12 CAPSULE WARDROBE ACCESSORIES TO SHOP FOR FALL + WINTER
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The concept of a capsule wardrobe is one of my top-10 favorite discoveries as an adult.
Having a closet equipped with flattering, cohesive pieces ensures that you (almost) never feel like you have “nothing to wear” when preparing for an event and that you (nearly) always look put together when you head out the door. Genius, right?
The one draw-back about a capsule wardrobe, though, is that sometimes wearing the same-old, neutral pieces starts to feel…
A little bland.
A bit “blah”.
Boring, if you will.
And, then that boredom swirls into discontent and that snowballs into an impulsive, unnecessary trip to a fast fashion retailer to stock up on flashy accessories you don’t actually need.
You cross over the threshold of the aforementioned retailer, only to be greeted with the sensory-overload of a lifetime. Before you know it, you’ve blacked out and by the time you come to during your 15 minute drive home, it’s too late. You’ve bought not 1, not 2, but 3 blister-inducing pairs of shoes and 2-5 sets of earrings that you’ll wear once before they fall apart.
If that.
My secret to keeping my boredom-induced impulses at bay? Investing in stylish-yet-sophisticated, high quality accessories that will last for several years and pair seamlessly with any of my current capsule collection. Trust me, if you’re equipped with a leather moto jacket, shimmery gold jewelry and/or a pair of statement-making leopard booties— you won’t feel the need to splurge on an obnoxious statement necklace at the mall.
Find my top-12 season staples for your fall + winter wardrobe in the links, below.
Like you reallllly needed another excuse to shop, right?
xoxo
#1: LEATHER MOTO JACKET
Wanna look exponentially cooler in about 2-seconds flat?
Leather moto jacket.
Wanna add a little edge to your flouncy chiffon skirt?
Leather moto jacket.
Wanna take your office OOTD to the bar for happy hour?
Leather. Moto. Jacket.
I’ll admit it right here and right now to all you lovely people: I spent an embarrassing amount of my time online, searching for a leather moto jacket with the perfect fit, price and color. Did any of those long hours of “hard work” pay off, you ask? No, not at all.
Silver lining moment — I happened to find the jacket of my dreams while strolling aimlessly through my local Target. It surpassed all my moto-jacket hopes and dreams because it rang up under $40, it’s faux leather i.e. cruelty free and has a fitted — daresay, sexy — silhouette with an adjustable belt to cinch and snatch your waist like you wouldn’t believe, honey.
Grab it now and thank me later. XO
#2: A CHIC SCARF
Can we talk about how scarves are the best accessory for fall and winter? Because they genuinely are and deserve all the praise and recognition in the world.
Scarves are budget-friendly, they provide a posh, pop of color to any outfit and make foolproof gifts for your girlfriends during holiday season. Bonus: They also expertly disguise that you may or may not be wearing your summer foundation while simultaneously in desperate need of a spray tan on your décolletage. (I can’t be the only one, right? Right?!)
I make it a point to snag a couple of cozy new scarves for my closet this time of year and I happened to find a chic, buttery-soft and budget-friendly scarf from H&M that everyone needs in their closet. Like, right now. It boasts a bold, color-block motif and features camel, black and mauve hues. Grab it to wear with an all-black ensemble or pair with creamy cable-knit sweater and a cognac coat.
#3: BOMB BOOTIES
Put your best foot forward for all your festive fall and winter events with a pair (or 3) of brand-new booties!
We’ve all teetered around in pain while wearing the trendiest footwear of the season (hi, Monica Gellar!) but the aching arches are never worth it, friends. Let’s keep those days in the past, shall we?
Invest in a pair of booties that are equal parts versatile, comfortable and stylish. My fall and winter wardrobe features a ton of neutral colors and black. Last year, I found the ultimate, black leather Chelsea boots by Marc Fisher and then proceeded to wear said boots on daily between the months of October and March.
Flash-forward to now, I decided to up the ante with a more, statement-making pair of leopard print booties. I’m obsessed with the (low-key comfortable) chunky heel, the sophisticated silhouette and the way the caramel-tone leopard print functions as a neutral while simultaneously infusing a touch of sass into any outfit. Purrr-fect. ^..^~
#4: POLISHED PONCHO
Don’t sleep on ponchos, pals. Ponchos are the MVP when it comes to creating a candid-coziness for your holiday family photos and/or disguising your upper arms. Plus, you can literally wear ponchos a million ways, over a million outfits.
Pair your poncho with a fitted turtleneck and jeans for a casual look or belt it over a long-sleeve dress for an elevated outfit. The versatility is unmatched, friends.
I couldn’t stop wearing my black-and-white, windowpane poncho from J. Crew last year so when I saw they released a camel-and-ivory version, I bought it immediately. This poncho design stands out from the crowd because it features built-in arm holes that provide security during wear and makes it significantly easier for you to create a polished, final look. Bonus: It’s crafted from a lightweight fabric that transforms from a draped cape into a dreamy blanket scarf in a blink of an eye.
