Time for a capsule wardrobe update! We’re almost halfway through August already, and that equals halfway through the summer season as far as my capsule wardrobe is concerned. I’ve already started thinking about my fall wardrobe and have been pinning looks I love for inspiration.
I have mixed feelings about my summer wardrobe. In some ways it feels as though I really messed up this time around. But on the other hand, I think that might be a result of the fact that I am getting closer and closer to a “perfect” (for me) collection of apparel. While some of the pieces I chose for summer were definite mistakes, the pieces that remain feel more “me” than my typical wardrobe ever has. I may just be becoming more “choosy” and really, that means I’m nearer my goal of owning a truly “essentialist” wardrobe. So, I’m chalking this season up as a victory rather than a mishap. 😉
One of the main reasons I’m skeptical of the initial success of the wardrobe of summer ’15 is that I’ve ended up making quite a few purchases mid-season. (I started talking about that back here already.) But, since “no shopping between seasons” is NOT one of my rules for my capsule wardrobe, that’s okay! And the mid-season purchases I have made have ALL been HUGE wins. I have been wearing my new dresses (pictured below) constantly the last few weekends. (You can check out the additions on my Summer Capsule Wardrobe Pinterest board.)

So, quick recap: I started with 37, but moved out a gaping total of 12 pieces. Two tees got moved to my “loungewear” drawer, and the other items were either gifted to one of my sisters or will be sold (some on my Instagram closet sale account). I made a total of 6 new purchases: two tops, a pair of shorts, and three dresses. I also moved 2 pieces that I had been calling “accessories” (a wrap scarf and fringe vest) back into the capsule. So I now have a total of 33 pieces in my summer capsule wardrobe. I am thankful I have the freedom to step back, make adjustments, and emerge with Summer Capsule Wardrobe 2015, version 2.0. Here’s to the rest of this beautiful summer!
What wardrobe discoveries have you made so far this season? I’d love to hear about them, whether you’re working with a capsule or not!
I have finally accepted the fact that I will never “grow into” most of my clothes and that there is no point in having it sit in the back of my closet collecting dust!
Yup…no point. Pass them on and enjoy the new empty space. 🙂
Wow, that sounds absolutely freeing! I’ve gotten rid of so many of my clothes, most left in my closet are gifts. I can’t figure out how to politely tell my aunt with an employee Macy’s discount that I don’t need anything more.
So, so freeing. I know though, gifts are tricky! Maybe you need to just tell her you want to try out this new capsule wardrobe idea and aren’t “allowed” to get any new clothes! 🙂
It will be a tough sell! She fulfills the Filipina stereotype in that she’s so generous she’d give me the clothes off her back if I complimented them 🙂
Well, maybe you’ll have to teach her specifics on your style. Then you could actually enlist her help in building a practical capsule. 🙂
But I know, not an easy task. If nothing else, I’d wear the gifts at least once when she’ll see you, then pass them on.
Yeah, that’s been my current strategy 🙂 Thanks!
Good luck! 🙂
Pretty awesome girl! I keep tweaking my summer capsule as well (it’s my first time!) but I have still stuck with my personal “no spending/shopping rule.” I plan on continuing that throughout the year as well. I really think the heart of the capsule is to find your ‘style’ and make sure everything in the capsule get’s used and most of all LOVED. I have no idea what I”ll do for fall (probably around mid-october I’ll update) but I have a feeling it will be keep some of the current staples and change out a few items here and there. Love reading about your capsule progression and thoughts! Keep inspiring!
Thanks! I really admire your no-spending rule. But I think you’re exactly right with the heart of the concept. I’m continually inspired by you as well…thank you!