**If you are new to the capsule wardrobe process, take a sec and skim through my Cotton Stem Capsule series [HERE] to catch up! It’s short and to the point with lots of examples and how-to’s…I’d love for you to join us this season as we simplify our wardrobes and our lifestyles!**
As the weather slowly transitions from summer sun to crisp mornings with fall’s promise of cooler weather in the air, it’s also time to start finalizing our fall capsule wardrobes! Today, I’m giving you a little peek at my own wardrobe, I’ll link some of my very favorite finds below (*some affiliate links), and…..we’re going to try something new for this season’s capsule: Capsule Cheats! Read on to find out more…
(FARM sweatshirt from Southern Farm Co. [HERE])
We’ve talked many times about the purpose of creating a capsule wardrobe: to simplify our closets, to streamline getting ready each day, and to scale back on unnecessary spending. The capsuling concept has completely changed how I view my purchases and how long it takes me to get ready in the morning…hint: SO MUCH FASTER. If you’ve joined me on this little lifestyle change journey, I sure hope it’s been helpful to you!
As I’ve mentioned over on Instagram, the number one hesitation I read about from my buddies considering a capsule wardrobe is the thought of ZERO shopping for the entire three month season. I’ll give it to ya…that’s a daunting thought and can sometimes trip you up in it’s capsule “legalism” in a sense. Like for me, if someone tells me a whole bunch of rules, my tendency is to argue or be turned off. I like freedom and creativity! However, if you can approach a capsule wardrobe without the stiff and strict sets of rules that some capsulers live by, I think the odds for continuity are way higher. THUS….CAPSULE CHEATS!
In order to make things even easier and realistic as far as continuation of the capsule wardrobe lifestyle goes, let’s try something new this season, my fellow capsulers. While the premise is to choose a certain number of items and stick to it all season, I’ve decided to allow for five capsule cheat purchases during the season. That way, there still exists room for a night out shopping with the girls, maybe a commemorative silly t-shirt while on vacation as a family, perhaps something in your small capsule breaks/stains/becomes too big or small, or, you know what…sometimes maybe you just wanna shop, dangit!! 😉 Now, with the flexibility of capsule cheat purchases, the strict and rigid structure of capsule wardrobes becomes a bit more approachable, while still maintaining the principals of thoughtful buying, being happy with less in our closets, etc.
So! If you’ve been on the fence about trying out a capsule wardrobe, maybe this will give you that last little nudge! Truly, the hardest step is starting, and then, once you’ve begun living a simpler lifestyle with a streamlined closet full of ONLY the clothes you love most and feel best wearing, I guarantee you’ll be happy you tried. Make it your own, do you, and I’m right here with ya!
Some helpful links as you get started:
The Cotton Stem Capsule Series – Links to all Five Steps
Capsule wardrobe planner from Unfancy.com
SOURCES:
**Because I capsule, many items are from years before and no longer in stock. If that’s the case, I’ve shopped and linked similar items within the same price point and quality.**
I’m so excited to give my first go at a capsule. I have to tell you It’s going to take me some time to get it down. I’m such a sales rack shopper. I went shopping a few times over the past few weeks and I came out empty handed. It’s a lifestyle change and I’m so excited for it.
Huge fan of yours,
-Amanda
Oh how nice are you?! I’m excited for you to begin the capsule journey, and you are right–it takes a minute, so don’t be hard on yourself at the start! If anything, it’s always good to slow down spending and be more thoughtful with purchases, so that’s a win no matter what!
Hi there:) I am new to your world, but I adore you. You are soo down to earth, my kind a people. I am totally convinced this capsuling business is for me and I can’t wait to get started! When you’re starting and keeping the upcoming season in mind, do you start with the first step and do your whole closet or do just the stuff you’re thinking of for that season?
Also, I love your verb “mommin’ “! You should do a shirt, “I be mommin’ “!
Love your work lady! Have a blessed week!
You know, you could always start with just dealing w the upcoming season and see how it goes if the thought of purging EVERYTHING is a little much!
I love this concept. I really think this a freeing idea, where is the clothing rack from?
It’s from Amazon!
OK, I have a question. I’m all for the less in my closet, I need that, however, where do you put your church dresses? Or the 1 black dress you wear to funerals? Or that cute Easter dress (with matching shoes that you only wore that 1 time but its sooo cute). Anyway, so, do you just keep your daily run around clothes in your bedroom closet then have another place for formal wear and such?
I hold back a few items of sentimental value or that I will seriously only wear once a year to a wedding or something. It’s not really a big deal, in my opinion. Lots of capsulers get stuck on the STRICT rules of it all, but, in my opinion, the essence of the capsule wardrobe lifestyle is to train our minds to be happy with less – if that’s the motive, then I don’t think the specifics have to be the same for everyone!
Yes! I am loving this post! I always sew a capsule wardrobe for myself each season and it is such a good feeling to love everything in your closet! And so much faster to mix and match! It’s nice to be able to spend a bit more on quality pieces that will get lots of wear and not a bunch of random pieces that never leave the hangers. Always love reading your posts and following on IG ❤️