
The weather has been freakishly warm lately so I’ve been seriously planning my S/S 2015 Capsule Wardrobe containing 15 core pieces, plus already wearing a few of my finds ahead of schedule. I’m not sure how long this warm weather will last, but for now I’m enjoying it. It’s still cold in the mornings and evenings, yet cold mornings and evenings are the norm in Southern California. It’s only blazing hot in September. With that in mind, it is crucial that I plan my S/S capsule wardrobe well because it is the wardrobe that I will be wearing for much more than half of the year.
Looking over last year’s capsule wardrobes, it is literally impossible not to learn even more about my personal style.
I’ve decided to keep less than half of the clothing pieces from last year for various reasons. I decluttered and donated pieces still in great shape that I hardly wore, and also anything a bit too worn. Even with a small wardrobe there are still pieces that are favored over others. For new pieces this season, I’ve designed three organic cotton clothing items so far (pictured above) with one more to go. You can see the details on these designs here. The rest of my capsule wardrobe is thrifted as usual since it’s the most ecofriendly way to shop. Also by spending less on my wardrobe by shopping consignment, there is less guilt when I need updates or desire to make changes.
Investment pieces are important for your wardrobe, but you can find some incredible “investment status pieces” for a fraction of the price in consignment shops.
My S/S 2014 Capsule Wardrobe favorites were my Thrifted Madewell denim shirt, Thrifted Dolce & Gabbana red dress, Thrifted H&M black jumpsuit/overalls, Thrifted Jolt black cropped skinny jeans, and Thrifted FP Beach oatmeal tunic tee which I ended upcycling later in the summer. Although I wanted to love the Thrifted Deener hooded denim dress, the fit wasn’t exactly right and it bugged me every time I wore it. Also the denim was too thick during the much warmer months. I was more drawn into the uniqueness of the piece than the practicality of it.
I have decided to make the Thrifted Dolce & Gabbana red dress a special occasion piece since it really isn’t an everyday dress for my current lifestyle. I didn’t wear it during the F/W season as an everyday dress either. You can see this dress styled here. The Thrifted Dolce & Gabbana red dress was an incredible find and tailored to perfection. Some of the other pieces in my S/S 2014 capsule wardrobe were either worn into oblivion or completely lost my interest for having a few good seasons of wear.
(Pictured from left to right… Thrifted Madewell denim shirt, Thrifted Dolce & Gabbana red dress, Thrifted H&M black overalls/jumpsuit, Thifted Jolt black cropped skinny jeans, Thrifted FP Beach oatmeal tunic, Thrifted Deener denim dress)
As for My F/W 2014 Capsule Wardrobe favorites, I continued to love the Thrifted H&M black jumpsuit/overalls and Thrifted Madewell denim shirt well into the winter, my Theory black shift dress, the Thrifted cLaeson tan hooded poncho sweater has been a favorite in my wardrobe for the past three plus years, my two chunky sweaters, and all of my denim pieces the most. I wore jeans so much this past F/W that I decided to take a complete break by only including one pair for the next season to see how that works for me. I also didn’t wear the Clefiann red bodycon dress even once. Donated!
(Pictured from left to right… Thrifted cLaeson tan poncho sweater, Thrifted LOA charcoal sweater, Theory shift dress, Thrifted JBrand skinny jeans, Clefiann red bodycon dress, Thrifted JBrand wide leg jeans)
Everyday Dresses
One of the main issues that I have been having with my capsule wardrobes in 2014 and in general has been finding amazing everyday dresses. That’s one of the reasons that I decided to start designing organic clothing myself this year. Because my focus has been on dresses so intensely, most of this S/S 2015 Capsule Wardrobe contains dresses and actually jumpsuits too.
When you have a small wardrobe, having pieces that are complete outfits in itself allow you to have more looks with less items.
At least that’s my intention by including so many dresses and jumpsuits in this upcoming season’s capsule wardrobe. I’ve decided to base this season’s capsule wardrobe around low maintenance everyday comfort, layering pieces, and a lot more color than I had all of last year put together. Since this is my third year creating small capsule wardrobes, I figured I would take some chances and not keep things completely safe with a wardrobe consisting of neutrals.
I am also making sure that all of the colors that I am choosing for this season’s capsule wardrobe compliment each other in some way or another even if they aren’t worn together. You will see what I mean when I actually share my capsule wardrobe. I thought that I would mainly stick with structured pieces for style choices from now on, avoid maxi dresses and maxi skirts almost completely, stick to neutrals, and only choose classic items, yet I guess things change. I’m looking forward to sharing this season’s capsule wardrobe once all of the details are complete.
Have you thought about creating a capsule wardrobe this year plus decluttering everything you don’t love in your closet? If you want tips to create you own read this!
My Spring/Summer 2015 Capsule Wardrobe
Images by Dawn Michelle
Emma says
Beautiful as always. I’m about to design my Autumn/winter wardrobe(Australia)as I decided today that my spring/summer one is looking tired. I am finding more & more what I love wearing & this year am going to splurge on a personal stylist session with some big city shopping as a reward for losing baby weight. The bonus is that now I know I have a capsule wardrobe & I don’t want to fill it with “stuff”. Most times now I don’t buy anything at all.
My biggest challenge is finding items that I love and fit the budget. How do you go if you can’t find anything?
Emma
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Emma,
Thanks so much! Ask the personal stylist to specifically help you with your capsule wardrobe and be specific on how many items you desire total. That way you will be clear about your intentions and will get the most from your session. Most likely the stylist will be up for the challenge and enjoy the process with you.
When I shop if I can’t find something I love I don’t buy anything at all. Some days I will only leave with one piece and that’s perfectly fine too. It is more important to have pieces that work than to just shop for shoppings sake. Best wishes creating your capsule wardrobe, and have a beautiful day!
Sandy says
I love how these pieces blend together(color, fabric and styles) I’m looking forward to how you’re going to mix your capsule.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Thanks so much! I’m looking forward to completing my capsule wardrobe and sharing it. <3
Kelly says
Hi Dawn!
I met you a few years back at Ebony Cabaret and we exchanged information. I’m revisiting your blog tonight looking for inspiration on decluttering, henna, etc. It’s good to see you’ve been keeping your blog up wonderfully 🙂
Bless,
Kelly
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kelly,
How are you? Thanks for the compliment on the site! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!