20 Piece Capsule Wardrobe for Fall

First, thank you from the very bottom of our hearts for your happy comments, texts, emails and phone calls about our BIG NEWS. I was seriously blown away and got really emotional reading through them all. You guys mean so much to me and our little family is thrilled to have you along on this ride!!! Now on to a topic a little different, the capsule wardrobe.

Most of you guys know that I rarely turn down a challenge (unless it involves something that’s overly athletic or anything concerning heights), so when a reader asked for me to give her a list of my TOP Fall basics, I knew that I was on a mission. Now, to be honest, this whole capsule wardrobe situation gives me hives. I’m not of the simple life when it comes to clothes and, up until recently, appreciate having quite a few options when putting together outfits. That being said, being a busy mom really does take a toll on the amount of time that I have to get ready in the mornings. In a rush, I tend to gravitate towards a limited number of pieces in my closet that I know are versatile, comfortable and still cute. So, I guess at the end of the day, I do kind of appreciate a capsule wardrobe after all. For this post, I’m listing my TOP of the TOP basics (most of which I’ve personally owned for multiple seasons and are go-to pieces in my closet) and I’ve essentially created a capsule collection for you guys to use as a guide when shopping for Fall/Winter. I’ve listed the pieces and why I love them and then am ALSO giving suggestions and ideas on what to pair them back to in the capsule. Adding them up, there are essentially hundreds of outfit combinations in this post, which is amazing and I was shocked (in a good way!) at the grand total for the versatility! This was a true labor of love, but it’s only because I love and appreciate all of you busy mamas. I hope that you like this one, warning it’s VERY long and full of details…grab a cup of coffee (or wine!)…

One | $39.50

I’ve had this exact tissue turtleneck for 2 years now and it’s definitely sticking around for this season. It’s so key for layering and is a subtle piece to use for some pattern mixing pop.

Outfit suggestions: Under #2, 9, or 12 paired with #13, 14, 0r 16

Under #10 paired with #13, 14, 15

Two | $34.50

One of the top 3 pieces in my closet. This shirt has been a go-to for 3+ years now and keeps going strong. A great chambray is so versatile and a must have in any wardrobe. I prefer a lighter shade to offer some contrast…and it makes for a pretty great Canadian Tuxedo when paired with dark denim

Outfit Suggestions: Worn alone paired with #13, 14, 16

Worn Under #6, 9, 11, 12 paired with #13, 14, 16

Three | $29.50

Another top that’s been in my closet for over 2 years. A go-to when I want an easy and cute top to throw on and a staple for my whimsical layering game.

Outfit Suggestions: Worn alone paired with #13, 14, 16

Wear under #6, 9, 10, 12 paired with #13 or 14

Wear over (cinch tie at waist) #17

Four | $34.95 

I just picked up this plaid button up over the weekend and see it becoming an evergreen in my closet. I love that it adds some bright color into my line-up and pairs well with  bold lip, should I be feeling a little sass for carpool…lol.

Outfit Suggestions: Worn alone with #13, 14

Worn under #6, 9 and paired back to #13, 14

Five | $27.90 (On Sale)

We’ve already discussed my love affair with this tunic multiple times here on the blog. I understand that it doesn’t look earth shattering in this photo, but it just is. It just fits right and it hits in the right place to cover up all of those areas that aren’t always the most flattering. It’s my go-to when I don’t want to think about putting an outfit together and, oddly, enough I usually get the most compliments on it! It comes in a rainbow of colors (choose two and trust me), is great with leggings and looks darling with boots.

Outfit Suggestions: Worn alone with #13, 14, 15

Worn under #9, 11, 12 and paired back to #13, 14, 15

Six | $38.00

A great, basic sweater that has a flattering hi-lo cut to cover the rear. This neutral grey will go with nearly anything (including browns), so it’s truly a staple piece to layer tons of ways.

Outfit suggestions: Worn alone with #13, 14, 15, 16

Worn over #1, 2, 3, 4 paired with #13, 14, 15, 16

Worn over #17

Worn under #9, 12 paired with #13, 14, 15, 16

Seven | $44.50

I added one true “blouse” into the casual line-up only because there are just some days when you’re okay with stepping it up a notch. A quick meeting or lunch with friends, there are some days that it’s nice to get out of cotton tops and feel like you’ve put in a little extra effort.

Outfit suggestions: Worn alone with #13, 14

Worn under: #9 (comes in other colors), 11, 12 paired with #13, 14

Eight | $54.00

I am totally in love with this sweater and ended up buying it solely because of this post! It’s a great basic cowl neck sweater, but an also be converted to a trendy off the shoulder sweater to switch up the look for date night. See the product image for a visual.

Outfit suggestions: Worn alone with #13, 14, 15

Worn over #17

Worn under #11 paired with #13, 14, 15

Nine | $48.00

This is such a great long cardigan! I like the thought of buying it in this trendy merlot color that still works as a basic, BUT it does come in other season-less neutrals. Long enough to cover the bum and super cute with boots.

