Fall Capsule Wardrobe Planning with my 3×3 Sudoku Grid

As August draws to a close and cooler autumn months loom near, I’ve begun thinking of my wardrobe for the fall. Normally, I would be considering fashion pieces for the many events and gatherings that the fall months bring as I head back to college. This year is different – instead of campus events, club meetings, and gatherings with friends on the quad, the fall will bring more time spent in my apartment with roommates, completing online courses from my living room or a coffee shop, and socially distanced picnics with friends.

Planning my fall capsule wardrobe has allowed for me to recognize these changes, and consider the types of clothes I’ll be most comfortable and productive in. Using my personalized fashion croquis template from MyBodyModel, I planned my mini capsule wardrobe paper doll style. This helped me to “try on” the outfits I’d planned to make sure they were right for me.

I planned these outfits using a 3×3 sudoku-inspired grid, starting out with 9 different outfit combinations (3 tops x 3 bottoms), and adding three layers to make 27 more outfit combos!

My Step-by-Step Process, Paper Doll Style

Choosing Tops

To begin planning my fall capsule wardrobe, I started by choosing tops. I decided to focus on neutral, minimalist tops so that I could show personality through color in the bottoms. For my first top, I picked the Orlando fitted t-shirt from Seamwork because it is super simple. My goal was to dress cute and comfy this fall, and the Orlando top is so versatile it can go with almost any bottom.

Next, I chose the Seamwork Angela bodysuit, specifically for cooler days in October and November. With 3/4 length sleeves, this bodysuit features a blouson surplice bodice that creates an effortless tucked-in look when worn with any pants or shorts. Because of where the bodysuit falls, just below the waist, it is perfect for mid or high-rise bottoms. Using my paper doll, I could tell this top would look great on me, and also complement many of the high-rise pieces already part of my closet.

For my last top, I knew I wanted to add another bodysuit for the perfect fall layering. I chose the Seamwork Ariane bodysuit, which features fold-over elastic finishing, lined cups, and crotch snaps. Sketching out the bodysuit and seeing it on my body made me think about all the ways I could dress it up with existing layers from my closet.

Adding Bottoms

After having chosen the 3 neutral tops I would include in my fall capsule wardrobe, I looked for colorful bottoms that would pair well with the tops and add some personality to my closet. I first chose the Joss pant from Seamwork. These pants are light and airy and feature trendy wide legs, a high rise elastic waist, and pockets. They can easily be dressed up with a jacket and bodysuit, and dressed down with a t-shirt. Using my paper doll, I tested the Joss pants with the tops I had chosen and was able to determine that these pants fit well with the minimalist style I was going for.

Next, I had to include my beloved high waisted jean shorts from my existing closet. These shorts feature frayed edges, a button-up enclosure, and land about halfway up my thigh. For warmer days in September and October, they go well with a jacket or cardigan as well as my favorite leather boots.

I debated for a bit on which bottoms to include last. Normally, I would have chosen a skirt or dress for social occasions. However, knowing what my fall semester was going to look like, I went the opposite direction and chose some casual leggings. The Seamwork Manila leggings are perfect for lounging, yoga, and the occasional run, and will be my go-to for cozy days spent at home and for keeping active. Plus, they can be made in fun contrasting patterns to add some pizazz to my neutral wardrobe!

Using my Body Model to Preview Outfits

Combining the 3 tops and 3 bottoms I had chosen into 9 different outfit combinations was so much fun! Seeing the results of my planning come to life was rewarding and gave me a vision for the 3 layers I would add to the mini capsule next.

Adding Layers!

Now that I had 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 9 different outfit combos, it was time to choose some layers that would enhance my fall mini capsule wardrobe. Firstly, I made sure to include my treasured leather jacket from my current closet. I bought the jacket at a vintage thrift store and the leather is perfectly worn with soft creases, making it roomy and comfortable. Though I was initially unsure if the jacket would go with some of the items I had already picked out, playing around with my paper doll helped me realize that it could be paired with almost anything.

The second jacket I chose was the Audrey jacket, a classic jean jacket pattern from Seamwork. A denim jacket will be a wardrobe workhorse, particularly in the fall months when I’ll be needing a light layer to put on in the evening. It pairs well with a scarf, and can even work with my jean shorts for a full jean look. 

Finally, I had to include a cardigan for cozy, cool fall days. The Blackwood Cardigan by Helen’s Closet is specifically designed for layering: it has a fitted shape with long sleeves and can be made to extend all the way to the mid thigh with patch pockets. Sketching out this cardigan and using my paper doll allowed for me to be certain it would look good with the pieces I’d already chosen.

Here are all 9 garments in my 3×3 sudoku fall capsule wardrobe:

Want to try your own 3×3 capsule?

Join the #mybodymodel3x3 community challenge! Use your body model croquis and this free planning worksheet to plan your own 3×3 mini-capsule. Share & tag #mybodymodel3x3 on Instagram to play along, and stay tuned for more information about the upcoming September challenge (and PRIZES)!

For more capsule wardrobe and paper doll inspiration, check out these posts:

• Digital drawing tutorial: Using layers for a 3×3 capsule wardrobe, by Doctor T
• Focusing my Knitting Project Ideas with My Body Model Paper Doll
• Using MyBodyModel to Plan a Capsule Wardrobe, by Kelsey

Want to learn more about sudoku-inspired capsule wardrobe planning? Check out these posts on the Curvy Sewing Collective, Melly Sews, and Elizabeth Made This.

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Sarah Austin

Sarah is a college senior studying Psychology and Visual Arts. She is passionate about painting and expressing herself through personal style. Sarah is interning with MyBodyModel this summer and is excited to learn more about the maker experience.