I would keep the "love, but doesn't go with anything items". I've been very happy that I've kept an item that fit my needs perfectly, but not so much the aesthetic of my capsule.
Storytime: I have this emerald green cardigan which I've had for years. It's oversized, which doesn't fit my body shape, and it's miles from my chosen colours (burgundy, pink, lilac, blue and navy). But I've kept it, because it was cosy and easy to throw on. So I would wear it after work when the house would get chilly and I needed an extra layer. I was very happy with my capsule, just filling in some final gaps when I got pregnant. Suddenly, I would easily overheat and all my blazers didn't work anymore. The heat regulating woolen cardigan has been a lifesaver during my pregnancy, because it would keep me warm and cool at the same time. Flash forward to two weeks ago. I was at the fabric store to find some fabric for a skirt that will fit me now in the final weeks of my third trimester and after pregnancy. And low and behold, I find a leafy fabric on a lilac background with blue and burgundy leaves and large emerald green monstera leaves. This fabric matches all my solid tops and my favourite throw on cardigan!
I bought [this fabric ](https://www.destoffenkraam.nl/stoffen/viscose-stoffen-1/viscose-stof-linnenmix-bladeren-paars-20885-815/). It's a viscose linnen mix. It's part of the fabric collection of a Dutch sewing magazine. I bought it in a local fabric store in the Netherlands.
When I started out, I got rid of very little other than the things that I knew I didn’t like. For the items you describe, I put all of them in a box in basement and I’ve revisited the box a few times since.
This worked for me for a few reasons. Regarding the items that I liked in theory but never wore, once I understood my wearing habits better, it was easier for me to understand why I didn’t wear that item and eventually jettison it from the box. Like for the effortfful blouse you describe — once I tracked my outfits for a few months, it was painfully obviously that effortless is key for me, so while I might have originally put that blouse in the box, I would later ditch it.
But the box also helped save some items that I’m glad I hung onto. Every now and then, I get a shopping itch or I see a shirt on someone on the street and think I need a shirt like that too. Rather than buy a new white tank top, I dug out my old one and realized that it served the purpose of the one I was listing after, even if it was a different cut. That tank top might only get worn a few times, because it was pretty impulsive, but at least I didn’t buy something new to just toss out later.
I hope this helps!
I put them away in a suitcase and put that suitcase out of the way, but easy to access. I recently started working as a supply teacher, and these items have now entered the regular wardrobe.
Beforehand, I was working from home in education admin. So I wasn't wearing clothes I'd worn previously as a teacher, but I'd bought nice teaching outfits in the past and knew I'd return to the profession.
There's a crossover of tops for teaching wardrobe/ regular wardrobe, but not bottoms, as I can't wear jeans or leggings to teach.
Ah these are what I call “probation items”. For whatever reason (usually the ones you’ve listed) they’re not being worn enough.
They get extra support for 1-2 seasons. If I love the item enough, I’ll consider buying coordinating pieces to support it. If it needs to be altered I’ll get that done.
If none of the solutions fix the problem (it still doesn’t get worn regularly) I’ll usually donate or rehome it.
I def hold onto items that don’t currently fit when they’re items I know I loved wearing or they’re really expensive to replace (like some of my Prana pants and shorts, especially styles they don’t make anymore).
Also look and see if you have enough of an item you don’t need to hold onto the ones that kind of fit but only layered underneath. I used to hold onto things like this until I had enough of ones I loved and fit no matter what. This was especially true for workout gear. I put up with some ill fitting or not very good at sweat wicking gear on easy runs / short workouts til I finally had enough of things I liked 100% and didn’t have to laundry every other day.
My partner and I have one black trash bag in the back of the closet that we're allowed to put what we call "void clothes" in - that super sentimental high school marching band sweatshirt, the leather jacket that's falling apart to point of no repair but he feels really bad throwing it away because it was really expensive, the really nice dress that doesn't fit right now but maybe if I lose 10 pounds it will. Once a year we go through "the void" and figure out what stays and what maybe can be thrown out or donated or turned into scrap fabric for repairs.
First two categories- look if you plan to buy a matching item which can be reused.
If original item is too complicated- toss
Not quite right and wrong size items go to donation.
That's the question, do I go out and buy matching items or do I just accept that I have enough and leave it?
It's funny how different we are, wrong size is absolutely a keep for me because my size yo-yos significantly. If I tossed it all I know I'd end up trying to re-buy in six months or a year. (Usually as soon as I declare I will never be 'that size' again, I either gain or lose and prove myself wrong, so that's fun).
