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Home » How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4 – I MUST Have a Winter Coat

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4 – I MUST Have a Winter Coat

November 10, 2016
 

The capsule wardrobe we finished with yesterday would make a GREAT travel wardrobe; you could wear 3 pieces, and pack the other 12. With our new silk pants (and the silk blouse from the first steps) you could be prepared for a dressy event, and obviously the rest of the wardrobe is ideally suited for… wandering Chicago in November? New York? Montreal? The choices… sigh… 

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4

At this step, I always plan for a complete outfit. This time, I thought that some brightness and a real emphasis on our accent colors would be a good idea!

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4 - a complete outfit for balance

Flannel shirt – Patagonia; cardigan – L.L.Bean; cords – Patagonia

 

 

Even though we haven’t (in Chicago) see anything that resembles cold weather, we all know that eventually we’re going to be greeted some morning with sub-freezing temperatures and gale-force winds! Think of the calories that you burn when your body temperature fights to stay stable when it’s being assaulted so viciously…

And yes, these boots are from UGG! They’re water-resistant, and not all fluffy looking, which makes them a lot sleeker and more widely useful than their usual suede. But these still have that glorious lining that makes them toasty warm…

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4 - a winter coat and boots

Coat – Land’s End; scarf–  Missoni; boots – Ugg

 

 

More accessories! When I was plotting these out, I looked at the fact that I usually include a brooch in this step, and just didn’t quite feel that this particular heroine was a brooch person… But a hat person? ABSOLUTELY! Especially when the hat is this cute (and affordable!).

I included a pair of earrings that might seem a little more dressy than expected, but I was thinking that these are the earrings that she pulls out for getting “gussied up.” And yes, if your favorite color is olive, you absolutely should have a pair of olive-branch earrings, too!

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4 - accessories

Drop earrings – Nadri; olive branch earrings –Humble Chic;  hat – Scala Collezione; bracelet – Armenta; bag – Frye; necklace – Heather Hawkins

 

 

This is a step in the process that is often questioned, but I think that it’s a good idea to have an outfit or two in hand that can be worn to make breakfast on Saturday morning, and then dash to the grocery store when you run out of milk. We’re looking for comfy and relaxed, but still presentable to the outside world. No sheer leggings with holes in strategic places, no torn sweat clothes, and NO pajamas, please. All of the pieces shown here can work nicely with the existing wardrobe, too.

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4 - a beige core wardrobe

Cardigan – Uniqlo; top – Mango;  striped tee – L.L.Bean; fleece pants – Uniqlo

 

Oh… another dress? Heck no! We’re pulling out all the stops here with a sequined top and another pair of silk pants. My imagination here suggested that our heroine was attending some dressy event being held at a beach resort – one of those destination weddings, perhaps?

But keeping these pieces within her color palette means that they can be used in other ways for other occasions. Nothing worse than a “one-time wear” garment hanging in your closet. (always consider renting a dress or outfit before spending money on something that truly is never going to be worn again – such a waste of money and natural resources!)

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4 - a formal outfit

Silk pants – P.A.R.O.S.H.; tank – P.A.R.O.S.H.; bag – Esin Akan; sandals – Loeffler Randall

 

 

Frankly, if this is all of the clothing that someone has to wear from now until next Spring, I think she’ll manage just fine. A pair of gloves, and something to put over her ears might be handy (the hat is cute, but in sub-zero Fahrenheit weather, something more substantial is essential!). Otherwise, I’d say it’s looking pretty good!

 

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4

Just for fun, I thought I’d take a quick look at how some of the new pieces blend in with the older… Even the sequined tank top has possibilities!

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4

Tomorrow I evaluate everything, and make a few (three) additions – including an outrageously expensive cardigan! It’s a mad splurge, but you’ll understand when you see it why I caved in to at least show it to you…

love,
Janice

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 4

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11.10.16 21 Comments

Tags: beige, casual, ivory, olive, rust, Starting from Scratch, teal
<<How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 3 – Do I Have to Own a Dress?How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, Stage 5>>

Comments

  1. Beffyann says

    November 10, 2016 at 11:15 am

    People question the leisure step? Oh, no… You must include that! I can't tell you how many times someone has just "shown up" on my doorstep, or, as you say, you realize that even though you had no intentions of leaving the house, you simply must for a quick thing.. Or you get a phone call to rush to the ER or to.. Or to…

    And it's so demoralizing when that happens and you look like something the cat dragged in. AND of COURSE you will just happen to run into your ex, or your boss, or……

    But what I've learned even more than that is: I'm worth it. Why should I dress in a way that I don't feel good about myself? I dress nice for others. Why can't I dress nice for me?

    That took me a long time to learn. But I'm glad I finally learned it.

    Reply
  2. Sue says

    November 10, 2016 at 11:17 am

    I'm loving this particular collection, throw in two pairs of jeans instead of a couple of the trousers and you would have me completely :-)

    Reply
  3. Beckie says

    November 10, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    The "leisure wear" step is exactly where I am with my own wardrobe building. I can safely leave the house dressed for any event, but when I'm home, it's a lot of old, worn-out *stuff* that now needs replacing. I would love to get dressed on Saturday or Sunday morning & not need to feel like I need to change clothes to run out for milk or bread. Thanks for including this step!

