WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE
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I attempted a capsule wardrobe for the first time last fall (see more details here) and I loved it so much that I'm continuing with a winter capsule this season.
I first heard of a capsule wardrobe via Caroline of Unfancy, but it's become somewhat trendy recently among bloggers. I enjoy seeing the differences in everyone's wardrobe and especially the differences among climates and regions. Since the weather in Seattle is pretty much the same from October through April (read: cold and rainy), my fall capsule looks very similar to my winter capsule. I switched out about 10 pieces, but for the majority, it's the same items on rotation as before. I'm rolling with it until I get bored of it. So far, so good. I'm continuing to get rid of SO. MANY. CLOTHES. and declutter and simplify my wardrobe and ideally, all areas of my life.
Here are my winter pieces:
The breakdown:
36 pieces
18 tops: same total as fall, switched out a few but mostly sweaters with a few button-downs & silk tops
7 bottoms: 1 light denim, 2 dark denim, black denim, black jeggings, 2 pairs of black Zella leggings
7 pairs of shoes: snow boots, black booties, brown booties, wedge heels, rain boots, glitter heels, and my beloved Tory Burch flats that were a Christmas present from Daniel two years ago. Those wedge heels were a fall find (from Target!) and are my current favorite cold-weather shoes.
3 outerwear: a black faux leather jacket, denim jacket, and black pattagonia puffy vest.
(Not pictured: a long down puffy black jacket. A winter staple here.)
Also, typically scarfs and accessories aren't included in capsule wardrobe totals, but I gathered a few of them in one of the photos as an "item" so you could see what I have on rotation. Love how scarfs can quickly change an outfit.
I decided that these are my "everyday" pieces. I obviously will need something very different for a wedding or other fancy occasion. I think eventually, the goal will be to have an "everyday capsule" and a "fancy capsule," so that I have a few dresses that I truly love and not 25 that I just like. I'm sure it will take time to build that fancy capsule, but for now I'm happy with my everyday pieces.
A few favorites to highlight:
My black Patagonia puffy vest. Found on sale at REI, I wore this almost daily last fall as an outerwear layer. So versatile, functional, and warm.
Forever 21 denim chambray. Such a staple. Wear it at least once a week with black leggings.
Forever 21 faux leather jacket. Love. Adds edginess to any outfit, obsessed with the side zipper and wide collar, and the price can't be beat.
J.Crew black and white gingham button up. Fits me like a glove with just enough stretch. Worn through so many seasons and washes and still hold it's structure and shape so well.
Mark Garments sweater. Hands down, my favorite sweater in my capsule. This company was started by my friends, who only made this one sweater design, and make it exceptionally; the quality is out of this world and the large loop fabric is amazing. On top of that, they employ people with special needs to help with letter-pressing the tags, creating jobs and giving back to the community. Unfortunately they aren't currently selling merchandise, but I adore them and their product.
Forever 21 denim. As a recovering denim-snob (in college I would only wear Seven For All Mankind and Citizens For All Humanity) this was new for me. But, they come in long lengths (a must for tall people), have a great dark wash, and at SEVEN DOLLARS A PAIR I am a believer.
Excited about my winter pieces! Are you also doing a capsule? Link to yours in the comments!
