Today I am joining my pal Jennifer from a Well Styled Life for our monthly Fashion Over 50 series. This month let’s talk about How to Create Multiple Outfits from a Capsule Wardrobe. If you want to create multiple outfits from a capsule, keep your color palette simple, and choose classic high-quality pieces for your closet. Try to avoid impulse purchasing and getting caught up in trends.
HOW TO CREATE MULTIPLE OUTFITS FROM A CAPSULE WARDROBE
Eileen Fisher always has great capsule pieces that stand the test of time and can be built upon from year to year. These are the seven pieces that I chose from Eileen Fisher in neutral colors to style
If I had to pick favorites I would pick the linen cotton poncho and the beige linen delave top. Let’s take a look at how I styled all of the pieces, and why I liked them. First of all I do not wear heels (people always ask) because I have a bunion and they no longer suit my lifestyle.
Here I am wearing the beautiful Delave top (in XXS) with my favorite Hannoh Wessel dress, beautiful accessories from Parham and Co, and sandals from Laidback London. The sandals are a few years old but you can find similar on eBay here.
SHOP THE LOOK
I love the Delave top with white jeans, my helen kaminski hat, a tank top under the sweater (all in shades of cream), and Olukai sneakers for a more casual look.
SHOP THE LOOK
In this look I am wearing the Delave top with her terry midi skirt (which I love). This skirt also coordinates with all of the items from my February post How to Make Sweatpants Look Chic Over 50 here. You could belt the sweatshirt and skirt and convert into a little black dress look. I am also wearing it with her fabulous comfy cross over sandals. The necklace is no longer available but you can find a similar one here on Etsy.
SHOP THE POST
As I mentioned, my other favorite piece in this capsule has to be the linen cotton poncho. I love the textural puckered fabric and the ability to wear it on the diagonal as I have here with the Hannoh Wessel Dress and the great cross over sandals. Team it with some bone bangles, earrings and my favorite sunglasses and you are good to go! I am wearing an XXS.
SHOP THE POST
Here I am wearing the poncho & sandals with white jeans and bone jewelry as well.
SHOP THE POST
Accessories often make the outfit in my opinion. I am wearing the poncho with the eileen fisher linen trousers in black with the lovely jewelry from Parham and Co Studios, who you can also follow on Instagram as well for their latest designs. and fabulous smoking shoes from Artemis Design Co.
SHOP THE POST
Do you love a white shirt? Here I styled the white blouse and terry midi skirt with a simple white blouse tied at the waist, leopard mules, a horn necklace and a favorite hat.
SHOP THE LOOK
Another piece from the collection that is so versatile, especially if you can still wear knee length dresses ( cannot) is the Mandarin Collar Dress. Here I am wearing it with her linen pants. I accessorized it with an old Helen Kaminski hat, dragon diffusion tote and brador sandals that I picked up on super sale.
I belted the dress in this look.
SHOP THE LOOK
Here i am wearing the linen dress, again as a duster, with the terry midi skirt, etsy bag, horn jewelry and helen kaminski hat.
SHOP THE LOOK
This long sleeved jacket was not on my list and they accidentally sent it to me in a medium. When I saw it I thought I am not going to like this and it will be way too big. Guess what? This long sleeve jacket is such a classic piece and it fits beautifully. This could be styled with many of the separates above as well as many others. It is not as lightweight as linen but not overly heavy. I love it with this great pair of pants. I think it is going to be a nice unexpected addition to my wardrobe. I am wearing it with my absolute favorite pair of new sandals from Korkease, an old hat and an old rag and bone bag, and my favorite sunglasses from Specs by Kyla. All available items and substitutes are linked below the graphic.
SHOP THE LOOK
EDITORS NOTE:
The Delave long sleeve top is now available in a short sleeve (but not too short) version here, as many of the smaller sizes are sold out online. I love it in the gray!
