Having stored away my spring and summer wardrobe and pulled out my cooler weather garbs, I quickly noticed how down-to-a-science this season of dressing is for me. Compared to my warm weather outfits–where I like to have more fun with pattern, textures, layering, and mixing it up with accessories and shoes–I tend to function off a capsule wardrobe that I’ve found works well for me through autumn (and bodes well through winter too)!

Here is my breakdown this season:

Neutral sweaters in easy-going, oversized fits

Fall is the time to say goodbye to bras, my friends. An oversized cozy sweater is always the answer in my opinion and fits the bill of being work appropriate, chic, and comfortable. I love that they work with jeans, trousers, and skirts alike…not to mention with sweatpants at home.

Here’s a little inspo to show you what I mean:

image sources: left / middle / right  —  browse more outfit inspiration via my style pinterest board

I recently grabbed a couple of these cashmere crewnecks at a great price (tip: I went up two sizes and prob could have gone with a large for the right level of oversized). I always try to stick with cashmere, alpaca, and wool for ultimate comfort, breathability, and longevity.

Tip: If price-points are what is keeping you from investing in these fabrics, I highly encourage a patient perusal at your local thrift stores or even online second-hand sites. I’ve found a few of my favorite and highest quality cashmere sweaters this way and they truly last forever if well cared for!

Simple jackets for layering

While these tend to be investment pieces, taking your time looking for the right ones doesn’t always mean shelling out your savings once you find it. While I waited years and saved up for just the right leather jacket (I cannot recommend this one enough: the fit, the butter soft leather, and well-balanced hardware placement is what I hunted for over a decade for), I’ve also been just as judicious about the right 100% cotton jean jacket, and recently found the perfect one for just $30 at Nordstrom Rack!

I’ve also got my eye on this plaid jacket…

a quick interlude to show cozy layers from almost 4 years ago (!) that still perfectly define my cold-weather style: cozy, simple, oversized.

Shoes

These days, especially with so much work from home happening (2020, what a damn year), I find myself only reaching for the same two pairs of shoes: my old mid-calf boots and my Everlane loafer slides. I’ve had a pair of mid-calf boots for about a decade now and something about them works with everything for some reason. So now I’ve got my eyes peeled for another pair to add to my rotation!

Loafers and mules/slides are the other go-tos that work with this fall capsule so easily. I’ve got my eye on these by Mansur Gavriel (LOVE nearly everything this designer does), and I’ve been thinking about these basic, timeless Gucci loafers for like 6 years so maybe this is the year?

Bottoms

I have a rotation of denim that I keep access to year-round: one light wash, one dark wash, and one white. I like a nice mix of mid- and high-rise to balance comfort and style, and have learned with trial and error that I like a small amount of stretch to my jeans. My favorites from the past couple of years have been from Agolde, Everlane, and Frame!

I am also a deep, deep fan of trousers. They are a guilty pleasure. Vintage and thrift store finds in this regard are some of my favorites (especially for the menswear-inspired styles with high waists, a front pleat, and cuffs) but I’ve also been impressed with independent designers on this front lately (like Na Nin and Caves Collect).

sources: left / middle / right

For a more streamlined, feminine pair, I recently added in these high rise navy trousers from J. Crew and am obsessed with how high-end, tailored, and flattering they are on!

Also a little mini skirt is nice to throw in the mix, and I recently grabbed this one. Y’all, The Real Real is such a treasure trove!

Thick knit, oversized cardigans

THIS is where it is truly at. Wear these as a sweater alone or as a layer over a silk camisole or broken-in t-shirt. You can’t lose! After a couple of years of thought, I finally caved and invested in this much raved about Jenni Kayne cocoon cardigan and it truly lives up to the hype. 5 out of 7 days per week, you will likely catch me in this. (tip: I used Alex Yeske’s partner code ALEX20 for 20% off, which helps a lot! I also highly recommend giving her lovely blog a follow!)

oversized cardigan inspo:

image sources: left / middle / right

I’ve got a few more palatably-priced options in my style shop bookmarked for y’all, and have this one alpaca one at a reasonable price sitting in my cart as we speak…

Accessories

A go-to wool hat or two (although this woven one from Janessa Leone seems like a worthy investment that can be worn 3 seasons), oversized sunnies, a bag to schlepp a lot in and a smaller handbag or clutch for dressier occasions, and a belt or two to add versatility to this capsule! Plus my personal favorite scent is perfect for fall.

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