You DON'T NEED a Capsule Wardrobe (Do this instead)

[@lizbautista360]

I'm a mom of 20 months old twins and struggled so much to find myself again. It's been a couple of weeks re-building my wardrobe and I found you! You're such an inspiration of being a mom of twins and still looking cool!! Yesterday I wore skinny jeans for the first time in more than 2 years!! And I saw one on your videos from when you were pregnant, holding back tears cause you missed your jeans. I get it too!! Thanks a lot for what you're doing. Hugs from Mexico!

[@EmilyWheatley]

Ahhh I'm so glad you got to get back in your jeans, such a good feeling! It took me a while to get back to myself after the twins....if I'm being honest, I'm still working on it. In 2025 my plan is to be more transparent in those feelings. Thanks so much for your lovely and supportive comment! Hello to Mexico!

[@Jona_Art1]

I have two styles-edgy classic and understated boho. You just helped solidify what I need to do-have pillars that will cross over, like great black flares. I just bought a bunch of good white tees that can go under a moto jacket or an embroidered trucker.

[@chrismctague5015]

Where are the tees from please? Searching for the perfect one ​@@Jona_Art1

[@Rdixon1203]

My son is 7- I’m still working to figure out how to make space for myself and still be a good mom. Not saying that to scare you, but give you grace. Motherhood is hard- you’re doing great! 💙

[@Neso-fe5gi]

@@Rdixon1203all this year shall pass so quickly and your kids will grow up soon and they will do everything without you

[@FahimAhmed-xj9lq]

As a guy, I love how much this applies to everyone’s fashion senses. I’ve been looking for videos that will help me build a wardrobe that will keep me satisfied rather than feed my shopper impulse lol. This has been incredibly useful! Thanks so much

[@EmilyWheatley]

Oh good! I'm so glad to hear that. And it is definitely a universal concept for even things outside of fashion. Thanks for your comment!

[@areat4821]

Love it! Show more examples ❤

[@kristinl9583]

@@EmilyWheatley would love to see a style conversation with you and your man. Wives / partners/ mothers are many times dressing the whole family. It gets exhausting and I try to stay rested and up for the challenge.

[@janeseemann2527]

I have a very chaotic wardrobe. I adore clothes & I shop with zero intention. I think I’m all pop and no pillar. I like your way of explaining things and I think it could be a method I could use. Part of that, I think, will finally be zeroing in on a sustainable colour palette - and sticking to it.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Pops are very important, and now that you have an approach you can prioritize some pillars. Choosing a color palette definitely helps! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@karenburns8387]

I would love to see more of how you put this into practice for winter. I think I am doing something similar with having core year round pieces and then adding seasonal items to make it come alive.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Yes! Winter is coming up next, so I'll show you how to build on that!

[@kays749]

This is what I have done forever. Nice to give it a name.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Yea, just helps maintain it.

[@diannepkegler8985]

That’s the method that I use. Only I call pillars basics, pops I call statement pieces. My bottoms are dark. My tops goes with all of my bottoms. My top consist of stripes, prints, colors, and black. My layers are neutral colors.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Love it! That's a great strategy!

[@karenberube2335]

You're my favorite Emily! I never tire of your content. I live in Northern New England. I dress in seasons, fall/winter being our longest. No capsules, all pillars with some rare pops. Warm & comfortable from Winter/Fall is "Yankee Chic", (not to be confused with Preppy!) Lots of LLBean. Spring/Summer,.more modern edge with lots of EF, linen & loose. Thinking in this way has made life easier. It's all in one double closet, except the coats. It's taken me years to figure this out. I don't need a lot of clothes , just the right ones. You've helped and model what you preach. We see many items seen year after year. That's real life! Kudos for authenticity!

[@EmilyWheatley]

Haha love that, Yankee Chic! I’m glad this concept works for you too. Thanks so much for your supportive message!

[@jillybean15894]

Yes! I'm in Ohio with very distinct seasons also. I do lots of wool sweaters with cords or jeans in the winter, and loose linens in the summer, with flannels mixed in to layer through our very wacky seasonal transitions, lol! It feels good to have everything in just one closet, however I admit to having way too many wool sweaters and I just can't part with any of them! Lol!!!

