Here it is, finally: my fall 2015 capsule wardrobe! This is the first fall capsule I’ve put together, and I’m so excited about every piece that is in it.
Fall is a tricky season to dress for, especially here in Southern California. This week we’ll be experiencing 90-degree weather, while 3 months from now we will be “shivering” at temperatures closer to 50 or 60 degrees. How does anyone dress for such a wide range?
I’ve taken a few steps this time to make sure that no matter what the weather’s doing this fall, I’ll have an outfit that works well. As I’ve mentioned before, capsule wardrobes are for the sole purpose of simplifying our closets and our getting-ready routines. They are intended to make our lives easier, not harder.
To catch up on the capsule wardrobe project, check out some of these:
Introducing the capsule wardrobe: its purposes and inspiration.
5 goals for your capsule wardrobe: what to expect.
Capsule wardrobe FAQs: most frequent questions, answered.
Why I Shrank My Closet: and quit obsessing over my image.
What’s in my Fall 2015 Capsule Wardrobe?
Every time I put together a new capsule wardrobe, I look at two major things: my calendar and the weather. I need to make sure that I have appropriate clothing for most, if not all, of my upcoming activities and obligations. I also need to make sure that those clothes are going to work with what the weather’s doing.
Unfortunately that means that my warmer sweaters are still waiting to enter the capsule. They’ll make an appearance in January when my winter capsule wardrobe is formed– those are the months that our temperatures actually drop to cooler than comfortable. In the meantime, I needed clothing that was work-appropriate, layer-able, seasonal, and versatile.
My biggest requirement for each piece in my fall capsule wardrobe was to be able to dress it up, dress it down, layer, and stay cool. And I think I pulled it off!
A note about shoes:
My shoes are in need of some TLC! In the next week or two, I’ll be taking my shoes to our local cobbler to see whether they can be mended, or if they need to be replaced. Fingers crossed that I won’t have to purchase new ones!
How to build your fall capsule wardrobe
1) Look at your fall calendar and evaluate your needs. What do you see yourself wearing in each of these situations?
2) Lay out all possible pieces and pick up the ones you always find yourself reaching for.
3) Create a color palette to maximize the versatility of your wardrobe (e.g., jewel tones, neutrals, etc.)
4) Think of the outfit combinations that you’re going to wear most. Top + skirt + sweater? Blouse + pants + blazer? Think of this as your daily “uniform”.
5) Begin selecting your essentials. Based on the “uniform” you created in step 4, determine which pieces fit into that uniform, and pick those up. Evaluate whether you need more versatile pieces for your uniform.
6) Shop for additional pieces that you can wear in more than one context. Sleeveless blouses, flare skirts, and solid tops are my go-to. Here are the brands I’ll be wearing (though not all from this year):
- LOFT
- Ann Taylor
- Anthropologie
- Free People
- MM La Fleur
- Madewell
7) Try it out. Once you’ve found all your pieces, put together multiple outfits to make sure they fit well with each other. How many combinations can you make?
8) Put away all clothing that you won’t be wearing this season. Ready to get rid of some of them for good? Here’s how to sell your gently-worn clothing.
[Tweet “Simplify your closet: a guide to building your fall capsule wardrobe via @daisylinshih #capsulewardrobe”]
I am just getting into capsule wardrobing and I am noticing this popping up on blogs more and more. Thank you for sharing, I LOVE seeing the capsules that people put together, it is definitely getting me more and more excited to create my own!
Great job with your capsule wardrobe!
24 October! Originally I was planning a 2 month trip … but somehow it grew to something bigger hehe. I’m so excited too!!
Thanks girl! Wow I had no idea you were doing such a long trip– I am SO excited for you! When do you leave??
Thanks Anna! And haha– it can be hard not to gain things as you travel… but the limits of a suitcase can be helpful there! 😉
Oh you should try it Kat! You can always start with a bigger wardrobe if you’re not sure– try 50 items or even 60 items (most people have way more than that in their closet)!
