Fall Capsule(ish)
My foundational fall pieces, what's on my wishlist, and what I'm currently wearing
Let’s talk fall fashion. It’s truly the best time of year for getting dressed. So many good knits, shoes and boots, coats and jackets, textures, colors, and layering is in full effect. But this year is a little different for me. If you read last week’s post, then you know I’ll be living in Florida for the next 7 months, which means my fall and winter wardrobe will look very different than my typical Chicago fall/winter style.
And I have to pack it all up in about 3 weeks and drive it down to Florida with me. I’m not going to buy a whole new wardrobe, but I also don’t want to just wear what I wore all summer in Chicago. I crave new and fresh in the fall.
Usually I categorize items in three ways: capsule, trend, occasional pieces/had to have pieces. Capsule/core pieces should be about 70-80% of my closet and the other 20-30% split between the other two.
This is my current mood board. There are a lot of pants on here and I honestly don’t know if that’s going to work with Naples weather, but it’s my current mood, so I’m going with it.
Items to start with for building a fall capsule wardrobe
There’s no perfect way to do this, but I think if we start with 2 bottoms, 2 tops, 2 layering pieces, 1 jacket, 2 pair of shoes, and 1 bag, we’ll have a really good foundation, which is what a capsule is for me.
You and I might choose different items in each category because we might have different needs or styles, and that’s A-OK!
2 Bottoms: I am choosing two different pairs of denim (a dark denim and off white denim) because 7 days out of 10 I’m wearing jeans. And if I’m not wearing denim I’m probably wearing these. But if you go into an office you might choose a pair of trousers. You want to choose 2 bottoms that make you feel good and like you!
2 Tops: I am choosing one short-sleeved button down shirt and one tee shirt. If I were going to be in Chicago it would be this button down, a long sleeve tee or my favorite cashmere turtleneck. And as an honorable mention, I’d say this denim shirt for either Florida or Chicago (it’s men’s - I took a small but could have also prob done a medium).
2 Layering Pieces: For Florida I’m thinking a white button down and one brown cardigan. If I were staying in Chicago, I’d probably choose this olive cashmere and my Vincent James duster (this one is similar but more affordable). This would be a great place to choose a blazer if you’re a blazer gal.
1 Jacket: I think I’ll insert my Vincent James duster here for Florida and in Chicago, I’d select my Buck Mason trench. A jean jacket, or quilted jacket are also good choices here.
1 Bag: Ok truth be told, I won’t follow this. I’m a bag designer after all! But, if I were to choose one bag to be my capsule bag - my daily bag that goes with everything, I’d choose a Sling Bag. It just works. I never leave home without one. Even if I’m carrying The Tote Bag (which I take with me when I need to carry my computer), I either carry both or stick the Sling inside the tote. Which Sling Bag? Probably one of the Crocos or the Caramel Suede (coming 10/8). If you’re not a black/brown mixer, go with the Black Croco. Otherwise the Espresso Croco or Caramel Suede are to die for.
2 Pairs of Shoes: For Florida I think I’ll still be wearing sandals a lot of the time, which will be interesting, so I’m thinking my Reformation sandals and my Birkenstock Clogs will be on heavy rotation. In Chicago I’d say my favorite clogs (I have the old school black and the pull on shearling) and Freda Salvador boots, which they don’t have anymore, but I’d get these if I didn’t already have a pair I love.
Side note on shoes: In all my 41 years I’ve never been a ballet flat gal. I think I had a pair of Frye flats when I was a teacher and even though they were very comfortable, I just didn’t feel like me in them. As I’m sure you’ve seen, ballet flats are literally everywhere. I think they are objectively very cute on other people, but they still just don’t resonate for me. BUT - after a couple of years looking at several people wearing the Jada Flats from Freda Salvador, I am close to adding them to my cart to try. I like the square toe and the longer vamp…they feel less ballet and more substantial. I don’t know. I’ll keep you posted. :)
Items on my fall wishlist
I won’t buy everything on this list, but having a wishlist helps me to notice what I’m craving. I’ll only buy something new if I truly don’t have something in my closet that can serve the same purpose and if I can create at least 3-5 outfits with the piece. There are so many tempting trends, but when you have the right foundational pieces, you realize you don’t need to get everything to feel fresh and modern. Again, the pieces on your wishlist will be different than mine because we are different people, but I hope this helps you crystalize your own list and hone in on your own personal style.
Low-rise denim - can you believe it? I’m not talking Britney Spears in 2001 low, but a lower rise with a looser/relaxed fit. These or these. Which should I try?
A Light-weight knit cardigan - like this one from Alex Mill, or this one from Doen.
Another striped button down or this maroon button down - If I were going to be in Chicago for the fall/winter, I’d probably have snagged one or both by now. But I want to wait and see what I’m wearing in Florida before I purchase something I won’t wear.
Longer denim shorts - I’m tempted to go ahead and buy a pair for Florida, but I know I’m more of a pants person than a shorts person. I have this pair already, so I’m not convinced I’ll have a need for them yet.
Nelson Made shoes - this is a new to me brand and I really like the minimalist vibe of their sandals and heels.
Mock Neck Sweatshirt - this lounge wear set is calling my name
If I were staying in Chicago, these boots would be at the top of my list!
Things I bought at the end of summer and am already wearing a ton
Ozma Denim - I’ll be wearing these everyday until further notice.
Ozma Dress - these are on sale and are so good. I have the Claudia (long sleeve) and bought the sleeveless version for Florida. I ordered a large (though I’d normally take a medium) because I didn’t want it to be clingy. It’s perfect.
Olive Sweater - I’ve only been able to wear this once so far because it’s been so warm! But it is truly the perfect color and I love this brand - super high quality.
Denim Shirt - love the denim on denim look
I bought this hat for Florida after my dermatologist scared be about being in the sun too much. I’m looking forward to wearing it!
That’s all for now! How are you feeling about your fall wardrobe? What are you most excited to wear this fall? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
xo,
Abby