Capsule Wardrobe Fall 2021 At 72
A capsule wardrobe is a carefully curated collection of clothes that provides the essential pieces for one season, effortlessly mixing and matching to create a variety of outfits. This streamlined approach is organized by color and designed to meet the needs of your unique lifestyle. As you may know from following my try-on sessions, I refresh my capsule wardrobe every three months to stay current with the latest trends and ensure that my wardrobe remains relevant and functional.To provide maximum convenience for my global readers, I’ve included links to the specific products I’ve purchased, taking into account the preferences of my US-based audience. For my UK and EU readers, you’ll find the corresponding links at the end of this page. Please note that most of these links are affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support is greatly appreciated, as it enables me to continue sharing my fashion expertise with you.
How much to spend on a capsule wardrobe
When it comes to updating my wardrobe, I like to get creative by mixing and matching items I already own with new arrivals. By playing with different color combinations and styling techniques, I can breathe new life into my favorite outfits and avoid the monotony of wearing the same look every day. Unlike many people who reach for their wallets when they feel bored with their clothes, I prefer to make the most of what I have and only treat myself to a few new pieces that will elevate my style or replace worn-out classics. This season, I’ve been enjoying a treasure hunt of sorts in local charity shops in England, where I scour through racks for unique second-hand finds to add to my capsule collection. As you’ll see in this post, you won’t just be getting glimpses of new purchases – there are also some fantastic charity shop scores making an appearance. Ultimately, I don’t believe that looking your best every day has to break the bank. For me, it’s all about being resourceful and having fun with what you already have.
A real woman try-on
As you scroll through these images, you might experience a jolt of recognition. That’s because they depict the reality of fashion on an average older woman – not the idealized figures often presented in style articles. I believe it’s time we see more relatable, mature women featured in fashion posts. My goal is to show you how everyday clothes can look on someone who doesn’t fit the mold of a catwalk model. We may not have perfect bodies, but we can still be stylish.At 72 years young, I’ve got my own set of imperfections: being short (62 inches) and carrying a few extra pounds. Add to that the natural effects of aging – crepey upper arms, cellulite on my thighs, a roll of excess fat at my waist, and thicker ankles – and you might understand why these images could be a shock to some women. Yet, they represent one woman’s genuine efforts to look her best on a reasonable budget and with an average shape for her age.I don’t retouch these images, choosing instead to embrace my natural form. I know it would be easy to manipulate the photos to present myself in a more flattering light, but that wouldn’t be authentic. My hope is to inspire other older women to develop the same confidence in their own skin as I have. After all, loving how you look is a powerful thing.If you want to cultivate that love for yourself, consider The Mature Style Course. This video-led program will guide you through the process of organizing your closet and building outfits that reflect your personal style and body type. You’ll never again worry about having ‘nothing to wear’!
My capsule colors for Fall
This season, I’ve opted for brown as the foundation of my wardrobe, a deliberate choice after a few years’ hiatus from this earthy hue. My collection of brown pieces provides a solid starting point for building my capsule wardrobe. To inject some contrast and visual interest, I’m incorporating green as my secondary color. A muted olive tone serves as the primary shade, with subtle hints of blue-green that harmonize seamlessly with the other main colors. The addition of mustard adds a pop of vibrancy, breaking up the overall monochromatic scheme. Interestingly, this triad of colors is mirrored in my Brora fairisle cardigan, which I acquired last year – a serendipitous find that allows for effortless coordination with the rest of my wardrobe.
Capsule bottoms
While my typical autumn wardrobe consists of just three bottoms and one dress, this season’s change in location has inspired a slight departure from my usual casual country style. Normally based in France, I’ll be spending several months in the UK’s urban areas, where a touch more elegance is warranted for social gatherings and sightseeing excursions. To cater to these occasions, I’ve chosen two pairs of jeans that can effortlessly transition from laid-back to dressier attire, thanks to their versatility.
Jeans x 2
The two pairs of jeans showcased in this post represent distinct styles and silhouettes. One pair boasts a wider cut, offering unparalleled comfort. I acquired these last year and have worn them multiple times since then. The other pair features a more fitted design with a narrower straight leg, providing a contrasting silhouette that complements larger, baggier tops well. These jeans date back to several years ago, showcasing my evolving fashion preferences over time. While they don’t conform to one of my capsule colors, I view blue denim as a neutral shade akin to black and white – allowing it to seamlessly integrate into my color palette without disrupting the overall aesthetic.
