Capsule Wardrobe Remix: Versatile Fall 2018 Staples + 16 Ways to Wear Them

Hi guys!

I had a little eureka moment yesterday when I popped onto Instagram stories (as I always do) asking for feedback on what style related topics you’d like to see on the blog this Fall. So many of you said, “When are you doing a Fall Capsule Wardrobe post!?”

I’m like–OMG–I HAVE–why has nobody seen it!?

This post originally came out during the Nordstrom sale (maybe people just weren’t ready for fall yet, thus why you didn’t see it) but the good news is that almost all the exact items I’m wearing here are restocked and available!

So, I’m refreshing this post today so it gets the time in the spotlight it deserves.

Let’s jump in! First, we’ll go through ALL the items I used to create these versatile Fall 2018 staples here:

Dresses/Bottoms:

Feminine Floral Dress: 

I normally don’t buy things with high necks (for whatever reason I feel like they just don’t look great on me) but something was pulling me toward this one and I’m so glad I ordered it–I know you guys are always looking for dresses that can work for multiple occasions and this is definitely one of them! It’s great for work and other occasions where you want to be chic but conservative, but not so much so that you can’t dress it up with a pair of heels for date night. I also love that it’s flowy and lightweight, so you can wear it now with your favorite summer heels, and trade them for boots, booties, and throw on a jacket in the fall!

Note on this dress:

I’m getting lot’s of questions so I’ll answer here: I’m wearing a size 0, the sleeves are pulled up (I always do this with my sleeves haha!) but they are full length like on the website. Also, on the site the slip appears to be much shorter than it is in person. What you see here is an accurate representation of the dress!

Shop similar dresses: 

Suede Mini Skirt: (Under $100!) 

I have been looking for a great neutral suede skirt, so I was really happy when I saw this one was part of the sale! I love BlankNYC and they are my favorite brand for suede items because their items are great quality and super affordable–this one is under $100 and also comes in grey!

Cropped flare jeans: 

I think I’m going to award these Caslon cropped flare jeans #1 favorite purchase of the Nordstrom sale in 2018. I absolutely LOVE. THEM. I heard from a lot of you guys that you loved them too but had no idea how to style them, so I paired them with a LOT of different items today so you had plenty of inspiration! Another common complaint I heard is from shorter girls and how the crops are like regular pants–but good news–these come in petite, too! Run TTS!

I know the term “cropped flare” might scare you, but these really don’t look super flared and they definitely look more timeless and classic than the term would let on. They are so comfortable, have the perfect amount of stretch–I LOVE them.

If you prefer straight leg, Caslon makes this straight leg version as well.

Skinny jeans: 

My other jeans purchase of the sale was this pair of Joe’s jeans, which I LOVE–haha–but hilariously, we had a wardrobe malfunction and the button popped off (I 100% thing this is a fluke because I’ve had several pairs of Joe’s jeans that have lasted me years and they’ve always been really great quality–so, sadly, I had to swap them for an old pair of skinnies instead for photography purposes ?) The skinnies you see pictured here are old and but are most similar to this pair! (40% off right now and they have 5 star reviews!)

Ponte pants: 

Ponte pants are essentially the best invention in workwear since…forever. They’re part leggings, part polished pant–you’ll feel like you’re in yoga pants and your boss won’t know the difference! I have this pair from Halogen which are awesome! Shop more here.

Tops:

Floral blouse: 

Can you tell I’ve got a thing for fall florals? This is another piece that you can start wearing now (It would be perfect with white jeans and my favorite cork heeled sandals!) I love the sheer sleeves and the peek-a-boo keyhole that just shows a hint of décolleté. (If you work in a very conservative environment, you could layer a cami underneath it if you’d prefer!)

Wrap sweater: 

I absolutely adore the cut of this sweater–it’s super flattering and a bit on the cropped side so it looks great with high-waisted jeans and is easy to tuck in with no added bulk that a normal sweater might have! It would be even more versatile in black! You can see how I styled it for “in-between” summer/fall weather in this post!

Note: It is a little bit shorter than other sweaters. I think this is ideal because it actually hits at a flattering part of your waist vs cutting you off at your hips (the widest part of your body, like other sweaters do–thus why I front tuck everything) but be prepared you’ll probably want to wear this with medium or high rise pants if you aren’t into front-tucking.

Striped bell sleeve top: 

I think I might be the only person who has discovered this top from the sale ? Which I am SO HAPPY about because that means it’s still fully in-stock! It’s super comfy, is a stretchy material with a great amount of give, and is kind of a cross between a tee and a blouse. I think it’s definitely nice enough to wear in a business casual setting, but it’s really easy to dress down with jeans. It’s so much more fun than a basic long sleeved tee and right now it’s only $29! 

