Fall Edit: Capsule Wardrobe
I’ve just finished my seasonal closet “revisit” where I take stock of anything I didn’t wear the season prior, things that have worn out or don’t fit quite right. At this point in my journey the “purge” is relatively slim and more focused on items I may want to sell in order to purchase another piece or things that have simply worn out. This summer was particularly easy on my wardrobe as we’ve all been mostly home, therefore I haven’t bought much and most items were in good shape. I had my seasonal call with my friend Stephanie, an extremely talented professional stylist that is great at helping me make decisions and identifying any major gaps that will keep my small wardrobe as versatile as possible.
Now that I’ve completed my tweaks I thought I’d share a similar capsule wardrobe. Please note that much of what I own isn’t new - this is my second year with a highly edited wardrobe, and I’ve made investments in many items like jeans and sweaters that are well made and therefore are a few seasons old (like my babaa sweater and a few other sweaters from Apiece Apart - similar here and here). Therefore you may see several items like that look really similar. This is an effort to provide options at a variety of price points.
I want to also encourage you to consider the idea of the “fast fashion” in this context - it seems that culturally the idea has evolved to mean the only way to combat this trend is to buy expensive garments sourced locally and of organic and sustainable origin. While that is certainly the gold standard, I think it’s intimidating for many that don’t have the budget for that level of investment for the entirety of their wardrobe. Therefore I’d challenge you to think of your consumption as the true opportunity for meaningful impact - simply buy less. If you purchase a sweater from H&M because that’s what you can afford, that’s ok - just don’t buy ten. Buy one sweater that you really love, of a more timeless design, that means you will own it for a while and take good care of it (like this cardigan). Buying one item that you love vs. a bunch that meet a current trends will absolutely decrease your contributions to landfills and fast fashion. Sometimes choices like this mean you can invest in a good pair of sneakers that are responsibly made, vs. buying an expensive pair of trendy denim that is actually made by poorer standards than a pair from Target. To that point, many large retailers are making significant progress in their sourcing standards and I’m encouraged by the changes.
None of these means that we shouldn’t all strive for fully sustainable, quality apparel. I’m simply a big believer in little changes leading to large change and that inclusivity is always a faster path to progress and want to encourage as many people as possible to think carefully about what items they bring into their home.
I thought it might help to break my wardrobe down into categories. Note that I have an all-season wardrobe, meaning I always look for items that I can wear throughout the year. For example I’d wear most of these shirts all year, just with jeans vs. shorts, or with a jacket or a sweater over my shoulders vs. sandals. Let’s get started!
Shirts
Shirts probably were I get the most excited. They “make” an outfit for me and I’m more confident in exactly what kinds of shirts I like. I only own a few tees but love this super soft Emerson Fry graphic tee and this Jenni Kayne striped shirt for all seasons and easy layering. Aside from tees, I look for the following details:
Over 22” long (no crop tops over here)
Mostly neutral solids (a lot of white, but I LOVE this black option)
Cotton (+ if it’s organic, cotton is actually hard on the planet but it’s easiest on my skin)
1-2 printed pieces in versatile patterns (like most of my Doen/Isabel Marant)
Special details like an extra large collar (less pricey options here and here) or a large sleeve
Machine washable, I always air dry
Always includes a perfect white button down and a good chambray (I am ok to spend more for these two staples)
Sweaters & Sweatshirts
Similar criteria here, I look for the same sizing requirements and prioritize special details as well as mostly cotton (I am allergic to wool). Other things I look for:
Sweatshirts that are comfortable but still let me feel polished and put together like this reasonably priced turtleneck and this Ulla Johnson classic (too short for my long torso but otherwise PERFECT) and this splurge from Isabel Marant
A few casual options that look good with leggings or can be jazzed up with denim and sneaks (I’ve had this one from Aerie for 2+ years and still love it!)
For sweaters, I like oversized, simple pieces. I don’t mind investing here (like this chunky cotton Pumpkin-colored classic) but also love these budget friendly options!
Care is critical for sweaters to last - I wash them only when needed (spills etc) on the delicate cycle on cold, and air dry
Pants/Jeans
I am a very basic person when it comes to bottoms. I’ve been fortunate to work in field that has always had a casual dress code, which definitely helps me keep my wardrobe tight. Coupled with the fact that I tend to find a pair of jeans that fits well and then wear them until they wear out, my pants wardrobe is quite small.
My favorite tip for cleaning out your jeans is to do the following exercise: pretend you’re at work and get invited on a last-minute getaway. You don’t have time to go home to pack so your roommate/husband/partner/dog has to pack for you. Could they grab ANY pair of jeans in your drawer and you’d be totally happy? I did this exercise myself last year and very quickly realized that I wore about 10% of my jeans! Now only keep that 10%. My current favorites are these from Frame but I plan to add a pair of ivory straight leg jeans and Stephanie is encouraging me to try a pair of black. I also have one pair of high waisted jeans and an old distressed pair I will never give up!
Dresses and skirts
I bought my first skirt in YEARS this fall (from Target of all places)! It’s so comfortable and the pop of mustard works with so many of my neutral tops. I love it dressed down with sneaks for school dropoff or dressed up with booties this fall for date night.
Otherwise I mostly buy neutral dresses with forgiving profiles that pass the “toddler test” - I must be able to squat to Nell’s level without exposing more than I’d like to! I always have some version of this steal on rotation as well as a billowy white option that I can throw in the wash with bleach if Nell smears me with jelly.
Shoes and accessories
I keep it super simple! Two pairs of sneakers (these and these), my favorite Western booties (I have them in olive suede which I can’t seem to find), a pair of Loeffler Randal flats (I have size 11 feet and these fit me so well, I have them in a woven leather that is now sold out), my Chanel flats (purchased second hand and now on their second resole!) and a few pairs of slides. Stephanie recommended I add a pair of Chelsea boots this year so I will keep my eye out for a pair.
I have three pairs of sunnies total but wear these Chimi’s the most. I only have two handbags aside from a vintage LV I am saving for Nell - I find that I use my Gucci Disco 99% of the time now that I don’t need a diaper bag for Nell AND it allows me to go hands-free especially during the pandemic. Bags take a beating and this one is worth the money IMO.
Jackets and Outerwear
I am not a big jacket person as I always run hot so it’s easy for me to keep things limited here. I looove blazers but I don’t wear wool which really tends to limit me. This year I added one blazer to my wardrobe and it’s my version of perfect:
100% cotton
Slight stretch
Special detail (frayed edges and gold buttons)
Versatile
It’s also reasonably priced at under $200. I will also be wearing my favorite military jacket from last year and a simple black Patagonia or a classic Barbour on cooler walks to school. I used to buy vests but honestly I’d either be cold and wish I had sleeves or hot and wish I didn’t have to carry it home ha. Therefore I’d edited all vests out of my wardrobe. The one item I’m missing is a chic raincoat; I will add one this year if I find one that’s nice and neutral.
And that’s a wrap! I was so excited to see so much enthusiasm for edited wardrobes after my stories yesterday and look forward to continuing to share more each season. Please feel free to leave any questions in the comments!
