Anybody up for a capsule wardrobe thread?

[ApplesTheHare]

This has probably been done before but I've had a baby and come back to my 'real' wardrobe after 16 months (I was trapped in breastfeeding clothes post-pregnancy) to find all the clothes are either what was I thinking?? hideous or so old and worn they need to go. I've never spent a lot on clothes, as I did a lot of charity/thrift shopping, but I bought tons of stuff over the years and I'm amazed by how much there is. It takes half an hour to choose an outfit in the morning because there's so much stuff that doesn't suit to wade through. I'd like to do an inventory of current pieces, decide what to keep and then plan the rest of the capsule.

Anybody else similarly overflowing with crappy clothes they don't really want to be seen dead in and desperate to streamline?

Have tried and failed with a capsule wardrobe so many times! I think I just get bored with it.
However, I do tend to stick to certain colours - black, navy, charcoal, khaki, cream with splashes of teal, mustard and bright pink.
The things in my wardrobe I wear over and over are jeans, striped tops, cashmere crewnecks, ankle boots.

Thank you so much for sharing your capsules and ideas everyone! Can I ask those of you who've done it already if you've got any tips for a first-timer?

Jasper can I also ask where your silk tunics are from?

I decided to attempt the capsule, not to be boring, but to spend less money and time on clothes, and aim to put together a new capsule for each season. I think I'll actually have more fun with clothes because doing it will remind me of hidden gems and mean I get more wear out of things. Atm I've got SO many things I forget I've got them until I do something like move house.

I've started by trying to work out my colours and choosing a colour pallette (neutrals, plus navy, coral, olive and mustard). Next step is to see what I've got that already fits the bill and then shop to fill any gaps. Should probably say I'm not going to include work out clothes or special occasion clothes (e.g. wedding outfits) in the capsule!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie your story about Hermione wearing the mac did make me chuckle

Badger I'm an IRL mac-wearer. They seem to be a lot more common in cities as opposed to out in the sticks if that helps!

One was from a charity shop and one was from TK Maxx.

Keeping an eye on this thread for inspiration. DH made me realise the other day that once I'm no longer pregnant I might not have that much to wear. (Obv it depends on my body shape post-pregnancy...)

I tend to veer towards blacks, greys, stripes, skinny jeans. Cardigans occasionally. I just think I sometimes look a bit childish/teenage (I'm 27) and I'd like to invest in some decent basics without looking frumpy. All on a bit of a budget so not a big ask

(At least I don't have to think about a work wardrobe for a few months, that's a whole other dilemma...)

I'm just doing capsule for work atm, but I think most people do a capsule without realising it, by always wearing the same favourites, I know I did.

So instead of having the unworn clothes in the way taking up space I'd rather pass them on to someone else who can make use of them.
But now I take so long replacing stuff because I'm really fussy about what I buy that I'm going to end up with a capsule wardrobe.

The sooner the better as it's less money to waste, it's easyier to dress for work, I get more wear out of stuff before it dates, better for the environment, I've stopped saving nice things for "best" and I actually like what I'm wearing instead of thinking this will do.

It's not for everyone, but I don't find it boring.

Can I ask all of you who have a capsule wardrobe how you manage all of the washing? I split my laundry into three piles darks, lights or brights, so for example a white shirt might only have the chance to be washed on one day a week.
I worry that with a capsule watdrobe too much would be in the wash!

Capsule for me is basics. So,I have skinny jeans (black/Navy/grey), leggings (black), basic vest tops for layering, simple v-neck tees and some cardigans. I also have a few day dresses for the summer, I get my basics in primark, they have summer dresses for £5 I get them in 3/4 colours and they last well.

Color wise, I normally get a few neutral colours and then pops in turquoise/yellow/coral for the summer.

I think you probably need about 8-10 tops to make it work then Fairy

I always laugh at those holiday capsule wardrobes featured in magazines where there are only 2 tops for a whole fortnight's holiday - yes I can create 14 outfits out of these 7 items but really - am I going to wear the same top that many times in the heat?!

I think for me the capsule idea is about buying clothes that work really well together - then it's not boring because you can mix it up and create loads of different combinations. Mind you, I'm not too strict about it either - I see it more as a solid foundation for my wardrobe to which I can add more whimsical purchases.

Totally agree with Remus as well - I have limited funds, time and energy and hate wasted purchases these days. I want to buy fewer items but really love them.

Fairy I'm hoping that sticking to a few basic colours will mean it's easier to keep up with the washing. Atm I wear pretty much any colour but only have a couple of things in some colours, so it takes ages to get round to washing them.

LikeASoul yes those holiday capsule suggestions are ridiculous, you'd spend your entire holiday hand washing!

Place marking for inspiration.

I have just replenished my whole wardrobe after having a baby, as I decided it was the best time to clear out all the crap I would never wear again. Plus a great excuse to buy new clothes.

After years of wearing loads of bright colours and having a lot of clothing I went completely off them and wanted a more muted,pared down wardrobe. I think my skintone has changed as I have got older and softer colours suit me more.

Firstly I gave a lot of my stuff away. My eldest daughter looks fabulous in brights so she got a lot but the rest went to charity.

I decided on a simple palette, clean lines and to buy things in natural fibres. The colour palette I settled for is soft navy, pink toned grey/ashes of roses, blue toned grey,ivory and taupe/pewter. I still have black but I wear a scarf or I don't wear it too close to my face as it washes me out without a lot of make-up.

Instead of jeans/trousers I wear tube style maxi dresses. I have loads of these and they form the foundation of my wardrobe. Other wise I have-

Cashmere v-neck and scoop neck jumpers and cardigans
Slouchy knits in merino and cotton
Breton tops
Boatneck tops
Linen t-shirts
Linen swing vests
Slouchy jersey/trapeze tops.

Shoes
Birkenstocks mayari
Fake converse in metallic linen
Oily leather boots in taupe, soft tan and grey.
Various ballet pumps
Strappy silver flat sandals.

To add variety I have a selection of bags,scarves,necklaces,rings and bangles.

I overhauled my make-up too and now wear pink/taupe colours- my current favourite lipstick is Revlon Pink Truffle. Because my clothing is more subdued I have found I need less make-up.

What I would say is that if I find something I really like I often get two of the same thing. I have found that having a capsule has made me far more picky about what I buy. Although it is not a small wardobe there is not one item in my wardrobe that I don't wear. I like everything and always feel good in my clothes now. For me it isn't boring. Boring was wading through stuff feeling guilty for not wearing it and finding looking put together stressful.

In essence I would say -
identify a small collection of colours that look good on you and all work together. Looking at sci/art charts helped me visualise shades that are harmonious and to decide what I liked.
Next work out what lines suit you.Look at your proportions and read up on shape types.
Buy the best you can afford and buy natural fibres wherever possible. It need not cost a fortune. I have bought a lot of my cashmere etc from eBay and charity shops. Do make sure to launder them properly.
Lastly it is worth spending money on good leather shoes and boots and bags.