And you know how much I love a blanket scarf, friends. You know.
#5: SOPHISTICATED SUNNIES
Nothing will pull your outfit together quicker than this pair of posh, Duchess-approved sunglasses.
That’s right, folks, these sleek, cat-eye sunnies are owned by HRH Meghan Markle herself and are pretty much as close as you or I’ll ever get to recreating the Markle-Sparkle on a budget.
The glossy black frames and subtly pointed silhouette make for one pair of polished and flattering sunglasses. The upturned frame also turns back the clock by creating an illusion of a lifted eye and, like, who doesn’t want that, right?
#6: FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS
Believe the hype, people. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings are LIFE-ALTERING and worth every penny.
The thick leggings are crafted to lift your booty, flatten your stomach and cinch your waist for the most flattering fit on the market.
Oh, hellllllo, ego boost!
I’ve invested in four pairs of Spanx leggings and I wear them with everything from tee-shirts and cardigans to a flirty blouse and bomber jacket for a night out. I find these miracle-workers to run true-to-size, but the stretchy, high-quality material offers the flexibility to size up or down depending on the fit you prefer.
Go ahead and size up if you’re wanting to wear these at your holiday table, ya feel me?
#7: FLIRTY FELT WOOL HAT
Sun protection is a must year-round and lucky for us, wide-brimmed hats provide style and shade to your wardrobe throughout the chilly months. Wool hats make a posh, polishing touch for your family photos at the pumpkin patch or the turtleneck and mini-skirt ensemble at your alma mater tailgate.
And I mean, the fact that they also happen to hide horrendous hair days and/or dreaded, surprise forehead pimple(s) is a plus, too.
Grab an inky hat like mine to pair with ripped jeans and booties for an edgy look or opt for an almond, camel or taupe hat to top-off your ivory sweater dress.
#8: LITTLE BLACK BELT
Swap out your cognac summer belts and replace them with an inky, slinky alternative. A little black belt is a must-have addition for your capsule wardrobe because it adds a sophisticated, finished touch to jeans, dresses and skirts alike.
I recently purchased this thin, Italian perforated leather belt from J. Crew for the fall and winter and I can’t get over how much it enhances my outfits.
My advice? Treat yourself to the optional, gold foil embossed monogram to create a timeless and custom piece you’re sure to treasure for years to come.
#9: COZY + CUTE SOCKS
I mean do you “need” a new pair of socks? Probably not.
But would a pretty, new pair of celestial socks make your heart happy?
Without question.
Consider this blog post your personal green light to go ahead and treat yo’self to some comfy and cute socks in the seasons’ best, whimsical prints.
HOT TIP: Sign up for the J.Crew email subscription and wait to shop these until their next sale event. My star socks are regularly priced at $12.50 but I grabbed ‘em for $7.50 on a 40% off weekend special.
#10: CLASSIC QUILTED HANDBAG
‘Tis the season for football tailgates and fancy holiday parties, aplenty. Invest in a small, quilted cross-body or pebbled envelope clutch that won’t weigh you down (or cause you to misplace anything) while out and about around town.
I picked up the Tory Burch Fleming Quilted Convertible Shoulder Bag in the color black last September and I’ve worn it constantly, ever since. It features a classic, quilted exterior that feels reminiscent of iconic Chanel designs and boasts beautiful, gilded hardware and a golden chain detail for ultra-luxe appeal.
Black not your hue? Pick up the same, sophisticated silhouette in one of the other five shades to fit your fancy.
#11: GLAM GOLD EARRINGS
If you haven’t already, you need to add some dainty-yet-dramatic gold earrings to your accessory arsenal, ASAP.
I’m full-on obsessed with delicate gold jewelry because it allows you to ramp-up your outfit without giving the impression that you’re trying too hard. And, effortless-chic is the end goal we all have in mind, right? I think yes.
Gorjana is my go-to brand for dainty, gilded jewelry and I’m happy to report that the quality is just as exceptional and the gorgeous design. If you’re more of a silver or rose gold girl, they’ve got you covered with drool-worthy designs, too.
#12: TIMELESS TOPCOAT
A tailored top coat is a must-have wardrobe staple for every man, woman and child during the fall and holiday season. Yes, even for those of us who live in the South where the temps rarely drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
I invested in the widely-celebrated J. Crew cocoon coat last winter in the light, heather gray hue and it did not disappoint. The Italian stadium cloth wool coat features a luxurious, silky interior liner and boasts a sophisticated and feminine silhouette that’s fit for the seasons’ fanciest soirees. Did I mention it comes in six stunning shades? You can’t go wrong.
Love the look but hate the price tag? Girrrrl, I’ve got you! Grab the same, gorgeous cocoon silhouette from Old Navy HERE for a fraction (and I mean, fraction!) of the price. Choose between a staple black design or rich, caramel hue.