The Autumn Capsule Edit (Edition #006)
aka layering szn
This month’s capsule is for my northern hemisphere friends; an autumnal capsule edit. Or, if you’re headed into summer like I am, one to save for later. Layering during this time of year is key, and I suspect many of you are starting to think about preparing your winter wardrobe (hello down jackets and wool/cashmere blend wrap coats).
I picked out these items with that in mind. If it’s colder, heat tech or thermals will seamlessly fit underneath.
Influenced by years of growing up in a windy city where everyone wears black, you can see that coming through in this capsule. But it’s easy enough to add in little hints of colour as evidenced by my choice of cardigan, and the way the heathered brown coat lifts the mood of the palette.
The ten items featured in this autumnal capsule are:
2x tops (a sleeveless knit vest and a layering base piece)
2x knitwear (one “thinner” cardigan and an oversized chunky sweater)
1x lightweight jacket (ideally that doubles as a top, too - for more outfits)
2x bottoms (a pair of trousers and a full length skirt)
1x coat (midi or maxi length will serve you best, especially heading into winter)
2x shoes (one pair of boots and a low heeled closed toe style)
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the ten items
The knitted vest: Think of this both as a standalone and layering piece. A way to add in a soft fuzzy texture, and, if you’re feeling bold, a fun knitted design. Really chic worn on its own with a trouser or skirt and heels for a night out. Pictured: Grana (40% off with JL40)
Alternatives (priced low to high): H&M | Everlane | DISSH | Marni
The long sleeve base layer: Starting point for your outfits, a good foundational piece. Ideally, something that is going to fit slimmer against the body to not add any additional bulk. Personally I like a merino long sleeve for autumn, but a cotton rib knit is a good option too. Pictured: Arket
Alternatives (priced low to high): COS | Karen Kane | Reformation | baserange | Assembly Label
Fine knit cardigan: Worn open, partially buttoned, tucked, untucked, tied around the shoulders, the waist. This is a nice way to add in a burst of colour, especially if you’ve gone for neutrals with all your other picks. Pictured: La Saison Sportive (15% off with Mademoiselle15)
Alternatives (priced low to high): H&M | UNIQLO | Mango | Sezane | Reformation
Chunky knit sweater: Cosy, comforting, non-itchy. It helps to have a style that can be tucked into jeans/trousers without adding too much extra bulk, but that doesn’t scrimp on warmth. Also worth considering whether you want the sweater to have structure, or add in a softer, slouchier element like the cotton/cashmere blend I went with. Pictured: Jenni Kayne
Alternatives (priced low to high): Madewell | Quince | Theory | The Frankie Shop
Medium-weight layering piece: This could be a blazer, a thick flannel, a coatigan, or in my case, a shacket. Something that you could ostensibly use as an outerwear layer on milder days. For more options, I recommend going with a style that you can wear both as a jacket and a “top”. Pictured: Quince
Alternatives (priced low to high): Everlane| Mango | ONTE | & Other Stories | Jenni Kayne
Trousers that you love: Cropped or full length, either or works. Just consider how the hem will work with the shoes you’ve selected (any awkward skin sandwiches? can we resolve them with a sock?). I decided to choose a high-waisted pair which are cropped to the ankle, with a slightly tapered fit. Pictured: The Frankie Shop
Alternatives (priced low to high): Everlane | DISSH | Sezane | COS | Lilysilk
Maxi length skirt: I picked this second “bottoms” option with thermals in mind. If it’s especially frosty, being able to have the option is a boon and removes any restrictions around when and how you can wear something. A few things to keep an eye out for? Stretchy waistbands and bias cut body skimming silhouettes. Having a touch of refinement in the fabrication is a great way to elevate, too. Silky skirts FTW! Pictured: DISSH
Alternatives (priced low to high): SKIMS | Quince | baserange | FRAME
Midi/Maxi length coat: The pragmatist in me will almost always choose a midi or maxi length coat over all else. Especially if you live somewhere cold. A classic silhouette (I do love a wrap style) in a neutral tone will be a solid workhorse for both your autumn and winter wardrobe. Pictured: The Curated
Alternatives (priced low to high): COS | DUNST | Sezane | Loulou Studio
Neutral coloured boots: With or without a heel. I went with the latter in this case, and you’ll see a design detail that I think is pretty important to consider when choosing boots. The vamp/height of the boot. It comes up reasonably high up the leg. Not always the most flattering if you’re doing boots + a mini skirt, but it will help you avoid having any awkward gaps where the chill can get in, between the hem of your pants/skirt, and the top of your boots. Pictured: AERE Label
Alternatives (priced low to high): Vagabond | Madewell | Everlane | Freda Salvador
Low heeled pumps: Ideally in a darker colour, so that they can transition from early autumn to winter and beyond. Initially, worn without socks, but later paired with a contrasting sock or pair of tights for warmth. An ankle strap helps to keep your shoes secure to your foot, and a low heel will give you that bit of height/elevation, while still feeling resonably chill. Pictured: Porte&Paire
Alternatives (priced low to high): &Other Stories | Vagabond | Sezane | Emme Parsons | Ganni
the outfits
finishing touches
HANDBAGS | Playing up on the textural elements here can be a fun way to incorporate additional visual interest in your autumnal outfits. This is also an opportunity to think about whether you want your bag to play the role of supporting actor, or if you want it to be the main star of the show - aka, a neutral, or a bold colour. I stuck with the former option for this capsule, because I’m utilising that red cardigan as my colour pop. Instead, focusing on texture. Bag is St.Agni, and a beautiful alternative to those styles from Bottega (I bought mine from The Undone but you can order direct here).
GENERAL ACCESSORIES | Rounding outfits out with scarves, hats and gloves. I quite like the drama that a long leather glove adds - this can also be a great way to inject colour that feels unexpected. Depending on where you live, scarves will be a mainstay or something you can live without. Again, I love that these can add in stylistic flair depending on how you wear it. Using a brooch as a fastening mechanism is a great way to add in extra adornment. Brooches in general come into their own here, as they look super chic attached to coats and fuzzy knits.