Ankle-grazers
I recently acquired a pair of olive green ankle-grazer pants, which I’ve incorporated into my wardrobe as the third item from the bottom. These pants differ significantly from my previous jeans purchases in terms of fit and design. The absence of belt loops is notable, with the waistband sitting comfortably just below my natural waistline. The flat pockets on the hips zip neatly shut, while the ankle zips provide an additional layer of adjustability. The rear area of the pants has a generous amount of stretch, allowing for both smart and casual styling options that I’m thoroughly pleased with. I sourced these pants from marksandspencer.com, where they’re made from a sturdy fabric suitable for cooler days. In comparison to other styles, I’ve also considered pairing them with wider jeans for a retro-inspired silhouette or straight-cut jeans for a classic look.
My capsule tops
As the autumn season approaches, I find myself preparing for unpredictable weather patterns. To ensure I’m dressed for any occasion, I’ve curated a selection of 9 tops that cater to my need for versatility. With rapid temperature fluctuations between sunny and chilly days, incorporating multiple layers has become essential for me.
Cardigans
At the core of this collection is my beloved Brora fairisle cardi. However, I also need another cardigan that complements every item in my capsule, and this one needs to be a solid color to achieve that. I’ve chosen a short blue-green cashmere cardigan from Boden that I purchased a few years ago (a darker green example is showcased in the link).
A sweater
When lounging around, a cozy sweater is a must-have for me. During Bibico’s Spring sale in Bath, I seized the opportunity to purchase a dark blue-green number that would also fit seamlessly into my Fall or Winter capsule. With this color already on my radar, I was able to take advantage of the discount.I often wear sweaters as an outer layer by draping the sleeves over my shoulders like a scarf, which accentuates the shoulder line and creates a slimming effect on the hips. This styling trick also cleverly conceals any upper arm imperfections.But for ultra-casual days, a large square-cut cardigan with pockets is perfect. I’ll likely wear it over leggings as the weather cools down. In fact, this big sweater proved to be exactly what I needed when writing my article on how to style leggings over 50.
A Jacket
I’ve incorporated two versatile pieces into my wardrobe – a three-quarter coat and a brown tweed jacket, the latter sourced from a charity shop. This thoughtful approach has allowed me to stay within my budget for the season. The £5 investment in a retro-inspired, lined jacket with broad shoulders was well worth it, as it offers the perfect blend of style and practicality. Notably, Brora featured a similar design in their ‘new in’ collection this season, which further solidifies the timeless appeal of this piece. I’m thrilled to have acquired an item that seamlessly integrates into my color scheme, permitting me to effortlessly dress up or down depending on the occasion. The slightly slouchy shoulder and straight cut front provide a flattering silhouette, while the length allows for versatility in styling – whether worn open to elongate my upper body or closed to conceal any areas I’d rather not draw attention to. With this affordable purchase, I now have the means to search for another warmer layer or half-coat that will see me through the transition from Fall to Winter.
The Coat
As soon as I laid eyes on M&S’s faux-sheepskin three-quarter coat, I was hooked. The oversized design reminded me of the car coats popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Since I’m currently near a larger Marks & Spencer store in Cheshire, I decided to visit and try it on for size. The reviews offered conflicting advice – some women opted for a smaller size, while others chose a larger one. I wanted to strike the perfect balance between vintage charm and modern style, so I decided to test out a UK 12, 14, and 16. While I adored the over-the-top look of the size 16, I ultimately chose the 14 – my usual size. My reasoning was simple: I want to love this country-style jacket for years to come, and if it’s too bulky, it may go out of fashion when the seventies vibe has passed. I’m now eagerly anticipating the arrival of colder weather so I can showcase my new coat with pride.
Shirts, blouses and tunics
The cream silk shirt that’s been a staple in my wardrobe for the past year effortlessly complements the brown base color. Its versatility allows me to wear it over a tee as a shacket or tuck it in, pairing well with various pants options. The flat waistband of my olive green ankle- grazers creates a seamless silhouette when worn with the shirt that hangs loosely. In contrast, jeans look better when paired with a tucked-in shirt and belt.The addition of a silk shirt instantly elevates even the most casual outfit to a more sophisticated level. Take a look at my previous try-on of silk shirts for inspiration.As I explored the new jersey dresses at Marks & Spencer, I discovered that their greyish green/black animal print t-shirt dress would pair nicely with my olive pants or leggings. Its mini length and stretchy long sleeves make it ideal for everyday wear, and the added bonus is that it will look great under my large sweater and leggings when I’m writing on the sofa.To incorporate more chocolatey brown into my capsule wardrobe, I rummaged through my older clothes and found a classic jersey three-quarter sleeve tee with a cream bow at the neck. Although it’s slightly fitted compared to my current style preferences, it will still look great under my jacket or half-tucked into jeans.