If you are interested in creating a versatile capsule wardrobe you might want to make checklists before you shop. For your capsule wardrobe essentials choose minimalist pieces that can be layered with accessories to create multiple looks like the seven pieces I featured today from Eileen Fisher. A special thank you to9 Eileen Fisher for sending me these gorgeous workable pieces. As always thank you so much for reading How to Create Multiple Outfits from a Capsule Wardrobe. Do you find yourself buying less and thinking more about CPW (cost per wear)? I would love to hear about it. Now let’s pop over and visit Jennifer and see what she has to share
A WELL STYLED LIFE
Please provide the source for the white tank top under the beige linen sweater. Love your styling!
Hi Phyllis
It is linked below the pic but here it is https://rstyle.me/+jyUV3vSLxqDfiPR-7A1Mrg
Thanks Cindy. The reason why I didn’t think the link was the same as in the photo, the photo shows a scoop neck top rather than the higher neck in the link.
You look terrific in all of these ensembles!
Summer is such a cutie pie!
Hi Lindsey
Thank you so much!
Late to the party but especially love the first outfit. I have an older EF crochet sweater that will give a very similar vibe over a black rank dress. I’m searching fir the perfect white tank dress and hoping that there are more to choose from very soon. I’ll definitely be doing that outfit with some jewelry I already own. Thanks for the post. You look great and I’ll be subscribing now
Hi Deanne
Welcome! I think you will enjoy the great group of women who gather here!!
I always pass over any Eileen Fisher clothes thinking they are just for young, thin models.
OMG! You could make a garbage bag look fashionable.
Thanks for showing the possibilities with Eileen Fisher.
Hi Paula
I have really learned to love and appreciate Eileen. As I said below, she designs well cut simple, well made pieces that you can accessorize to your own liking and style. I love that.
Oh – how I wish I loved neutrals! It makes for such easy mixing and matching! You do SUCH a good job…
Hi Gray
I like neutrals and I like color! I just don’t do much pattern. You look adorable in prints. I for the most part just look silly.
This was such an inspirational (and expensive) post for me! You can’t go wrong with Eileen Fisher in my opinion, and I love all the neutrals you’ve chosen. Right up my alley! Thanks for all you do!
Hi Joan
I am a complete fan of Eileen Fisher. It took me awhile to come around, but I completely understand why so many women love her line. She leaves the accessorizing up to us!
Hi Cindy,
You always look so good in what you style.
I love the laid back natural look. The big thing, the lien is nice and cool for the hot summer months.
Onto a total different subject. I was wondering how Steve is healing and coming along after his ankle infusion surgery? I imagine it’s a slow process that takes time and physical therapy.
Hi Katherine
thanks for asking…we will find out on the 11th when we go back to Stanford. We think he is doing great but will not know until they do a cat scan. He may be in just a boot or nothing…most likely a boot!!
You are the master/ mistress of accessorizing, Cindy! So much inspiration!
I have a few sale cardigans from EF , but most of my linen has been collected on line from L.L.BEAN (a better price point for me) , and from the UK line White Stuff….which tends to be much more colourful. They make their linens etc. go with other pieces like cardigans or dresses.
More recently purchased during visits to UK last year, and here at a local boutique.
Colours are navy, teal, chartreuse , gold, peachy pink and tan… all work well for my soft Autumn colours.
Nan of TN had very helpful ideas regarding care of linen. What a great resource when readers share 👍
Hi Cindy- You are right about Eileen Fisher’s capsule wardrobe concept and you wear all the pieces beautifully! I just brought out all my EF linen items from winter storage today, laundered all, and hope winter gets the memo Spring is FINALLY arriving here later this week in Tennessee. Eileen’s sleeveless tops & dresses are still wearable, as a woman with 70 year old arms, thanks to her gauzy toppers and ponchos! You and Eileen understand it’s the accessories that create or update an outfit based on solids and textures. Thanks for the inspirational loveliness!
