Does anyone want to do a minimal/capsule wardrobe

[Karbea]

For autumn (sept-Nov) with me?

Been reading unfancy, project 333 and an article about Steve jobs/Obama who had/have capsule wardrobes.
I've recently thrown out loads, but still have too much.
Anyway looking for wardrobe buddies!

Coasting: I've got 5 currently - 2 pale wash blue, 2 black and one mid blue. I rarely wear the mid blue ones and won't wear the pale blue much once summer's ended. For me therefore, 2 black and a currently imaginary grey would do me for A/W.

coasting I'm allowing 3 at the moment.

kints I've a pink with stars cath kitson one that hangs on my kitchen door... That's such a good idea I did think about wearing it after I splashed bolognese sauce all over a white tshirt the other day...

Kints - I have 2 small DC 1+3 and until recently I was being vomited on a lot! I have a dark blue hoodie (but without a hood) and a pair of house jeans. This is my house uniform. In the mornings I do my hair and if I have time (can be bothered) my make up and then chuck my big blue top on. Then I quickly change before I head out the door, I usually have to change atleast one child so its not a big deal.

I can also imagine with a limited wardrobe it will keep things out if the wash and in circulation for longer.

I thought this would be interesting as I'm transitioning straight from being a SAHM for a decade to working full time. I know my clothes aren't really suitable and I thought this thread might help. Only, I'm now scared because it seems that there seem to be so many items and I really don't have the budget for this.

Don't panic withasponge.
Is it an office job? Smart casual?

No - it's in a school. I'll be a TA. I want to be smart but not unapproachable if you know what I mean? Obviously, it'll be no denim, but I should be able to wear trousers similar (I have a canvass-y pair of trousers that aren't denim but are dark blue from Sainsbury's - that sort of thing is OK, I think).

Basically I have lived and died in jeans all this time.

My problem with this is that the example women don't seem to do exercise or many outdoor activities. I get that clothes for those should be outside of a capsule wardrobe, but that's what most of my wardrobe actually consists of. Walking trousers, fleeces, running leggings and t-shirts etc.

I have a 'capsule' wardrobe for work, ie a self imposed sort of uniform. I'm a teacher, I wear jersey dresses with cardigans and either sandals or boots depending on weather. Outside of work I pretty much dress in slobby harem pants or something for exercising or gardening in.

Maybe I should sharpen myself up a bit has almost one year old child, what's the point?

I lived in jeans and tshirts and/or jumpers until three months ago when I changed job and wasn't allowed to wear jeans. So that also forced me to look at my wardrobe.

I really was quite scruffy sometimes I'd wear track suit bottoms and really slob out.

I decided one day to dress as if it was the first day I was meeting my husband, and that's really helped. I'm not necessarily smart, but I wouldn't be embarrassed if the doorbell rings!

Found an absolute bargain and upgrade to one of my capsule items in tk maxx last night, so I'm happy!

I think I've currently got too many jeans, and boots, not enough cardis or smart trousers...

I'd like to do this! I don't think it will be too difficult as I'm on maternity leave so my life is a constant rotation of jeans and tshirts (usually with sick on them ).

I'm back to work at end of November so this should time quite nicely.

I won't include my vests that I wear under everything for bfing as they're a necessary evil...

avocado I think you can class them as underwear.

Withasponge, you need to be comfortable don't you and able to bend down, over desks etc so smarttrousers sound ideal for this season and maybe a cord skirt and tights for the winter.
If money is tight how about picking two good bottom pieces and alternating them with five different tops. Make sure all five tops go with both bottom pieces. And one cardigan can go with all 5 outfits.
Dark at the bottom and lighter at the top. Plain and neutral and then pick up some costume jewellery in a charity shop to add colour depending on your mood.
So if you are in a rush in the morning the only choice you really need to make is the jewellery.
And good luck with your new job. I've just had an interview today and it looks like I too will be starting work for the first time in nearky 15 years (or paid work anyway).

I have just been on the H&M website and ordered a few bits, as I am slowly loosing weight my shape is changing and my attitude to clothes along with it - I no longer JUST want things to hide my problem areas (many).

I am a size 16-18 currently and pre kids was a 14 - I would be happy to get there again. Ideally I would like to be a 12 but its been a while (10 +yrs).

I am trying to work along the lines of a few common colours and have just bought basics, long line vests, dark jeans, a white shirt and burgundy top - in grey, navy, white and mole. I have found some lovely flat loafers in clarks and will be heading there this weekend to try them on - I am fed up of living in crocs (hideous but very comfy on my obvs weird shaped feet, I find virtually all shoes torture).

We are moving imminently - maybe (hence user name) and I cant remember what I packed up and what I chucked when having a kondo moment, so I don't want to buy too much as I might already have it and that is not the spirit of the capsule wardrobe!!

