The Capsule Wardrobe Experience, Episode 2: Kevin Yee

The Yee capsule is an example of a capsule wardrobe we designed for our client Kevin Yee; a 63 year-old graphic designer from Sacramento with a sharp eye and great style. 

As with all of our custom capsules, it all started with a casual zoom call. You can book your zoom call here.

When I first met with Kevin on zoom - from his home in Sacramento - I could immediately tell: 1) he is an expressive dresser with a unique sense of style 2) he has an athletic physique (especially for his age - can you believe he’s 63?!) and 3) he has a keen eye for design and is particular about the details of his garments including fabric, cut, and drape. 

One of the first thing’s Kevin mentioned on our call was that he has two special events coming up this Spring/Summer; a niece and a nephew each getting married in outdoor venues. And while Kevin already has a closet full of designer clothing (like Tom Ford suits) he finds the slim off-the-rack fit doesn’t work well for his body (since he’s been putting on some muscle in the gym) and the dark muted colors don’t showcase his creative sense of style or colorful personality.

So I knew his capsule was going to include 2 lightweight suits with unique colors, textures, and/or patterns. From there, it was simply a matter of adding options that he can pair with both suits (and the suits as separates) to get the most outfit options out of them. 

Once we established the suit fabrics (a taupe plaid bamboo and a salmon windowpane wool/linen/silk), we started discussing the specifics of fit and cut.

Trouser fit was especially important because Kevin finds it very difficult to find a trouser that is comfortable and flattering. The typical low-rise, slim-fit off-the-rack trousers that dominate menswear racks of local stores simply wasn’t cutting it. 

So we did something a little different for Kevin. For his capsule, we included 3 different pant fits:

1. A classic mid-rise trouser with a slight taper (see the burgundy trousers)

2. A high-waisted full-cut pant with a full break (see the taupe plaid bamboo and cream linen trousers)

3. And a mid-rise trouser with a very subtle flare (see the salmon windowpane trousers)

Now, it’s rare that we cut 3 different trouser fits for a customer - but Kevin knew what he was looking for (and absolutely rocked it at the photoshoot). Not everyone can pull off a a flare trouser (especially in a salmon windowpane fabric) and that’s why I love working one-on-one with customers to find what is exactly right for them. 

Below are the 11 items we designed for Kevin's capsule - along with some of the many different outfits he can create by mixing-and-matching these 11 items in different combinations.

The Riviera jacket (originally created for our client Kevin Yee as part of the Yee Capsule) is a handmade tailored jacket made from a 100% bamboo fabric in a beautiful taupe plaid. Bamboo, also known as "California Cashmere", is famous for it's soft hand, liquid-smooth drape, subtle sheen, and ability to retain the most beautiful and unique colors. Pair it with the matching pants and vest to make it a suit or wear it as a stylish sportcoat.

The Riviera wide-leg trouser (originally created for our client Kevin Yee as part of the Yee Capsule) is a handmade tailored trouser made from a 100% bamboo fabric in a beautiful taupe plaid. Bamboo, also known as "California Cashmere", is famous for it's soft hand, liquid-smooth drape, subtle sheen, and ability to retain the most beautiful and unique colors. Pair it with the matching jacket and vest to make it a suit.

The Riviera vest (originally created for our client Kevin Yee as part of the Yee Capsule) is a handmade tailored vest made from a 100% bamboo fabric in a beautiful taupe plaid. Bamboo, also known as "California Cashmere", is famous for it's soft hand, liquid-smooth drape, subtle sheen, and ability to retain the most beautiful and unique colors. Pair it with the matching pants and jacket to make it a suit, or wear it a stylish sportcoat.

The Rosemont jacket (originally created for our client Kevin Yee as part of the Yee Capsule) is a handmade tailored jacket made from a blend of tropical wool (75%), linen (20%), and silk (5%) rendered into a beautiful salmon color with a subtle windowpane pattern. The wool gives it lasting performance and smooth drape, the linen gives it texture and breathability, and the silk gives it a subtle luster and luxurious sheen. Pair it with the matching pants and vest to make it a suit, or wear it a stylish sportcoat.