[@rosavaz6291]

Emily, this totally clicked for me finally! I often feel stuck trying to add interest to my outfits. It’s because I already have plenty of pillars but not many pops! This will definitely redirect future purchases and hopefully save me time and money 💰. Thank you 😊!

[@cindybreck6341]

This method makes sense to me and is a concept that I believe a lot of people will relate to. Plus..... your hair and makeup look just fantastic.

[@EmilyWheatley]

I agree, very approachable right! And thank you so much! 😊

[@jenocean824]

Thank you for this video. I've never heard about it before but it totally makes sense the way you explained it. I love the idea of having a "pillar" or base in my wardrobe and then adding the "pop." People could take their capsule wardrobe as their base and build around it without messing up their foundation for variety. I could see this totally working for packing for a trip using your basic capsule clothes and having that pop depending on where and what climate they go to.

[@melocoton7]

I like making capsules for clients who want to completely revamp their style. It's like a reset on which they can build upon. It's easier to expand on a good base than to treat a wardrobe as a collection of singular items. My closet is the same. I have a very strong base and I expand it with outerwear, shoes and accessories. These can cycle through without having to update everything. The base also sets the tone or vibe if you will.

[@pamelakeys6190]

I also watch Alyssa Beltramo and gave my Furniture design analogy. Now, a half hour later . I’m also loving your take away and say, I think early on I did this through osmosis, lol. At, an early age of not a wealthy background.i had to figure out an angle to pull this ruse off.50 years later, at 67. It still works 😎

[@carathomas8398]

OK, I relate to this concept WAY more than the other ways of looking at a capsule. Thank you!

[@EmilyWheatley]

I'm so glad to hear that!

[@jamieseaweed5908]

Pillars and Pop is awesome, I'm going to do this more instead of only looking for a capsule, which is very restricting when you mostly wear black :) Thanks for this and for being honest and open to not living fully in the capsule wardrobe mindset! This is super random but I'm from BC and some brands I thought you might like in my neck of the woods are Bluesky and Anian! If you don't already know about them :) Happy festivities Emily to you and your family! I know this may also be tough because it is the first one without Bubba, so I also wish you and your family love and light to get through it in the hard times and light for the good memories too!

[@vanessafarrer2357]

Your content is super! It's efficient, effective and really helps us make our wardrobes effortless and enjoyable! Emily your style, vibe and personality are just so unique yet relatable! Please keep doing you for us!! You inspire me. I recently turned 60 and live beachside in Sydney Australia. Couldn't be further from your hood yet your formulas are classic and adaptable 💗🙌🏼💯👍🏼😎

[@michellehamric6856]

An interesting way to think about creating a capsule wardrobe. I'm currently using s Project 333-ish capsule wardrobe. The pillar and pop method is a nice "add-on" to my current wardrobe. I'd be interested in seeing more videos about this.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Definitely more to come :-)

[@BlessYourHeart254]

I prefer mix-and-match separates. As a 60-year-old plus size woman who works and lives in casual clothing, I have no need for blazers and don’t care for them as they don’t work with my size. I tend to wear tunics and either cotton pants or leggings/yoga pants, which work for my entire life. I wear a cardigan or jacket if needed, but am in the south, so thankfully don’t need a lot of sweaters. My tops are where I express myself with some bright colors and patterns I like (warm Spring coloring). I don’t own any black or white tops due to my coloring and fail to see the fascination with them when most people don’t look good in them, plus it’s boring. I have some black pants, but am shifting to warm neutrals like camel, coffee, and olive as I replace them. I’m older, so don’t care if I’m trendy. I wouldn’t make it in places NYC where apparently black is some sort of expectation even if you look sick in it.

[@DP-dr6gi]

Another excellent video! The pop is what allows me to play with color or style a bit. The basics hold it all together. Love the Pillar Pop❤

[@EmilyWheatley]

Makes it’s so easy to maintain 👍

[@FunkyPatriot]

I'm going to use this method. Thank you

[@mhtammi]

When I was in retail women’s fashion in the ‘80’s the chain I worked with would stock “modules” that we were expected to upsell when a customer expressed interest in one item: “here’s the top that goes with those slacks and over here you’ll find the blazer that pulls the outfit together..” While I didn’t like the upsell, the concept was good.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Yep, exactly! When I was a Visual Merchandiser that's exactly how you needed to curate a store.