Hi Cindy,
I did something I never do and spontaneously ordered the Eileen Fisher xxxs pancho! Two hours later, I’m still delighted and that’s amazing because I always weigh every purchase ad nauseum and often end up with my size no longer available!
Your exquisite taste spurred me on this morning. The pancho and the horn jewelry I already own because of your inspiration, will extend my capsule wardrobe in exciting ways.
Thank you from Diney on Mercer Island
Hi Diney
I sometimes stew too long before buying and miss the boat. The poncho is even better in person. You won’t be disappointed!!
Hi Cindy,
Such a fantastic post thank you and you look so wonderful in all of the outfits. Just love your style !!! I recently bought EF linen trousers in the natural and Expresso and after reading yours and Jennifer’s posts l went back and bought the Expresso crochet top. Gorgeous deep brown which suits my skin tone.. After following you for a while now l love horn accessories so that’s a win too.
Gorgeous looks on you. Thank you turning my day around xo
Hi Francesca
Thank you for your sweet comment. I just love these pieces from Eileen Fisher.
I really love the crocheted linen top you and Jennifer have both styled so beautifully. It’s on my wish list!
I’m curious what you mean when you say you can wear the linen/cotton poncho diagonally. As far as I can tell, the poncho is two rectangles of fabric sewn together, with ties at the side. As a longtime fan of the previously asymmetric EF ponchos, I was disappointed by this year’s iteration (seen only online). I’m wondering if I’m missing something?
Hi Bette
I should have been more specific, I am sorry. I left the ties untied and slid it slightly to the side for a more asymmetrical look.
Hello, you look so nice in all of your photos. I love hats! Could you tell me the name or style of the KAMINSK hat that you have on where you are showing the Delave tan sweater white jeans white tank top under the tan sweater and your olukai sneakers. You had the brim of the hat turned up. You look so cute I would love to purchase that hat but there’s so many on the website. I want to be sure it’s the same one. Enjoy your blog so much thank you for all your help and suggestions. Take care.
Hi Linda
It is linked right below the picture under shop the look. Just scroll through and you will see it. I wear that hat more than any other in my current collection!
You had me at that first Delave top but sadly, when I look at it on the EF site, it’s pretty much gone except in a few larger sizes. What throws me off about the brand is how inappropriate the sizing is. For years, I avoided it because it runs so large but now I’ve found the secret is to go xxxs if I find a piece I like. We used to have a boutique here in town that carried the line and I still have a few pieces that are classics and I still get lots of wear out of them. One comment on the shoes is that although you don’t wear heels (understandable), I myself, would wear less chunky sandals. Good capsule outfits!
Hi Wren
Very true about the sizing..it’s a challenge. I wish she would switch to standard sizing it would be so much easier! I added some more links for the sweater and for the short sleeve version that is brand new. I have learned to embrace “clunkier” shoes because I have a bunion that prohibits me from wearing anything with a pointed toe or a narrow footbed. If only I had your feet!!
Haha, no you don’t! They’re not without their own problems!
See you Thursday at Giuseppe’s!!
Cindy, I have read your blog for some time, but have not commented before. I just love your style, though it is different to mine. However seeing the way you styled the pieces today has been a lightbulb moment. You have styled pieces together similar to those I own, that I never thought to mix. Thank you. You look amazing in all the outfits, I will add I also love your interior design too.
Hi Lesley
Thank you so much for commenting, please continue to join the conversation. We love hearing from you!
Love, love, love your outfits and your knack of adding interesting/unique accessories and shoes! I also appreciate seeing repeated loved items across your posts over time as it makes the ability to creat wonderful looks more realistic. The Etsy bag….sigh….your hats….fantastic!
Hi Lisa
Thank you so much. People often complain that I don’t show “new” things all the time. I hope to inspire you to enjoy what you have and purchase only those pieces you will truly love and enjoy!
You look fabulous! Now I know I need the beige dress to go over my beige linen pants! Such great looks on you. Your accessorizing is just perfection, as always.
Why thanks pal!! Right back at you! Love the way you styled yours!!
