Fall 2022 Capsule Wardrobe At 73
I’ve developed a system where I curate a small collection of clothing items that work well together, while storing the rest out of sight. This approach allows me to have multiple outfit options and maintain an organized closet. When it comes to transitional seasons like Fall, layering becomes crucial.The goal is to demonstrate how we can revamp our existing wardrobe without feeling the need to purchase a whole new collection each season. As someone who’s 73 years young, stands at 62 inches tall, and weighs 143 pounds, I’ve learned that it’s essential to showcase realistic images of older women to preserve self-confidence as we age and our bodies change.In this context, I’d like to highlight the versatility of sleeveless sweaters and cardigans.
Building a wardrobe for my lifestyle
As I wander through England’s countryside and seaside towns, revisiting familiar places and meeting up with loved ones, I’ve been finding solace in the simplicity of a capsule wardrobe. This compact collection is perfect for a day out strolling along the beach with my furry companion, sharing meals with family at a local pub, or exploring quaint villages. It’s also allowed me to stay focused on my blog and keep up with my writing routine.
The photos you see are from my time in Margate, where I’ve been staying in a beautifully restored home that boasts unique vintage-inspired decor. However, this means there aren’t many blank walls with ample natural light for photography. As such, you may notice me attempting to block out the mirror behind me, as well as a bit of my rear view and the tripod-mounted phone – a minor imperfection in an otherwise lovely setting.
My outfit consists of charity shop finds, including a top, trousers, and scarf. With these pieces, I’ve been able to create a comfortable yet stylish ensemble that’s perfect for everyday adventures.
My money-saving wardrobe for 2022
I must admit, I have a weakness for acquiring new clothing and shoes. The thrill of updating my style quickly is undeniable. However, with uncertainty surrounding everyday expenses like groceries, fuel, mortgages, and rents, it’s more crucial than ever to be mindful of our spending habits.As such, I’ve created a capsule wardrobe featuring pieces that are already familiar to me. Most of the items have appeared in previous seasonal collections, with some dating back to last year or even earlier. By recombining them in innovative ways, I’ve managed to breathe new life into these trusted favorites.Some of my favorite pieces hail from charity shops, where I discovered an array of navy-colored items during my six-month stint in the UK. These versatile pieces can be effortlessly incorporated into various wardrobes for any season.The truth is, you don’t need to break the bank or even spend a single penny to create a streamlined wardrobe. My 10-step recipe for building a capsule wardrobe remains just as relevant today as it did when I first shared it. If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by your clothes yet still unsure what to wear, I invite you to take a look.Alternatively, if you’d like step-by-step guidance on organizing your wardrobe, my Mature Style Course is here to help. Through a series of short videos, I’ll walk you through the process, ensuring that you end up with a cohesive seasonal collection that flatters your unique style and reflects your personality and lifestyle. You may never shop the same way again!
Fall 2022 color scheme
Shifting the color palette seasonally or annually allows me to approach outfit creation with a fresh perspective, avoiding repetition and inspiring novel combinations that don’t necessarily replicate previous favorites. By deliberately altering the hue spectrum, I’m able to think outside the box and discover new ways to style pieces without falling into the trap of copying past successes.
Fall 2022 base color
I establish a foundation for my wardrobe by selecting a primary color that serves as both an anchor and a neutral base. This season’s choice is olive green, which I’ve previously incorporated as a secondary hue, accumulating a variety of versatile pieces in the process. When seeking a top or bottom, I aim to find colors that harmonize with most others, resulting in a palette that includes white, cream, beige, brown, grey, black, and navy. These classic shades not only form a solid foundation but also make it relatively simple to replenish items as they wear out, thanks to the abundance of options available in these fundamental colors. Denim is another essential component, which I incorporate into my wardrobe, given its widespread presence and adaptability.
Choosing a secondary color
As you’re crafting your personal style, don’t underestimate the power of harmonious color combinations. For those who prefer a timeless approach, sticking to a secondary shade or a tone of their primary color can create a polished look that exudes a sense of put-together-ness. This subtle approach won’t necessarily turn heads, but it will help you avoid looking like you grabbed the first thing you saw in the sales rack. On the other hand, if your style is more experimental, you may want to explore bold pairings, such as pink and yellow or black and a striking contrast like silver. For inspiration, take a look at retailers’ current season lookbooks or inspiration pages, which often showcase both classic and edgy palettes. Consider the green-blue shirt shacketed with a rust-colored top for a unique fusion of styles.
My secondary color for Fall 2022
Harmonizing earthy tones, I paired green hues with various navy pieces from my collection. This restrained color palette creates a serene and understated aesthetic, making it perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
A third color to break the monotony
Introducing a splash of vibrancy with a third, brighter hue can elevate the overall aesthetic. For this combination, I’ve opted for an orangey rust tone, leveraging a familiar piece from my wardrobe – a shirt in this very color. Additionally, a green-blue shirt has been incorporated to harmoniously blend the base colors of green and navy, creating a visually appealing balance.
Here’s my wardrobe for this autumn
Three bottoms:
When it comes to building your wardrobe, finding versatile and timeless pieces can be a challenge. In my previous posts, I’ve shared with you some of my favorite denim jeans, including straight girlfriend jeans, olive cigarette pants, and wide navy linen pants that I picked up for under 10 dollars from a charity shop. These items are not only affordable but also easy to style and mix-and-match with other pieces in your wardrobe.
As we head into Fall, building layers is crucial to creating outfits that are both stylish and functional. One of my go-to layering options is an anywhere jacket. This type of jacket can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and is a great way to add a pop of color to your outfit.
Three pairs of shoes:
While I initially purchased a pair of white canvas sneakers with the intention of wearing them throughout the summer, they’ve unfortunately remained largely unworn. In contrast, my navy and tan loafers from the supermarket have been a staple in my wardrobe, with similar options available this spring at Marks & Spencer. Meanwhile, my trusty navy knitted flats from Allbirds.com have been a reliable choice for warm weather wear.
A few accessories:
Throughout my fashion journey, I’ve had the opportunity to reappear with some of my favorite timeless pieces. The tan leather shopper, for instance, first caught my eye two years ago and has remained a staple in my wardrobe ever since. Similarly, the black and green necklace holds sentimental value as it was part of my very first capsule collection. When it comes to adding pops of color and texture, I’ve also relied on affordable finds like the navy spot scarf, which I scored for under $2 at a local charity shop. Additionally, last year’s thrift store score – a green patterned small neckscarf from the sale bin – has become another trusty companion in my wardrobe.
What didn’t make it into this wardrobe
I strive to maintain an authentic tone throughout these posts. Since I forgot my earrings and chain necklaces, the only jewelry you’ll spot is the necklace I traveled with. While it’s tempting to pop into a store to grab some accessories, my goal is to save money by sticking to what I already own. If these outfits seem too plain for your taste, feel free to add your favorite pieces of jewelry to give them a pop of interest. The key takeaways from this capsule wardrobe are simplicity and practicality, which may not translate directly to your lifestyle. Perhaps you work in an office or enjoy upscale social gatherings – if so, the clothes you’ll need will likely be more formal and stylish than what I’m wearing here. This exercise is meant to serve as a relatable example of how one everyday woman maximizes her fashion budget. To see how my previous capsule wardrobes have evolved (or not!), follow the links above or check out my Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 capsules – a great way to track the changes (or lack thereof!)