[@av8trx70]

I understand the concept. I also recognize that your pillars are solid in color. I've watched your videos long enough to recognize your style. Some of my pillars include pattern, which is fine (thinking of Fair Isle sweaters). I'll look at my closet differently now; I can see my pillars in my head already.🙂 Thanks for the help

[@EmilyWheatley]

Oh I love that! Yea Fair Isle sweaters are definitely a strong classic. Thanks so much for sharing some of your style with us!

[@KatherynSteinman]

Basically this is what I have always done with my wardrobe but it's great to see you explain it so clearly and appealingly. It's especially fun to have "pops" that don't have to last forever. Great post!

[@maydaygarden]

I like your pillar pop diagram. Instead of looking at my closet(s) full of (nice) "stuff", I'm adding a white board and dry erase markers. New sub. Thank you!

[@denapeterson748]

Love the pillar & pop info. Thanks

[@carolynm.8868]

I have seen multiple videos on capsule wardrobes. I don’t believe that I have seen prior discussions on how much work it is to maintain a capsule wardrobe. It is definitely worthwhile but one needs to be prepared for the work that lies ahead !

[@losttheplotat60b37]

I’m a complete novice with no style, but this looks like it could help me sort myself out - at age 61 🙈😆 I’d love to hear more 😃🌸

[@singlows]

Wow! I have gained some weight in my 40s, especially the last year and nothing fits me. I do need to get a wardrobe that works for where I am no, but I don’t know how. This is brilliant! Thanks for putting this together and sharing it.

[@EmilyWheatley]

This would be a good start. Just go with pieces that are more flexible with sizing, relaxed jeans, classic button ups, stretch jersey tees, etc. See if that helps.

[@conniemountainraven2181]

Love the concept. This will help me edit my wardrobe.Artistic pieces are great Pops, I love to wear them.

[@tammiepulley7167]

This is my plan but I didn’t have a good name for it. Thanks. Love it.

[@marcymcvay-smith7541]

❤️ this, I'm definitely a Pillar Pop person.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Love it!

[@maisycakes1125]

Practical tips providing so much clarity on how to set up a functional wardrobe for life !

[@EmilyWheatley]

Yay! Glad you think so!

[@deborahharding135]

Interesting. More detail please!

[@susangoodrichlerner7819]

I've always kept my capsule wardrobe. I think you have always brought in the "pop" that elevates the outfit you are demonstrating. I add those items strategically. You have converted me to patterned socks! I always wear them and they elevate the look. Ditto with scarves. I'm a turtleneck girl when it's cold and the sweaters come out. Yet I still add scarves and jewelry. Both your wardrobe approaches are good. However, I think that the second method is a different way of using a capsule wardrobe.

[@EmilyWheatley]

It can even be used as an approach to building a capsule wardrobe. I love the sound of your approach to your CW!

[@MarjorieKline-p9q]

I get excited each time I see a new video. You always help me to understand how to keep a strong wardrobe that suits my lifestyle. Thank you!

[@BarbSterk]

I love your hair too! Great video and this concept makes a lot of sense. Very helpful.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad it's helpful.

[@adz5bneweng589]

Going to try this! Thank you.

[@EmilyWheatley]

I’m so glad!

[@StormWingHunter]

I really enjoyed watching this!

[@caviable]

This really defines how I’ve been thinking about my wardrobe lately! 😊

[@EmilyWheatley]

That’s great! Glad to hear that it’s on track for you

[@JoAnnCorley]

just brilliant -- solutions to the desire for something creative & extra ,, but feels aligned 👍.. also since I travel, this will help me pack and with planning & decision fatigue ty!

[@EmilyWheatley]

Definitely great for packing!

[@libbyhocking5516]

Absolutely fascinating Emily I now see I need more pops in my wardrobe. Thanks for the great information.

[@barbarah6002]

Yes Emily!!! Very helpful!!!! Much more realistic than capsule wardrobe and still that overview. 🎉thanks!!

[@EmilyWheatley]

Yay! So glad it's helpful. Thank you!

