Louella Reese Fall Capsule Wardrobe: How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

Tips for creating the ultimate fall capsule wardrobe. 

How to Build a Fall Capsule Wardrobe | Capsule Collection Tips | Louella Reese Life & Style Blog

photos by apt. b photography // hair + make up by royal make up and hair

A few weeks ago I mentioned creating a capsule wardrobe on Twitter and Instagram, it was an idea that crossed my mind so I threw it out to y’all. I received an overwhelming “yes create it” response from y’all {thank you to all responded}!  Therefore today, I am kicking off the Louella Reese Fall Capsule Wardrobe series. I am not sure if I have ever been more excited about a series! 

If you haven’t read this post on What is personal style? How to find it. How to stick to it, you definitely should. The post truly is the perfect segue into creating a capsule wardrobe for yourself! So go check it out! Once you have your personal style figured it, it’s extremely easy to pull a capsule wardrobe together and make your life incredibly easy. 

For those of you who haven’t heard of a capsule wardrobe before, it is a way to refine your wardrobe to include only essentials {typically 25-30 pieces total} that you can wear over and over again. Therefore, allowing you to free your closet of all unnecessary clutter. Including super trendy clothing, items you never wear, and those pieces hanging way back in your closet that you completely forgot about. Of course, you can always use somewhere like custom closets atlanta so you can it fits you. By doing this you’re simplifying your style, your morning routine, and figuring out what pieces you truly love + what items you really need to purchase. 

A capsule collection also keeps you from having those “what was I thinking?” moments {you know you’ve had a couple, we all have} as you’ll be choosing from items you love and items all work together {in one way or another}. Lastly, in the long run, you’ll also be saving money. No longer investing in those super trendy pieces you won’t wear next season {or next year when the same season rolls around}. You may be investing in some high quality pieces to initially put the capsule wardrobe together but they’ll be worth it! When investing in high quality essentials you can do no wrong, these items will stand the test of time when it comes to style and also hold up way better than the Forever 21 version.

So here are a few tips for putting together a capsule wardrobe:

1. Use this post to help nail down your personal style.  This will help you determine what colors you want to include, what styles, and pieces are your favorite. 

2. Clean out your closet! Take out everything that does not fit your personal style, super trendy, or doesn’t fit anymore. Donate or sell these items. When selling, I personally take my clothing to Buffalo Exchange. I’ve found they give you the best return on investment for your items. Plus, they go through everything with you right there, which is really nice. Find locations here.

3. Organize your closet to include only the items in your capsule wardrobe {25-30 items}. Everything else you’re keeping after your clean out should be placed in a different closet. This way you’ll only being looking at your capsule items, making it very easy to put looks together and get dressed each day. 

4. Find four to five items you want to be your base. For me, it was a favorite pair of jeans, mid
i skirt, mini skirt, and a dress
. You may have them or your may need to purchase them. Now is the time to start making a list of what you have and what you need. 

5. Go shopping for the items you need. Again, make sure you have your list with you and you’re only purchasing items you need to complete your capsule wardrobe. 

6. Start putting looks together! 

Items to Create the Ultimate Fall Capsule Wardrobe

How to Build a Fall Capsule Wardrobe | Capsule Wardrobe Check List | Louella Reese Life & Style Blog

Pants 

Jeans – an obvious must have! Definitely go for your favorite style here. What you wear most often and feel most comfortable in. Adding a second or third pair to your capsule wardrobe is a great option, if you wear denim often. 

Trousers – for more dressed up occasions or if your office isn’t very denim/chino friendly. Again, go for a pair you feel most comfortable in and would wear often. 

Chinos – this style is perfect for dressing up or dressing down. I personally love the style in a khaki or olive color. Both are really pretty for fall and go with everything! 

 

Skirts + Dresses 

Midi Skirt – probably the most versatile skirt style! You can easily dress it up with pumps and dressy tank or pair it with sneakers, a tee, and your denim jacket for a laid back look. Go neutral/solid here for ultimate pairing ability! 

Mini Skirt – thanks to tights we can wear mini skirts all year long! With fall temps going back and forth, sometimes tights are needed, other times not to much. A mini skirt is easy to pair with so many items and again dress up or down {notice a trend here?}. 

Basic Dress – you’ll need one of these for days at the office, lunch meetings, and special occasions. They’re also easy to pair with flats and an oversized sweater for a more casual look. 

Statement Dress – fall weddings are huge and you’re going to need a go to dress for those! Also, who doesn’t want to get all snazzy for date nights here or there? I’ve also found that statement dresses {particularly floral print ones} are really easy to dress down with booties, sneakers, or ballet flats. Tie a denim jacket around your waist and you’re good to go for brunch with the gals. 

 

Tops

Tee Shirt – another obvious must have! A base piece for sure to help when layering is needed. 

