Summer Wardrobe Capsule Challenge Recap

It’s over! Jane’s fourth Wardrobe Capsule Challenge is complete. I made it through the week with five garments and unlimited accessories. Here are my six looks:


Maryeb asked how I choose the items in a wardrobe capsule. This is my fourth capsule, and I think I’ve got a good process.

1. Choose a dress. The right dress can give you three different outfits when worn as a dress, skirt, and top. The dress I used this time didn’t work well as a top (because of the empire waist), but my faux-Missoni dress from the first Wardrobe Capsule Challenge was super versatile:


2. Choose your color palette. I usually choose the color palette after the dress. Since the dress will be my workhorse, I want to ensure it looks good with most of my other items. I went for a pastel palette, anchored by navy, for the spring challenge:


3. Choose a bottom (or two). I add at least one skirt to my capsule. It can be worn with a top or over the dress. If there is room, add another skirt or slim jeans. (I prefer jeans with a slim/skinny cut so they can be worn under the dress for a fourth outfit.)

4. Choose a top (or two). The tops I choose depend on the time of year…but I use at least one blouse. A blouse can be worn as a simple top or layered under or over a dress. In the winter, I also added a sweater to my capsule. For this summer capsule, I chose a ruffled tank top in addition to my blouse.

5. Choose a cover-up (or two or three or…). Jackets, cardigans, and vests are essential toppers in your capsule. They can hide lumpy layering or competing waistlines. In a pinch, they can double as a top. Adding a topper to a previous outfit can make it look like one you’ve never worn before.

When I follow these guidelines, the result is a capsule that easily clothes me for the time period. I often have “left-over” outfits that I don’t get a chance to wear. You can see previous Wardrobe Capsule Challenges here:

Spring 2010
Fall 2009
Winter 2008