[@tracythomas343]

I like this idea/method more. It seems to fit in with how I do things. A capsule wardrobe has never resonated with me. Great video & suggestions. ❤❤

[@EmilyWheatley]

Oh good, I'm so glad!

[@marissaclaridge7627]

Just love your idea of Pillars and Pops....Wonderful...just what I do!!!❤❤❤

[@jackielambes7208]

I love that black leather look jacket. Very helpful video.

[@melissad7855]

This makes so much sense to me!! Especially if I'm doing a declutter--will this work in one of those categories? Makes me think.

[@EmilyWheatley]

It will work in all of those categories. You can use this towards anything really

[@ConsterL]

Great video. I’d love to know what makeup you are wearing, particularly on your lips and cheeks

[@samandfee]

Cool approach. And you look great, as ever. ❤ from Amsterdam

[@EmilyWheatley]

Hello to Amsterdam!

[@jjvonkessel5342]

I love you music selection!

[@EmilyWheatley]

Ahhh thank you!

[@tereclemmer7923]

That's so interesting! For me, it is so difficult to stop on, both the Pilars and the pops. I guess I need to find restraint. 😕

[@EmilyWheatley]

Yea restraint is definitely something that has to be learned and continually practiced. You're not alone!

[@BBurnett333]

Rut ro. My pillars have fallen and the pops, so far, are my tattoo sleeves. Ive got work to do! Thank you, Emily, for sharing your knowledge and insights. See you next time!

[@EmilyWheatley]

Tattoos are definitely a good pop! :-)

[@erindixon2877]

I’ve said a version of this for years: buy good classic pieces and add a trendy piece you like a lot now and then to add a fun pop. Not rebuying your wardrobe every season saves a lot of money.

[@shannonblevins7651]

Fantastic video!

[@EmilyWheatley]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@solveighenriksen5754]

Hi. Love the jeans you are wearing, with the big pockets in front. Can you tell me the brand and where you got them ,please? Greetings from nothern Norway! And i love the pillar and pop method, but i have way more pops than you!

[@barbc7211]

Terrific concept Emily ❤

[@EmilyWheatley]

Thank you!!!

[@rosalbadadamo1104]

Capsule, but not only... a very special method to spend money with brains ❤

[@GerlindeHann]

Genial, danke!

[@teresacarle294]

❤Loved your fabulously fun 🎼music & cool editing. Your pop media style & jump cuts only enhanced your content👍. Your ✨️Pillar & Pops✨️ approach certainly resonated w/me too. 💚Bridget from Cali☘️ (using my pal's YT acct)

[@kq1613]

Bang on as usual …💙💙💙

[@mbs7078]

Brilliant!!

[@Rileygirl11746]

I'm 80. I like basic dark bottoms. I like color and pattern and texture for the tops. I do not wear black around around my face.

[@susannekr.9265]

Very helpful to curate outfits❤ thanks

[@lbeard7661]

I have it set up so a majority of my wardrobe will go with each other. I have some pieces that don’t entirely (why did I buy pastel pink barrel jeans? 😂) but for the most part I can grab any tshirt, any layering piece, and any pair of pants and come out looking like I put some thought into it. I’d like to say it’s due to years of conscious choices, but it’s mostly due to the fact I have a strong gamine essence so I can piece very random items together and have it look intentional. 😂

[@teresacarle294]

💗Pink can be so dratted appealing😊 ...pastel pinks, rose pinks, dusty pinks, bubblegum pinks, & even hot pinks. It all just calls to my femininity👚. It's definitely one of my color pops. 🤔Although I try to be more strategic w/my colored garment choices nowadays. Knowing I'll get much more mileage w/a matched set or accessories. I'll at least look for a scarf or baseball cap in it. 🤓Being able to repeat a color simply makes more sense of it for me. Otherwise, if I buy a one off item outside my normal palette, it's likely to end up being ignored. 🛍In the 90s, I found an amazing 2pc light pink co-ord trouser set on deep discount from this swanky maternity shop. 🤰I wasn't even pregnant🤭. The pants were, long, slim, & tapered, & the "top" was long sleeve w/a drawstring at the waist & buttons down the front. It could be used as a top or jacket. The waffle cotton was so soft. Perfectly comfy in toasty 😎LA (and also on holiday in 🇦🇺Perth). Dressed up or down, I got so many compliments in it. Wore it well into the next decade. 💚Bridget from Cali☘️ (using my pal's YT acct)

