Capsule Wardrobe // December Summary
December 31st marked the completion of the first month of my Winter Capsule wardrobe, and I'm happy to report that my 37 picks have been put to good use thus far! The month of December proved to be filled with an assortment of occasions. I had to piece together typical office attire as well as outfits for a weekend getaway to Nashville, holiday work parties, family get-together's, and multiple errand runs to complete some exciting DIY projects (more on those to come!), but I feel like my 37 picks have been able to suit all of my needs. As always, the key to a successful winter wardrobe is all about LAYERS. Let's take a look at some of my favorites to-date:
o u t f i t : 1
Black L/S Tee : Everlane // Buffalo Check (similar) : J.Crew // Black Cardigan (OLD ; similar) : Banana Republic // Black Skinny Jeans : J.Crew // Leather Jacket (similar) : Zara // Black Booties (OLD ; similar) : Madewell
Did I mention that layers are the key here? This outfit pretty much summarizes how I keep warm during the cold winter months in Indiana - simple and interchangeable layers. My buffalo check shirt has already been worn multiple times because it is SO SOFT! It makes me feel like I'm still wearing my pj's. :) Tyler actually bought me these black booties for my birthday last year. They're only about 1.5" tall, so they're perfect for running all over town
o u t f i t : 2
White Silk Blouse : Everlane // Camel Sweater (OLD, similar) : Banana Republic // Gray Pants (similar) : Banana Republic // Black Laine Boots : J.Crew
If it's a really cold day, this is what I'm wearing to work. Between the cozy sweater, wool pants, and booties that inevitably hide some amazing Smart Wool socks underneath, this outfit is bound to keep me toasty. I have super sensitive skin, so it's been really nice to finally be able to wear wool sweaters when I have soft silk underneath. This silk blouse from Everlane feels great and allows sweaters to just slide over the top - no bunching or tugging all day with this combination.
o u t f i t : 3
B&W Stripped Tee (similar) : Banana Republic // Cropped Sweater : Banana Republic // Leather Jacket (similar) : Zara // Black Skirt : Madewell // Sammie Boot : Madewell
Favorite outfit to-date. Yes, I said it. I love everything about this combination - girly with a touch of edge. I can wear this to work, to a holiday get-together, or out to dinner with friends. It's oh-so comfy but still put together. By the way, if you ever run into this cropped sweater at Banana Republic, just buy it! It's SO warm and the cropped style is surprisingly versatile. Oh, and these boots? Love them. I was a little nervous about the heel height (3.5") and the taller shaft height, but I have probably worn these boots more than any other. Tyler convinced me to put them in my capsule, so I suppose he deserves a bit of credit there.... don't them him I said that.
o u t f i t : 4
Red Silk Peplum (OLD) : Fossil // Black Sloan Pants : Banana Republic // Laine Boots : J.Crew
Festive! As I'm sure many of you have come to realize, I'm a big fan of boring - at least when it comes to my color choices. I gravitate to white, gray, black and tan, but every once in a while, it's nice to bring in some color. I found this blouse on sale at a Fossil store in Raleigh, NC this past summer. Something about the fit and color made me jump out of my comfort zone and buy it. It dresses up well for work and can be dressed down with some jeans and a casual jacket on the weekends. Heck, a little color probably does me some good as my pasty-ness continues to shine through in the winter months.
o u t f i t : 5
Red Dress (OLD) : H&M // Black Overcoat (OLD, similar) : J.Crew Factory // DV Katin Booties : Piperlime
Speaking of color, this dress is such a fun shade of red! It errs on the orange side, but I find it works pretty well with my fair complexion. I found this dress at H&M last year, and I've been pleasantly surprised at the quality. I've worn it to the office several times and most recently to my work holiday party. Paired with some tights, some skinny-heel booties, and a pair of festive earrings, it was Christmas ready in no time!
Surprisingly enough, after an entire month into my winter capsule wardrobe, there are still a few pieces I have yet to put on! I really think I could have done this capsule in 30 items or less. I find that I just don't need as many options in the cold winter months. Heck, if I'm out and about on the weekends, you only see my coat anyway!
As far as my shoe options go, I was a little hesitant to include so many booties - 4 to be exact. After just over a month? BEST. DECISION. EVER. Why? Socks! Booties allow me to wear toasty warm socks. If my feet are warm, I'm so much happier! I even throw on a pair of socks if I'm wearing tights. While I love a good pair of pumps, I'll resort to boots any day if it means I'm warmer and can traipse around in an afternoon snow storm.