I love any excuse to put together a good capsule wardrobe. It’s fun to organize and plan out a new season’s wardrobe in a way that feels fresh.
Since I first started blogging at TME, I’ve had a goal to rebuild my closet — from the ground, up — filling it with ‘forever’ pieces (as S calls them). Pieces that are timeless, high-quality, versatile, and can be worn for years to come.
This season’s additions are my favorite to date — for the first time ever, I’ve managed to create what feels like a fully-functioning capsule that checks all the boxes working towards my Forever Closet. These are pieces that I genuinely LOVE and will be wearing over and over again.
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1. A Statement Blouse:
Reformation Pinto Smocked Top
Reformation’s Pinto Smocked Blouse
I like my capsules to include a feminine statement top, just to add some fun and interest into the mix. I’m a huge fan of Reformation’s romantic, boho-inspired blouses. This one’s just so pretty. Also, this kind of top looks equally great when dressed up OR with my favorite jeans.
2. Long-Sleeved Layering Top:
Halogen Crewneck Sweater
Fitted, long-sleeved tees are a layering MUST-HAVE for me. In addition to this Halogen Crewneck, I have Splendid’s Fitted Turtleneck and Reformation’s Nisa Bodysuit in my rotation as well.
3. A Staple Cardigan:
J.Crew Juliette Collarless Sweater Blazer
I mean, every wardrobe could use a grey cardigan, right?? It’s a staple for a reason. Right now, I’m loving J.Crew’s Juliette Collarless Sweater Blazer — it functions as both a jacket and a cardigan. This is one of my favorite J.Crew buys, ever, and it often goes on sale.
J.Crew’s Julieta Collarless Sweater-Blazer
I mean, every wardrobe could use a grey cardigan, right?? It’s a staple for a reason. Right now, I’m loving J.Crew’s Juliette Collarless Sweater Blazer — it functions as both a jacket and a cardigan. This is one of my favorite J.Crew buys, ever, and it often goes on sale.
4. Plaid Wool Coat:
Kenneth Cole Houndstooth Coat
Kenneth Cole’s Houndstooth Wool Coat
This coat was one of my favorite purchases from this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and it’s back – 60% off! – right now. I love the classic lines and the modern, oversized fit making it perfect for layering sweaters underneath. It’s up there as one of my favorite coats ever.
5. A Warm Chunky Knit:
Free People My Only Sunshine Sweater
Free People’s My Only Sunshine Sweater
Gotta love a gorgeous, warm knit from Free People. Rust is one of my favorite neutrals because it’s warm and rich, and pairs perfectly with basic colors like black, white, and grey. I find Free People sweaters to usually run pretty large, but I’d say this sweater runs TTS! More sizes here.
6. Black V-Neck:
Amazon Goodthreads Sweater
Amazon Goodthreads V-Neck (similar)
A simple black v-neck pullover is a closet classic (and a huge savior for those days when I don’t know what to wear). I recently tried a v-neck from Amazon’s brand, Goodthreads and love it. Mine has since sold out, but this one is similar and looks suuuuper cozy. In my experience, I’d say these sweaters run TTS.
7. Oversized Turtleneck:
ALLSAINTS Ridley Wool & Cashmere Sweater
AllSaints Ridley Funnel Neck Wool & Cashmere Sweater
Another essential for me lately has been this ALLSAINTS oversized turtleneck. It’s so soft and comfortable and the fit is so chic.
8. A Faux Leather Moto Jacket:
BlankNYC
BlankNYC Good Vibes Faux Leather Moto Jacket
It doesn’t get more essential for me than a moto jacket. It’s truly the one piece that I constantly come back to — especially in fall and winter. This one is under $100 and one of my very favorites.
9. Black High Waisted Jeans:
Topshop Paperbag Waist Jeans
Topshop Paperbag Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Black jeans are another must-have! Right now, I am loving this high-waisted paperbag silhouette from Topshop. I have been pretty much been wearing them non-stop all fall. They look great with both sneakers and ankle booties and the best part? They’re well under $100.
