How To Plan Your Perfect Capsule + How I'm Planning Mine

September is finally here and that means fall is only 21 days away!! Even though the temperatures are still into the 80's here in Charleston, I'm in full-on fall mode. So much so, that as I type this I'm drinking my first pumpkin spice latte of the season. I guess you could say, I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it. 

Anyway, in preparation for the upcoming season change, and some exciting travel Jason and I have planned I have been busy sorting out the pieces I want to include in my 2016 fall capsule wardrobe.

To help you plan yours and get on board with all things autumn, I will be sharing the inspiration behind this season's capsule as well as some tips that I hope will help you as you plan yours. Plus, in the next week or two I will be filming my fall capsule wardrobe for YouTube and I can't wait to share it with you! 

The Color Palette

 

Before selecting the pieces I want to include in each capsule I nail down a color palette that inspires me for the season. 

This fall is no exception and I have found myself dreaming of deep navy, rich rust and luxurious ivory.

To play off of these three colors I am choosing accent pieces like blazers and boots in moss green and soft brown. 

The Pin-spiration Behind My Capsule 

Once I have my color palette selected I head to the mother of all inspiration - Pinterest! Once there I carefully curate a series of looks that convey the outfits I hope to wear, the various pieces required to recreate them, and the mood I want those outfits to convey.

This year in particular I have been addicted to pinning for fall and have saved tons of new inspiration daily. You can follow along here if you love all things pumpkin and cozy as much as I do.  

My Top Tips For Planning A Well-Rounded, Versatile Capsule 

Now that I've shared the direction my fall capsule is headed I want to share the tips that I rely on when planning each of my capsules. 

Choose Your Color Palette

As I mentioned above, the first step I take each season is choosing my color palette.

This step is pretty self explanatory and just includes me looking through my closet at the pieces I have and want to include (what is the main color theme?), as well as researching the pantone colors for the season. After doing both of these things I like to consider the colors that work best with my skin tone, hair color and lifestyle. 

Scour Pinterest, Your Fave Blogs and Real Life

Once you have your color palette selected, scour Pinterest, your favorite blogs and magazines and even the individuals you see every day for inspiration. Take note of the images and outfits that catch your eye and why.

Do you love the simplicity of a plan white shirt, dark denim and bold accessories? Or, do you love how someone has tied their scarf a little differently or even layered their pieces in an unexpected way? By breaking down these points you will not only begin to understand your own style better, but you'll also start to see the pieces you have in a new way.

Who knows, you may even find a million different images for how to wear and style a white shirt that inspire you so much that you opt out of including any other button down. The most important thing about this step is to have fun and remember that you can always add or remove pieces from your capsule if they end up not working out.

Just remember that the objective of capsule dressing is to eliminate stress, not cause more because you feel panicked to commit for fear of being stuck.  

Consider Your Location, Weather and Lifestyle

My final tip is to honestly consider your location, the seasonal weather for your location and your personal lifestyle. As I'm sure you've heard a thousand times, each person's lifestyle is different and your capsule should suit your actual life - otherwise you may end up never wearing half of the items in your closet.

For example, if you live in the southeast, work from home and prefer casual nights in to fancy soirees, then your fall capsule will likely include more flats and casual tops than blazers and chunky knits.

Alternatively, if you live in a major city with cool temps, you work in a very corporate office and have a packed social calendar, your fall capsule may include loads of gorgeous cashmere and sleek boots. The most important part of this step is to be honest with yourself and have fun so that you can come as close as possible to your perfect capsule.

 

Until next time,

Audrey