When I mentioned that we were making capsule wardrobes for the kids on Instagram, I had a lot of people asking what they included, so I thought I would make a detailed post about each kid's capsule wardrobe for this summer.
Last time I wrote about capsule wardrobes, things were a bit different. Firstly, I was doing a year-long capsule, which I'm not doing anymore. I find it easier to stick with one season at a time as my kid's needs, sizes, and tastes seem to change every couple of months. I often will buy things on sale at the end of each season for upcoming seasons, but planning a whole wardrobe seasons ahead isn't possible. Another change was that I nixed pjs this season. We have always bought the kid's summer pjs, and 80% of the time they end up in their underwear because it's so hot. So this season I saved myself the trouble and we don't have any pjs. More space, less money spent, and happier kiddos!
As always with capsule wardrobes, I look at what I can re-use from seasons past, what my older two have outgrown, and what can be passed down. All of Oli's old jeans (which were actually Lily's years ago) became his shorts this summer, so effectively I only bought one pair of shorts for him this summer, which he needed for soccer. All of Chloe's shorts were worn by Lily and Oli before her, too. Once I have a look at the clothes I'm working with, and I've decided on numbers for each item of clothing, I start looking for deals, coupon codes, and good quality second hand items to fill in the gaps.
Things to consider with the summer capsule wardrobe:
Ok, I'll shut up now and show you our numbers for this summer's capsule wardrobes!
Chloe, 2.5
5 dresses
3 rompers/overalls
3 shorts
1 long sleeve T*
5 tank tops (1 fancy)
5 T shirts
1 thick sweater
2 bathing suits + 1 swim shirt
2 sun hats
1 pair Salt Water Sandals
1 pair Native shoes
0 pajamas
Oli, 4.5
5 shorts (1 just for soccer)
1 long sleeve T*
4 tank tops
6 T shirts
1 thick sweater
2 bathing suits + 1 swim shirt
2 sun hats
1 pair Salt Water sandals
1 pair running shoes (for soccer)
0 pajamas
Lily, almost 6
3 dresses
2 skirts
3 shorts
1 thin leggings
1 long sleeve T*
6 T shirts
6 tank tops (1 fancy)
2 sun hats
1 pair Salt Water sandals
1 pair of espadrille sneakers
0 pajamas
What I love about capsule wardrobes is that they make things easy.
Getting dressed in the morning is easier. Choosing outfits is easier. Saying no to new clothes (and the temptation to always have more) is easier. Capsule wardrobes aid contentment and simplicity, two things I'm really striving for.
Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out of the world. (1 Timothy 6:6-7) This verse under-girded my initial foray into the world of capsule wardrobes, and it's still a beacon as I navigate buying clothing for five people, on a budget, in fashion-forward Montreal.
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The long sleeve T that is in each of my kid's summer capsule wardrobe is from Luv Mother. They're made of merino wool and are the perfect thin layer. Merino wool keeps kids cool when they're hot and warm when they're cold. It dries quickly and wicks away moisture. It holds it's luster and colour brilliantly. As their only long sleeve T, you can imagine it's been washed upwards of 20 times already this season, and each one still looks like it did the day they first tried them on. This garment is actually a miracle!
Though I'm always passionate about saving money, I also try to build my kid's wardrobes with high quality, durable items. We ask a lot of our children's clothing, and as such, not all pieces are considered a bargain. One way I build their wardrobes is scouring the web for coupon codes and only buying things when they're on sale, so I'm happy to offer you guys 20% off all Luv Mother clothing with the code LUVNEST.
Last time I wrote about capsule wardrobes, things were a bit different. Firstly, I was doing a year-long capsule, which I'm not doing anymore. I find it easier to stick with one season at a time as my kid's needs, sizes, and tastes seem to change every couple of months. I often will buy things on sale at the end of each season for upcoming seasons, but planning a whole wardrobe seasons ahead isn't possible. Another change was that I nixed pjs this season. We have always bought the kid's summer pjs, and 80% of the time they end up in their underwear because it's so hot. So this season I saved myself the trouble and we don't have any pjs. More space, less money spent, and happier kiddos!
