From first to last

another superficial capsule wardrobe post for the seasonal transition

Every year I go into a minor freakout mode and have the urge to minimize, go through all my stuff, and get rid of what’s no longer serving me. This came on strong last week. I was SO TIRED of my summer capsule wardrobe even though there were still pieces I haven’t worn this year. I needed a change.

And then I looked at the calendar and realized it was almost time to switch to my “fall” wardrobe, which is really just a summer wardrobe in fall colors because it’s hot here until Thanksgiving.

But first here are the takeaways from my Summer Capsule. I always learn something!

Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Unsplash

Too many bright colors and prints overwhelms my brain. The BRIGHT ORANGE and the multiple patterned button ups I’ve thrifted were too much. By September I was seeking a more peaceful palette with no “statement” pieces. My favorite outfit was a white cotton gauze button up shirt from The Gap with simple denim shorts.

I cannot be trusted with Poshmark or Ebay (but we knew this already). I logged into Poshmark to buy a set of new curtains to match our existing living room ones for half the price and that was excellent. But then I didn’t delete the app from my phone.

So that meant when I was bored or stressed, I purchased: 2 pairs of Born boots, a lovely pair of Charix loafers (the only dressy flats I can tolerate), brand new mustard yellow Superga sneaks for $11 (#noregrets), much-needed black dress pants, unnecessary black jeans, a quilted teal silk jacket, and a denim shirt. All perfectly lovely items, but only three were filling a legitimate NEED in my closet. Which brings me to my next point.

My wardrobe superstars are the BORING items. Black loafers, my favorite pair of jeans, the perfect length non-see-through white tee, that Madewell A-line denim shirt I wear over *everything* since 2018. My Cole-Haan black leather combat boots.

I need a big bag for everyday use, preferably with a zipper. I hate when my bag tips over in the car and everything falls out. I bought a tiny adorable straw bag from Target and while it (just barely) fit the essentials, it was inconvenient when I couldn’t toss in a book, my Bullet Journal, or even my laptop. A big bag just makes all that easier and I don’t have to THINK.

I love button up shirts on their own again. For a while I was only using them as a “third piece” top layer over a tee or tank, but I tried wearing a cotton gauze or linen button up over a pair of shorts and I LOVED IT. Not groundbreaking but different for me.

I have a lot of clothes that no longer fit well. I lost about 18 pounds when I was off, gained some of it back when I started working (whyyyy!), but overall my body shape has changed *and* I no longer wear long, super oversized tops. Probably because my pants have wider legs now!

This weekend I went though most (but not all) of my warm weather clothes and found several pieces that are just too big, baggy, and ill-fitting. They’re lovely - linen knits, discontinued Eileen Fisher items, natural fibers. BUT THEY DON’T FIT. Maybe they never did.

I also put all my athleisure into one drawer and decided Fridays are for Comfort. I’ve been craving “comfort dressing” a lot lately - soft knits, stretchy things, comfy sneakers. I also found that when I wear athleisure I’m more likely to exercise when I have a few spare moments.

As you start to put your summer clothes away, what did you discover about your tastes and wardrobe?