As usual, classic and beautiful! Love beige and white on you.
Hi Nancy
Thank you so much. If it is just the right color I can wear it!!
Hi Cindy, Always look forward to your fashion posts and have applied your creativity to my own wardrobe, thank you! I was wondering if you would share the size you purchased regarding the terry black skirt with side slit. I am 5’5,130 lbs, I carry most of my weight around waist and stomach area- love these golden years! What would you suggest? Also the EF top that you ordered XXS; was it a lot more generous in size ? I usually order XS in her tops? Thank you!
I am sorry I will go in and add all the sizes. It is an XXS. That seems to be the magic size for me. The great thing about those french terry items are they can be trimmed as they are raw hem. I have short legs and a long torso, so I love raw hems!!
I swear Cindy, every time I read your posts in my head I’m like “I take that one and that one, and of course I need that too…” somebody should hire you to do capsule boxes where we just hit a button and buy it ALL!
Hi Nancy
You are very sweet. In my mind, it is all about collecting interesting accessories to keep the outfits from becoming boring!
Cindy, you always look gorgeous. Your style seems effortless. Love all of the pieces.
Hi Eliz
Ahhh if it were only effotless!! I sure appreciate your confidence though!!
Cindy, your styling of these pieces is fantastic!
I’m a new reader and wonder how tall you are. Love the Mandarin Collar dress but wonder where it hits you–at the knee or below?
Hi Linda
I am 5’4 on the dot. It hits me just below the knee.
So creative and beautiful. Great job!!
Hi Mary Ann
Thank you so much! Hope you had a wonderful time in CA
I’d love to see your closet. Boy you knock it put of the park. I like Eileen Fisher. You look better in her outfits than the models! Thanks for inspiration.
Hi Carol
You do not want to see my closet it is a mess!
You always look so stylish and well put together! When I try oversized pieces, I feel larger than (real)life and like I’ve given up and am hiding beneath my clothes. Could it be my size (5’7” with large bust), shape (apple) or just my perception? I strive to be as creative (and cute!!) as you.
So enjoy your post!
Your style is the best. You give me so many suggestions.
How do you deal with linen? Details, please.
One wearing and my linen looks like slept in the piece.
Is there a finishing spray you use? Do you steam the item in the shower?
I press linen and never wear it because I don’t want to mess it up!
Life is too short to be ironing!
Hi Nan of DE- Linen wrinkles less if you never iron it. Check Eileen Fisher’s website; she gives tips for caring for linen items. I machine wash most linen items right-side out in cold water on delicate setting with a tiny bit of fabric softener in the rinse cycle. Then immediately remove them from washer after finish, shake out each item 8-12 shakes and then hang tops to air dry on padded hangers and bottoms full-length extended from clip hangers, smoothing out any wrinkles gently by hand. When almost dry, I toss the items into the dryer with 6 or more wool dryer balls and a big clean cotton terry towel and fluff for 3-5 minutes on extra low delicate heat setting, remove immediately and place on hangers. Use a hand steamer to remove wrinkles, if you prefer, but avoid ironing linen to preserve the fibers and avoid a shiny uneven finish.
Hope this helps!
Nan of TN
Hi Nan
I have my own system which is a little different than our other friend Nan! I wash in warm or cold water in washer. I don’t use any fabric softener at all. I do the same thing with my linen napkins. I yank the arms the top the bottom etc and let it try completely. The linen is stiffer and like the old fashioned starched linen. To me it wrinkles much less with this procedure. Annie from Most Lovely Things just described the same procedure on her blog about napkins. If you want a softer look you might follow Nan from Tennessee’s strategy. I never iron any natural fabrics anymore. Many companies are embracing the wrinkled look!
‘s
Hi Deborah
You make good points. I think anything oversized on my frame really needs to fit properly, or it overwhelms. I am quite overweight for me right now. I really need to shed 5-6 lbs so my clothes look and fit better. Trust me there is a lot of sucking in…