jersey because it’s soft and stretches when I bend over or have eaten too much.
As you can see my approach to shopping for clothes goes way beyond a “uhh that looks cute!” but in the past couple of years my shopping is down to 2-3 times a year mainly buying refills so I can spend my time doing the things that interest me instead of spending it in the emotional rollercoaster a stores changing room put me through.
Laurie says
Reading this post brought me to an understanding of the possible difference between capsule wardrobe and core wardrobe cluster. For me, the capsules do seem rather isolated and limited to a particular season. The core wardrobe seems more like a core group of pieces that all do mix and match, but intended to ‘grow’, anytime that one piece lends itself to a different core group than the one in which it first started. I get the impression that the current capsule wardrobe trend is leading people on the path that you find, sticking to ‘rules’ too tightly for your own comfort level. Makes me think that it is time for a review for me of the videos by Judith Rasband, from back in the 80s. The clothes will appear quite dated, but the principles won’t have changed, and I’ll be much happier applying her principles to my likes, rather than following the rules of current core wardrobe guides.
Nellie says
I had to go look up what the core wardrobe was :). I think the idea of a core wardrobe is better suited to a simple life. Where you keep a basic foundation and just adjust for seasons not necessarily add or shop for new. Now I’m off to see who this Judith Rasband is :).
Laurie says
Hi! The core wardrobe and the capsule wardrobe are extremely similar, and probably grew out of the same issue of having a closet full of orphans. My sense of the capsule concept, as currently being promoted, is that it suggests too much turnover of the wardrobe, and maybe (at least for me) too much shopping. Judith’s approach did not eliminate shopping, but gave good guidelines for making sure that whatever was purchased would work into the existing collection.
As for Judith herself, she is involved in image management, but also used to speak to groups of women, such as members of the American Sewing Guild, about wardrobe planning and the core concept. She was funny and entertaining, and really clear in how the core concept could work. I don’t know that she does the presentations that she used to do anymore. I still pull out her old videos and watch them when I need reminders. Just have to substitute current styles for the now-nearly-vintage styles shown.
And likely there are some who would argue that the two concepts are identical…I know that I’ve spent some time comparing the two, trying to decide how they differ, as I first learned from Judith and as presented in books and on web sites today.
Nellie says
You know, I think they are very similar and depend on the person’s approach. Me, personally, don’t have alot of turnover in my capsule wardobe’s. I buy items only as needed and in a careful way. Each new season doesn’t mean a shopping trip. However, some may enjoy a capsule wardrobe because it feels like a great way to continue shopping but in a more purposeful way. I’m just thankful that both approaches… the core and the capsule …celebrate allowing women to learn what they love and works best for them. THAT is something to cheer about :)