My Attempt at a Fall Capsule Wardrobe.

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CARDIGAN // JEANS // NICE COAT // FLATS // DOEN DRESS // SKIRT

A few Magpies have asked for something along the lines of a fall capsule wardrobe. I’ve never dressed this way, or approached my closet in this way, but the prompt was interesting as it forced me to pick “just one” across a range of different product categories, and to think about how they’d play with other items. I found this a rewarding exercise in that I am wearing more separates now than I ever have in my entire life. I can’t tell if this is age, current trends, present lifestyle? But I find myself wearing a lot more tops and bottoms that I mix and match. Below, my take on a capsule wardrobe. I’ve tried to include looks for less in the headnotes.

Knitwear: I like a thinner weight knit (especially love the sexiness of a henley or polo sweater) to tuck into pants/jeans/skirts, a cardigan that can go over everything (also love my G Label Noah for this; neutral vibe for less with this), and a big chunky stripe (look for less).

Denim: Barrel and gaucho jeans are having a moment, and I love the fit of this pair from Mother. A little more approachable than some of the more dramatic styles. Madewell and Gap also have great options for less. A pair of classic fit straight-leg jeans will always have a place in a wardrobe — and are also necessary for tucking into tall boots, if you’re in the mood. These Totemes have a great dark wash, but you can’t beat Levi 501s in this department. Wide legs are also trending this season. You could go with the Agolde Dames for an of-the-moment, buzzed-about pair, or try these SLVRLAKES in an on-trend brown/taupe wash. Finally, utility (almost cargo-style) jeans in brown are at the top of my lust list at the moment. Ulla has a pair people are raving about, and these La Ligne Duntons keep selling out!

Outerwear: A dressy wool coat that can be worn for day or night; this CO is beyond. Get the look for less with this Aritzia. Barn coats are the casual style du jour; this Doen is perfect. Get the look for less with this Velvet, this Everlane, or Old Navy. Finally, a blazer (vibe for less with this) is perfect with jeans or a dark wash denim skirt.

Shoes, part I: A great pair of flats to wear with everything. These Tuckernucks have been a best seller among Magpies this week; they are giving Loro Piana, or Le Monde Beryl, but under $200. And when it comes to fall sneakers, consider these chic and unexpected Hogans. I’ve not seen them worn anywhere but they look high end and different and come in great colors. (Also like these VBs and these Dolce Vitas.)

KNITS: J. CREW POLO SWEATER // JENNI KAYNE COOPER CARDIGAN // LA LIGNE MARIN SWEATER

DENIM: MOTHER HALF PIPES // TOTEME STRAIGHT LEGS // SLVRLAKE GRACE WIDE LEGS // LA LIGNE DUNTONS

OUTERWEAR: CO DOUBLE WRAP COAT // DOEN BARN COAT // VERONICA BEARD BLAZER

SHOES, PART I: HOGAN SNEAKERS // TUCKERNUCK FLATS

Shoes, part II: I’d pick up a pair of ankle or mid-shaft boots as well as tall boots. I did a full roundup of my favorite fall boot picks here, but the ones seen below are J. Crew and Reformation. Then we need some great loafers. I own and love these Freda Salvadors; all the it girls are wearing Jamie Haller, if you can get your hands on a pair.

Dresses: A casual (love this popover stripe; look for less with this or this); something that could be more casual beneath a cardigan and more dressy with heels, like this Doen; and something formal, like this Norma Kamali (under $300!!)

Tops: Especially in the fall, I love a cozy cotton base layer. These Leset pointelles are fabulous — I own multiple. I also love a striped tee, like this chocolate Gap, and henleys have been a favorite for years. The one shown below is also Gap, but an upgrade pick: this VB. For fall, a white button-down is a staple. I love the one I have from Sold Out; Frank and Eileen has a more casual take, and Gap’s are a solid sub.

Jewelry: A lab-grown diamond riviere to dress up or down; chunky gold earrings, and these go-with-everything leverbacks I wear constantly.

SHOES, PART II: J. CREW ANKLE BOOTS // REFORMATION REMY TALL BOOTS // JAMIE HALLER LOAFERS // ZARA SATIN HEELS

DRESSES: DOEN // G LABEL // NORMA KAMALI

TOPS: LESET POINTELLE TEE // GAP STRIPED TEE // GAP HENLEY // FRANK AND EILEEN BUTTON DOWN

JEWELRY: DORSEY RIVIERE NECKLACE // MEJURI DOME EARRINGS // DORSEY LUCIEN EARRINGS

Skirts: I am loving a denim midi or maxi skirt. This VB is such a good get while on super discount, but sizing is limited. You might also consider this Philosophy or this Gap. Also obsessed with slip skirts for the season. This Vince is the perfect color; Quince also does a great look for less.

Accessories: A great leather watch. I love my March Hare! And a belt with interesting hardware. I own and love this Aureum, and am also intrigued by new-to-me label Dehanche. Look for less pick: Madewell.

Athleisure: You know my (effusive) thoughts on Frank and Eileen. This navy set is particularly chic, and you can wear the top with jeans easily for a polished look. (But I’ve even worn these sweats with Chanel flats — it works!) Everlane has a cool navy set worth considering for something with a little less structure — pants here, sweatshirt here. I’ve also been finding myself drawn to the look of a plain gray sweatshirt layered beneath a trench or wool coat, paired with dark wash denim and/or skirts! This Gap is simple and chic; upgrade pick: Jamie Haller.

Handbags: A big tote to carry everything (look for less with this or this). A more casual tote for everyday schlepping. A little bag that can be dressed up or down.

SKIRTS: VERONICA BEARD // VINCE

ACCESSORIES: MARCH HARE WATCH // AUREUM BELT

ATHLEISURE: FRANK & EILEEN SET // GAP SWEATSHIRT

HANDBAGS: TOTEME // RUE DE VERNEUIL // LITTLE LIFFNER

These pieces go together in infinity ways, but a few top of mind looks:

P.S. The above photo is from my time in NYC. I published a photo diary documenting a few of my 200 runs through Central Park during that time. I always loved running Jackie O. in autumn.

P.P.S. On falling in love with language.

P.P.P.S. On main characters and supporting actresses.