    Reply
  4. Shrebee says

    November 10, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    Janice,
    While I am loving the colors and overall casualness of the outfits, the sequined tank and silk pants remind me once again of the glamorous and beautifully dressed character , Miss Fanny Fisher, of " Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries " fame ! While I no longer have need for this level of a dress up outfit, it sure stirs my fantasy world ! It suggests men wearing ascots, and some story of intrigue ! Although — perhaps on a future dressy cruise night — hmmmmm !

    Reply
  5. Virginia says

    November 10, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    We are casual, outdoorsy people, and we vacation in Vermont quite often. This wardrobe would be fantastic for an outdoorsy Vermont vacation! I would probably swap out a pair of shoes for something more suited to tromping through the woods. And the coat would need to do double duty in the woods as well as touring the artisan studios (something from Woolrich would do nicely).

    Reply
  6. Kathy says

    November 10, 2016 at 2:36 pm

    A total homerun, Janice! I live in West Texas and I could live in this until next Spring. The color combos are fantastic. You have a knack, dear! Thanks for this.

    Reply
  7. Taste of France says

    November 10, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    This is wonderful.
    That brunch outfit looks so comfortable yet that color immediately makes it feel dressy.

    Reply
  8. Amy says

    November 10, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    Sigh…I love this entire wardrobe! I have no need for the winter coat and boots where I live, but everything else I'd like to buy right now!

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    November 10, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    A stunning collection. The sequins and silk takes it over the top. You are brilliant.
    Vancouver Barbara

    Reply
  10. cheryl :) says

    November 10, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    I started out saying these aren't my colors but it is truly gorgeous…especially That sequin tank. Just need some jeans and I'm all set! :)

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:49 pm

      Yes that tank! Pair it with jeans for casual and a skirt for dressy and I'd wear it anywhere!

      -Kaci

      Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    November 10, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    Yes, please, I will take one of each!! This is so perfect and has serious elements of fun. The casual outfit is elegant, what a coup! I am really looking forward to the grand finale tomorrow.
    Deb from Vancouver

    Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    November 10, 2016 at 8:33 pm

    This is lovely..am going to try to put this together..but will have to substitute the olive for gray…think it would work???

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      November 10, 2016 at 8:46 pm

      Absolutely – grey and beige together are wonderfully subtle. The little punches of teal and rust would bring a little bit of life to the combinations, which would give you some great options.
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
  13. Cee Pluse says

    November 10, 2016 at 4:40 pm

    I love the combination of olive silk pants with the chunky cable knit sweater — that's my kind of quirky! Since my life includes mucking out a barn and paddock every day I have to own certain clothes that should never be in public (although I don't guarantee they haven't been in an emergency!), but leisure clothes that can be worn to town if necessary are a must in my wardrobe. Like a number of others, I adore this collection. I wish it could go on forever (or at least into the warm season as well), but I can't wait to see how you finish it tomorrow.

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      November 10, 2016 at 6:24 pm

      Everybody's life probably includes a little bit of "muck," but I think that we need to remember that most of us don't have to look like a hot mess in order to do things like laundry or preparing a meal. Our loved ones deserve to see us looking good, and we deserve it ourselves! And being prepared for whatever the day brings saves us time, and gives us that ineffable feeling of control over our lives that is so important these day!
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
  14. lrlincks says

    November 10, 2016 at 11:18 pm

    I admit I was skeptical about the teal, but it is beautiful! Love the casual wear too! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us tomorrow!

    Reply
  15. Ragged Ivy says

    November 10, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    Today it is the coat, scarf, hat, boots, jewellery and bag that sing to me. For a cool, temperate climate like mine they are just perfect. And while I live in bushwalking/polar fleece HQ, I still like to look 'smart' for going into town. Possibly, it's the influence of my Dunedin (NZ) Nana. When I was a little girl in the early 1960s and stayed with her, our great treat was to have afternoon tea in town. Before setting off for the bus stop we would dress up. I was allowed to choose something from her jewellery box. And she would be dressed in matching coat, scarf, hat, shoes and gloves. Now I have the jewellery box and still think of her every time I put in 'Nana's pearls'. She would have adored that hat, as I do.
    Robyn in Tasmania

    Reply
  16. Mama Squirrel says

    November 11, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    Oh, that hat! I would wear that in places that would be ridiculous to wear hats, just for the fun of wearing it.

    Reply
  17. Elaine @ Following Augustine says

    November 14, 2016 at 10:39 pm

    I love the hat! This wardrobe would definitely work for me, but like several others, I would need a couple of pairs of jeans.

    Reply
  18. Linda says

    November 8, 2019 at 9:37 am

    I pinned this capsule long ago, and came across it again today. I have followed your blog for some years now and want to thank you for bringing clarity into my haphazard clothing choices (it’s a thing of the past!). These are completely “my” colors for fall/winter. Spring/summer brings lighter peaches and softer greens, along with a brighter teal. Thank you so much for helping me transition from a “magpie” with nothing to wear to a woman who can put together an outfit for any occasion and look pulled together.

    Reply

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The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
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