Outfit suggestions: Worn over #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 paired with #13, 14, 15

Worn over #17, 18

Ten | $164.00

This is a bit of a splurge, but for cashmere it’s still relatively inexpensive. I chose this black cashmere poncho because it’s something that you will have in your closet for seasons and seasons to come. It’s classic and chic and adds a great top layer to any outfit. It comes in multiple colors, but black is always a great choice for a piece to consider a staple.

Outfit suggestions: Wear over #1, 8, pair with #13, 14, 15

Wear over #17, 18

Eleven | $69.00

This was one of the only “fashion” pieces that I included in the capsule (even though I’ve had my camo jacket for 3+ years now and I consider it to me more of a staple than anything else). This is a great way to add some pattern into your closet and just a little edge. At under $70, this is a great way to take a baby step out of your comfort zone and go for something cool.

Outfit suggestions: Wear over #1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 (see the options?!) pair with #13, 14

Wear over: #17, 18

Twelve | $139.00

I chose to include this moto jacket because it’s not leather, which would make it less comfortable and casual. Instead, it’s a flexible ponte that has the look, shape and style of a moto jacket but really lends itself to more of a casual style.

Outfit suggestions: Wear over #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, pair with #13, 14

Wear over #17, 18

Thirteen | $169.00 

These are my tried and true pair of black skinnies. They are going strong after 3 years of wear, which makes me more than willing to recommend them to you! They are SO soft and actually feel like a mix between tights and jeans. They are a mid to high rise, which is flattering always and literally work back to every single top that I posted here. Well, well worth the investment.

Outfit suggestions: Wear with ALL TOPS + JACKETS!

Fourteen | $245.00

These are another pair of jeans that I’ve owned for over two years and absolutely love. I’m SO confident recommending these to you guys…a mid rise, flattering fit, great wash and just a hint of distressing to add some style. Another piece that’s well worth the investment.

Outfit suggestions: Wear with ALL TOPS + JACKETS!

Fifteen | $52.00

You guys know that these are my all time favorite leggings that can easily take your from yoga to a cute and casual outfit. I’m wearing them today as I type this and cannot say enough about how much I love them. They hold their shape and do some great nipping and tucking 🙂

Outfit suggestions: Pair with #5, 8, 9, 10

Sixteen | $59.95 (On Sale)

These are another pair of casual pants that I wear constantly as part of my casual uniform. They are more of a “girlfriend” chino fit…so slimmer than a boyfriend jean and cute to wear casually. This green color has paired back to SO many things in my closet and has really worked as a Fall neutral for me.

Outfit suggestions: Pair with #1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8

Seventeen | $98.00

I chose this ruched dress because the shape for Fall and Winter is so easy to make work so many ways in your closet. You can layer under it and layer over it and easily wear it casually or more dressed up. A truly versatile piece at under $100.

 Outfit suggestions: Wear #1 layered underneath, with #9, 12 over

Wear #2, 3, 4 over the dress and do a cute tie waist

Wear #8, 9, 10,  11, 12 over the dress so it serves as more of a skirt

Eighteen | $58.00

I love this casual turtleneck dress that’s such a great, cozy piece for Fall. So cute paired back to your favorite tights + boots.

Outfit Suggestions: Layer #9, 11, 12 over

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These next two choices were meant to give you a BEST of the BEST option for boots + a bag, should you need to replace a basic for Fall. These two picks are my top choices when it comes to stylish, versatile and on-trend accessories that literally go with EVERY outfit that I suggested. I own both of these pieces and truly suggest them because they are the pieces that I reach for every day and always feel like they work well in my everyday wardrobe

Nineteen | $345.00

This bag is worth every single penny of the price tag and is the perfect size and shape for on-the-go mamas. It’s got plenty of room for storage, but isn’t too big. It also has a versatile crossbody strap that allows you to be hands free should you need to. If you don’t have this bag and need a Fall purse, trust me on this one…

Twenty | $129.95

I’ve raved about these booties nearly daily but I love the shape and color of the as well as the fact that they are slip on! They are so easy to throw on and go and literally match back to nearly any outfit that I throw together in a pinch.

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Adding everything up (and trying to weed out duplicates!) there are about 175 outfit combination suggestions here! That means you could go through all of Fall and Winter and never repeat an outfit, simply by investing in these 20 versatile pieces!

Total cost for the EIGHTEEN pieces of clothes listed $1,236! 

Since this included two pairs of designer jeans and a cashmere poncho, I did a major happy dance when I saw the total. I didn’t have any expectations to keep it “under” a certain amount, rather I just wanted to keep the capsule a true reflection of my lifestyle + current budget and make it attainable for most.

Adding in the Bag + Booties your grand total for everything on the board is $1,710.75

In the end, this was WAY harder than I anticipated but such a great way for me personally to truly narrow my style down and have a great visual of what I gravitate towards daily. I get severe anxiety thinking about all of the fun stuff that I left off, but can say with full confidence that if I were to have to only choose 20 casual things to head to a desert island…these are what I’d choose. I’d love to hear your feedback and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions!!!

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