Outer layers:

Cashmere wrap: 

This pretty wrap is essentially a super chic blanket that is acceptable for all social occasions. ? It feels like a warm hug, is so incredibly soft, and makes any outfit you pair it with look much more upscale. Mine here is sold out but there are similar versions here!

Grey Blazer: 

The one I’m wearing here is one I have from last year, BUT, there are so many similar versions available! I just ordered this J.Crew Sweater Blazer (I got camel but they have it in grey!) I also love this knit blazer and this version is also cute that ties at the sleeves!

Classic trench coat: 

The exact one I’m wearing here is this trench by London Fog that I’ve owned for a couple years and it’s seriously one of the best staples I own. It comes with an awesome removable liner for added warmth. If you can’t splurge on the Burberry version, this is 100% the next best thing! (I mean, it’s probably just as good as the Burberry version, but under $200!)

Burgundy suede moto jacket: 

Again, one of my favorite brands, BlankNYC comes through again with another beautiful suede moto jacket this year! I already have a blue one for spring and I loved it so much that I snapped this one up as soon as I could when I saw it come out in this beautiful deep ruby burgundy. I love this color because it brings a lot more personality than an outfit than brown or black would, yet it’s still surprisingly very wearable with pretty much anything you pair it with.

Shoes:

Knee-high boots: 

I’m wearing the Sam Edelman Caprice boots here, which are fully re-stocked (They sold out during the sale but they’re back! Yay!) I personally really like these boots (though the reviews are a bit sporadic)–especially the color, which is more unique–I think they’re very comfortable for high heeled boots and that they fit true to size. I will say that the tops are a bit more unstructured than I expected, so they look a bit slouchier vs. rigid and straight–but I think they’re beautiful boots! They also just came out with these boots which are similar! If you’re looking for flat boots,

Tall Burgundy Suede boots: 

I love these boots but sadly they sold out in this color (still available in black and grey though!) but these are super similar in the same color AND they’re waterproof! You can also get a similar look with these boots, which are the prettiest dark red, just more orangey!

Black pumps: 

Every woman needs a pair of black pumps–mine are slingbacks that I’ve had for years by Sam Edelman, one of my favorite shoe brands. This pair is super similar and I love the lower heel! Also, on the topic of slingbacks, I’m obsessed with these cap-toe slingbacks (Chanel look-alikes!) that are the perfect French-girl shoe!

Tan booties: 

The booties I’m wearing here are sadly sold out HOWEVERR Sam Edelman just came out with these ankle boots that are pretty much identical (huzzah!) I also love their Petty Chelsea Booties–only $99! They’re so comfortable and good for someone who wants just a little bit of a heel and a shoe that is comfortable enough to do a lot of walking in!

Leopard loafers: 

Leopard shoes are the best way to add personality to a basic outfit (especially if you’re in a work outfit rut and you want an easy/affordable way to spice up your existing 9-5 wear). Also, leopard pairs so well with solids and patterns alike! The exact pair I’m wearing here are (jeeze I didn’t realize how many Sam Edelman shoes I owned until this post ? I’m a broken record) Sam Edelman loafers. I also love these leopard heeled mules! (They’re also 40% off right now!)

OTK boots: 

You guys are always asking for more ideas on how to wear OTK boots, so I wanted to throw a couple outfits with over the knee boots in here! Mine are the Lowland boots by Stuart Weitzman  but these Steve Madden boots are similar–Shaheen got them and has been raving about them–they seem like they fit very similar to the Stuart Weitzman boots and really hug your calf and thigh!

First up, this feminine dress, styled four ways–use these outfit combinations on any similar dress, and feel free to play around with the color palette to make it your own! Note: if you have a flowy dress with a belt, you can play around with how much fabric is pulled up and over the belt to change the length of your hemline!

Summer:

First, I wanted to showcase how I’d style it now–for summer! I love it paired with some cork sandals, summery statement earrings and a fun summery bamboo bag!

Work: 

This dress is perfect for the office with a pair of classic pumps, chic work tote and a trench for when it gets chilly out.

Lunch date:

The burgundy boots are the perfect match for this dress and bring out the subtle burgundy notes in the pattern. I honestly didn’t think high boots would work with this look but the dress hits in just the right spot to where they look really chic with it! Tall tan or black boots or booties would also look great here!

