I’ve done a few capsule wardrobes in the past, and wanted to parse it down even further to the few “core” pieces I get the most mileage out of. I love building my wardrobe around a Smart Casual concept, since depending on my footwear choice, the same outfits can lean either weekend casual or work-appropriate. I also included two skirt styles I’ve been loving that are on-trend this season and can be mixed into the rest for many fresh-feeling pairings.
Below I listed out the brands pictured in my video, as well as alternative options. If you’re looking to build a versatile Fall capsule wardrobe, I’d recommend starting with pieces simialr to these!
Outer Layers
- Cardigan Jacket
- Pictured: Amazon coatigan – I have this in Gray (it’s a taupe in-person) and Khaki (camel). Steam upon arrival to help it hang better on the body. I’m usually xxs so size Small is oversized on me, but I like it as a loose sweater jacket.
- J.Crew sweater blazer for a shorter option
- Trench Coat
- Pictured: The Drop: lightweight relaxed style. Alterations needed on me.
- Oak + Fort: thicker oversized drape style. Length & sleeves are long on me.
- J.Crew: petite sizing, more structured, non drapey. Fits small with a hood
- Banana Republic Factory: petite sizing, TTS lightweight drapey long trench
- Cropped Jacket
- Pictured: A&F tweed jacket – nice quality and fitted for petites (sleeves just need to be folded under). If black is too austere for your lifestyle, the navy or black & white combo tweed ones are also beautiful!
- Crop sweater jacket: If tweed is too dressy for you, this in black is a great alternative
- Crop bomber – a more trendy alternative
- Blazer
- Pictured: ASOS blazer. This style has been tough to find in petites!
- Abercrombie petite blazer
- Banana Republic Factory navy blazer
Knits
- Neutral Knit
- Pictured in video: Quince cotton sweater – nice “cement” color, straight cut fit
- Everlane Alpaca sweater – as an alternative to cotton, with a slouchy relaxed fit
- Cardigan
- Pictured in video: Quince alpaca cardigan
- Striped Knit
- Pictured in video: Sezane pullover – an oldie but goodie
- J.Crew stripe cardigan jacket that can be worn open or closed
Bottoms
- Trousers
- Abercrombie trousers – I wear 24 to 25 Short
- Amazon $40 trousers – I have “khaki thin” and “black thin” in XS Short
- Slim Ankle Pants
- Ann Taylor – pretty fitted, stretchy with high rise. I fold the length under
- JCrew Factory – has a shorter length petite option
- Medium Blue Jeans
- Madewell perfect vintage – I have sz 24 and cut the hems to the right length
- Abercrombie high rise ankle jeans – I have 24 Short
Optional, on-trend additions to build upon the above core bottoms:
- Slip Skirt
- Pictured: Quince silk skirt
- The Drop – starts in xxs, longer midi length
- Black Skirt
- Nastygal – 0P is perfect on me with a 25″ waist and 15″ mini length – not for work.
- &Other Stories – longer mid length. Great quality fabric & pocket design
- Grey Jeans
- Abercrombie high rise ankle jeans – as a changeup from black or blue bottoms
Layering Tops
- Black Mock Neck Tee
- Pictured: Abercrombie
- Hollister has good reviews
- Gap petite
- Cream Tee
- Pictured: Abercrombie
- Express bodysuit – still searching for more non-bodysuit options
Shoes
- Black Loafers
- Sam Edelman – so comfy in 5.5. I have black + a neutral
- Versatile Sneakers
- Sambas (also at ADIDAS)
- Alternative in-stock sleek white sneaker that’s comfy & cushioned. Fits half size big
- Ballet Flats
- Jeffrey Campbell not pictured, but an on-trend yet classic alternative flat
- Neutral Low Heels
- Pictured in collage: Old H&M style
- Shown in video: Ann Taylor – a very similar neutral color and good quality
Accessories
- Neutral Tote
- Naghedi medium (also at Saks)
- Black Bag
- Reversible Belts
- Edited Pieces mini belts – I wear an xxs
- Chunky Gold Earrings
- J.Crew – I switched the backings out to a disc style for more support
20+ Fall outfit ideas with these core pieces:
Past Capsule Wardrobes:
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oh gosh! love all of these staples. all of your picks are so classy.
Great post Jean. I’m in the process of building a new wardrobe and investing in timeless pieces.
Jean this was such a useful post! Thank you for creating this wardrobe and for showing us the outfit pairings. I’m off to shop!