Ah, this one is closest to my normal capsule wardrobe, and to what I would buy if I had to start all over…Remember, we left this wardrobe on the first of November like this:
You can see the outfit-by-outfit progression of this wardrobe here: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.
Because this wardrobe is so close to my own, I wasn’t really concerned that things wouldn’t be reasonably well balanced. The easy assembly of a “Four by Four” capsule wardrobe supports my thoughts:
I wasn’t quite as certain that things would be as well-balanced for seasons and dressiness – I tend to love cold-weather clothing more than warm, and to like dressier things more than casual. You can see that here – the upper-half of the graph is somewhat more populated (the dressy things), and the left half – the cooler weather half – is also more filled in.
This would be a clear indication as to what needs to be purchased, but of course in November in North American, the shorts and tee shirts that would be most logical aren’t going to be easy to find.
I like to look at the array of clothing collected this way too – it gives me a sense of whether or not I need another cardigan or jacket, or maybe another skirt… This wardrobe seems okay in most respects, I think.
The shoe wardrobe could use something more dressy for cold weather, and also a pair of more dressy sandals – both of the top corners are empty:
In the interests of cool-weather dressy, but not TOO dressy, I’m suggesting a nice pair of wool pants. While I manage to get through most of my life in jeans, and in the cold weather – corduroy pants or wool pants change everything.
And I thought some more red would be a good idea…
Sweater – Lands’ End; boots – The Flexx; pants – J. Crew; shirt – Lands’ End
This is the wardrobe as it now stands – I could live with this for quite a while:
And I love these accessories!
I know I sound like a broken record, but you’ve got to be certain that your new purchases fit into your wardrobe in a variety of ways – this is the only way to be sure that you’re going to actually wear your new clothes, and not just waste money on pretty things.
Whew! I fully intend to start six new wardrobes on January 1, 2017. Come along for the fun!
love,
Janice
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Dear Janice, thank you for making this available in CET morning. I'm reading, but to shy to be first one to post to often. This series contributes to the festive mood!
It's been suspenseful waiting for the greener wardrobe, it's been my favorite.
Will you be evaluating the olive wardrobe, my favorite?
This capsule comes closest to how I dress also. My capsule closet has both black and beige as the basis and with add ons from there. That's what works for me. I find I don't need very many dressy looks with my casual life style. I struggle to find attractive but comfortable dressy shoes. I like gold evening sandals but have yet to find one to replace my old Naturalizer evening sandals (wore out completely). Gold sandals are a great neutral for me and work with so many pieces and colors.
Are you planning to show options for Christmas events and parties in each capsule? Sometimes we all struggle with how to step it up for events with ambiguous clues like "Festive Casual", or "Creative Black tie".
Looking forward to your January looks.
I think this is a great idea to show options for Christmas events in each capsule. I'm wondering if you would need to add garments or accessories and then if those would fit in with your must be able to wear it with three things rule?
I too am looking forward to the olive wardrobe.
The quadrants where you see if the wardrobes are balanced are really helpful. As you said, this one really needs summer tops to wear with the shorts. I would add a casual warm weather skirt too that could be dressed up or down. Either of the black ones could fit that bill if they were the right fabric.
Thank you most kindly for this wonderful post. These are my colors – black, red, and that beautiful blue. Sometimes a bit of gray in a pair of pants or a sweater. I must say I am a turtle neck girl all winter (to keep warm) which limits possible combinations a bit. I am retired but teach part time at a local university so a mix of “school” clothes and more casual clothes works for me.
Keep up the good work and please keep working with these beautiful colors.
This wardrobe based on black is my second favorite, although a bit too dressy for my lifestyle. I hope you have not forgotten about the olive and turquoise collection, Janice, as I am still trying to make up my mind if I like that particular color combination!
Love this wardrobe. It is the closest to my own clothes. I do have gray as one of my neutrals and some khaki/camel as well. I'm wearing black jeans and a gray top today. I have a few red tops and maybe 2 blue ones. Nothing in the blue for winter. I have trouble finding things I like on me in the blue color. I did have a pair of blue ankle pants that I wore a lot but they are too big now. Event options is a great idea!
Thrilled to hear you'll be giving us another series of these brilliant scarf-inspired capsule wardrobes in 2017. Can't wait!
xxGaye
This is my favorite, I have watched it carefully and added a few suggested pieces to my core neutal of black with accents of red and cobalt. It has extended the possibilities of what I own and helped me put together outfits I had not considered. Thank you so much!