I have heard that it’s a good idea to divide your life into percentages (home, work, exercise, going out, etc) and then match your capsule to those percentages. So if you’re in homewear 50% of the time, your capsule should be 50% homewear. Hope that makes sense.

I live in an area with distinct seasons and I have settled on a system of 1. all year clothes, 2. hot weather mini capsule, 3. cold weather mini capsule. This means that about 70% of my clothes are out all year but as the winter weather ends I pack away the winter mini capsule, and a few months later I bring out the summer mini capsule. I can make do with my all year clothes for the unexpected colder or hotter day without needing to ransack the mini capsule. I really couldn't be bothered doing a capsule wardrobe for every season, but I love not having to look at clothes that are unsuitable for the particular time of year and I enjoy bringing them out and rediscovering them. I use the same system for both at home wear and outside the home (dressier) wear.

I actually think that warm brown jacket looked beautiful on you! I also don't tend to like warm colours, especially warm brown, so I understand your comments about it!

It’s such a pet peeve of mine that most capsule wardrobes are for “elevated basics” and/or work wear. Like. It feels confusing to me that people are claiming to (or actually do?) spend most of their time in gently elevated cardigans and slacks. Do they? I’m a performer so my “work wear” is either active wear or costuming, which def confuses the whole concept of a capsule wardrobe. But also what about people who work in uniforms, or who have multiple different kinds of work wear that they need, or or or . . . Anyway, sometimes I feel like fashion influencers are designing tips and tools for a life nobody really lives. It doesn’t surprise me that it didn’t really match how you spend your days! I appreciate your willingness to try stuff, admit when/in what ways it didn’t quite work, and try something else.

I don’t capsule but each week I choose 5 pieces I want to style. I usually include both pieces I’m very excited about and things I’m not sure about so I get a chance to wear them and see how I am feeling with those pieces in my closet. This also works for new pieces I haven’t styled yet. I don’t feel restricted at all and tracking what I’m wearing helps me to know how much I have and am or am not using.

Things I knew wouldn't work for me - faux leather pants and denim maxi skirts. Not even tempted to buy either. That rust colored suede jacket though is not bad - it looks better on you than you think it does (if you wore it with a black turtleneck you would have a great look for fall/winter.)

I’ve been watching your videos out of order, and I see you got your sweater! 😊

I hadn’t thought of the angle that you might find out whether you really were going to wear a garment or not by putting it into a capsule, that’s handy! I might put together a capsule to last me for an upcoming holiday but test it out before I go and remove any pieces that I don’t really want to wear so this was useful thanks!

I started building a curated wardrobe basically from scratch about 3 years ago. It’s just now starting to feel well rounded. In the beginning it was capsule based because of general limitation. I found it very…. Well…Limiting…. I’ve remained selective about what comes in and what is removed, but the reality is there are just phases about what I want to wear. Sometimes an item sitting in my closet for a while is an indication it’s time to let it go, but more often than not I’m just not in the right “phase” for it. I still love it and eventually I come back to it. Many fashion influencers don’t always bring up the fact that it’s just not economically possible to constantly purge clothing from your wardrobe. I worked hard to curate what I did. I don’t exactly want to do it all over again… Often altering solves my issues. Idk. I think there’s a huge issue of clothing guilt that many people (myself included) are feeling. Fashion has a more noticeable relationship to consumption than other things. Part of that is because clothing is something we physically present to the world and it usually has some kind of shelf life. Our bodies change. Tastes change. Clothing deteriorates! There’s so much pressure to make every clothing decision PERFECT that we feel horrible when we chose “badly”. We tangle our identities up in it too much. I think you are on the right path about being mindful of what you bring into your life. That’s a huge lifestyle change and you’re doing absolutely amazing!!! I love your honesty about everything. It helps me reflect on my own journey! But remember you shouldn’t feel guilt about any of this either. You’re only making massive improvements and growth. It’s all a balance, and you’re learning it. I think part of removing the grip items have on us is realizing that it’s ok if it didn’t work out. It’s ok if we out grew it. We should be mindful but not expect perfection. That’s my take anyway. As a side note you are so stylish and chic! What you choose to wear is very flattering and beautiful on you. Your sense of style will only become more elevated with your continued mindfulness! ❤

Yep, I work outside of the home 2-4 days a week so I just have black work pants (bootcut for winter and ankle length of summer). I always wear black pants and just swap out tops 😂 In the summer I wear black flats and winter I wear black ankle boots! I know a lot of people must think it’s boring but it’s just so easy for me.

I quite like the warm brown on you! It I do understand your reasoning. I loved this video. Thank you!

I‘d love to see more fashion content ❤❤❤

I'm just going to add my tid bit. I started "building my wardrobe" these last few years. Before that, my wardrobe had been a desert of options and as I get older, I appreciate that I now have more options to dress like an adult, in adult situations. However, yes this has been a trial and error practice so some mistakes were made but we are learning and will do better in the future. Thank you for your video. I love your channel. You speak my language.

