The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Articles
    • Starting From Scratch
    • Common Wardrobe
    • Packing
    • Start With Art
    • Project 333
    • 4×4 Wardrobes
    • Weekly Timeless Wardrobes
    • Archives by Date
    • Archives by Categories & Tags
  • Support The Vivienne Files
    • Books, Clothes & more
    • Templates & Color Planners
  • Contact
Home » 12 Months, 12 Outfits in a A Black-Based Capsule Wardrobe – An Evaluation

12 Months, 12 Outfits in a A Black-Based Capsule Wardrobe – An Evaluation

December 7, 2016
 

Ah, this one is closest to my normal capsule wardrobe, and to what I would buy if I had to start all over…Remember, we left this wardrobe on the first of November like this:

How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette

 

You can see the outfit-by-outfit progression of this wardrobe here: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.

Because this wardrobe is so close to my own, I wasn’t really concerned that things wouldn’t be reasonably well balanced. The easy assembly of a “Four by Four” capsule wardrobe supports my thoughts:  

How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette using the 4X4 wardrobe

 

I wasn’t quite as certain that things would be as well-balanced for seasons and dressiness – I tend to love cold-weather clothing more than warm, and to like dressier things more than casual. You can see that here – the upper-half of the graph is somewhat more populated (the dressy things), and the left half – the cooler weather half – is also more filled in. 

This would be a clear indication as to what needs to be purchased, but of course in November in North American, the shorts and tee shirts that would be most logical aren’t going to be easy to find.

How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette

 

I like to look at the array of clothing collected this way too – it gives me a sense of whether or not I need another cardigan or jacket, or maybe another skirt… This wardrobe seems okay in most respects, I think.

How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette

 

The shoe wardrobe could use something more dressy for cold weather, and also a pair of more dressy sandals – both of the top corners are empty:

How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette

 

In the interests of cool-weather dressy, but not TOO dressy, I’m suggesting a nice pair of wool pants. While I manage to get through most of my life in jeans, and in the cold weather – corduroy pants or wool pants change everything.

And I thought some more red would be a good idea…

How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette

Sweater – Lands’ End; boots – The Flexx; pants – J. Crew; shirt – Lands’ End

This is the wardrobe as it now stands – I could live with this for quite a while:

 

How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette

 

And I love these accessories!

How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette

 

I know I sound like a broken record, but you’ve got to be certain that your new purchases fit into your wardrobe in a variety of ways – this is the only way to be sure that you’re going to actually wear your new clothes, and not just waste money on pretty things.

How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette
How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette
How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette

 

Whew! I fully intend to start six new wardrobes on January 1, 2017. Come along for the fun!

love,
Janice

How to evaluate a capsule wardrobe with a black based color palette

Like this article? Save it to Pinterest!

Tweet
Pin584
Share
584 Shares

12.07.16 10 Comments

Tags: 12 Months - 12 Outfits, black, blue, capsule wardrobe, red, white
<<12 Months, 12 Outfits in a Grey Capsule Wardrobe: An Evaluation12 Months, 12 Outfits in a Olive-Based Capsule Wardrobe: An Evaluation>>

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    December 7, 2016 at 9:20 am

    Dear Janice, thank you for making this available in CET morning. I'm reading, but to shy to be first one to post to often. This series contributes to the festive mood!

    Reply
  2. Unknown says

    December 7, 2016 at 9:55 am

    It's been suspenseful waiting for the greener wardrobe, it's been my favorite.

    Reply
  3. Olive says

    December 7, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    Will you be evaluating the olive wardrobe, my favorite?

    Reply
  4. Patricia says

    December 7, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    This capsule comes closest to how I dress also. My capsule closet has both black and beige as the basis and with add ons from there. That's what works for me. I find I don't need very many dressy looks with my casual life style. I struggle to find attractive but comfortable dressy shoes. I like gold evening sandals but have yet to find one to replace my old Naturalizer evening sandals (wore out completely). Gold sandals are a great neutral for me and work with so many pieces and colors.
    Are you planning to show options for Christmas events and parties in each capsule? Sometimes we all struggle with how to step it up for events with ambiguous clues like "Festive Casual", or "Creative Black tie".
    Looking forward to your January looks.

    Reply
    • Dawn says

      December 7, 2016 at 2:44 pm

      I think this is a great idea to show options for Christmas events in each capsule. I'm wondering if you would need to add garments or accessories and then if those would fit in with your must be able to wear it with three things rule?

      I too am looking forward to the olive wardrobe.

      The quadrants where you see if the wardrobes are balanced are really helpful. As you said, this one really needs summer tops to wear with the shorts. I would add a casual warm weather skirt too that could be dressed up or down. Either of the black ones could fit that bill if they were the right fabric.

      Reply
  5. In love with the sea says

    December 7, 2016 at 3:06 pm

    Thank you most kindly for this wonderful post. These are my colors – black, red, and that beautiful blue. Sometimes a bit of gray in a pair of pants or a sweater. I must say I am a turtle neck girl all winter (to keep warm) which limits possible combinations a bit. I am retired but teach part time at a local university so a mix of “school” clothes and more casual clothes works for me.
    Keep up the good work and please keep working with these beautiful colors.

    Reply
  6. Cee Pluse says

    December 7, 2016 at 11:53 am

    This wardrobe based on black is my second favorite, although a bit too dressy for my lifestyle. I hope you have not forgotten about the olive and turquoise collection, Janice, as I am still trying to make up my mind if I like that particular color combination!

    Reply
  7. lrlincks says

    December 8, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    Love this wardrobe. It is the closest to my own clothes. I do have gray as one of my neutrals and some khaki/camel as well. I'm wearing black jeans and a gray top today. I have a few red tops and maybe 2 blue ones. Nothing in the blue for winter. I have trouble finding things I like on me in the blue color. I did have a pair of blue ankle pants that I wore a lot but they are too big now. Event options is a great idea!

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    December 8, 2016 at 9:27 pm

    Thrilled to hear you'll be giving us another series of these brilliant scarf-inspired capsule wardrobes in 2017. Can't wait!
    xxGaye

    Reply
  9. becky johns says

    December 9, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    This is my favorite, I have watched it carefully and added a few suggested pieces to my core neutal of black with accents of red and cobalt. It has extended the possibilities of what I own and helped me put together outfits I had not considered. Thank you so much!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

logo
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...
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

STAY UP TO DATE

Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • Accessories! Project 333 based on Morris GravesRain by Kay RussellAccessories! Project 333 based on Morris Graves/Rain by Kay Russell
  • wardrobe of the Week 03WOW Wardrobe Of the Week – January 22 – 28, 2023
  • Start with Art Morris GravesRain by Kay RussellStart with Art: Morris Graves/Rain by Kay Russell
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Dazzling Theme theme by Restored 316