I haven’t officially tried a true capsule wardrobe yet, but for my entire life, I’ve worn about 20% of my wardrobe 80% of the time (and I’m trying to change that). I always default to wearing the pieces that are the most comfortable, versatile, and neutral. When I buy pieces with patterns or vibrant colors, they end up hanging in my closet, untouched, for a few seasons, and then I eventually [and painstakingly] decide to donate. I’m a hoarder, and like to hang on to clothes for the “what ifs” in life. I rarely actually ever have those what-ifs, and every few seasons, my closet is bursting at the seams with an array of clothes for when the mood or occasion strikes. I have this bright red dress my sister picked up for me in a pinch when I was suffering badly from the post-baby blues. It was an expensive dress and she bought it on super clearance. I wore the dress once, and have tried it on a bazillion times, but it always finds its way back into my closet, unworn & rejected. But it was such a great deal, and WHAT IF I need a red statement dress again?!

I feel like it takes time to learn how to “curate” your wardrobe. To realize it’s better to slowly build it, and invest in quality pieces that will last and will be well-loved. I bought a million cardigans during college (we had a business casual dress code from 9-5); these sweaters were always getting stretched out or holes appeared in the armpits. I probably spent [at least] a few hundred dollars on cardigans over the 3 years I had that dress code…because they were affordable, quick fixes to my what-to-wear dilemmas.

I still buy those quick fixes when I’m in a serious pinch…but am learning, slowly but surely, how to intentionally build my clothing collection. I’m trying to add quality pieces that I know I’ll wear every week (and maybe every day). Ones that will last. Pieces like this kimono from Elizabeth Suzann. This is her olive cotton twill kimono, and I’ve been wearing it with everything. Jeans & a T-shirt. Over my Georgia mini in flax linen. With baggy linen pants and a cropped top. It goes with everything, and it’s the perfect weight. I’ve been searching for the cardigan substitute…something flowy, but with some structure, something that would work for all seasons, and something that would elevate an outfit. This kimono is perfect!

Dress // Sandals // Kimono // Hair Clip // Watch // Sunglasses (similar)