My Summer Capsule Wardrobe | Summer Staples

After last weeks closet revamp (read more on my newly refreshed closet HERE), I got to thinking;

What if I created a capsule – just for my summer clothing? 

First off, what’s a capsule wardrobe? Google it, and you’ll find the idea explained so many ways, you might just throw in the towel right then and there. Simply put, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing – all pieces being interchangeable. The idea behind this concept is with less, you will actually have more. The number of items typically is 33 – if you choose to strictly follow the guidelines of Project 333. You can read more in depth, on Project 333, HERE.

To be honest, I have no interest in pairing my closet down to 33 items and being done with it all. I write a style/fashion blog because I love color, fabric, design, style, texture, pattern and print. I love the stories behind Vintage pieces and love finding that one special piece. I have a passion for accessorizing. I love the science behind fashion, and what makes the industry tick. I have been interested in style and design since I was young – and always will be. It served as a longtime career for me, and I still enjoy it to this day.

In the world fashion, one would label me a “collector”, which is true. That said, you can see how locking me into 33 items, would simply not make me happy, nor would I find this enjoyable. That said, many would be happier with only 33 items to work with, which is why I included the link to Project 333 for you to check out.

Since my style philosophy is all about individual style, I decided to take the idea behind project 333 and apply it to the problem area of the moment – my casual wardrobe. As you all know, I paired my casual pieces down to a small area of my closet last weekend – small because there were few pieces.

With the end goal; to make this part of my closet work for me, I applied the concept of a capsule wardrobe –  to my casual clothing items.

Not quite 33, I have 37 pieces – with maybe 3 voids I’d like to fill along the way – giving me a 40 piece collection for summer/early fall. Not my entire closet – just a season.

There are 3-4 pieces I don’t totally love here, but I left them in the mix –  to see if I could make them work, with my new system in place. If I find I don’t wear them soon, I will be sending them off to the consignment store, and with the cash – replacing those pieces, with something I love or am missing.

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Suzanne’s Summer Capsule

(actual pieces from my closet)

16 Tops

11 Bottoms

5 Dresses | 2 Jumpsuits

3 Jackets

Oh, the thought bubbles?

Yes, pieces that I feel are missing in my capsule – items that could stretch my looks further.

Now, my capsule cannot be your capsule. We each have our own sense of style, body type and comfort levels. BUT, you can use mine as a guide to get you going, if you think this is something you want to try.

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Getting Started

#1 Clean out your closet. If you are just getting started, start HERE (The Purge!), if you cleaned out earlier this year but are in need of a refresh, click HERE (Revamped Closet).

#2 Pull out your favorite pieces. These are items you love to wear, fit, and feel good in.

#3 Organize by type, then color

#4 Edit

Project 333 calls for:

21 items of clothing | 4 pairs of shoes | 2 pieces of jewelry |6 accessories (super minimalist and not for this gal!)

Other options I have read about:

18 tops | 3 jackets | 4 dresses | 8 bottoms (shoes and accessories don’t count)

or

9 tops | 6 outerwear | 6 dresses | 6 bottoms | 6 shoes

and so on, you get the idea…

I am not a fan of ANY fashion rules. For me, fashion is a creative outlet – so why rules? That said, I do love organized living space – that is where I function best, and can be my most creative self.

But, for some getting dressed, it’s a means to an end – the end being getting out the door without worries and living with less.

Whatever your passion, do what works for you, and makes you happy.

Are you a minimalist? Could you live with only 33 pieces of clothing and accessories?

Are you more of a collector like me?

Do you like the idea of a capsule wardrobe? What about a seasonal capsule wardrobe?

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I began this whole process last week, and I have to say – getting dressed and out the door this week has been a breeze! Much less stress and loads of new outfit options for me now. Pop back on Wednesday, where I will be sharing the results from my first week of working with my Summer Capsule. How I wore 1 jacket 5 ways – intermixed only with pieces from my Summer Capsule!

Don’t leave me hanging! What’s the jacket?

Who What Wear | Target | $39.90 | HERE | in PLUS size HERE

Back with more next week!

XOXO

Suzanne

A quick note: “Blogs I Read” has been added back onto Ask Suzanne Bell. This is a list of blogs I personally follow, not all, but regulars. This page automatically updates – whenever the author posts something new. Therefore the most current post lands at the top. My hope is that this new format makes it easy, so you don’t have to hunt around for your favorites. While you are here visiting, you can simply pop on over and see what’s new out in the world of blogging. Not all are fashion or style blogs, you may just find one you love!

Click HERE to check it out!

Linking up with : Not Dressed As a Lamb| Fashion Should Be Fun| My Refined Style| Sheela Writes | Style Stories |Visible Monday|40 Plus Style | Style Me Wednesday | Style Perspectives Link-Up