Your Guide To A Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Women’s Edition
By Malia Noll
Image Source: For Days
Ahh, the capsule wardrobe: a celebration of simplicity and quality that requires the wearer to refine their taste and enjoy a truly rewarding dressing experience.
A capsule wardrobe is a simple concept—it is a collection of highly edited, high-quality items that are timeless and interchangeable. It proves that a sophisticated wardrobe need not require multiple closets and a yearly clothing dump to make room for more fast fashion. Instead, it celebrates the power of precision—from the perfect white tee to a polished pair of denim, a capsule wardrobe promises to solve the problem of always wanting more and eases decision making fatigue each morning.
We’ve created a capsule wardrobe guide for colder weather that is complete with all the essentials to help you get started. All of our picks are of the highest quality, are crafted sustainably, and promise to deliver in style, too.
We’ve created a capsule wardrobe guide for colder weather that is complete with all the essentials to help you get started. All of our picks are of the highest quality, are crafted sustainably, and promise to deliver in style, too.
Versatile Sneakers
A quality sneaker can keep you polished while simply running errands, carries you through the work day (just add a blazer) and even looks elevated while out to dinner. Dress them down with jeans or leggings or turn it up a notch with a cute skirt or dress. Check out our top picks—surely you’ll be reaching for these day after day.
Image Source: Veja
VEJA SNEAKER
European-chic and sustainable, you’ve likely heard us rave about Veja time and time again. And if ever you’ve debated which sneaker to purchase, look no further—these are it.
Sustainability Practices:
Manufacturing, labor & material policies are published on the website to maintain transparency. Veja is a certified B Corp.
Materials are upcycled whenever possible and leather is sourced sustainability.
Price: $120
Image Source: Allbirds
ALLBIRDS
For the sportier style goers who spend more time on their feet, Allbirds provide comfort and style to boot. They’re breathable, light and come in colors that appeal to all tastes. And if you needed another reason to fall in love...they’re machine washable for easy refreshing between wears.
Sustainability Practices:
Crafted with planet-friendly natural materials, like merino wool and eucalyptus trees. The standard sneaker emits 12.5 kg CO2e but an average Allbirds shoe emits only 7.6 kg CO2e.
The company’s goal is to completely offset their carbon footprint from the beginning to the end of production.
Price: $98
Tops
Every capsule wardrobe requires a foundation of easy basics that can be layered or worn on their own. Start with the perfect tee or a fresh button up to style according to the day ahead.
Image Source: For Days
FOR DAYS TEE
Even the most adventurous names in fashion are repeatedly spotted rocking a classic tee. That’s because no matter who you are, your favorite basic tee has always got your back. We love this particular one for it’s soft feel and quality craftsmanship. Plus, the cream hue matches everything and stays crisp over time.
Sustainability Practices:
Uses high quality, sustainable materials
Ensures every item it uses is 100% recyclable and minimizes waste with reusable packaging
Created a swap program that creates a closed loop system by encouraging customers to recycle any of their pieces
Price: $28
Image Source: Outerknown
OUTERKNOWN BUTTON UP
Tucked into trousers or jeans or tossed over a tee, a crisp button down looks effortlessly cool no matter where you are. We love Outerknown’s modern take on the classic poplin shirt—it’s made of 100% organic cotton and features mother of pearl buttons for a subtle sheen.
Sustainability Practices:
S.E.A. jeans crafted with organic cotton in fair trade certified factory and guaranteed for life
Uses eco-friendly materials and non-toxic dyes in most of its products
Fair-trade certified — all of its workers are paid a living wage
Designs fundraising tees to raise money for causes the company believes in, like beach and ocean cleanup and environmental advocacy
Price: $118
Bottoms
Ensure the foundation of your cold-weather capsule wardrobe has functional bottoms that fit your lifestyle. For a typical day, this may mean a wildly flattering pair of denim or a cozy-yet-classic pair of leggings. Check out our must-haves to dress up and dress down, from athleisure to the office.
Image Source: Boyish Jeans
BOYISH JEANS
Invest in denim that will stand the test of time. We adore the brand Boyish, and these upcycled jeans are truly a vision for your bottom. The high waist style gives you legs for days, and the medium stone wash is light enough for casual wear and dark enough for a night out.
Sustainability Practices:
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 approved
Use natural plant-based dyes
Recycle water to keep harsh chemicals out of fresh-water streams. They work with fabric mills and factories around the world that are part of the ZDHC Program, Roadmap to Zero, where they collaboratively advance the field of water safety in the textile and apparel industries.
They dip their fabric fewer times to conserve energy and water.
Price: $168
Image Source: Girlfriend
GIRLFRIEND LEGGINGS
Cute leggings made of recycled plastic bottles, and a high waist for support—what’s not to love? We love the substantial feel of Girlfriend’s activewear and can vouch for their performance during workouts. Wear them to the office, for your daily sweat-sesh, or both! You’ll love this versatile pair of leggings.
Sustainability Practices:
Uses 100% recycled and recyclable packaging
Clothing is made from a combination of recycled polyester, spandex, post-consumer bottles and fishing nets and other waste
Tees and tanks are 100% cupro and the yarn is made in a zero-waste, zero-emission facility in Japan
Uses eco-friendly dyes
Price: $78
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Malia Noll is a former public accountant turned self-employed copywriter who works with small businesses to build genuine connections to customers through strategic writing. Malia is based in Columbus, Ohio and specializes in promotional writing, email marketing and editing.
