It’s a story that’s all too common across America. Last week I walked into Target for one thing… and walked out with a whole new wardrobe. Seriously. Who knew that my Target-run for Pumpkin Spice Tea, aka PSL for all the Starbucks aficionados, would lead to a brand new fall wardrobe? The (not so) shocking conclusion to my casual shopping trip was the perfect fall capsule wardrobe.
What is a capsule wardrobe? The term was coined by London boutique owner Susie Faux in the 1970s to describe a wardrobe of classic pieces in coordinating colors that never go out of style, and can be updated with seasonal items. Basically your basics! The older I get, the more I gravitate toward investment pieces, rather than throwing money at ephemeral trends. In this case, I focused on fashion-forward pieces that are not necessarily trendy, but season specific.
Proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to update your wardrobe for a new season: I picked up a total of 10 new pieces at Target, (not including my PSL,) for just under $250. My rule of thumb? You should be able to wear a new purchase a minimum of three different ways. Together with these booties and oxfords I recently bought and staple pieces already in my closet, I styled ten new looks to get started.
THE WARDROBE
Who What Wear Faux Leather Skirt
Who What Wear Sweater Dress
Who What Wear Printed Scarf
Click for details
LEATHER PENCIL SKIRT
No one would ever believe that this leather skirt from the Who What Wear collection is actually faux! At under $30 it’s my favorite piece in the capsule, and the one I know I’ll get the most use out of. Try to avoid tucking bulky tops into the skirt, since the shiny “leather” can easily appear frumpy if it doesn’t lay flat. (Although I did wear the shirtdress underneath and didn’t have any unflattering bulk.) This is a prime example of how you can elevate fast fashion items by styling them with your designer pieces.
1. Mossimo Dress as Top / Who What Wear Skirt / Louboutin Shoes
2. T-Shirt / Vest / Skirt / Nine West Shoes / Balenciaga Bag via Saks Dadeland
3. Jonathan Simkhai Top via Saks Dadeland / Skirt / Zara Pearl Earrings / Louboutin Shoes
UTILITY JACKET
Along with 90s fashion staples like chokers and slip dresses, the military jacket is back. This utility jacket, also from the WWW collection, looks great with practically anything, (yes, even over your yoga clothes,) and is particularly great for layering since it’s lightweight. If you’re petite, I recommend pulling the attached bungee elastics taught as this style is pretty voluminous. Not sold on this season’s trendy satin bomber jackets? This is the perfect alternative.
1. Who What Wear Utility Jacket / 3×1 Dress via Saks Dadeland / T-Shirt / INC Booties
2. Jacket / T-Shirt / Zara Jeans / Who What Wear Scarf / Christian Louboutin Shoes
3. Jacket / Forever21 Top / 7FAM Jeans via Saks Dadeland / A+ Booties
LONG VEST
I love a good vest moment, and this camel style by Merona is both classic and cool. Pair it with the WWW leather skirt and oxfords for a streetsyle inspired look that’s office appropriate, or add a chic layer to your weekend attire. Just like a blazer or moto jacket, a vest is a smart topper that adds dimension and polish to nearly any look.
1. T-Shirt / Vest / Skirt / Nine West Shoes / Balenciaga Bag via Saks Dadeland
2. Vest / Who What Wear Sweater Dress / INC Booties
3. Vest / T-Shirt / 7FAM Suede Jeans via Saks Dadeland / INC Booties / Suede Choker
PLAID SHIRTDRESS
Never met a shirt dress I didn’t like and this one by Mossimo is no exception! Nothing says fall like a plaid print. For under $23, this dress doubles as a top when styled with a pencil skirt, leggings, skinny jeans… so many possibilities.
1. Plaid Shirt Dress / Blank NYC Jacket / Nine West Boots
2. Mossimo Dress as Top / Who What Wear Skirt / Louboutin Shoes
SLEEVELESS SWEATER DRESS
Ah, the sweater dress. The one thing I want to wear most every fall season, and the one I also suffer for the most. Kudos to Who What Wear for making this one sleeveless! I was so excited about this maxi dress that I wore it out this past weekend amid ninety degree heat. I got so many compliments, the slight discomfort was totally worth it. A knit maxi can easily be unflattering if it’s too tight, but this dress is cut just right. The relaxed fit barely grazes the body while still offering a structured silhouette that lengthens even the most petite frame. Everything about this turtleneck reads cozy, and in a cooler climate would look chic over a long sleeve blouse while sipping the perfect cup of coffee.
1. Vest / Who What Wear Sweater Dress / INC Booties
2. Sweater Dress / Nine West Boots / WWW Scarf / Vince Camuto Bag (similar)
Heads up! If you’re shopping at Target this week, do it online. Clothing, shoes & accessories are BOGO on Target.com through 9/24, so make sure to take advantage of the extra savings!
I may not be the first person whose fall wardrobe was inspired by Starbucks, so if you love all things PSL, share your favorite moments on Instagram with #FallForStarbucks.
Photos by @kgohhsnap
This blog post was sponsored by Starbucks, but the opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
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