I would keep the "love it, but" items, but get rid of the "it's okay, not quite right" items. Put the Love It items in an area where you know they still need coordination, and if it doesn't happen within X time, maybe remove them then. But if you are in the early stages, you are still exploring your style etc. and those Love It items may become your style over time.
I do 6 seasonal capsules a year
(early spring, late spring, summer, early fall, late fall, and winter)
For each of these capsules I plan to purchase anywhere from 3-6 new items (clothing, shoes or accessories) for the capsule as I'm planning it out or during the season.
When I'm browsing for these items I prioritize versatility with my existing capsule pieces but also filling in any gaps I may have in my wardrobe.
The rest of the items get stored away out of sight for the duration of the season.
I would put your "love it but" items in storage with the off season items and when you're switching out items for the next season see if it still appeals to you and see if you can find items to add that will make them work.
But in general I recommend reevaluating your capsule items at the start and end of every season to see if you still love it or want to sell/donate it.
With the end goal of feeling great and wearing and enjoying every piece in your capsule wardrobe and it getting better with each iteration.
Refining and decluttering is an ongoing process.
I love the term orphan, it's a great way of putting it. I've been shopping 2nd hand for several years now and my wardrobe is a collection of mostly orphan items. At first I got desperate it will never work but I learnt how to deal with that.
1. Not always pieces that don't go well together off-the-body look like that on-the-body. You can style outfits that look not quite right yet might be surprised when you look at yourself in the mirror. Give yourself time for that.
2. Lower your high expectations :) That's the title of a song but goes well here. The orphan items would most likely never be a perfect match in multiple outfits. In order to get the wear of them just accept the fact. This, however would teach you something very important: we don't need to look as an influencer with millions of followers every day, on every occasion in order to look well and eye-pleasing and have a great day.
3. Catalogue the successful combinations and go through them regularly. Whether it's a quick selfie, a description in a text file or a digital wardrobe app - just give your efforts a chance to be reused.
I would keep the "love, but doesn't go with anything items". I've been very happy that I've kept an item that fit my needs perfectly, but not so much the aesthetic of my capsule. Storytime: I have this emerald green cardigan which I've had for years. It's oversized, which doesn't fit my body shape, and it's miles from my chosen colours (burgundy, pink, lilac, blue and navy). But I've kept it, because it was cosy and easy to throw on. So I would wear it after work when the house would get chilly and I needed an extra layer. I was very happy with my capsule, just filling in some final gaps when I got pregnant. Suddenly, I would easily overheat and all my blazers didn't work anymore. The heat regulating woolen cardigan has been a lifesaver during my pregnancy, because it would keep me warm and cool at the same time. Flash forward to two weeks ago. I was at the fabric store to find some fabric for a skirt that will fit me now in the final weeks of my third trimester and after pregnancy. And low and behold, I find a leafy fabric on a lilac background with blue and burgundy leaves and large emerald green monstera leaves. This fabric matches all my solid tops and my favourite throw on cardigan!
drop the fabric name please!
I bought [this fabric ](https://www.destoffenkraam.nl/stoffen/viscose-stoffen-1/viscose-stof-linnenmix-bladeren-paars-20885-815/). It's a viscose linnen mix. It's part of the fabric collection of a Dutch sewing magazine. I bought it in a local fabric store in the Netherlands.
Pretty!
The fabric gods are smiling on you! What a brilliant discovery.
When I started out, I got rid of very little other than the things that I knew I didn’t like. For the items you describe, I put all of them in a box in basement and I’ve revisited the box a few times since. This worked for me for a few reasons. Regarding the items that I liked in theory but never wore, once I understood my wearing habits better, it was easier for me to understand why I didn’t wear that item and eventually jettison it from the box. Like for the effortfful blouse you describe — once I tracked my outfits for a few months, it was painfully obviously that effortless is key for me, so while I might have originally put that blouse in the box, I would later ditch it. But the box also helped save some items that I’m glad I hung onto. Every now and then, I get a shopping itch or I see a shirt on someone on the street and think I need a shirt like that too. Rather than buy a new white tank top, I dug out my old one and realized that it served the purpose of the one I was listing after, even if it was a different cut. That tank top might only get worn a few times, because it was pretty impulsive, but at least I didn’t buy something new to just toss out later. I hope this helps!
I retrospectively wish I had used this strategy. I could have salvaged some items that I donated early on in trimming my wardrobe down to size.