Tee shirts and a sleeveless top
I’ve developed a habit of stocking up on striped tops when they’re on sale at my local supermarket, knowing they’ll come in handy. This capsule features a short-sleeved striped tee in mustard and white that I acquired about a year or two ago. It’s become a go-to layering piece under cardigans and jackets, and its Breton-inspired vibe feels quintessential to the Joni Farthing aesthetic.
I stumbled upon a greeny-blue V-neck tee during a past sale, drawn in by its harmonious color palette with my 2019 cashmere cardigan. It’s now a part of this capsule, as it looks great under the jacket and cardigans – even if I did forget to photograph it.
The pièce de résistance is a linen top from Bibico that I’ve been eager to wear since purchasing it in their spring sale. This square-cut, sleeveless design boasts a round neck and sits away from the waist, which suits my square shape perfectly. It exudes a laid-back elegance when paired with jeans or can be layered over green pants and a blue-green cardigan for a more polished look.
Shoes for this capsule
As I embark on my UK travels this autumn, I’m mindful of packing light, especially when it comes to footwear. My capsule wardrobe has to fit neatly into a single suitcase, excluding the sheepskin coat that’s already claimed its space. To achieve this, I’ve opted to reuse some trusted shoe staples from previous seasons. One pair in particular is the animal print trainers I acquired from Cache Cache France last year. Not only do they match my Fall capsule aesthetic, but they also provide a versatile pairing option for dresses and the new sheepskin coat. Another charity shop find that’s made it into my suitcase are tan loafers with a statement chunky chain across the front – a detail I’m particularly fond of! My daughter gifted me a second pair of loafers from Primark this summer, which initially proved too large but now fit perfectly and offer a lighter-weight alternative to their heavier counterparts. Interestingly, preppy-style loafers like these are trending once again this year, and I appreciate the comfortable fit they provide, courtesy of their wide toe boxes, which cater well to my own wide feet.
Accessories to finish the look
As I was about to purchase the M&S belt bag, I found myself falling head over heels for the Marksandspencer.com camera bag in tan instead. Its slightly larger size and versatility – it can be worn over a jacket – won me over. Being hands-free is essential when out shopping or exploring museums, and this bag’s broad shoulder strap and soft real leather have earned it a special place in my heart. I’m confident it will remain a favorite for years to come.When it comes to accessorizing my outfits, I’ve found that adding a belt can make all the difference. For this look, I paired my jeans with two belts – a simple leather one and a wider, softer suede belt that’s been a staple in my wardrobe for over 15 years. The larger belt sits comfortably below my waist, camouflaging any bulges caused by fitted jeans.In addition to my belts, I’ve also incorporated some big scarves in greeny-blue and mustard, which wrap around my tops and echo the colors of my capsule collection. I’ve also reused a small brown silk scarf from last year’s fall wardrobe, as well as a few chunky hoop earrings and some usual chains from previous years.To complete the look, I’ve added some leather-look brown scrunchies for when I wear my hair in a ponytail. And because I never throw away scarves, they’ll continue to be an easy way to highlight the colors of my capsule wardrobe.
What will you be wearing this Fall?
As you browse through this Fall capsule wardrobe, I hope it sparks inspiration for your own personal style. Recognize that we all have our unique imperfections, but that’s no reason not to strive for looking and feeling our best every day. After all, even the most polished models have had expert guidance behind the scenes.Remember that your lifestyle, personal taste, and weather conditions will differ from mine. The capsule wardrobe that works for me may not be the same for you. That said, it’s essential to draw upon your existing wardrobe, incorporate a few new pieces, and infuse each outfit with your personality.Organizing a capsule wardrobe can be a delightful experience, making morning get-ready sessions truly enjoyable. To explore more inspiration, feel free to visit Marks & Spencer’s UK website: [Olive green (khaki) skinny fit ankle-grazer stretch trousers](link), [Cream silk shirt](link), [Three-quarter suedette faux-sheepskin coat](link), [Greenish-grey animal print tee-shirt dress](link), and [Cross-body camera bag in tan](link).