Fall 2016 Inspirsession (+ How To Use Inspiration Photos To Construct The Perfect Capsule Wardrobe!) |inspirsession

I don't think a year has passed without me longing for fall before summer's even hit its peak. Despite the fact I seem to run ten degrees colder than the average human being, I'm a cool-weather gal through and through. I'll take extra layers any day over sweaty shorts and shifty tank straps.

From school supplies to fashion week to crunchy leaves to Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas, the season only proves to outdo itself with each passing week; I simply can't see what's not to love here. In fact, if we could just cut March through August out of the calendar entirely, I think I'd be perfectly happy. Two Christmases a year sounds like a great deal!

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Today New York is still gracing us with temperatures in the 90s, and I'm only in the early planning stages of my fall capsule wardrobe.

Like most Type A individuals, I spend roughly 90 percent of my energy thinking about how I'm going to do something, leaving just 10 percent for the actual doing it. As it turns out, though, my style has really solidified in the past few capsule cycles, so my inspiration-gathering process was fairly straightforward this time around.

If you're building a capsule of your own, I'd encourage spending a day or two collecting inspiration images (from Pinterest, blogs, books, magazines, etc.) These don't necessarily have to be fashion-related -- they can be as abstract as you like -- just be sure you can identify what about them sparks your interest. However, if you do compile mostly outfit photos, as I have done below, the capsule-building process is made that much simpler.

For instance, here's a little cheat I used this time around:

1) Make a list of the individual pieces that you like from each outfit photo. Be specific about fabric, shape, color, etc. (i.e. denim jacket, straight skirt, black boots.) If an item shows up in more than one photo, take note: it could be an ideal foundation piece. Consider making room for duplicates of these items.

2) Refine your list. Pending on how large you want your wardrobe to be, you may also need to consolidate similar items. (For example, if both "denim jacket" and "moto jacket" turned up on your list, you could combine these into one "lightweight jacket.") This is also a good time to consider color palette and silhouette. You don't want an unmixable wardrobe of clashing tones or mismatched proportions!

2) Cross-reference the completed list against your current closet stock, including anything you may have stored from last season. Check off any listed items that you already own. You may need to try them on to ensure good condition and fit. Collect any seasonal misfits to donate, sell, or repurpose.

3) Review what's missing. These are the items you should focus on purchasing to complete your capsule. Go forth and shop!

Now here's a peek at what's inspiring me for fall:

This Mod Look:

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Thanks to a recent viewing of God Help The Girl, I've been absolutely mooning over this oft-revived 60s look. I just can't wait to pair last year's long-sleeve floral dress with opaque tights and oxfords!

1970s Silhouettes

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It's rare for me to chase two different decades at once, but I just can't resist these faaaar-ouuuut 70s looks! (I may have Everybody Wants Some to thank for that...) While it's the outfit components of the 60s that intrigue me (knee-high boots, tights, mini dresses), it's really the proportions of the 70s that I love. Volume at the neck and shoulders, an itty bitty waist, and a gradual a-line pull downward -- sometimes all the way to the floor. Loving. It.

Classic Basics

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While I love a quirky thrift store find, no wardrobe is complete without foundational basics -- and for whatever reason, mine tend to fall on the classic/preppy side of things: straight skirts, pumps, tailored coats, and v-neck sweaters. Autumn plays a siren song to my inner nerd!

Creative Top Coat Stylings

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I've long referred to this coat style as a trench, but it just now occurred to me that trench coats are typically double-breasted with a belted waist. So I guess my beloved "trench coat" is actually considered a "top coat" with military accents. Anyway, I'm loving this year's new looks for my old standby.

Skinny Bottom + Bulky Top

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For someone who once felt certain this trend would never stick around, I've become quite the skinny jean devotee. And though I'm wary of adding bulk to my abbreviated upper half, I can't help but love these stripey, city-ready looks.

Extras: Wide-Brimmed Hats, Well-Made Bags, and Wavy Locks

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Personally, I don't include accessories in my capsule count, but that doesn't mean I don't consider them in the planning process! After all, the devil's in the details.

My obsession with wide-brimmed hats is going three years strong at this point, and I'm happy to see the trend is sticking for the time being. (Sidenote: How cute is that lamb?! I would just carry that thing everywhere...) I'm currently on the hunt for a structured, quality handbag that won't break the bank -- any suggestions? And finally, I purchased a curling wand off ebay this summer, and boy has it been a game-changer! Can't wait to experiment more once a) our apartment settles back to a reasonable temperature and b) my hair stops sticking to my neck.
What's inspiring you this fall?