I have the most fun with clothes during Fall and Winter. There’s something about figuring out the right layers and styling them in just the right way, that feels exciting. Cold-weather looks feel the most flattering to me too, with everyone looking just a little more polished and sophisticated.
For years now, I’ve focused on investing in core pieces that I can mix and match—a combination of high-low items that fit well and will stand the test of time. However, given how much I love fashion, I try to inject some trending accessories to give an elevated look a little oomph.
So if you’re a girlie who loves a fairly minimal, but pulled-together style, I’m sharing everything you need to build your Fall capsule wardrobe. These pieces below are real faves—all items I own and wear often. If you’re looking for higher or lower price range, or more colorful pieces, hopefully this serves as inspo for own personalized capsule.
Instantly elevate any look with a blazer. My favorite are these oversized Everlane blazers that come in a variety of colors and prints. They really are oversized, so recommend going down a size or two, depending on the look you’re going for.
If you’re in the market for the softest, most butter-like, most flattering leather jacket, this one from Madewell is IT. Throw it on over jeans and a tee, or over black trousers for a cool in-the-office look. It’s an investment piece you’ll be wearing for years (trust me).
Perfect for work or a dinner out, pair a satin skirt with a cashmere sweater, or a slip dress with a blazer. Add on some knee high boots or your favorite sneakers or loafers, and you’re set. I love and own both the skirt and slip dress from J.Crew (fit true to size), but I’ve linked some other great options to check out.
A few years back I really fell in love with J.Crew cashmere sweaters and since then, I haven’t been able to wear anything else. They are rarely on sale, and they are pricier than I’d like, but they are of such beautiful quality and oh so flattering. I love the shrunken variety, which sits right at the waist, but they have so many styles and sets this year to fit any style.
It’s a closet staple for a reason. Wear it tailored and tucked in, or rock an oversized look… there are a million ways to wear it on its own or layered. My favorites have been these super soft ones from Everlane, which I own in solid white and in one of the striped options. I also loved the cropped button down, which is a more modern style choice.
If you know me in real life, you know I lovvvvve my trench coats. I wear them as soon as a whisper of coolness sweeps through the air and I wear them with everything—jeans, trousers, sweats, everything. I love the structure of the Everlane modern trench, which is a high-quality classic that looks super chic. I also own this black Banana trench, which is a bit heavier, and very structured as well.
I should start off by telling you that as a product of 90s fashion, I’m forever team wide leg. Madewell jeans have been my favorite for years and I feel like the Perfect Vintage Wide Leg jeans can fit anyone (whether you’re used to wide leg or not). If you really really love wide leg like I do, the ultra-wides are my go-tos. I recently also purchased the wide leg trousers from J.Crew and I’m loving those as well—they feel a bit more elevated, perfect for an in-the-office look.
As with my denim, the wide-leg trouser is my fave. I own this silhouette in so many colors, but my favorite (of course) is black. The Everlane high-waisted drape and the Abercrombie Sloane are the ones I wear the most. The Everlane version runs small, so would recommend you go up a size.
Classic and sophisticated, tall knee high boots are perfect with minis, or any midi/maxi skirt. This year, I purchased new boots from Madewell, which I’m loving.
I had a friend once call me the cardigan queen, because I love cardigans so much. I have two silhouettes in continuous rotation: one, the really oversized Jenni Kayne type cardigan, and two, the cropped cashmere cardigan. The latter, I often wear on its own, buttoned up, but either you can layer over anything. I just forever love the coziness of a cardi.
I mean, of course, right? White, black, gray, and brown are my usual color varietals, and these vintage tees from Madewell fit sooo good. I particularly like that one of the color options is a creamier white, which somehow feels more elevated and a bit more unexpected.
It’s obvious 90s nostalgia has been influencing what’s on trend and I admittedly held out in picking up a denim skirt this summer… but as soon as I finally did, I was kicking myself for not doing it earlier. It looks so good. I love wearing mine (from Target) with sneakers or my lug sole loafers.
Red is THE color of the season and like I mentioned in my intro, I love incorporating trends through accessories. This is a Bottega Jodie-inspired bag and I love it! It’s a great size and a great price. You can also incorporate red through belts (the thinner the better this season), or through shoes… or even socks (I’ve been loving red/burgundy socks with loafers).
We’ve been in a ballet flat era all year long and this trend shows no signs of cooling down. I’ve been loving the Madewell flats, especially in silver… which is the other IT color for the season. If you want something embellished, check out the rhinestone ones I’ve linked below… I am obsessed!
There’s a loafer style for everyone! I prefer chunky lug-sole loafers, and my most comfy faves are the Free People ones. I have also been obsessed with the silver mirrored Coach loafers I bought this year. Every time I wear them, I get so many compliments. They are a show stopper!
If I have another obsession outside of bags, you all know it’s sneakers. Whatever your preferred style, I love pairing an unexpected sneaker to give your outfit a little tension. Whether it’s through color, or a silhouette that’s different in style to your outfit, it’s such a win when it’s paired well. The Sambas are so expected, I know, but they really are so versatile. If you want a cool pop of color, try the Onitsuka Tiger kicks in the yellow or silver.
I’m definitely deep in my Lady Jacket era too and J.Crew has been dominating the market this year. The Emilie jacket in particular is THE jacket to use, whether you keep it all buttoned up or layer it with a tee. The first one I bought was the navy stripe because it was such a perfect Celine dupe, and since then, I own and regularly use multiple colors including the denim jacket. So very sophisticated.
Mary Janes are all the rage these days—especially the block-heel style, which is a nod to the elevated Parisian girl Carels look. I tried several on this season, but many of them were uncomfortable because of the rigid Patent leather. When I tried on the J.Crew ones, however, I fell in love. Luckily, I had a coupon and picked up both the red and black version, which are gorgeous on their own, or paired with some frilly socks for that perfectly on-trend look.
Check out some of my outfit ideas on Instagram, including some of these other favorite pieces featured.