October means it is time for another capsule wardrobe and I’m excited to reveal my capsule wardrobe to you today. If you have been contemplating a capsule wardrobe, I would love to encourage you to give a try this fall. For me, fall and winter are the easier of the planning seasons. Plus, who doesn’t love cozy sweaters and warm layering?
The number of items has shifted, but only to make room for the two seasons. Pieces will be switched around as the weather gets cooler and requires heavier layers. I allow myself flexibility and also love to request a few key pieces as holiday gifts to keep the wardrobe fresh.
I decided to start a SEPARATE Instagram account for my capsule since it feels like two separate audiences. This account is only about fashion & the capsule. You can follow me here (@momadvicecapsule) or if you just want the general usual odds & ends, you can follow me here (@momadvice). I hope that makes sense!
Let’s talk about this 2016 fall & winter capsule wardrobe.
First, What is a Fashion Capsule & Why Should You Do One?
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing which is designed using only interchangeable items, in order to maximize the number of outfits which can be created. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. This is usually achieved by buying what are considered to be “key” or “staple” items in coordinating colors.
The reason I think capsule wardrobes are worth exploring is that you realize when you have LESS in your closet you can do MORE with what you have. My closet used to be bursting at the seams with clothes and, what I like to call, one-trick-pony apparel. I felt put together after tearing up my room and trying to build outfits in the process, but it took me so long to get ready in the mornings and I never felt like I had a truly seamless style. Narrowing my wardrobe down to 33 items as outlined in Project 333 was just what I needed to make mornings less stressful and finding a real rhythm to getting dressed for the day. It’s been a beautiful shift in my life and I don’t think I could ever go back to the old ways of bursting closets and pointless purchases.
(check out how I’m styling my pieces this year over here and here!)
I tend to be a pretty colorful person so you will find color mixed in with basics in my wardrobe. Monochromatic isn’t my thing, but can be yours if you are trying to simplify your wardrobe. Many people begin their capsule experience very monochromatic and then find they are comfortable branching out into color after figuring out how to make everything work together.
What Trends Did You Embrace For Fall/Winter?
The past couple of years my color scheme has leaned more into the red, white, & blue that feels very nautical and timeless to me. This year I wanted to warm things up so I am selecting a few pieces in wine, rose, mustard yellow, & navy. These colors are folded into my basic neutral scheme (gray, black, cream) for the year.
I love how these colors can be mixed and matched together.
I also love the pink hues since I love a more feminine touch to my wardrobe.
Get some inspiration for creating and styling your capsule by following my Capsule Pinterest Board!
Why My Capsule Shouldn’t Be YOUR Capsule
I show you my capsule mainly as some sort of accountability, but not necessarily for you to copy it. My style is probably not your style and that is okay. Your capsule can look nothing like my capsule. Your body shape could be different from mine and none of these cuts of clothing or ideas will work for you. When creating your capsule, create it around what you feel most confident in.
I suggest peeking in your closet and selecting what makes you feel beautiful and start your planning around those pieces.
That’s been the best place to start for me.
Do Accessories Count in the Capsule?
One question I get asked is if I count accessories and shoes as my items. I do not, but feel free to do that if you like. For me a scarf, belt, or great jewelry really do add to the enjoyment and experience of my wardrobe. I am, however, more selective about the accessories I am choosing and really making sure that they are worth the space in my drawers and the money that is spent.
What Are the Rules for a Capsule Wardrobe?
Here are my modified Project 333 rules or you can go to Courtney’s website to read more about the official guidelines!
Below is my fall/winter 2016 capsule wardrobe.
Fall/Winter 2016 Capsule Wardrobe
1. Chambray Shirt (similar or similar)
2. Relaxed Cozy T-Shirt in gray (exact)
3. Striped T-Shirt (exact or similar)
4. Tunic in black (similar or similar)
5. Relaxed Cozy T-Shirt in oatmeal (exact)
6. Flannel Shirt (similar or similar)
7. Mustard Cardigan (exact or similar)
8. Burgundy Cardigan (exact or similar)
9. Black Cardigan (exact or similar)
10. Black Utility Vest (exact or similar)
11. Denim Vest (similar or similar)
12. Denim Jacket (similar or similar)
13. Green Poncho (fun option)
14. Blanket Cape (exact)
15. Navy & White Striped Blazer (similar or similar)
16. Jersey Knit Cardigan in Rose (similar)
17. Cowl Neck Sweatshirt (similar or similar)
18. White Lace Tank (similar or similar)
19. Burgundy Swing Tank (similar or similar)
20. Pintucked Blouse in Black (exact or similar)
21. Pintucked Blouse in Blush (exact or similar)
22. Floral Print Top (exact or similar)
23. Poncho Sweater (exact)
24. Burgundy Sweater T (stitch fix)
25. Sweater Dress (thredup or similar)
26. Burgundy Tassel Boho Shift (exact)
27. Sleeveless Pintuck Swing Dress (exact)
28. Khaki Skirt (similar or similar)
29. Black Faux Leather Skirt (similar or similar)
30. Burgundy Tunic Top (thredup or similar)
31. Striped Jersey Dress (exact)
32. Blue & White Striped Shift (explore options here)
33. Wrap Dress in Gray (exact)
34. Fox Sweater (gifted from this incredible lady!)
35. Black Jeans (stitch fix)
36. The Essential Pant (exact)
37. 7 Jeans (thredup)
38. Rose Jeans (thredup or similar)
Although I don’t include shoes as part of my capsule, I do get asked about them A LOT. I have a wide foot and I only seek comfortable shoes. If I am showing them to you, I guarantee comfort for you. Here are the shoes that I am loving this fall.
Tassel Booties
Black & White Sneakers (I add one of these inserts to line them since they are a bit thinner)
New Balance 574
Velvet Hush Puppies Ballet Flat
Leopard Print Hush Puppies Ballet Flat
Tall Camel Boots (similar mine are from thredup!)
Moccasins (similar mine are from stitch fix)
Nude Booties (so many styles over here)
Browse My Capsules & Wardrobe Planning Advice
One Piece, Many Ways
Fashion Capsule Shopping on a Budget
Planning the Fall 2016 Capsule Wardrobe
Fall 2014 Capsule Wardrobe
Winter 2014 Capsule Wardrobe
Fall 2015 Capsule Wardrobe
Spring 2015 Capsule Wardrobe
Summer 2015 Capsule Wardrobe
Fall/Winter 2016 Capsule Wardrobe
Spring/Summer 2016 Capsule Wardrobe
Creating the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe (that really works!)
How to Shop Secondhand For Your Capsule Wardrobe
Make Money Organizing Your Closet
25 Best Wardrobe Planning Printables
Coupons That Might Help If You Are Making a Capsule Too
Get $10 for your first thredUP purchase (this is my favorite online consignment resource)
Stitch Fix can be a fun resource for shopping for smart basic wardrobe pieces if a stylist might benefit you!
Don’t forget to clean out your closet! Here is what I am getting rid of this time. Off to thredup it goes for credit for the next capsule- so proud!! Here is a list of resources to help you make money while organizing this corner! Happy wardrobe planning!
*this post contains affiliate links. I only recommend what I love!
Pin It