The thing I am struggling with is how some women make a pair of jeans and a t shirt look good and other women look like they have just chucked the first thing that came to hand on. I know part of it is having a nice figure but its also accessories and I am rubbish at that. I know that I need to complete an outfit with a blazer, wrap or scarf. I think I need to get everything out and try on everything with everything and see what works and what doesn't. I am in a total style rut so if anyone has worked out the formula please let me know!!!

In terms of seeing how things work together, someone previously mentioned googling style/fashion sudoku - a grid system you can use to see how things fit together.

desperately I don't think it is necessarily to do with having a nice figure I think it's good accessorising and knowing what suits your figure.

Or go and visit a personal shopper at John Lewis or similar store.

ME&EM have an amazing sale on at the moment and I've just ordered a few versatile smart tops and dresses on there which will form a key part of my capsule wardrobe if they fit me! Normally I get their catalogues (horrific, models all look chronically depressed/heroin chic) and can't afford anything, but the sale is brill.

I selected my 33ish pieces last night:

10 tops (5 long sleeve, 5 short sleeve)
4 dresses
4 trousers (2 smart, 2 jeans)
5 jumpers and cardis
3 pairs shoes
3 scarves
2 skirts

90% of that is smart enough for my office job. Unlimited undies, for me this includes vests, and unlimited PJs/'lounge wear' as I have a mucky 1 year old!

With the rest of the stuff... Well, I'm definitely not throwing it away or donating it yet. I always do this in one season thinking "pfft why would I ever need all these thick woolly jumpers?!" and end up having nothing to wear once the weather changes. But I will try to "rotate" things out if I put something new in. I must admit I haven't actually boxed or bagged any of it up, I've just put it into the far end of my sliding wardrobe which I never open.

Does this capsule wardrobe really help you have less stuff, or does it just mean you have less in your actual physical wardrobe and more in boxes/deep storage...?

I love the idea of this - we've just come back from holiday and having left behind a good half of my wardrobe I then proceeded to live in just a handful of the clothes I'd taken with me all week, so much so that they needed washing half way through so I could wear them again, while most of the other items sat there unworn. It made me realise I don't need half as many clothes as I have and I'm seeing my wardrobe through new eyes - looking forward to a good clear out now!

I've just started making a list off the top of my head and it's surprised me how hard it is! I've identified a few gaps though so I'll try and fill those over the next few weeks.

What I'm considering so far...

Black jeans
Blue jeans
Black full-length dungarees
Gap - cord/twill mini skirt - something nice and autumnal
Gap - soft pencil skirt - something casual-ish but appropriate for popping into work for KIT days

Black tee
Grey tee
Grey light jumper
Black 3/4 sleeve top
White/grey patterned 3/4 sleeve top
Gap - for 2/3 long sleeved tops - maybe from Uniqlo
Gap - decent new plaid shirt - flannel, soft, well fitting

Black Converse
Grey Vans
Black biker boots
Black brogues
Gap - practical black ankle boots

Light khaki parka
Denim jacket
Black leather jacket
(And as a bonus item my super-practical bright blue rain jacket that I don't wear unless it's really necessary!)

24 so far, so a few things to play with...still need to consider scarves, cardis etc. Bit of work to do!

Avocado - i found this ridiculously hard to think of things, the actual items werent too hard its trying to get more than one look out of each item. Style and beauty is not my nature home!

I think however, i am done. I am waiting for bits to be delivered and no doubt some stuff will have to go back and be exchanged but i am looking forwards to a mass trying on session when the kids are asleep.

Accessorizing is the next thing i struggle with, the vivenne (sp) files have been good for this but i just dont have her passion for scarves although they do disguise a big belly well! Debenhams have some of there jewellery in the sale but i need to pop into a store as i begrudge paying £4 postage for a £6.60 item! I tend to love M&S jewellery and i have my eye on a couple of necklaces i just need to get all my stuff out and see where the gaps are.

I have some lovely pearl earrings that i wore for my wedding that my DM gave me and i have decided to stop saving things for best and just wear them - they arent doing anyone any good sat in a box.

The only problem now is that i need to ignore all other lovely stuff as it comes into the shops as i have spent my allotted budget. I do however have my eye on a blazer - i am just waiting to see if it comes down a bit in price!

• Natural home

Yes to not saving things for best! It's one of the worst lessons I ever learnt but one I just can't shake off.

Hello all,

I'm so excited to see everything coming together for everyone. Im really keen to get a cardi as I really don't like one of the cardis I'd allocated.
I'm thinking of getting one from boden probably an oatmeal colour.
I think the key to things working together is to have a colour scheme.

I agree it's going to be hard to not buy new things, but it's only about 10 weeks till we can start thinking about winter capsules!

I feel like it's time for me to stop buying cheap flimsy clothes and start buying decent ones but I don't know where to start looking I'm only 27 but whenever I wander into New Look or wherever I feel like everything is designed for 15 year olds...

I really want a black denim or heavy twill mini skirt - something that'll do with black tights and be solid enough to last a good while. Straight, not a-line. Not sure where to look!