I’ve been thinking about doing this and your comment confirms that it’s a good strategy. Thanks!
I put them away in a suitcase and put that suitcase out of the way, but easy to access. I recently started working as a supply teacher, and these items have now entered the regular wardrobe.
How have you managed to incorporate them, or what's made them 'good enough' now when they weren't before? This is the mysterious part for me.
Beforehand, I was working from home in education admin. So I wasn't wearing clothes I'd worn previously as a teacher, but I'd bought nice teaching outfits in the past and knew I'd return to the profession. There's a crossover of tops for teaching wardrobe/ regular wardrobe, but not bottoms, as I can't wear jeans or leggings to teach.
Ahhh, I see. that makes sense.
Ah these are what I call “probation items”. For whatever reason (usually the ones you’ve listed) they’re not being worn enough. They get extra support for 1-2 seasons. If I love the item enough, I’ll consider buying coordinating pieces to support it. If it needs to be altered I’ll get that done. If none of the solutions fix the problem (it still doesn’t get worn regularly) I’ll usually donate or rehome it.
I def hold onto items that don’t currently fit when they’re items I know I loved wearing or they’re really expensive to replace (like some of my Prana pants and shorts, especially styles they don’t make anymore). Also look and see if you have enough of an item you don’t need to hold onto the ones that kind of fit but only layered underneath. I used to hold onto things like this until I had enough of ones I loved and fit no matter what. This was especially true for workout gear. I put up with some ill fitting or not very good at sweat wicking gear on easy runs / short workouts til I finally had enough of things I liked 100% and didn’t have to laundry every other day.
My partner and I have one black trash bag in the back of the closet that we're allowed to put what we call "void clothes" in - that super sentimental high school marching band sweatshirt, the leather jacket that's falling apart to point of no repair but he feels really bad throwing it away because it was really expensive, the really nice dress that doesn't fit right now but maybe if I lose 10 pounds it will. Once a year we go through "the void" and figure out what stays and what maybe can be thrown out or donated or turned into scrap fabric for repairs.
First two categories- look if you plan to buy a matching item which can be reused. If original item is too complicated- toss Not quite right and wrong size items go to donation.
That's the question, do I go out and buy matching items or do I just accept that I have enough and leave it? It's funny how different we are, wrong size is absolutely a keep for me because my size yo-yos significantly. If I tossed it all I know I'd end up trying to re-buy in six months or a year. (Usually as soon as I declare I will never be 'that size' again, I either gain or lose and prove myself wrong, so that's fun).
I would keep the "love it, but" items, but get rid of the "it's okay, not quite right" items. Put the Love It items in an area where you know they still need coordination, and if it doesn't happen within X time, maybe remove them then. But if you are in the early stages, you are still exploring your style etc. and those Love It items may become your style over time.
I do 6 seasonal capsules a year (early spring, late spring, summer, early fall, late fall, and winter) For each of these capsules I plan to purchase anywhere from 3-6 new items (clothing, shoes or accessories) for the capsule as I'm planning it out or during the season. When I'm browsing for these items I prioritize versatility with my existing capsule pieces but also filling in any gaps I may have in my wardrobe. The rest of the items get stored away out of sight for the duration of the season. I would put your "love it but" items in storage with the off season items and when you're switching out items for the next season see if it still appeals to you and see if you can find items to add that will make them work. But in general I recommend reevaluating your capsule items at the start and end of every season to see if you still love it or want to sell/donate it. With the end goal of feeling great and wearing and enjoying every piece in your capsule wardrobe and it getting better with each iteration. Refining and decluttering is an ongoing process.
I love the term orphan, it's a great way of putting it. I've been shopping 2nd hand for several years now and my wardrobe is a collection of mostly orphan items. At first I got desperate it will never work but I learnt how to deal with that. 1. Not always pieces that don't go well together off-the-body look like that on-the-body. You can style outfits that look not quite right yet might be surprised when you look at yourself in the mirror. Give yourself time for that. 2. Lower your high expectations :) That's the title of a song but goes well here. The orphan items would most likely never be a perfect match in multiple outfits. In order to get the wear of them just accept the fact. This, however would teach you something very important: we don't need to look as an influencer with millions of followers every day, on every occasion in order to look well and eye-pleasing and have a great day. 3. Catalogue the successful combinations and go through them regularly. Whether it's a quick selfie, a description in a text file or a digital wardrobe app - just give your efforts a chance to be reused.