My 25-Item Minimalist Plus-Size Capsule Wardrobe
25 items might seem extreme, especially since this capsule includes outerwear. But it’s surprising how little you truly need once you’ve opened up to the whole capsule idea. There is one glaring factor in why my current wardrobe is so spare, and that’s the weight gain I’ve experienced this year. I was straining to fit into my old clothes and feeling awkward and self-conscious, when one day a light bulb went on. I realized that even if I planned to lose the weight, it would take a good amount of time for that to happen, and I was miserable with my too-small clothes. So I decided a small capsule wardrobe was the right answer for me.
I started with T-shirts, an absolute daily staple for me. My go-tos in the past have been Loft Vintage Soft Tees and Old Navy Slub Cotton Tees, but plus-sizes weren’t in stock in the colors and styles I wanted. Basic, boxy crewnecks are my favorite and it can be tricky finding one with a feminine cut that still fits over my belly. I ended up ordering from J. Crew Plus and ASOS Curve, and I am still eagerly awaiting my packages’ arrival, so I can try them all out. I ordered two different styles from J Crew, and a 3-pack (Black, White, and Grey) from ASOS.
Next, it was on to pants. I had shorts, wide leg jeans, and linen pants from the summer that fit me, but I needed some skinny jeans that would tuck easily into my snow boots, and look good with my ankle boots. I started at Marshalls, where I have had great luck in the past with plus-size skinny jeans. Lo and behold, I found a black pair that fit me perfectly, as well as a bottle-green oversize sweater from Cable & Gauge. The black jeans are from D. Jeans, a brand I’ve turned to for years for comfortable, affordable, and surprisingly expensive-looking black jeans that don’t have that funny smell that some black denim has. Wanting another pair in blue, I went onto the TJ Maxx website, which often carries the same items as Marshalls (Marshalls doesn’t have a website). I found several styles from D. Jeans and ordered a few to try out, before deciding on the “Skinny Plus” style with a high, 3-button waist. I found that I already had two pairs of grey twill Gap joggers in size XL that still fit because of the roomy elastic waistband. They have the added bonus of working well with my boots.
Two of my cashmere sweaters still fit, although they aren’t as “oversized” as they once were. One is a grey crew neck from Vince in XL and the other is a black V-neck from Magaschoni in XXL (both found second hand on Ebay.) I had a short sleeve purpley-grey cardigan more suited to summer and spring. Plus, I ordered a gorgeous camel cashmere cardigan in a 3X from the J. Crew Black Friday sale.
Next were coats. I found that my long, white puffer coat from Kenneth Cole in XL was too tight, but my Land’s End lightweight parka in a 1X still fit just fine. I figure I can layer it under my Lauren Ralph Lauren tailored raincoat in XL to get through the snowy season.
The only other items in this capsule are a couple of silky black camis I picked up over the summer from LOFT in size XXL petite. And I almost forgot: I also included a simple outfit for festive occasions: a silky tunic top and some pull-on trousers with a subtle sheen. Both are black, and can be dressed up with heels and jewelry. For less formal occasions, a striped jersey tunic looks a bit more special than a T-shirt and sweater (my usual everyday uniform).
So that’s how I’ve adapted some existing items and added some new ones to this rather minimalist capsule. As time goes on and I see whether my weight changes or not, I can add more items, or else take stock of what’s in storage in smaller sizes to put together a new capsule.