[@myrna1311]

Thank you Emily💖🤩

[@kristinl9583]

Do you like the COH jeans as much as their Charlottes? Would love the feedback 🙏🏼😍

[@kristinl9583]

Love this video ❤❤❤

[@CrashIntoMe2]

Where did you get that ❤ garment hanger piece thingamajig that looks sooooooo fn cool? I keep checking the info area but have given up that level of patience. 😊. Please share 🎉

[@marylhere]

It’s a display piece. Try maybe visual merchandising website.

[@CrashIntoMe2]

@@marylhere- Ahhhh not a simple add to cart and Apple Pay 🙃. It’s a special piece for sure.

[@lindsayfraser4867]

Did you coin "pillar and pop"? It's a winner!! Super catchy but when you dig deeper it also makes a ton of sense.

[@karelmillard9854]

This was exactly what I needed to hear ❤🙏🏼thank you ❤

[@coastaljan6193]

I really enjoyed your presentation, and I'd like to see more. For instance, I'd like to see the individual pieces in more detail to understand what pillar pieces maintain their timelessness. As I head into retirement, I don't want to be frumpy, but I also won't have a large budget. Creating a capsule wardrobe or wanting to create a pillar wardrobe will be a challenge. With my colouring and height (short), I can't wear black or stark white. It's difficult to work a wardrobe around other colours and have the same classic effect. Can you suggest other options (without red!)?

[@cehand8143]

Last week I was a an art show and purchased a gorgeous silk scarf and thought to myself “Emily would approve.” Pillar and pop, indeed.

[@hellocharis]

Loved this ❤

[@elevatedbyandrea]

Lovely home 🤍

[@LRWdesign]

I love dresses and skirts. 🤷‍♀ Of course jeans, white or blue button ups and t-shirts are mandatory for me in the closet along with certain jackets and shoes and accessories. But the majority of my closet is dresses and skirts. I consider those my pops when I think about it because I purge and replace those the most - removing ones I’m not liking as much with something more interesting and that suits me. So this pillar and pop method would work for me. I don’t do minimal closets or capsule wardrobe stuff - I’m more of a maximalist. 😁❤🥰👍

[@rachelmorra1970]

I love the length of your hair ❤

[@dianebright9366]

I do, too! She wears this new cut soooo well.

[@crystalstewart168]

More please

[@yilomina2047]

Makes sense!

[@nicodinisi]

you’re a genius ty

[@matshagonius6022]

Next year I going to nominate you for the Nobel Prize in clothing. 🥰🥰🥰.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Haha love that! :-)

[@allisonshea5998]

If you had to give a recommendation, what would the ratio be, b/w pillars and pops? For example, if one chooses to have 16 pillar items, what is an ideal number of pops, perhaps 4, giving a 4:1 ratio? Thanks! Great concept and new to me! ~ Allison

[@dawnfrye4343]

Bummed they don’t carry L or XL/ petite but love the concept 🩶🖤🤍

[@hermytools]

Seems like price point could be an integral element as well - not just pops, but splurges.

[@beajaro4186]

Genius❤️

[@EmilyWheatley]

:-)

[@jsvi]

Actually very good!!we do have so much UGLY stuff we bought without a rational view of our closet. 👌🏻

[@Rdixon1203]

Could you do a video on how to find edgy chic/classy pieces? I feel like I struggle when searching, most of the time what I find is cheap wannabe gothic or witchy vibes- which is cool, but not really what I’m going for.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Ooooo stay tuned :-)

[@teresacarle294]