It’s really helpful for me when I go shopping (which is rarely) to think carefully about the versatility of each piece. I’m no longer just chasing trends or replacing things that don’t need replacing. It’s done wonders for me personally. 🙂
Hi Kelsey!! Yes, a capsule wardrobe can be tricky if the rules are too strict; we can easily get hung up on what we can’t wear! And I completely agree with you about the “summery” fall clothes.. this weekend it’s going to be 90 degrees– ah!!!
And I’ve found great things at Marshalls too!
Thanks Mica!! And Frocktober sounds like a great project. Limiting your options but making them *good* options can make a great impact!
You should try it Nicole! It’s just generally based on the idea that everything in our closets should be a piece that we love and wear regularly. Somehow that can be hard to achieve!
Thanks Sarabeth! I appreciate the share and you stopping by!
Ooh, I love checking out other people’s capsule wardrobes! I love them and planning them is part of the fun. I’m getting ready to put together my biggest challenge yet – I’m going on a 7 month RTW trip with carry on luggage only! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love it Daisy! I guess I just like peeking into another person’s closet :P. I love the gold sequined tank, the black lace shorts, and the leather jacket! I’m gaining more and more clothes & makeup as I travel (because I just get sick of so limited options), so I guess I’m reverse minimalizing. Oops!
I’ve heard so much about capsule wardrobes, and have always wanted to try one! But, admittedly, I’m so intimidated by the idea. I’m worried I wouldn’t be able to pick a select amount of things — but I’m thinking I just need to get started and see what happens!
xoxo
Kat
I love the idea of capsule wardrobes, but in practice it just doesn’t work for me. Still, I love following along with everyone else’s! I recently picked up some new items for my fall wardrobe and I keep LOL’ing over how “summer-y” my fall/winter wardrobe looks. I think I’ve given into dark, muted colors for so long (mostly by default over preference), and I need some bold pick-me-up!
My fave place to shop for clothes is, believe it or not, the Marshalls attached to the Homegoods near my house. Their selection is always on point with my style – and at a huge discount!
It looks like a great capsule wardrobe, and I can see how so many of the pieces would go together easily! 🙂
I’m doing Frocktober this month, which is a fundraiser that’s quite popular here in Australia and it means for the next month I’ll only be wearing dresses – I haven’t quite gone to a full capsule wardrobe, I’m challenging myself to wear a different dress every day, but already I’m seeing the pros and cons of having a limited selection of clothes to pick from each day!
Away From The Blue Blog
Thanks friend! I love it! I’ve had it for so many years now.
Thanks Brittany! I’m loving jewel tones right now– anything that makes me pretend the climate it is a bit more fall-like!
Thanks Annie! I’ve been thinking to do outfit posts again… but I haven’t done them in a while. I’ll have to see if my photographer (aka husband) is willing to whip out his camera skills again!
Aw haha! Kiki I’m so glad you’re enjoying your closet fully! That’s what we all should do– love every single piece in our wardrobe. So glad to hear you’re experiencing that!
You are a genius. haha. I wish our weather would behave to make something like this a little more realistic. (; But, thanks to you I actually wear my entire closet now rather than the same five things. I may not have a “capsule wardrobe,” but it’s certainly 10x more functional since I began reading Simplicity Relished!
http://www.accordingtokiki.net
its fun getting a peek into your closet! 😉
Your local weather is quite a challenge! I love how you mix neutrals with pops of color within the same family to keep it exciting but versatile. Jewel tones are so perfect for fall!
That sequin tank is AMAZING!
Hi Laura! Cobblers are supposed to fix all kinds of things– in my case, the soles of my flats need replacing!
I’ve always wanted to try the capsule wardrobe, but since I am pregnant, I will have to wait for post-baby! Too hard to predict what will fit this fall! But, LOVE the choices you made!
Wonderful post Daisy! I love how present all your pieces. I have never taken shoes to a cobbler, is that mainly for heels and boots?
Love the items you selected! The colors are perfect for fall. I shared on Twitter too 🙂
Sarabeth
The February Fox
love this! I’ve always wanted tot ry to build a capsule!