Happy Thursday, friends!
We’re in the throes of Homecoming Week right now (who knew there was so much parent involvement?!). Last night, we had a “black out” glow in the dark pep rally that started at 8:00 PM. It was SO much fun, but needless to say, a late night. Tonight, we have the freshman game and then tomorrow, varsity (plus, it’s Kensington’s birthday!)! On Saturday, the kids have the dance/dinner/do all the “things” and by Sunday, this mama will be taking a nap. I’m just not nearly as young and vibrant experiencing high school this time around 😉 .
Now today’s blog post was a blog reader suggestion from waaaaaay back in January when I asked for ideas. This is my FALL CAPSULE WARDROBE with some bonus fall finds at the end. Now, I’m not saying we all need to go out and buy these items, what I’m saying is that this is my typical “fall uniform” and you probably have some of these pieces already in your closet, so maybe you just need to look at them all together in my collage, remind yourself you have them and pull them out to actually wear and enjoy this season. Honestly, this isn’t even my 2023 edition, this is my “TYPICAL” wardrobe for fall as all of these pieces are pretty classic, neutral and solid investments because they last year after year. As you’ll see below, many of these items I’ve been wearing for YEARS, and they will still be on repeat this season too.
Grab that cup of coffee, snuggle down into your blanket and take a look at my TOP 12 FINDS FOR A FALL CAPSULE WARDROBE…
#1: A GREAT PAIR OF JEANS
I am a big fan of denim year around, but especially in the fall! A non-distressed, dark wash pair of jeans is always on rotation for me. Whether I’m at home or traveling, dressing them up with heels or down with sneakers, pairing them with a tank, tee, sweater or blouse, it’s the most solid piece of my wardrobe. I thought these Nico Mid Rise Straight Ankle jeans looked oh so cute and versatile for any occasion.
#2: A HAT FOR FALL
Hi, my name is Shay, and I’m a hat person. Your name is “Shay’s friend” and because you read this blog daily, you already know this about me. A hat just elevates an outfit, gives oomph to second day hair, provides shade, warmth and sun protection. I love me a hat. You also know that I have a very gigantic head, so it’s important that my hats come in sizes or be adjustable. This Loft Felt Fedora comes in multiple sizes and will work perfectly for all of my fall outings.
#3: AN ALL-PURPOSE NEUTRAL COAT
I love a coat that keeps me warm, but also one that is neutral enough that I can wear it anywhere and for any occasion. I have been saying this for years, but I’ll say it again, J Crew has the best coat selection for quality and price. This Villa coat in Italian stadium-cloth coat works for sitting outside at sporting events, traveling, church, dinners out…it just works for everything.
#4: GOLD HOOP EARRINGS
I have been wearing these Nordi Oval Hoop Earrings nonstop now since I bought them in July. They are the perfect size and weight and work for any and all occasions.
#5: A LONGLSEEVE BLACK BODYSUIT
I am a bodysuit girl! I love that they stay in place without coming out, bunching up, driving me nuts. I love a solid long-sleeve bodysuit in a neutral color for fall layering.
#6: A GREAT CROSSBODY BAG
No matter what your price point is, you just can’t go wrong with a crossbody bag for fall. It keeps your hands free and adds a little something special to any outfit.
#7: NEUTRAL BOOTIES
I like a little heel on my booties for fall, but a flat bootie works just as well. The key is being able to walk in them comfortably as you go about your day. I love these Pointed Toe Booties and find that they look cute with everything from shorts to jeans to a skirt or dress and trousers too.
#8: A TISSUE TURTLENECK
I bought my first tissue turtleneck probably five years ago and haven’t looked back. In my opinion, if you’re going to layer with a turtleneck, you don’t want it to be thick and heavy. These light tissue turtlenecks are always easy to wear under jackets, button ups and sweaters without being too bulky.
#9: A “FALL” BLAZER
A “fall” blazer is such an easy way to make jeans and a basic tee seem special! You can, of course, get one in a solid, but I love the brown plaid 🙂 .
#10: A V-NECK CASHMERE SWEATER
I love a cashmere sweater for fall…one that’s a great quality, not one that is itchy and scratchy. No way. I just bought this relaxed v-neck cashmere sweater, and I’m very excited to include it in my fall uniform. It just works really well with every other piece of my “uniform”, plus, I think it will layer, work with skirts and trousers too. It’s just a staple piece but in a relaxed fit.
