I am so excited to try a "capsule wardrobe" for the next three months (October 1-December 31).
There are about a million ways to do this and certainly no right way, but I have done most of my research slash way too much thinking via this great blog. I am following similar rules :
- I've donated a bunch of clothes I know I'm not going to wear again
- I've packed and stored everything that is not in season
- I've culled my closet (and drawers) to just 36 pieces of clothing (including shoes)
- I've committed to not buying anything new through the end of December
- I've chosen clothing that fits together and that I am excited to reach for
- I've picked almost nothing that needs special care or dry cleaning
My goals with this project are to 1) eliminate clutter, 2) save time standing in front of a full closet with "nothing to wear," 3) cut down on unnecessary spending and 4) better define my personal style.
TOPS : red plaid shirt (similar), gray cardigan (similar), sweatshirt tee (similar), super old Alpha Phi USC tee, topshop tee, madewell v neck, "Ellery" patterned top (I totally bought this for the name last winter), statement sweatshirt, statement tee (similar), navy blazer, striped top (similar), baseball tee (similar), dark chambray, light chambray (similar), demin vest* (this is a total wildcard, but I'm so inspired by how Joy wears hers on instagram), white tunic top, white v neck, cream loose fitting tee (similar).
I know what I like to wear – comfortable, flattering and for the most part neutral clothing. Most of this capsule wardrobe is clothing I have had for years or for at least a year. I bought five new things to round it out (denoted with an *), but for the most part, I shopped my closet.
BOTTOMS & DRESSES : jcrew 5" chino shorts, jcrew toothpick jeans, madewell slim boyjean*, comfy gray pants, jcrew city pants (similar), tan shorts (similar), skinny pocket pants (similar), tan maxi skirt, double dare maxi skirt (size up for best fit), plaid dress*, black shortsleeve maxi dress (similar), black and white striped dress* (mine was purchased in store, but here's the plain black one).
The weather in San Diego is mild so even though it will be a bit cooler in fall, I really won't need more than a long-sleeve shirt most days. I included a few pairs of shorts and sandals because I know they'll get use at least through the end of October. I am not including accessories (baseball caps, headbands, scarves, tights or jewelry) or workout clothing but I have paired those items down and decided to include these categories on the no buy list.
SHOES : rainbow sandals, tan ballet flats (similar color), minnetonka moccasins, canvas slip-ons*, gold sandals, madewell boots (similar)
My daily life is so casual. For the most part it's running errands with the occasional meeting a friend for coffee or a date night with Paul. Even our holidays this year will be fairly relaxed. Those dresses plus my favorite pair of boots and tights will be perfect for the few events we have planned. I almost never wear heels and so rarely "dress up" (exception is the wedding we're headed to this weekend – I'll be wearing a new dress and then packing it away for the summer months) so this is for sure an "everyday" wardrobe.
My fear with this project is not that I end up missing my full closet. It's instead that I don't miss it at all and those three plastic bins of clothing I have stored were a total waste. But I guess that's the point, right? Make better habits and smarter decisions starting NOW and not look back. I turn 30 next February. What if from 30 on I could stop shopping out of boredom or "pretend need" or "buy two get one! deals" and start only buying and wearing clothing I love? That would be so rad.
I'm excited! A new challenge. While I don't plan on sharing daily outfits, I will check in with updates now and again throughout the season.
Affiliate links for daaaaaays. I've linked to exact items or similar items where I could find a decent source.
enJOY it 
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