The Autumn Capsule Edit (#021)
the excitement for layering is palpable
We’ve had a little taste of cooler weather here in Sydney, so of course I’ve gone and gotten all excited about A/W dressing. Timely given today is the first day of autumn down under. Blues have been a pretty solid theme in my closet (and these capsules !!) over the past 18 months, so I’m doubling down on it with this month’s autumn capsule. You could easily replace this with another bright of your choosing; red, yellow, green, pink… I think you get the idea.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can accentuate lines in our outfits, to increase the vertical (aka visual trickery to make you appear taller). But also, how we can define the different sections of our outfits with colour, and what that does for our proportions.
The promise of layers - actual layers - is always exciting after three months of heat, because it’s an instant way to add visual interest to an outfit. That’s warranted. Not styling for the sake of styling, but for practicality. Which is one of those rare instances where putting together elements of an outfit might feel actually effortless.
The breakdown of this capsule looks like this:
2x tops (something slim and something you can layer)
3x knit sweaters (a cardigan, a slim knit, and a chunky knit)
3x bottoms (something cropped, something full length, and something feminine)
1x jacket (full length - light or heavyweight)
1x shoes (a boot with a higher shaft)
You’ll find details for my other accessories at the bottom of this letter, along with style notes for this capsule.
If you’re after more ideas, you can see my last two autumnal capsules HERE and also HERE. Or, if you’re in the northern hemisphere and thinking about spring, I’ve got you covered with THIS capsule and also THIS one.
And one last word before we get into the capsule… but if you have enjoyed receiving my letters and want to support my work, you might like to consider upgrading to paid to get access to the full archive plus all addendums; the monthly plan works out to $1.25 per week (less than the price of a coffee!). If you’re just here for the monthly capsules, they will always be accessible for all subscribers. You can review your subscription options via the button below.
the ten items
The base layer | Something that functions as a standalone, but is thin enough to layer underneath shirts or other knitwear pieces if you really want to double down on warmth (FYI this is my biggest tip for keeping warm without the bulk!). Pictured: Friend of Audrey
Alternatives: Everlane | Sezane | COS | Goelia | Friends with Frank
A long-sleeved top | Look, I’ll always champion the versatility of a shirt - year-round - but it’s not the be all end all if this isn’t your style. That said, something with zippers or buttons or some sort of unusual styling elements will probably give you the most range. Pictured: Nothing Written
Alternatives: Arket | Tibi | Madewell | Toteme
The open knit | This is probably the most prescriptive I’ll ever get in a capsule, but some sort of knit which has the ability to be worn open. Recommend picking something with enough substance that it can be worn over other knitwear pieces if desired. Pictured: Quince
Alternatives: Sezane | Remain Birger Christensen | Arket | Marle | FwF
A thin long-sleeved sweater | Most people might pick a classic crew, maybe in cashmere, but anything that has a lightweight or “thin” quality to it. Great for layering underneath other knits if needed. Pictured: LILYSILK
Alternatives: Doen | UNIQLO | Naadam | Sportscraft
A chunky sweater | The singular silhouette that is currently taking over my A/W wardrobe. Why not make it something in a punchy colour? A fun way to add in a bit of striking contrast, while effortlessly lifting your winter wardrobe colour palette. Pictured: COS
Alternatives: DISSH | La Ligne | Guest in Residence | Everlane | H&M
Full length trousers | An instant leg lengthener, and a great way to signal a sense of polish, even when paired with more casual staples. Often these tend to have more of a relaxed fit through the body too. Pictured: DISSH
Alternatives: Meshki | Madewell | UNIQLO | Tibi | Country Road
A cropped trouser | Better yet if it has a slightly different silhouette to the trousers. Maybe a more structured fabric, something with texture, or a wider fit through the leg. Pictured: Oroton
Alternatives: H&M | COS | Facade Pattern | Aritzia
A full length skirt | A lot of this capsule is centred around this idea of a long vertical, which full length pieces will always lean into. A trouser style skirt has that sense of polish and refinement while still being easy enough to dress down. Pictured: Sofie D’hoore
Alternatives: DISSH | Calli | Arket | Tibi | Meshki
An almost floor sweeping coat | Ankle grazing coats tend to have a sense of drama to them. Usually more fabric, and a presence which just isn’t matched by something hip length. Not to mention that it’s the pragmatic choice too. More fabric covering the body for that final insulating layer. I recommend choosing a neutral if you’ve punctuated the capsule with colour, or going for something colourful if the rest of the capsule is all neutrals. I’ve featured a woollen style here but you could do a cotton long jacket instead. Pictured: Facade Pattern
Alternatives: Assembly Label | Marle | The Curated | Stand Studio | FwF
Boots with a high shaft | Walkable, and likely in an easy neutral (black is always a safe bet, though you don't need me to tell you that!). As per the notes, I recommend seeking out a style that has a higher shaft so that you can pair it with your skirt and cropped trousers without a hint of your calves on show. Pictured: St. Agni
Alternatives: Bared | Marcs | FREDA SALVADOR | Mansur Gavriel
the outfits
You can watch this capsule in video format above! :D
style notes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good scarf. I included three in this capsule; a small knitted bandana, a full length wider style from Quince, and my favourite silk scarf from Arket. These add a touch of dynamism, visual interest, and obvious depth to a look. A long scarf in particular is fab as you can get really creative with the styling just having a brooch or belt on hand for fastening (see look 5 in row 1).
Jewellery can be the “thing” that helps to lift a simple outfit. I’ve not used it as a styling tool here, but I recommend a necklace that has a decent drop and a larger pendant for a statement over a chunky knit, and earrings with some presence. Trust me when I say it stops an outfit from feeling boring.
Use friction. Tone down a ladylike ‘fit with something more relaxed and casual. Maybe wear your top untucked to signal a sense of ease. Use a baseball cap for an unexpected twist to classic styling.
Accessories should speak to you. They might not make sense to others, but these are that cherry on top. A way you can add in your personal touch. A great (non-seasonally appropriate) example from my own wardrobe are my banana sandals. They’re obnoxiously noisy, but the very fact that they’re covered with mini bananas tickles me every time I wear them. For this capsule, it’s the double buckle belt from The Frankie Shop.
Layer unexpectedly. A thin merino under a shirt is seriously impactful and looks so chic too.
Don’t rely on your bag to carry your outfit. Something I see a lot online with styling advice is that there’s a tendency to imply that our bags make up part of the whole. But really, they should complement and add that bit of “gloss” to the outfit, but not be the thing tying it all together. What I’m saying is, you should like your base outfit, before the coat, and before the bag. What accessories are staying on your body once you’ve de-robed and tucked your bag away for the day? But good bags are a nice to have. I get lots of requests to share faux leather options, and this one from Lecc Project is very good.