#11: BLACK DENIM
Yes, yes and YES to black denim! It can go fancy and it can go casual. In the pic above (where I’m in front of the Louvre), I’m wearing black jeans for site seeing (super comfy!), but then, I can also pair it with a blouse and heels and wear it to dinner out. It’s probably THE most versatile piece of my uniform. I wear these Black Ankle Skinny Jeans every single year (I think I’m on my third or fourth year with them). They’re comfy, they wash and dry so well, they don’t fade and they work for all occasions. With this particular brand though, size down.
#12: WATERPROOF BOOTS
And finally, it wouldn’t be fall without a pair of all weather boots for me. I love a comfy yet cute boot that I can wear on rainy days, cold days, snowy days, travel days, errand days…all the days.
So, those are my 12 PIECES FOR MY FALL CAPSULE WARDROBE, but if you’re looking for a few additions to add to yours, here are some new finds that I love…
A sweatshirt that says Oui Paris?! This Francophile travel agent loves 🙂 .
TOP (ON SALE!)//HAT//JEANS//BOOTIES (ON SALE!)
Whether you half tuck or no tuck, this very light striped sweater is too cute! It also comes in a lovely camel and black too!
TOP (ON SALE!)//JEANS//BOOTIES (ON SALE!)
I love the button details on this top 🙂 .
TOP (ON SALE!)//HAT//JEANS//BOOTIES (ON SALE!)
I love me a stripe! This striped top here is the perfect fall cousin to summer’s blue and white striped top.
TOP (ON SALE!)//JEANS//BOOTIES (ON SALE!)
You guys, this cozy mock neck top is so SOFT INSIDE! Me oh my, it’s lovely!
This top has been in heavy rotation in my closet! I love that it’s short sleeve but also a knit. It’s so soft too!
And last but not least, this sweatshirt gave me all the happy feels for fall.
As you can see, a lot of neutrals make this girl happy when it comes to getting ready this time of year. Want to know what else makes me happy?
PUMPKIN!
Make sure you hop on over and check out my PUMPKIN CAKE JARS today too! These are the easiest and most delicious individual desserts for your next get together.
Happy Thursday, friends! I’ll see you back here tomorrow! xx
Erika Slaughter says
Girl-you are FALL READY!!
Elspeth says
I love a good neutral in the fall! These are all great items to add to a fall wardrobe!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Claire says
Capsule wardrobe: The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing.
Your lifestyle and dressing room dont look like a capsule wardrobe.
Mix and Match Mama says
The top 12 items would be “my capsule wardrobe” for my lifestyle (per the title of it…”Shay’s”). I know a lot of influencers show outside of what they actually wear (“office attire” when they don’t actually go to an office, etc), but I try really hard only to show the actual items that work in my lifestyle and stay authentic to that. This is why I didn’t show pencil skirts, trousers and blouses which would be amazing in other people’s capsule wardrobes but inauthentic in mine. It probably would have helped had you just read the word “Shay’s” in the post title 😉 .
Kristin Lyngaas says
I love your capsule wardrobe post! It fits the lifestyle of many of us, and such cute styles! I work at a school and live in Phoenix. Thank you for taking the time to do one for us! Happy Fall 🍁🍂🍁
Clarie says
Thats not what I was talking about at all. A capsule wardrobe is mostly used by people who want to live a sustainable life and try to buy less. They buy less and only clothes you can mix and match all the time. And your lifestyle seems more like “more more more”.
“A capsule wardrobe is a limited selection of interchangeable clothing pieces that complement each other. These are often classic pieces that do not go out of style and are primarily composed of neutral colors. A capsule wardrobe allows you to create a variety of different outfits with a small selection of clothes.”
Mix and Match Mama says
And I think I provided that based on my own lifestyle, pieces that I wear year after year after year that can be layered, worn separately, mixed and matched and are classic. I checked every box of your definition as applied to “Shay”.
Amber Lee says
I love your blog but this is such a rude response. So dissapointing.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well I very much appreciate you reading my blog. I truly do, but I would guess that if you sat in my seat for any length of time, you’d find my response full of grace and restraint.
Mary says
This post is so much fun! Thanks Shay. PS….made your candy corn cookies yesterday! 😍
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!! It’s time!! I need to make them too!
Caroline says
Shay I look forward to reading your posts every morning! For high quality yet affordable cashmere, you have to check out NAADAM. It’s amazing and not itchy at all (I know that is big for you 😉)!!
Mix and Match Mama says
And I’m looking that up right now! xx
SC says
Love all the neutrals! Can’t wait to try your pumpkin cake jars this weekend with my kiddos!
Caitlyn Blalock says
Have you ever tried a Nuuds bodysuit?! They are all neutral colors and have all different styles! I think you might love them!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have seen them but never tried them on. I need to though!