Concert: 

Pair it with ankle booties (any color would work here!) and a moto jacket to give it an edgy twist, making it suitable for a date night!

Featured details: I absolutely love the pleated detailing of this dress along with the subtle ruffles of the collar and sheer sleeves! 

Second, we have one of my favorites–this bell sleeve top! It’s basically like a really classy stretchy t-shirt material, so it’s easy to dress up or down! Here’s how I chose to style it:

Business casual office:

Pair it with ponte pants and some classic pumps for the office! If you don’t know about ponte pants–you’ll definitely want a pair if you work in an office environment! I also think they’re great for travel because they feel like leggings, but look like nice pants–making them super comfy but very versatile.

Fashion-forward office: 

More than half of you (according to an Instagram poll!) work in an office that’s a little less strict on dress code, allowing you to be a little more casual and playful with your wardrobe–so pairing it with a (not too short) suede skirt, tall boots, and a polished trench is the perfect combination of on-trend yet still professional. If the suede skirt is too short for your office, I LOVE this floral print skirt that is really fun but cut just above the knee, so it’s more conservative–plus, the floral pattern will look SO cute with stripes!

Drinks with the girls:

Swap the above outfit with a suede skirt but swap for OTK boots and a cozy cashmere wrap for wine night with friends or a more casual date night.

Polished weekend wear:

SEE how cute these jeans are!? (I know I’m having to sell some of you on cropped flares but I consider this my newest mission to convince you that they are amazing and that you can pull them off!) This might be one of my favorite outfits of the post!

Anyway, pair your striped tee with those cropped flares, booties, and that beautiful cashmere wrap again for a look that’s casual but put together enough to wear just about anywhere! (Even casual Friday at work, for those of you who work in a more corporate office!)

Featured details: I would expect nothing less from Blondo–one of my favorite shoe brands–but everything about these boots from the quality of the suede to the impeccable stitching on the soles of the boots are beautiful. Plus, again, waterproof–so you don’t have to worry about ruining them in the rain or salty, snowy sidewalks! I know the burgundy is sold out, but they still come in black as well as grey! 

This Rebecca Minkoff blouse was another favorite items scored from the Nordstrom sale–I love the dainty pattern and the fact that it has so many pretty details–like super subtle dainty ruffles at the bottom, the fabric-covered buttons at the cuffs of the billowy sheer sleeves, and the peek-a-boo keyhole at the top that shows JUST the right amount of skin, but not too much to where you couldn’t make it work for the office. It’s a keeper! Here’s how I styled it:

For the corporate office: 

It looks great with the office work horses–ponte pants and classic pumps!

For a night out:

And just as pretty tucked into a suede skirt along with some OTK boots for a night out. It’s subtly sexy without being “look at me” over the top.

For casual Friday: 

For a look that is work-appropriate but still fashion forward, pull a blazer over the top and pair it with classic dark skinny jeans and tall boots! (Tan or black would work well here!)

For Sunday brunch: 

Cute and comfortable. I love this top paired with a contrasting leopard print shoe, cropped flares and of course–the cozy cashmere wrap!

Featured details: I’m a girl who really appreciates an eye for detail–and there is no shortage of them in this blouse–from the dainty pattern to the fabric colored button at the top and sheer sleeves–you’ll get so much wear out of this blouse! 

I love this wrap sweater because it’s more refined than your average sweater–the wrap detail is so flattering and is one of the few sweaters that your husband won’t think is “grandmaish” ? I can count on one hands how many times Neal has complimented a sweater–this is one of them!

Business casual: 

For the office, pair it with–what else? Ponte pants and classic heels! Finish with the cashmere wrap around your shoulders to keep you toasty in the conference room and add another level of posh polish!

Movie date: 

Casual, yet put together with a blazer, cropped flares, and booties!

Weekend brunch: 

Dark forest green paired with leopard is a favorite combination of mine (I think leopard looks particularly pretty paired with deep jewel tones!) so these leopard loafers were a no-brainer–the cropped flares also add another layer of personality and the trench brings it all together in classic way.

Downtown drinks: 

At first I thought I hated the deep green with the deep burgundy of the moto jacket, but it’s actually a contrast that I ended up loving! Sometimes you have to try combinations you would never normally be drawn to to end up with a totally new outfit that you love! Finish with skinny jeans and some tall boots (for this combination, you’ll want a lighter color on the bottom to contrast the deep, dark hues on top!)

WHEW! That was a long post–but I hope it was helpful! What do you think? Would love to know what else you’d like to see! 

Check out more Capsule Wardrobe posts!