This year I decided to try the #10ItemWardrobe concept from the book Lessons From Madame Chic versus the traditional capsule wardrobe which can vary greatly in number. Although I’ve been creating capsule wardrobes for the past five years, I’d complicated the process and began including too many pieces.
With the 10 Item Wardrobe the focus is on only ten core pieces. Tees, jackets, shoes, and accessories are considered extras. To maintain a truly minimalist wardrobe, I never go overboard in the “extras” category so no worries there.
I always feel put together with a small selection of carefully curated pieces. I shared “7 Tips To Always Look Your Best Easily” here. As usual all of the items from this season’s capsule wardrobe are thrifted aside from two organic fair trade tees and the organic fabric used to make a top and skirt.
My Spring/Summer 2018 Capsule Wardrobe consists of five tops, five bottoms, four tees, a jacket, scarf, bag, belt, and a pair of sandals.
1. denim shirt
2. seafoam top (my design)
3. white linen blouse
4. denim skirt
5. seafoam skirt (my design)
6. taupe skirt
1. navy linen shirt (collar removed)
2. organic indigo dyed scarf (gifted fabric)
3. white 3/4 sleeve tunic
4. plum linen skirt
5. black linen skirt
1. white linen tee
2. navy linen tee (redyed)
3. Fair Indigo Fair Trade Organic Boatneck Tee in “auburn” (redyed to a dark eggplant)
4. Fair Indigo Fair Trade Organic Essential Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Tee in “clover green”
1. denim jacket
2. cognac belt
3. cognac sandals
4. cognac basket bag
You may have noticed that there are only tops and skirts in this capsule wardrobe. Over the years I’ve had less of a desire to wear pants and shorts. Most recently I’ve chosen particularly maxi skirts for comfort and modesty. Pairing basic knit or linen tops with maxi skirts have become my uniform which I can wear pretty much anywhere. I haven’t found any dresses that I truly love yet, but I will keep my eyes open for the fall/winter season.
While thrifting I’m always open to sizing, and instead look for quality natural materials such as linen, cotton, and for the fall/winter season wool.
A great example is the black linen skirt in this wardrobe which I love. It’s actually two sizes larger than what I’d usually wear. Because it has an elastic waist band, I simply took in the elastic for an easy fix.
Every once in awhile I find items that just seem like they were placed there just for me. This is what happened with my cognac brown accessories this season. I found the belt and sandals on the same day at Council Thrift Store, and the bag at The Discovery Shop. I’m always grateful for moments like this. More tips on shopping thrift and consignment shops here.
Although I usually have more accessories in my wardrobe, I haven’t felt deprived with only four this season.
The organic fabric used for the seafoam top and skirt was purchased from Gaia Conceptions, an organic ethical design company I’ve adored for years. The beautiful indigo dyed fabric was a surprise gift with purchase which I decided to use as a scarf. I also have a few more pieces I’m currently working on for the Fall/Winter.
Lastly I mentioned here how I discovered incredible fair trade and organic cotton supima tees. They are by Fair Indigo which has wonderful high quality essential pieces for any wardrobe. I have a few other pieces from Fair Indigo which will be in my Fall/Winter 2018 10 Item Wardrobe.
So far I’m truly enjoying my 10 Item Wardrobe. It’s made shopping and curating my wardrobe much more intentional. It’s refreshing to have simplicity back in this area of my life.
I LOVE capsule wardrobes too much to ever go back to a closet full of nothing to wear.
(Images by Dawn Michelle)
nofixedstars says
i love the green shades you have included this time around… green is probably my favourite colour, and that “seafoam” is lovely.
also representing the maxi skirt love! nothing is easier than a tee or flowy tunic over a maxi skirt, year ’round.
cognac is my go-to accessory colour, too. so versatile, and earthy.
now, if only i could pare down my closet to this extent!
Dawn Michelle says
Thank you so much nofixedstars! Green is definitely one of my favorite colors too. Cognac is a new favorite. If paring down right away seems overwhelming, you could just try a 10 Item Wardrobe for a season and pack the rest of your clothing away for a bit. You will then find out if this would work out for you in the long run. It’s taken me a few years to find my own comfort zone with this. Best wishes!
Sandy says
Down to 10 items. That’s great Dawn. All of these items work well together and look good on you. Do you still have your items from other capsules? Like scarves and accessories. It seems like they would work beautifully with what you have.
I’d like to start wearing skirts and or dresses more; I’ve got to find a super comfortable pair of walking sandals that works with my inserts. I’m trying to walk more these days and often find myself in my sports shoes.
So glad to hear from you. I understand that babies can take up so much of your time.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Thanks so much! Actually I did a HUGE wardrobe overhaul last year. Usually pieces from previous capsule wardrobes will be repeated in the next and the ones that are worn out or no longer work for me will be sold or donated. I do have a separate capsule wardrobe for the fall/winter again even though at one point I had to decided to do one capsule for the entire year.
Skirts and dresses are extremely comfortable if you choose relaxed styles. I never felt this way when I was into body conscious styles. I do hope you find the perfect sandals. I know how hard it can be to find the right shoes.
And yes it’s good to be back. I’m finding ways to manage my time better so I can do more. Have a beautiful day!
Kara Grady says
Dear Dawn,
I understand that you live in the West Coast region, I think? I know that temperatures over there don’t very widely as much as where I live in Iowa. It seems harder to have a capsule wardrobe when your state has all seven seasons, and earlier this year we had a VERY harsh and long winter. What are your thoughts?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kara,
I used to live on the East Coast with four seasons. If I were to move back I would still keep a capsule wardrobe. If necessary I would have a 10 Item Wardrobe for all four seasons. You honestly don’t need a lot of clothing to look your best no matter where you live. With the 10 Item Wardrobe you have 10 core items you focus on. Coats, shoes, tees, evening wear, undergarments, work out clothing, etc are extras. If you need a specific coat or boots for a season it wouldn’t effect your capsule wardrobe. My focus is always on quality versus quantity and not going overboard with unnecessary purchases.
angelica says
Hi Dawn, Do you have any tips for dying clothing? I have a few pieces that I would love (and not just like) if they were a different color. Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Angelica,
I use fiber reactive dyes. I started using fiber reactive dyes when I decided to create a few organic cotton pieces a few capsule wardrobes ago. I recently began using them for thrifted items that are also natural fabrics.
It can be tricky overdying fabrics because you have to consider what color you are beginning with and what color is possible to create from it. For example the “auburn” top became a dark eggplant when adding it to the navy blue dye bath. If I had used a lighter blue it would have become a lighter purple.
I never dye just one piece at a time. I usually dye multiple items together. I use the Jacquard brand. I hope this helps some.
Sustainable Beauties says
Where is your bag from?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sustainable Beauties,
I purchased this bag from The Discovery Shop which is a consignment shop that supports the American Cancer Society. The bag doesn’t have any tags or brand representation so I’m not sure where it was made or who made it.
Kristianna says
Such a beautiful blog post, thanks for being so open and sharing with us!
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks so much Kristianna!