😉Bit of a rebel & definitely in the anti-establishment groove, but I don't feel like I fit fully under the classic "edgy" umbrella. Like 🛹skateboard/surfer🏄‍♀️ style grunge from my youth. ⚖️It allowed me to balance a girly-girl feminine side w/my tomboy sporty side☯️. It also allowed me room to mix in a touch of ✨️glamour w/combat chic🪖. Heavy leather jackets or trousers, studs, & chains are not for me. Neither are jeans👖, let alone torn up ones. All that is too hot, structured, & kitschy for my taste. 😊Nowadays, my grunge is wearing a crisp classic men's white button down shirt w/a hot pink buffalo check pattern as a shacket over a white ribbed tank, hot pink pencil skirt, & white leather Vans slip-on sneakers. Or, a black & brown checked button down shirt knotted open & loose over a black ribbed tank, black straight ankle length skirt, & black combat boots. Topped w/my favorite black baseball cap that has "You don't know Jack" embroidered in brown lettering. Maybe even wear my black 101 Dalmatians quilted hoody over a black a-line skirt, & black slim slip-on sneakers. Add my red wool blazer & beanie if it's extra chilly out. These are all things I'd wear for a casual day date outing. 💚Bridget from Cali☘️ (using my pal's YT acct)

[@ChopItShort]

Your short hair is sooo cute on you, Emily!! Why did you chop your hair off and may I repost? Credits ofcc!!

[@EmilyWheatley]

Of course you can! I chopped my hair a long time ago because I realized it was so much more fun to style and added so much to my style. Thank you for sharing my video!

[@ChopItShort]

Omgg thank you, hun!! It's an honor and a pleasure! Oh wow!! Hahaha yeah! You do seem to have a ton of fun with short hair! I'm glad you love it! SUPER cute on you too!! And of course!! Thank you for permission!! xx

[@ChopItShort]

I'm actually gonna reach out so we can discuss what I'll post and chat more about it! ❣

[@Justfk001]

What about lateral options? Tapered/straight/slim leg black pants. One black pants is not enough. Lateral option needed.

[@kathyesargent9088]

Cool Mom❤❤❤❤❤

[@EmilyWheatley]

:-)

[@EnfysDebs]

My capsule wardrobe is.... My entire second bedroom 😂 i love the minimalist aesthetic for my pillars, but i am a neurodivergent magpie and have LOTS and LOTS of pops, like my silver shiny knee high boots, rainbow assortment of dunks and scarves in every colour / pattern you can think of. All staples, all intentional, all loved and help me express my personality ❤ P.s your hair is epic, I have a buzz cut that I do myself, at 5ft9 and curvy I find it adds so much edge with zero effort 😊

[@ceedee2570]

I don't want to do laundry every 5 minutes; there are other aspects of a capsule wardrobe that I like.

[@ceedee2570]

love versatile pieces thought .

[@hayleyb988]

Find your style and you feeling inspired outfits

[@eltallerdesukki]

A mí esto me parece un armario cápsula igualmente, un 70% básicos y el resto cosas en tendencia o lo que se prefiera pero la base viene siendo la misma o eso entiendo yo con este vídeo pero usando otras palabras

[@mchobbit2951]

I could never capsule wardrobe just for the fact that you'd have to wash clothes close to daily. I prefer getting the washing machine as full as possible to save water and really, just to deal with laundry less often (get it over with at once, like meal prepping instead of cooking every day).

[@mariannetandon1518]

Hi !

[@marieoliphant8305]

Never really been into this capsule wardrobe thing. I have a few really versatile pieces. Turtlenecks for fall and winter. Good Ts for spring and summer. Jeans and trousers. The rest is just fun. Not into wardrobe rules, at 61.

[@EmilyWheatley]

Sounds very similar to this method. For some I think it just happens by default

[@SyKnife]

It’s impossible to do a capsule wardrobe if you don’t have a washer and dryer. I would just run out of clothes unless I was able to go to the laundromat religiously once a week. And even then, a base layer isn’t going to last seven days. A Washer/dryer is part of a capsule wardrobe. No one mentions this!

[@RebeccaHunt-wv8bc]

Just a little challenge for you...try to make a video w/o using the reverse editing. Can she do it?

[@christinestewart2504]

I thought it was funny/cute that a Carhartt jacket is a “pop”

[@annie-sc]

I miss this longer video format!❤

[@Nclk619]

Capsule wardrobe is a pain for me. It makes me think way more than organize my closet in a way that makes easy for me to see everting I have

[@jennifercoralie9158]

Just, no. No rules. I finally feel free to wear only what makes me happy on any given day. Dramatic.