10. Distressed Straight Leg Jeans:
Levi’s 501s
I also have to have a great pair of destroyed straight leg jeans in my fall capsule wardrobe every year and these exact Levi 501’s are getting a LOT of wear. So much so that I have TWO pairs, a habit I have when finding a pair of jeans that I love this much!
11. Ribbed Grey Midi Skirt:
Caslon Ribbed Sweater Midi Skirt
Caslon Ribbed Sweater Midi Skirt (M, TTS)
Ribbed jersey skirts (and dresses) have long held a special place in my heart and closet. Not only because they are the most comfortable clothing item on the planet, but because there are also endless ways to style them (and because I’ve always loved any excuse to dress up). And now thanks to coronavirus, I’ve discovered another excuse to wear them: as loungewear. (It’s as close as it comes to feeling naked while still being dressed.)
12. Utility Joggers:
DL1969 Gwen Joggers
DL1969 Gwen Joggers, (size 28, TTS)
Never underestimate the power of olive pants – they go with EVERYTHING. This is the lesson I learned when these joggers (sustainably made) came into my life. I had forgotten just how versatile olive is until I needed a pair of non-denim pants for a holiday family event – something that was dressier than jeans, but, preferably, as comfortable as the sweatpants I’ve grown accustomed to wearing. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love them as much as I did, but it was such a refreshing change of pace and I love how complementary olive is with the warm tones I love so much: rust, camel, burgundy, ect.
13. Snake Print Booties:
Marc Fisher’s Oshay Pointed Toe Booties
Marc Fisher Oshay Snake-Print Pointed Toe Booties, (7.5, TTS)
My Snake-print booties continue to be one of my most-worn styles for the last several years and counting. Patterned or textured booties are a subtle way to add interest to a neutral-heavy outfit. This particular pair are comfortable and chic (I love them) and have also gotten great reviews at Nordstrom (so I know I’m not the only one).
14. Classic Sneakers:
Adidas Sambas Platform Sneakers
Adidas Sambarosa Sneakers, (7.5, TTS)
Adidas sambas are my favorite sneakers of all time – I always keep a classic pair of black and white in my closet. Right now I am seriously considering these new platform Sambas! They still have that classic, retro sneaker look but with an updated vibe!
15. White Platform Combat Boots:
Marc Fisher Waldo Lace-Up Platform Booties
Marc Fisher Waldo Lace-Up Platform Booties, (7.5, TTS)
I’m a boot fanatic, especially, so it’s really hard to just pick one. My surprise favorite this year are these white combat boots. I tried them out after seeing them in on Scotti, and was immediately hooked! They are just one of those styles that you never knew you needed in your life until you put them on.
16. Oxfords:
Cole Haan Modern Classics
Cole Haan Modern Classic Oxfords (7.5, TTS)
I love Cole Haan’s oxfords and these classics are currently 50% off at Nordstrom (and also come in snake print). My oxford obsession started with a visit to London’s high street. I love their timeless and sophisticated vibe – truly a classic style. These shoes are the perfect choice when you want something dressier than a sneaker but more comfortable than a heeled bootie. I especially love pairing my oxfords with my Kenneth Cole Houndstooth coat.
17. Ribbed Midi Dress:
Love, Fire Ribbed Body Midi Dress
Love, Fire Ribbed Midi Dress (TTS, M)
Like my love for ribbed jersey skirts, I adore a good jersey midi dress. I find them versatile and unbelievably comfortable. Plus, they also have been functioning as one of my most-worn loungewear items lately, believe it or not! This cute v-neck midi dress is only $42.00 at Nordstrom!
Hope this proved helpful! Check back soon to see my favorite outfits that I’ve been wearing from this capsule wardrobe! Until next time,
Jess (Shop My Closet | My Instagram)
Oh hey, Pinners…
Jess, I love this capsule! Like, really, love it! I would love to see a post where you style & mix these options irl. I’m still trying to figure out 501s!
Hey Amber! I’m so glad you like it! I’m actually working on an IRL styling post featuring these items! So check back soon!