Early Fall Capsule Wardrobe Inspired by J. Crew New Arrivals

I was perusing the J. Crew New Arrivals and was so inspired by the colors, the mix of textures, and the very wearable styles for early fall, that I began seeing a capsule wardrobe. Why keep it to myself? This is the early fall capsule wardrobe I created, inspired by J. Crew New Arrivals.

J. Crew goes up to a size 3X; my IRL friends and Wardrobe Oxygen community members have shared that J. Crew fits plus size relatively well, finding success not just with knits and dresses, but tailored separates and suiting. J. Crew also offers many styles in petites, tall, and different inseams.

Early Fall Capsule Wardrobe Inspired by J. Crew New Arrivals

This capsule wardrobe is for the woman who has no f*cks left for heels, but still likes to look polished and professional. Wanting to feel hip without try-hard, this capsule wardrobe is dotted with respected yet more reasonably priced jewelry and apparel labels and inspiration of current trends without being so on the nose it can be seen as being a “dupe” or appearing as a duped older fashion follower.

jeans | black pants | ecru pants | skirt | blazer | bomber | crewneck sweater | boatneck sweater | ribbed sweater | cropped tee | ribbed knit top | black bag | ivory bag | belt | long scarf | flats | sneakers | clogs | gold earrings | silver earrings | reversible belt | bracelet | necklace

While current trends are incorporated, they are a whisper, so the pieces can more easily transition into future seasons without looking dated. Also, again having that “whisper” makes it clear you're aware of the trends, you're being particular about which ones are worth trying, and how to do them so you don't look like a fashion victim.

The gray bomber can be replaced with any other sort of trend jacket. A denim jacket with interesting sleeves. A bomber jacket of wool or ponte or denim or silk. An Adidas track jacket (I originally had this jacket but wanted something non-black). I was originally envisioning a navy or rinse denim jacket, but couldn't find one that fit the bill; you may find a great one thrifting, on a resale site, or even already in your closet!

Not everyone needs a suit in their closet. I find suiting armor, so when I considered these J. Crew stretch crepe pants, I decided to add a matching blazer. This jacket can be removed, or replaced with a different silhouette or more casual option. I recommend that the jacket either match one of the pairs of pants, or be a different color and/or fabric. For example, if you keep the black pants and switch out the blazer, the new jacket should not be black unless it's a very different fabric (like silk or leather).

Another option is replace the black blazer with a jacket to match the lighter-colored pants. I own these pants in this same color; I have this jacket, which makes a very chic and comfortable ensemble. Also, in this color and fabric is this blazer, which is another good option. These are all the pieces from LOFT in this color; it's a chic neutral that works year-round. If you get the pants, I'd consider getting another piece in this same color.

Yes, you can mix weird colors, and yes, you can mix almost the same color. You can even mix different finishes of leather/ Navy and black, black and brown, leather and snakeskin. That peridot/acid green color? Pair it with teal, with chartreuse, with olive, with forest green. This capsule would work well with oxblood, plum, mustard, orange, teal. For fall and winter, unusual pairings are going to be seen as very chic.

Texture is a big thing this year, which is why I have cashmere, silk, merino, stretch crepe, leather, denim, ribbed knit, smooth knit, pointelle, snakeskin, woven leather, and suede all in one capsule. I seriously considered pieces in both velvet and corduroy; don't be afraid of texture this fall.

I made a few sample outfits, which you can view below. Click on any of the thumbnails to expand the image. Use arrow buttons to scroll through the collages, and then click the “X” or aywhere outside the slideshow to return to this screen.

Additional items used: glasses | sheer lipcolor (WOXYGEN15 for 15% off) | red lipstick (ALISON20 for 20% off) | sunglasses | mesh socks (WARDROBEOXYGEN20 for 20% off your first order)

These are only a few combinations; consider playing with the items. Throw the crewneck sweater over the shoulders, try styling it over the navy top and have the navy peek through, add a crisp button front shirt in white or a stripe (or a dark denim shirt), use the scarf as a belt, try items tucked in and out (and consider a beltaway for a comfortable, wearable faux tuck). I hope this capsule wardrobe gives you ideas on how to get more mileage from your existing closet and to mix and match in an atypical yet very stylish manner.

Notes on why I added what I did:

• I personally own and love the ecru pants, the silver earrings, the ivory belt, the necklace, and the ivory bag
• I have been eyeing those sneakers all summer long, and if I didn't have wide feet I'd already own those clogs. While I don't own the flats, I do own several shoes from that brand and find them well made and comfortable (and hello widths!).
• I love a long scarf that can double as a belt
• The black belt is reversible! And because both sides are embossed/croco it will go with all three pairs of shoes.
• Let the black sweater go off the shoulder. If you don't like a strap showing, this is my personal favorite strapless bra.

I'd love to know what you think of this early fall capsule wardrobe. Is this the kind of style you would wear? What kinds of looks would you like to see in future capsule wardrobes?