Chambray – another great layering piece! Wear your basic tee underneath, utility jacket over top, or tie the shirt over one of your dresses. 

Blouse – great for work, date night, and dressing up some of the more casual bottom pieces in your capsule wardrobe. 

Dressy Tank – an item I still need to pick up myself! A dressy tank is a great layering piece and looks beautiful peaking out under a sweater or jacket. 

 

Jackets + Sweaters 

Denim Jacket – a classic! A denim jacket literally goes with everything. It’s a must have wardrobe staple. 

Utility Jacket  – right behind the denim jacket, a utility jacket is so easy to pair with most items in your closet. Also, the jacket works for layering over a tee, chambray, and/or denim jacket. 

Sweaters – a must have once fall rolls around! Nothing says fall quite like a cozy sweater, am I right? Grab a variety of styles – cardigan, pullover, and oversized for sure. 

32 Comments

  1. I’ve heard the capsule wardrobe too and i wish I could go along with it but I love changing it up a lot. But these are really good basics for a capsule wardrobe!
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

    Posted 10.19.17
    • Totally understand that gal! Thank you so much for checking the post out.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.19.17
  2. Lauren wrote:

    Love love love this post! Im all about capsule wardrobes and specifically focus on styling more with less on my blog so i really enJoyed This! I shared a simiLar post a few weeks ago about the 12 pieces you need for fall http://midtownmagnoliablog.com/2017/09/12-fall-wardrobe-essentials.html

    Posted 10.19.17
  3. Morgan wrote:

    Ahh the tease with the collage!! I can’t wait to see all the looks put together! I love your idea of keeping only the capsule items in your closet so that you’re not “tempted” by the other stuff

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

    Posted 10.19.17
    • Haha thought it would be a little fun! Yes, exactly! Glad you like that idea!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.19.17
  4. Dana wrote:

    I definitely am more inclined to create a capsule wardrobe after this post — I’m definitely guilty of adding unnecessary pieces to my closet, so this might be so beneficial for my wallet 😉 Can’t wait to see more!

    Pink Champagne Problems

    Posted 10.19.17
    • YAY! Happy to hear that. I think you’d create an amazing one lady! Yes, definitely extremely beneficial to the wallet. I’ve only purchased a couple new items the last few months. It’s been great for the savings!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.19.17
  5. I always love the idea of a good capsule wardrobe, just haven’t taking the time to do it yet. 🙂

    Posted 10.19.17
    • They’re so fun, aren’t they? You definitely should gal! I am sure you would love it.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.19.17
  6. i love this concept! so fun!

    Posted 10.19.17
  7. Such a useful post — always good to have staples in your closet!

    Posted 10.19.17
    • Awesome! I’m really glad to hear you found the post to be useful. Yes, I completely agree gal. Staples are always a good idea.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.19.17
  8. Rachel wrote:

    So many good tips, Laura Leigh! I seriously need to think more about purchasing classic pieces.

    Rachel / http://www.helloher.co

    Posted 10.19.17
    • Aw thank you gal! I think you would be great a creating a capsule collection.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.20.17
  9. I love capsule wardrobe concepts! This is great for fall!

    Posted 10.20.17
  10. Megan wrote:

    I’ve really been wanting to build a capsule wardobe for years. I have way too much stuff and want to keep it classic!

    Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com

    Posted 10.20.17
    • You should totally do it gal! I bet you come up with a killer capsule wardrobe!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.20.17
  11. Great ideas, babe!

    Posted 10.20.17
  12. Molly wrote:

    I love this post. I feel super attached to the clothing in my closet, but it’s becoming so overwhelming. I really need to purge and try this!

    Posted 10.20.17
    • Thanks Molly! It is seriously so therapeutic and helpful. Highly recommend!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.20.17
  13. Shelby Back wrote:

    this is so good Laura Leigh! love this pieces you picked!

    xo!
    Shelby
    http://www.glitterandgingham.com

    Posted 10.20.17
    • Thanks lady! I really appreciate it! Definitely worked hard to put this together, so that means a lot.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.20.17
  14. Ruthie wrote:

    You are so good at this! I can learn so much from you and save money as well!

    Posted 10.20.17
    • Aw thank you soooo much Ruthie! That really does mean a lot. You are truly the sweetest! You should definitely give the capsule wardrobe a try.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.20.17
  15. I don’t think I can do a capsule but love seeing people who do!

    http://ASEQUINLOVEAFFAIR.COM

    Posted 10.22.17
    • I bet you could!! Thank you for checking mine out though! I appreciate it gal.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 10.23.17
  16. Olivia wrote:

    Such a great post!! I love midi skirts
    -Olivia
    http://www.missoliviasays.com

    Posted 10.26.17

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