2020 Spring Capsule Edit

Capsule wardrobes have many interpretations. For me, it’s just a mini edit of your existing wardrobe tailored to a season. I love creating seasonal capsule edits because it helps us refresh and refine our personal style by narrowing down what fits - both our bodies and our lifestyle today. The focus of this Spring Capsule Edit is to elevate your everyday pieces so you look and feel effortlessly put together while still comfortable.  So, if you’d like to try it out, read on: 

#1 Create a style board 

A style board can instantly visualize how you want to look and feel. I find one of the easiest ways to do this is to create a board on Pinterest. Start with colors, silhouettes, and accessories you are drawn to and are easy to wear. I also like to “pin” pieces that I already own and mix them with new pieces and outfit ideas to see how they all go together. 

If you have favorite brands or stores, you can pin images directly from their websites right to your Pinterest style board. When choosing images, balance looks that inspire you with practical things you’d wear right now. 

Some items that I find always feel effortless are drawstring pants, loose fitting blouses, straight leg jeans and natural materials like linen and cotton. Don’t forget accessories like jewelry and shoes that will help elevate simple pieces. Once you’ve gotten the board together, take a good look and make sure it only has what you really love and that all the pieces work together.

#2 Shop your closet

You might be surprised how much you can re-create looks based on what you already have in your closet. Remember, these don’t have to be exact matches, they can be interpretations of what is on your board. The goal is to capture the feeling of the outfit. You might have some pieces in your closet that you love and want to include that you didn’t pin on your style board. That’s ok. The board is simply a road map. 

And, when it comes to the number of items in your capsule edit, I don’t believe in hard and fast rules. It’s more important that everything fits and goes together… it’s about what works for you.

#3 Play with outfits

Here’s the creative part… start trying things on and making outfits. Try different combinations, take inspiration by the way something is styled on your board - how a t-shirt is knotted at high waisted trousers or a piece of jewelry elevates a look that would otherwise be basic. Don’t forget shoes. I’ve been wearing flat mules and slides these days and they instantly make me feel put together.  If you are feeling it, snap some pictures from your phone and save in a “spring outfit” folder for reference.

Now that you’ve shopped your closet, you might have realized you really could use one or two key additions to tie everything together. Take note and when you are ready to shop, you’ll be investing in pieces that will round out and go with your entire Spring Capsule wardrobe.

#4 Style your closet

Anything that didn’t make the cut, tuck it away or move it to another closet so it’s out of sight.  Keep your Spring Capsule Edit front and center. I’d recommend hanging as much as you can so you get see everything all together. Hang by type, dark to light, prints to solids - whatever feels right to you. Be careful with delicate knits, they that can get stretched on a hanger, so they should be folded. if you have the space, keep your shoes and a small tray with your favorite jewelry nearby.

I hope that by creating a Spring Capsule Edit that fits you and your body today, you’ll find:

it is easier and more fun to get dressed

you’ll have refreshed your style

you’ll feel a little more put together and effortless, even while at home.

If you need some one on one help, I’m offering mini virtual sessions, you can email me at hello@laurapbarker.com.

xo, laura