Ramona says
Love this! I travel a lot so I don’t want to bring All my clothes but this is doable for me. Thanks, Shay ❤️
Ali McGinley says
So cute, Shay! Could you link the boots & crossbody bag you were wearing in the Louvre picture? Love that look!
Mix and Match Mama says
Those boots are so comfy!! I just tried to find them for you, but I can’t. They’re Steve Madden Sahara bootie. The bag is a Louis Vuitton from several years ago.
Mix and Match Mama says
Wait! I just found them! https://shopstyle.it/l/b1b1Z
Pam Frazzitta says
I LOVE your style. However, I am older and living on a truly “fixed” income. I just wish you could also find similar items at a more reduced price. Not a negative, just trying to be money focused.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love all feedback! Just like I said at the beginning of the post, these are suggestions and many items you might already similarly have in your closet (dark jeans, neutral coat, hoop earrings, etc). I do really try to show a variety. You can catch my HUGE post here of tops almost all under $30 too that I shared recently.
https://mixandmatchmama.com/2023/08/sweater-weather-fall-haul/
I try to always be authentic to what I actually buy, love and wear, and it does vary in price points!
Cindi says
Shay, do you own the Nico Midrise Straight Ankle jeans? I’m 5’ 10” and wonder if they’re a true ankle on you or longer? I have already purchased several fall ankle length flare and wide leg jeans, which work with my long legs and flat booties. These look dressier, which I like! Thanks in advance!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t have these, but I loved the color and cut. I thought they looked dressier too!
Kay says
Happy Thursday Shay – your HoCo activities sound like fun! Love that night time pep rally. Question – I’ve been eyeing your Lolo pendant necklace – do you know what size round pendant you have? On the website there’s either the large (35 mm) or med (27 mm) & what size chain? So many decisions . . . lol! Have a great week.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have both sizes…and love them both. The larger one makes more of a statement and is great for special occasions/dressier occasions where the medium is great for every day wear.
Carrie says
I loved this. When you do posts like this, I feel like I have my own personal shopper! I don’t want to sort through page after page, website after website, to find the perfect gold hoop, or fall hat or whatever. You did the legwork and made it easy for me.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, Carrie!
Leticia says
Shay, thanks for the cashmere top recommendation. I am always on the lookout for quality items that last! Do you hand wash yours (as recommended)? I can be lazy about the handwashing and will toss recommended items into the washer 😮
Mix and Match Mama says
I am the laziest laundry person, but yes, I hand wash and air dry.
Francesca says
Hi Shay! Did you get “regular” or “petite” in the blazer? I’m 5’3″ and debating which length to go with!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought the petite!
K.K. says
I’m so with you, Shay! I love the Fall! I went to a going away party the other night, and they had pumpkin bread – and I was elated!!! I love “talking Fall” here. 🙂
Sheaffer says
I have your booties (and LOVE them), and I think I might need to order that striped sweater! I love it!
Angela says
Oh Shay, I I love this post!! It makes me so excited for fall!! You give the best fashion tips and I love your style and authenticity!!! Keep being amazing and have the best time with HOCO week!!!
sandi says
That anthro sweatshirt reminds me of one of my dad’s that the girls borrow when at my parents house. It is an ancient track suit zip jacket that has that same pattern on it in burgundy, grey and cream. It has to from the 80’s at least because I remember him wearing the complete track suit when I was in high school. Honestly, it’s not for me because it brings back 80’s vibes, but it is funny that my girls “fight” over who gets to wear it when the house is too cold.
Amanda H says
Thank you for sharing. I appreciate the hints with differing price points mixed in. As a working mother of three I, don’t make it out to shop for myself (let’s face it anytime) so it is so convenient to see what you have styled. I enjoy your blog daily as an escape over a cup of coffee between meetings.
Cathy says
Just ordered all the loft sweaters!! The size reviews on the JCrew coat are mixed. What size did you get in the Villa coat from JCrew? Thank you!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought mine in a size 2 and feel it runs very TTS. It’s roomy enough for sweaters/layers underneath without being too bulky.
Cathy says
Thank you!!!
Katie Compton says
Love all the ideas! Question… do you have a “fall book list”? I love your fall movie list, and I feel like maybe you’ve done a fall book list but not 100% sure. I love to read to read “seasonal” books. Ha!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do!! You can see it here: https://mixandmatchmama.com/2022/09/shays-favorite-day-gucci-giveaway/
Katie Compton says
Yay!! I knew you had one! Thank you so much for responding. Now… time to load up my Kindle!