Capsule Wardrobe Saga: Part 2

If you didn't read part 1 of this story, you may want to start there because I'm just going to jump right in to my wardrobe as it looks right now. Then I'll let you know all my feelings about everything.

Unless otherwise stated, everything in these photos is from Old Navy.

tops
  • Top-left hot pink shirt is from Goodwill.
  • Top-right blue/white tunic from Ross.
  • Bottom second from right, B&W striped shirt I've had forever was purchased in Jordan.

sweaters
  • Top middle jean jacket from Kohls.
  • Top right sweater from Marshalls.
  • Bottom left sweater from TJ Maxx.

bottoms
  • The jeans on the left I've had forever and were purchased in Jordan.
  • Not pictured, an old pair of black capri leggings that I need to replace, but I wear all the time, so I should mention them.
  • The hanger on the right has 3 maxi skirts.

shoes
  • Both these pairs of shoes I bought at Goodwill.
  • I'm also counting my black Chaco sandals, a pair of black rain boots, and a pair of flip flops (winter won't stop me from wearing them).

Things not counted in the capsule:

  • sleepware
  • workout clothes (I'm planning a separate mini capsule for this)
  • underclothes (I include both tank tops and long sleeve shirts that I only ever wear underneath things and never see the light of day in this category since they don't add anything to the look, but are necessary.)
  • accessories

So that's it and brings my count to 25. That number is a bit low by most standards I've seen around the internet (at Un-fancy, which seems to be setting the current standard, she uses 37.) Since I don't count my layering underneath clothes, I think that may affect things a bit, but even if I added those in I'd still be under 30.

Even with such a limited offering, there are still pieces that I just don't get much wear out of. Also, I have a few thoughts for what I want to add next year. But at this point I'm happy enough and I'm not going to add anything else to the capsule until spring rolls around and I need some lighter layers. Then it will be time to start working on the summer capsule. I plan to just have two, winter and summer, and mix the two for those in-between seasons.

After about two months of living with this wardrobe I'm 100% sold on everything about it. I love that getting dressed is easy, everything I own fits, matches and is comfortable. And I like everything! That all these things are true about everything in my closet still surprises me and makes me happy every day. I could not recommend this idea more to people looking to simplify something in their life. Start here, I don't think you'll regret it.

Since I've turned over a new leaf of typing long posts, I'm going to end this one here, but I still have a few tips for how to get started thinking about your own capsule wardrobe which I'll share next time! And towards the end of the season I'll give you a better reflection on what worked and what didn't.

PS: I loved hearing in the comments from the last post about everyone's clothing situations and thoughts. If you haven't shared yet, don't be shy!

Recent Comments

Beatrice Loren
Beatrice Loren Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:51

Fabulous. I read both posts. What really impresses me is how you were able to pull it off without spending a ton of money. Since I retired in April I really don't need much. Try to make sure everything is washable because of grandchildren :-)

Melo Vrijhof
Melo Vrijhof Fri, 01/23/2015 - 00:51

I never heard of a wardrobe capsule, but at the end of last year (a month ago that is ;-)) I was fed up with all THINGS we had collected over the years. So I started a huge cleanup, baby-clothes and toys first. I sold five clothes, but they caused me so much work over so little money that I decided to donate the rest. We ended up donating 9 bags of clothes (mind you, this is just the kids!!!) and 6 boxes of toys. Once we got started on out own clothes, we cleaned out another 6 bags, 4 to donate and 2 for the wastebin. We held on to EVERYTHING, even the clothes that couldn't be fixed or cleaned...

Needless to say I feel a lot better now ;-) And I still think I have to many clothes, but maybe if I try to count everything like you did, it won't be as bad as I think it is...

Kathie Gray
Kathie Gray Thu, 01/22/2015 - 12:54

These posts are great! I love the capsule wardrobe idea and as I need a major overhaul it might be something to consider. I think I would have to exclude work clothes though because they include loads of layers of thermals and fleeces and would take up the whole quota!

Brooke Gazarek
Brooke Gazarek Thu, 01/22/2015 - 11:02

Hi Marisa!! Hi to Jordan too!! FYI - I always read your blog - and I don't mind if it is a long post :) It's just most times I don't leave a comment. However, I wanted you to know that after reading the post today - my closet is looking much better! I'm not sure how much I could completely commit to the wardrobe capsule - but at least I have a start. A couple bags are headed to donation!

Tina Shaw
Tina Shaw Thu, 01/22/2015 - 08:44

I love Cato's, especially for jeans, but I'm a heavier girl! ;) I've found their jeans fit my curves better than anyone else's though! I wish I could do the capsule wardrobe - that's a great idea, but my wardrobe can vary for work too much.

Faith Anderson
Faith Anderson Thu, 01/22/2015 - 07:38

LOVE your choices, but would have to add a couple of "best" dresses too, I am going to have get up the courage to "clear out".

Lilian Jansen
Lilian Jansen Thu, 01/22/2015 - 00:47

Hi Marisa, i like your capsule ideas a lot, maybe I'll give it a go! I like the purple top to go with all the blue and white. If I have any advice to give on fashion, it would be to add a few small pops of color to mix it all with. A yellow top, a red pair of trousers, that kind of thing.

Mollie Peoples
Mollie Peoples Wed, 01/21/2015 - 21:02

I thought I'd throw in that I HIGHLY recommend the Mossimo brand jeans from Target for being reasonably priced and of decent quality - if you're looking into new jeans at all. I am really picky with jeans - most cuts really don't impress me and most companies have flaws that irritate me (like, Lee's NEVER look good on me - EVER. and some are too coarse or starchy or too long, etc). I've always loved GAP jeans, but they are EXPENSIVE! So, when I took a stab on the Mossimo jeans, I was really pleasantly surprised - and they ACTUALLY have petite sizes for any shorties out there, like me. ;) Just thought I'd throw that out there as a fyi.

Heidi Wright
Heidi Wright Wed, 01/21/2015 - 16:18

what a great idea!! I've been tossing it around, but haven't found the motivation to clean out the closet!!

Susan Cantin
Susan Cantin Wed, 01/21/2015 - 13:23

I like that your shoes came from Goodwill .... I go to Value Village (we don't have a Goodwill anymore) and buy most of my clothes there these days .... I just keep my eyes open .. I'm wearing a big black Old Navy all cotton sweater today that cost me $7 with my seniors discount