I’ve gone on and on about the benefits of a capsule wardrobe (packing to go away is a doddle, there’s less laundry, no more rash purchases and it’s far easier to get dressed in the morning) but with three under my belt I have to admit I feel a bit restricted by the 37 items rule I imposed on myself.
So I have a rather shocking announcement to make for my September. I’ve decided to go down the not-so-capsule route. I know! Dreadful behaviour.

At first I felt I’d let the side down. You know harping on about the capsule in the blogosphere and then breaking all the rules. I then I realised this is just about clothing and not a form of punishment. Time to get a grip, become more flexible and figure out what really works for me in day-to-day life.

The Thing About Coats and Shoes

You may remember I’ve been following the principles of Caroline from Un-fancy, donning 37 items per season. (The image in the slider above is taken from the Un-Fancy fall section). Now under Caroline’s regime all accessories are exempt from the quota but shoes and coats are part of the allocation. This is fine in summer; I’ve worn a leather jacket a couple of times and footwear has consisted of a couple of pairs of sandals, a pair of strappy heels and one pair of flats. However as we head towards Autumn I have a longing for a bit of variation. I’d like a parka, a gilet, a leather jacket, a faux fur coat, a bit of leopard AND a camel coat in my wardrobe. Over the years I’ve built up a collection (bar the camel coat) so it seems daft not to wear them. I’d love a shearling coat too and a khaki cocoon jacket and wouldn’t say no to a cape either but let’s not go crazy. This is an opportunity to adapt the capsule wardrobe approach, not bag myself a credit card debt.
I’d like to wear a pair of boots in grey, one in black and to hell with it, one in brown too. Not a collection of Imelda Marcos proportions but enough to feel like there’s some sense of diversity.
To sum up I ditched the coats and shoes from my allowance and worked towards getting thirty other pieces in my wardrobe instead.

{MY OUTERWEAR INSPO}

The Office/Home Split

I’m now in the office an extra day and have to admit my usual mix of clobber just isn’t appropriate for my smart-casual workplace. I’ve put pen to paper and worked out around fifteen items can work for my office wardrobe and the same again for working from home and playing around. Items aren’t mutually exclusive, for example I’d wear a polo neck for most occasions, and would wear my knee length leather skirt out for dinner and to the office, but it’s stopped me from buying another slouchy tee when I really need a smart dress.

{MY SMART-CASUAL OFFICE INSPO}

Switch the Season

The flipping weather in Blighty is hard to predict. I don’t want to put away my denim shorts just yet but equally I know I won’t be wearing them in November. Therefore I’ve allowed myself a couple of pieces which I’ll be switching for other items later in the season. Those shorts will be packed away to make way for a thicker knit when they hit the shelves. Yep technically it’s just adding another item but I’ll be a whole lot warmer.

In summary, it’s not too crazy a shake-up. I’ve still gone through the usual process of getting every item out of the wardrobe, trying it on, binning, charity bagging and eBaying unwanted garb. I’ve still been pinning to my boards, reading up on the fashion blogs and flicking though the glossies. I’ve scoured the internet and hit the shops for a few new wares. I’ve probably bought less items for this season than the three previous capsules but by setting the new coat and shoe rule I feel I’ve got far more to play with.

Roll on Autumn. I’ve got a new leopard print coat to wear.

Any capsulers tempted to change it up? Have you broken any ‘rules’? Anyone previously been put off my a capsule but thinking they might adapt some of the principles?

{SHOP THE STYLE}

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