building a capsule wardrobe

Working on my Capsule Wardobe

Posted on by Susan Earlam

Hey lovelies!

A little break from interiors today and I’m sharing some progress on my capsule wardrobe adventures.

Since doing a Winter 10 items/10 days capsule wardrobe challenge, I’ve been working my way (slowly) through a brilliant book called The Curated Closet (more here on that).

This book is in depth, but not complicated. To get the most out of it I think you need to put time and work into it. Yes work! There are loads of exercises to do. It is possible to dip in and out, just taking snippets of information, but if you want to really achieve something different with your wardrobe, well you need to put the work in.

So I’m taking it very slowly, because you know, LIFE.

street art manchester capsule wardrobe

Despite the fact I’m being a slow coach with it, I am finding myself being much more considered when buying new stuff. Taking a while to make the purchasing decision. Making sure it’s not just an impulse buy. Really thinking about how many ways I’d wear it, if its multi-seasonal, is it easy to care for.

All these thoughts are now going through my head when looking at clothes to buy, and even when shopping my own wardrobe.

I’ve been taking baby steps with it, but I’m regularly editing my own wardrobe now too. Thinking about colours, patterns, and the number of times I’ve worn it. Does it even fit me properly? Has it worn out? Has it shrunk? I may be keeping it purely for sentimental reasons (there’s a great section in the book about this; spoiler, it’s not necessarily a bad thing).

building a capsule wardrobe

The book asks you to start collecting pictures of clothing/looks/styles you love and of course I found it easy to do on Pinterest. You can see my full board here if you fancy. I’ve decanted the essence of it into this collage below, to also include colours that repeatedly crop up in the stuff I like.

By doing this it enables you to shop with the knowledge that things will work together. Adding the same principles to what you already own, it becomes more obvious when things don’t play well. It helps you edit your wardrobe down so it is less overwhelming, and you can create outfits to wear every morning.

You are encouraged to play with silhouettes too. I’ve found is that I need to have my waist defined, usually by tucking in whatever I’m wearing on my top half. I also like stripes- quelle suprise! Shirts and Dr Martens are another thing that keep cropping up… Its exciting redefining my style again and I really recommend this book.

Do let me know what you think, I’d love to know if you’ve created a capsule wardrobe, or intend too.

The image below is curated from my Pinterest but I’ve searched high and low for the original sources (also below). I think I got most of them, but if you know different just give me a shout.

creating a capsule wardobe

Image credits from left to right

 

Published by Susan Earlam

Writer of fiction, lifestyle and home interiors

18 thoughts on “Working on my Capsule Wardobe”

  1. I absolutely love the concept of working hard to create a capsule wardrobe that works. I’ve always been averse to having a smaller wardrobe, but have recently found myself wanting to refresh my style. I’m going to invest in this book! Enjoying your journey with this!

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  2. Fab post Sus! I def need to think about being far more edited in my wardrobe – I’ve streamlined it a lot in the past few years but still have things I don’t really wear and find myself wearing the same things day in, day out. I’d love to change things up a little, while still being true to the essence of my style. Sounds like this book would be a great read for me x

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  3. I love the idea of this! I know how I want to dress, but I don’t think my wardrobe fits that style yet so I’ll have to check out that book. I’m very good about decluttering my closet but I do sometimes regret being ruthless and think I maybe should have hung onto some things. I think your personal style evolves over time – I love yours by the way! X

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    1. Yes to everything you just said Antonia. wardrobes need to evolve as our needs and lifestyles change. Let me know if you get the book!

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  5. I massively edited my wardrobe a few months back. I hated nearly everything I owned. Since the babies, half if it no longer fitted, was maternity wear, was stuff I’d been given or looked awful. I found myself always gravitating to the same few items that I felt happy and comfy in. So I saved them and got rid of everything else. I’ve really enjoyed adding more pieces that work with those few items. Best thing I ever did. I love the items you’ve chosen. Very chic!

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  6. What a great idea and it sounds like something I should have a go at. I’m very guilty of keeping things for sentimental reasons, clothes included…as my wardrobe could tell you.

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  7. I totally identify with this. I went through a phase where I felt so overwhelmed with my styling. I was looking at my wardrobe and the colours, prints etc was just like ‘how do I put this together without looking totally crazy?!’. I find picking tones out helps. Eg, a plain block orange top with stripey trousers that contain orange.

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    1. Yes!! All the yes’s!! I love pattern and colour too so trying to be a bit more thoughtful and controlled about choosing those kinds of things

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  8. Great post Sus, I’ve been doing the same for a few years now, editing, being conscious of what I buy, where it’s made etc. I don’t own a lot of clothes any more and I like the fact that I have less choice – makes it a darn sight easier to get dressed in the mornings!

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