The capsule wardrobe we finished with yesterday would make a GREAT travel wardrobe; you could wear 3 pieces, and pack the other 12. With our new silk pants (and the silk blouse from the first steps) you could be prepared for a dressy event, and obviously the rest of the wardrobe is ideally suited for… wandering Chicago in November? New York? Montreal? The choices… sigh…
At this step, I always plan for a complete outfit. This time, I thought that some brightness and a real emphasis on our accent colors would be a good idea!
Even though we haven’t (in Chicago) see anything that resembles cold weather, we all know that eventually we’re going to be greeted some morning with sub-freezing temperatures and gale-force winds! Think of the calories that you burn when your body temperature fights to stay stable when it’s being assaulted so viciously…
And yes, these boots are from UGG! They’re water-resistant, and not all fluffy looking, which makes them a lot sleeker and more widely useful than their usual suede. But these still have that glorious lining that makes them toasty warm…
More accessories! When I was plotting these out, I looked at the fact that I usually include a brooch in this step, and just didn’t quite feel that this particular heroine was a brooch person… But a hat person? ABSOLUTELY! Especially when the hat is this cute (and affordable!).
I included a pair of earrings that might seem a little more dressy than expected, but I was thinking that these are the earrings that she pulls out for getting “gussied up.” And yes, if your favorite color is olive, you absolutely should have a pair of olive-branch earrings, too!
This is a step in the process that is often questioned, but I think that it’s a good idea to have an outfit or two in hand that can be worn to make breakfast on Saturday morning, and then dash to the grocery store when you run out of milk. We’re looking for comfy and relaxed, but still presentable to the outside world. No sheer leggings with holes in strategic places, no torn sweat clothes, and NO pajamas, please. All of the pieces shown here can work nicely with the existing wardrobe, too.
Cardigan – Uniqlo; top – Mango; striped tee – L.L.Bean; fleece pants – Uniqlo
Oh… another dress? Heck no! We’re pulling out all the stops here with a sequined top and another pair of silk pants. My imagination here suggested that our heroine was attending some dressy event being held at a beach resort – one of those destination weddings, perhaps?
But keeping these pieces within her color palette means that they can be used in other ways for other occasions. Nothing worse than a “one-time wear” garment hanging in your closet. (always consider renting a dress or outfit before spending money on something that truly is never going to be worn again – such a waste of money and natural resources!)
Frankly, if this is all of the clothing that someone has to wear from now until next Spring, I think she’ll manage just fine. A pair of gloves, and something to put over her ears might be handy (the hat is cute, but in sub-zero Fahrenheit weather, something more substantial is essential!). Otherwise, I’d say it’s looking pretty good!
Just for fun, I thought I’d take a quick look at how some of the new pieces blend in with the older… Even the sequined tank top has possibilities!
Tomorrow I evaluate everything, and make a few (three) additions – including an outrageously expensive cardigan! It’s a mad splurge, but you’ll understand when you see it why I caved in to at least show it to you…
love,
Janice
Like this article? Save it to Pinterest!
People question the leisure step? Oh, no… You must include that! I can't tell you how many times someone has just "shown up" on my doorstep, or, as you say, you realize that even though you had no intentions of leaving the house, you simply must for a quick thing.. Or you get a phone call to rush to the ER or to.. Or to…
And it's so demoralizing when that happens and you look like something the cat dragged in. AND of COURSE you will just happen to run into your ex, or your boss, or……
But what I've learned even more than that is: I'm worth it. Why should I dress in a way that I don't feel good about myself? I dress nice for others. Why can't I dress nice for me?
That took me a long time to learn. But I'm glad I finally learned it.
I'm loving this particular collection, throw in two pairs of jeans instead of a couple of the trousers and you would have me completely :-)
The "leisure wear" step is exactly where I am with my own wardrobe building. I can safely leave the house dressed for any event, but when I'm home, it's a lot of old, worn-out *stuff* that now needs replacing. I would love to get dressed on Saturday or Sunday morning & not need to feel like I need to change clothes to run out for milk or bread. Thanks for including this step!
