Let me start by saying that I don’t know if I can actually call this a capsule wardrobe. I’ve been calling it a capsule wardrobe without doing much research into the “rules” of a capsule and probably ignoring what a standard capsule wardrobe should look like. Isn’t the main point to simplify and make getting dressed easier for yourself? If so, then that’s certainly what I’ve done even if it’s not following all the rules.

It all started about a little over a year ago. I was growing increasingly frustrated with my clothes. I had loads and yet never felt like I had anything to wear. I was sick of spending money on clothes only to find I never wanted to wear them or that they din’t really fit in with my current wardrobe and lifestyle. Nothing seemed to go together. I was also becoming more interested in sustainability and doing my part for the planet. I know that I’m far from doing it perfectly, but I’m striving to do better. How I approach it is that my wardrobe has to meet a few markers if it’s going to stay in my closet. They don’t have to meet all three, although that is ideal.

Is it something I will wear at least 30 times if not for my lifetime? I try not to keep or buy anything that doesn’t meet this standard. I will sometimes make exceptions for a very special occasion, but I often find I have something already that works fine. Avoiding too many one-off pieces has really helped reduce my spending.
Is it made by a small shop / someone I admire and want to support?
Is it made sustainably?

If I have something in my closet that I will wear often, but doesn’t meet some of these standards than it can stay. I don’t want to throw things out just because it doesn’t meet my new standards. Again, it’s not perfect, but it’s working for me and I’m happier with my wardrobe than I’ve ever been.

I don’t wear a ton of black and I don’t wear high heels so my capsule wardrobe if filled with mostly neutral pieces and subtle prints that I can mix and match. Comfort is important to me. So even my dressy outfits have a casualness to them.

When it comes to shopping, I have started to save to buy 1-2 more special pieces a month. Usually a new dress or pair of shoes. I also started a list on my phone where I write the pieces I’m missing from my current wardrobe and can look for when I’m out thrifting or have saved enough to add it. It’s a work in progress, but one I wanted to share since I used to be such a compulsive shopper who always needed something new to feel good. Since many of my fall pieces aren’t brand new they aren’t easy to shop from. I will try my best to link similar items where I can.

And yes, I have a signature pose in all these photos, but at least I’m consistent.

Here’s my breakdown:

2 dresses: Both my dresses are from Dôen. I can’t get enough of their feminine, praire-girl vibes. Both are from their fall collection (but sadly sold out). I try to save for one special piece a month and often it’s something by Dôen. I love how easily they can be dressed up with boots or worn casually with sneakers.

2 pairs of jeans: I have to admit, I own too many jeans, but most of the time I only wear 2-3 of them. Mostly I wear my vintage Levis and my high-waisted off-white pair (similar pair). I wear them with my Converse or Dôen flats, but sometimes I will jazz them up with my black Zara boots (similar pair).

1 pair of pants: These brown pants by Everlane are basically like another pair of jeans. These are super comfy and go with everything in my wardrobe. I gravitate towards pairing them with my rust colored Rachael Harrah top for easy run-around days.

1 pair of overalls: What, only one pair of overalls?! Who am I? Most probably wouldn’t include overalls in a capsule wardrobe, but for me they are a staple that I can’t live without. I’ve had this white pair from Madewell for over two years and they are stained with dirt and rust, but I like to think it adds character. They certainly don’t need to be thrown out. I love wearing them with tops with exaggerated shoulders.

1 jumpsuit: Like overalls, jumpsuits are essential to my wardrobe. To be honest, I have a few more pairs that I rotate in this season, but I was too lazy to include them. This cream linen jumpsuit by Rachel Pally is so comfortable and flattering (I also love this one). I wear it with my oversized parka, trench coat or alone with my Converse.

3 tops: One of the reasons I can get away with three tops for most of my outfits is because many days I’m wearing jeans with a dingy old t-shirt. I only need a few nice tops to get by. My white Dôen frilly top has gotten so much wear. It literally goes with everything. I also love my Dôen tee (here’s a similar one). I wear under overalls and with jeans and it’s a great layering piece. My new brown Rachel Pally top is very flattering. It tucks in at the waist making it great with a pair of high-waisted jeans, but the oversized shoulders means it looks fun with my overalls, too.

1 cardigan: I love an oversized cardigan, and this vintage cream fisherman’s sweater has been on repeat in my closet for over a year. It’s versatile and gets more compliments than I ever expected it too. It was a great find. I want to add a cream babaà cardigan to my fall / winter wardrobe next.

3 jackets: I love jackets. I feel like they instantly make an outfit. My oversized green parka with daisies by The Great has been one of my most worn pieces for the last year. It’s great for school-runs and has giant pockets that can carry everything you need. My new trench coat by Mille is so fun! It’s got major frill-factor. Every time I put it on I feel like I have a proper look happening. In California, a denim jacket is a must have. This one is vintage Levi’s and has a cool buffalo-check lining.

4 bags: I struggle to stick to one bag for very long. To be honest, I probably have about 3 more bags I will wear during the season, but these three are the ones I’ve been gravitating to lately. I always use my French market bag all year long. It’s great for carry things for the kids and for trips to the grocery store and market. My pink suede Sezane purse has been a wonderful addition. I love it for a night out, but it’s perfect for daytime too. I also love my brown leather bag by Sezane. It’s another great bag for mixing with many outfits. My Clare Vivier fanny pack is going to be controversial, but I love it. It’s amazing for days where I want to run out and just bring a few essentials with me. Plus, I can be hands-free with the kids.

5 shoes: I mean, how can I even call this a capsule wardrobe when it has two pairs of white Converse in it?! But this is my wardrobe and I live in Converse. They are hands-down my most worn shoe. I have to have high-top and low-tops as options. For me, Converse go with every single thing in my closet. I also included two boots. My new Sezane cowboy boots are my favorite. I have worn them so much already. I also have been gravitating to this old pair of black boots by Zara. I love how tight they are around the ankle; making them easy to wear with jeans. I’ve had this pair of Dôen velour flats for over a year and they still are holding up amazingly. Since I don’t wear heels, Mary Jane flats or boots are how I spice up an outfit.

Miscellaneous: I have this pink knit beanie that I grab every fall and winter. It’s super slouchy which makes it feel cool. It’s really old, so this one is a good doup. Every day I wear the lockets I co-designed with Ariel Gordon, my vintage gold watch, and , and I wear my vintage shell stud earrings daily.

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