Attemping a Fall Wardrobe Capsule

Now that I have finally accepted the fact that summer is coming to an end, I decided that one way to get in the fall mode was to work on getting my fall clothes organized.  This summer when I was at the beach I approached packing for the month long trip similar to a “capsule wardrobe” and had much success. So for the first time ever, I decided to try the same approach for fall this year. I am just SO TIRED of going to my closet full of clothes and feeling like I have nothing to wear! Can anyone relate?

Let me start with this. I have NEVER approached my closet this way before.  Usually I just buy what I like and have no plan. (I think you can guess where this approach has gotten me) But after packing with a “capsule mindset” for the month long trip this summer and having more outfits than I could ever need, it got me thinking. What if I tried it at home? Wouldn’t this simplify my life? I’ve seen it a million times on Pinterest, but why has this never really occurred to me to try before?

I think the thought of a wardrobe capsule always felt so minimal and limiting. I just didn’t think I could commit to such a limited wardrobe long-term. But the thing is… it’s not forever!

What if I could select 20-30 things for the next 2-3 months that I knew I fit in, felt comfortable in, and that coordinated? It would be a HUGE help in my daily life.  Now, remember I am not saying I purged my closet and now only have 30 items. #nothappening I simply picked a collection of go-to clothes for a season.

Similar to the summer suitcase wardrobe, the first thing I decided on was a color pallet. At first I was convinced it would consist of olive and blush since I have been drawn to those colors lately. (I still may work on a small capsule using these colors) But once I started working with what I had in my closet, I quickly realized that navy, camel and red were working for me. (along with neutrals black, white and gray)

I’ve moved everything not included in this “capsule” to a different part of my closet. I will say that this approach is really easy for me because there are many (many, many, many) days that I rock athleisure wear now that I am a stay-home mama. (guilty) But the truth is, I actually struggle more now with figuring out what to wear than I ever did when I worked. Now that I have these pieces front and center,  it won’t take me forever to get out the door. (and maybe I won’t just grab the work out clothes for lack of knowing what else to wear.)

The thing I liked the most about this entire process was shopping my closet to use things I already had. Um, I had 4 navy cardigans. FOUR. So, I picked my favorite, got rid of the others and now I know exactly which one I will wear. It was nice to realize I had most items I needed but once I pulled this all together, I did identify a few pieces I would like to add. This is the beauty – you can easily see the gaps in the capsule and then strategically fill the gaps.

Another biggie is that I am trying everything on as I build the capsule. EVERY LAST PIECE. If it doesn’t fit right, it won’t make the capsule. Ain’t no one got time for jeans that are too big and button downs that are too small. Remember, the idea is that these clothes are your go-to pieces that should work all the time.

I am still tweaking this set up. Right now there are 26 items so I will likely end up with around 35. However seeing that it is still blazing hot around here, I have a few weeks to pull it together. (and my white jeans will probably make the cut because I just can’t-stop-won’t-stop) What’s amazing is that I really don’t need any new clothes. (well, ok maybe just a few?!?!)

What I included in my Fall Capsule Wardrobe:

• 3 pairs of Jeans (Skinny Jeans, Boyfriend Jeans, Red Jeans)
• 1 Printed Dress
• 1 Neutral Cream Dress
• 1 Chambray Tunic
• 1 Navy Sweatshirt Dress
• 3 short sleeve shirts
• 2 long sleeve tees
• 1 chambray button down
• 1 navy gingham button down
• 1 utility jacket
• 1 Blazer
• 1 Navy Puffy Vest
• 2  Vests for layering (gray and black/white striped)
• 2 Open cardigan sweater
• 3 crew neck sweaters
• Navy leggings

The nice thing is that your closet is your oyster when it comes to changing things up with shoes, jewelry and accessories.

I will say that this takes some time up front and mine is still a work in progress. Here is to hoping the prep time will more than make up for it when it’s time to run out the door this fall. Since this is the first time I have really tried this approach, I would love to hear if you have any tips!

xoxo-

Heather