In my case, decluttering and also SHOPPING my closet while I do a no buy month makes me exercise the creative muscle required to put up new outfits using what I already have and like. You have so many great basics pieces … high quality. How about trying to recreate Pinterest outfits you see yourself in? It works for me ❤ I don’t like capsules , I like being creative everyday with things I enjoy, styling, changing shoes makes everything fresh

The warm brown leather jacket is a gorgeous piece of clothing! I hope sincerely that you kept it?

I’m doing a no buy clothes. It was meant to be a year but I’ve lost weight and have some key items that I need to replace so I’m going to push on to the six month mark. I’ve really noticed that it’s made me enjoy what I have and also identify what isn’t serving me. I have a list now of the key items (mainly replacements for the garments I love but no longer fit) that I will be buying in July and also the odd gap and “just because I love it” piece. I’ve also got the whole of my wardrobe now on Open Wardrobe and instead of scrolling for shopping I try to come up with new outfits out of what I have. I’d highly recommend it, especially for experimenting with recreating looks. You may enjoy Gemma MacClean, Harry Makes it Up and Emily Elizabeth May’s channels for creating outfits out of existing items, both Gemma and Harriet are currently in their own no buy years. All the best. X

Chiming in on the value of a modular wardrobe as opposed to a capsule wardrobe. I love creating modules that work for a particular aspect of your lifestyle or aesthetic, and then integrating the modules together with a cohesive color palette. Using modules rather than capsules allows for more variety in smaller quantities and also gives accountability to the aspects of a wardrobe that most capsule systems ignore. I hate when capsules only reference workwear and say “don’t count your lounge or workout clothes,” when most people tend to have too many accumulated items in those categories that are just taking up space. Considering modules gives a structure for all of the aspects of lifestyle and aesthetic and covers your needs without getting too much inventory. For me, a basic module is 1 layering piece, 2 bottoms, 3 tops, 3 accessories, 2 shoes, 1 outerwear or extra. You can apply this formula to pretty much any season or occasion, add modules to areas of your life that need more coverage, or make smaller modules for areas that need less coverage. I also like to use the module structure as a way to take into account things like socks and underwear and jewelry, even makeup and hair accessories. I guess you could say that it’s a mini capsule, but by thinking of it as modular, the components can be interchanged and used in interesting ways, there’s more versatility, and you’ve covered your whole life and not just your job.

I finally just declutterred all of my clothes made of synthetic fibers, and it was basically my whole closet! I am sad to get rid of some pieces but the majority of it I haven’t worn in quite a while. I work from home so I am usually in loungewear and sweats most of the day 😂 and I finally realized that I probably (hopefully) won’t be back in an office setting so I don’t need that many clothes anymore. I have been slowly switching to more natural fibers and I have a pretty good base set of clothes already so I inadvertently created a capsule wardrobe that I know I will get a lot of use from. In a way, it helps with overconsumption because in my quest of finding new clothes I realized synthetic fibers are in almost everything nowadays and I’m trying to avoid that. It can be tricky though. I did get caught up in the shopping aspect of it and it caused me to buy other things that I didn’t necessarily need, but I’m working on it! Also, I know I shouldn’t be telling you about something to buy lol but I noticed you’re wearing your hair in a ponytail again and you’ve mentioned that it can cause headaches. I also have long hair and finally found the best hair clip, I got mine from miniso but kitsch sells a similar style, I think it’s called a banana clip, it is like a straight line but has a loop in the middle. I’ve tried a lot of hair clips in my lifetime and I finally found one that actually holds my hair and doesn’t cause headaches, just thought I would share!

I’m digging Indyx. I track all of my outfits (sometimes even my house clothes). It might help you decide if a capsule of any kind is useful for you. I’m about to switch jobs (requiring a very different wardrobe) and I think it will be extremely helpful in deciding what and when to purchase items and challenging myself to use pieces I can see I am not wearing.

I have a slightly different approach that works for me--its like a bit modular--maybe I'd call it 'Stages of Going Out. I stay home with my kids, thays Stage 1 [werk] and I have a summer uniform for that, as well as a winter. They aren't old, schleppy clothes. They are well fitting active wear that can transition from a workout to chores. Several pieces have bleach stains, but they are my uniform and its not like, $100 tees that I have to be precious with. Stage 2 going out is removing said bleach stained article and adding a nicer jacket, bag, quick makeup and jewelry....it's my 'wealthy housewife running errands after pilates' uniform. Stage 3 Going Out is the rest of my seasonal wardrobe; it's a planned outing and I get to shop my closet. I don't do capsules because i don't want limitations for my fancy going out days. My system *really* works for me, but it requires a smaller collection that is a bit modular. I do it by limiting my color palette and packing away seasonal clothes (my fall palette sweaters are not even in my bedroom once i change over and by October, I'm chomping at the bit to get them out and have a 'new' wardrobe. I think personal seasonal color analysis and figuring out my kibbe type were the keys to fast tracking my process.