As always with capsule wardrobes, I look at what I can re-use from seasons past, what my older two have outgrown, and what can be passed down. All of Oli's old jeans (which were actually Lily's years ago) became his shorts this summer, so effectively I only bought one pair of shorts for him this summer, which he needed for soccer. All of Chloe's shorts were worn by Lily and Oli before her, too. Once I have a look at the clothes I'm working with, and I've decided on numbers for each item of clothing, I start looking for deals, coupon codes, and good quality second hand items to fill in the gaps.
Things to consider with the summer capsule wardrobe:
- Is it mess-friendly? Darker colours are best! Red Popsicle stains do not come out, friends!
- Is it quick-change friendly? Dresses, shorts and skirts with elastic waists, and sandals instead of shoes with socks, make for great impromptu splash pad visits :)
- Potty Training - This summer we are officially diaper free (praise hands!!), but last summer both Chloe and Oli had more bottoms because they weren't 100% potty trained yet. If your child is in the throes of potty training, you'll want a few extra bottoms in case of accidents.
Ok, I'll shut up now and show you our numbers for this summer's capsule wardrobes!
Chloe, 2.5
5 dresses
3 rompers/overalls
3 shorts
1 long sleeve T*
5 tank tops (1 fancy)
5 T shirts
1 thick sweater
2 bathing suits + 1 swim shirt
2 sun hats
1 pair Salt Water Sandals
1 pair Native shoes
0 pajamas
Oli, 4.5
5 shorts (1 just for soccer)
1 long sleeve T*
4 tank tops
6 T shirts
1 thick sweater
2 bathing suits + 1 swim shirt
2 sun hats
1 pair Salt Water sandals
1 pair running shoes (for soccer)
0 pajamas
Lily, almost 6
3 dresses
2 skirts
3 shorts
1 thin leggings
1 long sleeve T*
6 T shirts
6 tank tops (1 fancy)
2 sun hats
1 pair Salt Water sandals
1 pair of espadrille sneakers
0 pajamas
What I love about capsule wardrobes is that they make things easy.
Getting dressed in the morning is easier. Choosing outfits is easier. Saying no to new clothes (and the temptation to always have more) is easier. Capsule wardrobes aid contentment and simplicity, two things I'm really striving for.
Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out of the world. (1 Timothy 6:6-7) This verse under-girded my initial foray into the world of capsule wardrobes, and it's still a beacon as I navigate buying clothing for five people, on a budget, in fashion-forward Montreal.
////
The long sleeve T that is in each of my kid's summer capsule wardrobe is from Luv Mother. They're made of merino wool and are the perfect thin layer. Merino wool keeps kids cool when they're hot and warm when they're cold. It dries quickly and wicks away moisture. It holds it's luster and colour brilliantly. As their only long sleeve T, you can imagine it's been washed upwards of 20 times already this season, and each one still looks like it did the day they first tried them on. This garment is actually a miracle!
Though I'm always passionate about saving money, I also try to build my kid's wardrobes with high quality, durable items. We ask a lot of our children's clothing, and as such, not all pieces are considered a bargain. One way I build their wardrobes is scouring the web for coupon codes and only buying things when they're on sale, so I'm happy to offer you guys 20% off all Luv Mother clothing with the code LUVNEST.
I'm researching capsule wardrobes for fall so I came to this post... I love that your kids don't have PJs. My kids only have super warm ones from the winter, and in the summer we are just kinda lazy and put our kids to bed in their day outfit. Unless of course they are filthy, but luckily my kids don't get super dirty and spent their days splashing in water. We also buy mostly the $5.99 H & M dresses and that's all the wear. Next summer I'm just buying five dresses am one shorts and t shirt and calling it a day. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteOh man, our kids get SO DIRTY every single day! When they're not covered in dirt (and sunscreen, which is hard to come off fully without soap) it's market or food. But I don't mind bathing them these days. They don't need as much supervision and a bath kills 30-60 minutes at the hardest time of the day, so that's a win for me!
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