Janice,
While I am loving the colors and overall casualness of the outfits, the sequined tank and silk pants remind me once again of the glamorous and beautifully dressed character , Miss Fanny Fisher, of " Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries " fame ! While I no longer have need for this level of a dress up outfit, it sure stirs my fantasy world ! It suggests men wearing ascots, and some story of intrigue ! Although — perhaps on a future dressy cruise night — hmmmmm !
We are casual, outdoorsy people, and we vacation in Vermont quite often. This wardrobe would be fantastic for an outdoorsy Vermont vacation! I would probably swap out a pair of shoes for something more suited to tromping through the woods. And the coat would need to do double duty in the woods as well as touring the artisan studios (something from Woolrich would do nicely).
A total homerun, Janice! I live in West Texas and I could live in this until next Spring. The color combos are fantastic. You have a knack, dear! Thanks for this.
This is wonderful.
That brunch outfit looks so comfortable yet that color immediately makes it feel dressy.
Sigh…I love this entire wardrobe! I have no need for the winter coat and boots where I live, but everything else I'd like to buy right now!
A stunning collection. The sequins and silk takes it over the top. You are brilliant.
Vancouver Barbara
I started out saying these aren't my colors but it is truly gorgeous…especially That sequin tank. Just need some jeans and I'm all set! :)
Yes that tank! Pair it with jeans for casual and a skirt for dressy and I'd wear it anywhere!
-Kaci
Yes, please, I will take one of each!! This is so perfect and has serious elements of fun. The casual outfit is elegant, what a coup! I am really looking forward to the grand finale tomorrow.
Deb from Vancouver
This is lovely..am going to try to put this together..but will have to substitute the olive for gray…think it would work???
Absolutely – grey and beige together are wonderfully subtle. The little punches of teal and rust would bring a little bit of life to the combinations, which would give you some great options.
hugs,
Janice
I love the combination of olive silk pants with the chunky cable knit sweater — that's my kind of quirky! Since my life includes mucking out a barn and paddock every day I have to own certain clothes that should never be in public (although I don't guarantee they haven't been in an emergency!), but leisure clothes that can be worn to town if necessary are a must in my wardrobe. Like a number of others, I adore this collection. I wish it could go on forever (or at least into the warm season as well), but I can't wait to see how you finish it tomorrow.
Everybody's life probably includes a little bit of "muck," but I think that we need to remember that most of us don't have to look like a hot mess in order to do things like laundry or preparing a meal. Our loved ones deserve to see us looking good, and we deserve it ourselves! And being prepared for whatever the day brings saves us time, and gives us that ineffable feeling of control over our lives that is so important these day!
hugs,
Janice
I admit I was skeptical about the teal, but it is beautiful! Love the casual wear too! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us tomorrow!
Today it is the coat, scarf, hat, boots, jewellery and bag that sing to me. For a cool, temperate climate like mine they are just perfect. And while I live in bushwalking/polar fleece HQ, I still like to look 'smart' for going into town. Possibly, it's the influence of my Dunedin (NZ) Nana. When I was a little girl in the early 1960s and stayed with her, our great treat was to have afternoon tea in town. Before setting off for the bus stop we would dress up. I was allowed to choose something from her jewellery box. And she would be dressed in matching coat, scarf, hat, shoes and gloves. Now I have the jewellery box and still think of her every time I put in 'Nana's pearls'. She would have adored that hat, as I do.
Robyn in Tasmania
Oh, that hat! I would wear that in places that would be ridiculous to wear hats, just for the fun of wearing it.
I love the hat! This wardrobe would definitely work for me, but like several others, I would need a couple of pairs of jeans.
I pinned this capsule long ago, and came across it again today. I have followed your blog for some years now and want to thank you for bringing clarity into my haphazard clothing choices (it’s a thing of the past!). These are completely “my” colors for fall/winter. Spring/summer brings lighter peaches and softer greens, along with a brighter teal. Thank you so much for helping me transition from a “magpie” with nothing to wear to a woman who can put together an outfit for any occasion and look pulled together.