Thank u for sharing your journey!!!!!! I left tiktok bc I realized it was making me shop. I cant wait for your closet video!!!! That will be so fun.

Black leather pants are my go to when having a date nite. But surely not buying any synthetic ever more… I’d rather buy a second hand real leather . The brown jacket I have one similar and love it so much ! Over a white tee , I would never get rid of it

There is a youtuber, I think her name is Hannah. She shares a percentage process that she created, similar to what others mention below, just more detailed. I think this could work for you. I think many of us have this fantasy vision when we buy clothes of a lifestyle we don't lead. I know I have way too many event outfits.

I think a capsule is good for people that have problems with coming up with outfit ideas to begin with. I have a different problem. I have too many ideas and love too many items in my wardrobe so I have a hard time with deciding on the key item of the day. I have a planning app and love to just put outfits together instead of scrolling shopping apps. So I end up with like 5 outfit ideas for any particular day. I put them in the app calendar planner and decide on the day which one goes best with the mood of the day. Maybe a strict capsule just isn't for you?

I have no idea if you'll see this but I will totally buy the leather vest from you! Also, I think it is totally normal to slip up during a no buy. What is important is that with your purchases you learned something about what you do and don't like so even if you broke your no buy you still gained insight into yourself. I think the best way to make a capsule if you're feeling like it doesn't fit your life completely because you have different aspects is to start with an empty rack or place to store your clothes and as you wear things for like 2 weeks add those items to the rack (clean of course.) You'll naturally build a capsule. From there just have fun playing dress up and putting on different combinations. If you decide you're lacking something shop your remaining closet.

in feeling the pressure to declutter, it may be unrealistic to wish it were a "final" thing. life is a series of transitions. If you are unsure about things like that beautiful suede jacket, allow yourself to put that away to think about some more. If you have the privilege of having somewhere to store things, set aside some space for that, even as you want to be mindful. Down the road, if you get rid of something that you later miss, having reasonable storage and the capacity to store that, would be good.

I am in the process of building my capsule wardrobe and to solve your home, work, athletic wear problem, maybe you should try working in modules. If you do a 5x4 (5 tops that go with 4 bottoms) for each of those aspects of your life that's 27 pieces and maybe you have pieces that can crossover so it would be less. If each module didn't work with any item in the other you would still have 60 outfit combinations. If you wanted to stick with 40 pieces you would still have 13 bonus pieces to extend any of the modules, or for colder months use as outer layers, etc. For me it's easier to work in modules. I also found that I would pick a 5x4 wear it for a week (out of my current clothes) and make notes, what worked what didn't and then maybe tweak that module. I also made notes on items that I am keeping in my capsule but they aren't really a perfect item, like I have a pair of linen pants and I like the overall shape and look but they are low-waisted and when it's time I would like to replace with a mid-rise or a high-waisted pair. If you do things more incrementally you might understand better what is practical for your lifestyle, constraints, etc.

I think a weekly capsule is more realistic. I look at my diary for the week on a Sunday and the weather for the week ahead and then build a capsule which is more realistic

Love the idea of having a capsule wardrobe, but it requires some work. I want to do a color test to help find what looks good with my skin and just take some time to figure out my style. I have pieces i love, but i also don't go anywhere to wear those pieces. Update: My no buy is failing. The only god thing is that i am more aware, and my spending has decreased slightly. I'm going to keep the no buy thing since it's helping me to be aware.

you wore leather pants as a teacher?? you are the bravest person

Hello!! I love watching your videos :) I really appreciate your commitment to experimentation and reflection along the way. You've helped me think differently about my behaviors and choices. Would you ever consider creating a slack channel or discord channel to invite more conversational back-n-forth about these topics? This video prompted a lot of thoughts and questions for me that I'd love to pose in a more private place if possible. Just a thought!

Love your content and the way you talk. I have almost the same items as you showed in this video to declutter:) A side note: you always remind me of another KZfaqr, a French lady called Justin Leconte. I seriously thought you guys are somehow related. She wears the same ring as you do in almost all her videos. Maybe you are also a subscriber of hers?

Since you like Tibi I used to have separate capsules for different things and it got 2 confusing Amy from tibi talks about having a cohesive wardrobe and how to create a wardrobe that can be used for multiple places ! I good question is why you are not wearing your nice clothes ? Clothes are meant to be worn out to serve you and not you to serve them . ( the article in on the tibi website really good info) hope it helps help me for sure I even used my nice clothes to the park with my child

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience. Your video got me thinking about having too many pieces of clothing and whether things actually get used or not. Like you said, we only have so many opportunities to get dressed up and often times we end up repeating outfits. So in those days when you were a frequent shopper, do you think you got your money’s worth in wearing/using pieces that you bought?

Nothing like real leather pants. If you ever get a pair you will know.

Ok i am INTRIGUED: what is the preconception about the long denim skirt? I honestly have no clue as I didn't grow up in this country.

That warm brown suede jacket mixed w/ the sleeveless leather vest suits well w/ denim pants. Keep them pls.

❤🌈