The Rosemont trouser (originally created for our client Kevin Yee as part of the Yee Capsule) is a handmade tailored trouser made from a blend of tropical wool (75%), linen (20%), and silk (5%) rendered into a beautiful salmon color with a subtle windowpane pattern. The wool gives it lasting performance and smooth drape, the linen gives it texture and breathability, and the silk gives it a subtle luster and luxurious sheen. Pair it with the matching pants and vest to make it a suit.

The Vineyard trouser (originally created for our client Kevin Yee as part of the Yee Capsule) is a handmade tailored trouser made from a 10oz 4-season worsted fabric made in England by Huddersfield. Built for lasting performance, this trouser can be worn any time of day (from office to evening) and any time of year (from Summer to Winter). This trouser is also available in many other colors, contact us for details. 

The Laguna pant is a casual and stylish wide-leg trouser cut from a lightweight cream linen fabric. In our opinion, there is no pant more stylish than a wide-leg linen. Not only are these super breezy and comfortable in the heat, they’re also a blank canvas that make any outfit.

The Cordova is a classic 4-season cotton shirt with a timeless bengal stripe pattern and a slightly larger, slightly retro spread collar. You can dress it up with suits, jackets, and ties, or wear it casually with jeans, chinos, or shorts.

The Dunlavey is a classic 4-season cotton twill shirt with a tonal herringbone pattern and a slightly larger, slightly "retro" spread collar. This shirt is all about timeless elegance. Consider it a more stylish - but just as versatile - version of your classic white shirt.

The Eddie is a classic crewneck sweater made from our famous super-soft fine merino wool. It's smooth enough to wear directly on the skin, or can be layered over a t-shirt or button-down. The crewneck sweater has been a staple in menswear for decades, and for good reason - you'll be reaching for this time and time again.

The Crawford is a chunky cardigan sweater in a beefy 2x2 ribbed merino wool that is warm, elegant and delightfully cozy. It's slightly oversized, making it perfect for wearing on its own or layered under a coat or jacket. With both function and style, it will be hard to find a sweater that can do more than this.

Using only these 11 items, here are some of the outfits Kevin can create...

Everything works together in any combination (he can't make any mistakes) and he can easily (and quickly) create outfits for any occasion - from business to pleasure.

This allows him to get the most out of each item and keep a cohesive, streamlined closet.

Addding a vest to a suit gives you a lot more options - not only can you pair the vest with other tailored garments, but it gives you the option to go full three-piece. And nothing beats that.

Extra sartorial points if the vest is double-breasted.

A wool, linen & silk fabric. A deep salmon color. A subtle windowpane. A slightly flared trouser. This suit is FULL of swagger.

The bamboo suit jacket can be worn as a separet sportcat - and it's designed to be paired with all the trousers.

The wool, linen & silk suit jacket is also designed to be worn as a separate sportcoat - and works with all the torusers (and shirts, and knits).

Naturally, if you can wear the suit jacket as a seperate - you can do the same with the suit trousers. The cardigan is the perfect piece to make an elegant trouser look comfortable and casual.

Sometimes you have such a beautiful trouser (like these wide-leg linens) that keeping the outfit simple allows it to shine.

Simply add the cardigan to give the look some layering - perfect to go from day to night.

You can get so much more use out of a suit jacket when you can wear it with  a simple base for an evening look. Date night, cocktails, art show, theatre, you name it.

When the garments fit perfectly and you have expert-level pattern and color coordination -you don't even need a jacket to be the best-dressed person in the room. 

This is the equivalent of "t-shirt and jeans" - for an elegant man.

Tailoring isn't just for the office or weddings. Split it up and wear it out for a great evening.

Add a shirt and tie to a seperate jacket + trouser combo to make it elevated and professional.

Simply drop the tie and add the cardigan to make the look less "business" and more "date night".

For a more casual occasion simply drop the jacket. The cardigan is the ultimate "elegant casual" layer. Perfect for brunch, shopping or weekend activities.

There are lots more outfit combinations you could create using only these 11 items, but I think you get the idea.

For more information, including pricing and sizing options, click here:

The Yee Capsule

Want to edit this capsule or make your own?

Book a zoom call  with me to get started.

I look forward to working with you!

Yours in style,

Dan Trepanier