Every season I get request to do another seasonal workwear capsule and while I do love pulling new items, my desire to show EVERY combination of outfits has waned. Instead I’ve built a business casual capsule system that works season after season and year after year! I feel like having core pieces are essential to easy dressing so see the neutral core pieces in this post.
Now I get it, the second I start to see fall fashion I’m in LOVE!! With dark hair and green eyes these colors always look good so this season I’ve gathered some styles I’ve been loving and show a few outfit ideas with them but go wild on your mixing and matching!
With each item I’ve given a few in-stock options and how I’ve styled that item in the past but for more work outfits head HERE and HERE.
Trench Coat | Oversized Blazer | Tweed Jacket | Lady Cardigan | Watch | Leopard Belt | Brown Belt | Knot Earrings | Layering Tee | Layering Tank | Crew Neck Blouse | V-Neck Blouse | Button Up Shirt | Lightweight Sweater | Pleated Trouser | Flat Front Pant | Classic Jean | Shirt Dress | Classic Dress | Flat | Sneaker | Pump | Tote | Crossbody | Clutch
TRENCH COAT / CAR COAT
Every season I look for a longer line layering jacket/ coat or coatigan. These are great paired with dresses and long pants plus give that extra layer for seasonal weather. I’ve found that I typically reach for a tan jacket over any other color so I found a variety of trenches and car coats in that neutral color. The one in the capsule I’m wearing here from A&F in a large petite (my arms tend to be on the shorter side) and love that it’s lined and has more weight for fall.
OVERSIZED BLAZER
If you take a look at my closet you can quickly see I’m a big fan of the blazer! Anytime I need to dress an outfit up I’m grabbing a blazer. The longer length style is very versatile and if it has a bit of stretch even better! This season go with a chocolate brown or burgundy to add a touch of fall into your outfits.
TWEED JACKET
This is one of those jackets that never goes out of style. Cropped tweed jackets scream classic elegance but can be paired with trousers, pants, dresses and jeans. As a staple, I would start with a neutral, but this season I found this stunning chocolate brown that has lighter brown, faux leather accents and is great with all the fall hues.
LADY CARDIGAN
This is another style that has come back into popularity but is also a classic! Very similar cut to the tweed jacket but this time in a softer knit fabric. I’ve found some great save options on Amazon and feel like I tend to gravitate towards a cream and stripe. The stripe helps give a pop to a solid color dress or outfit. I prefer the styles that also are a bit more structured with a gold button detail. This season I found this pretty cream and burgundy option from Target that matches so much!
FITTED TEES/ TANKS
Having a variety of fitted tees or bodysuits is great for layering to create a slimming look under blazers and jackets without getting too hot. I’ve tried a ton over the years, and typically, I go for a double-lined or thick, stretchy option. I’m also not a thong girl, so when grabbing bodysuits, I try to find full coverage, but they are rare! In the Pumiey brand, these run small, so size up.
CREWNECK BLOUSE
Crewneck blouses are easy to change out season to season, but having some core neutral colors really comes in handy as well. Once you have stocked up on neutrals this is the season to snag a burgundy, olive, dark brown and seasonal prints to add a touch of fall to your wardrobe! I also like a rounded neck with buttons so if I want to I can open it a bit or leave closed under blazers.
V NECK BLOUSE
My other go-to are v-neck blouses! These are so easy to find season after season, but again, having some core colors as well as a variety of styles of sleeves is crucial to a classic workwear wardrobe. This is honestly the style of top I own the most because they can so easily be dressed up or down, and it allows for a pop of skin or to show off a necklace. This season there are so many pretty options but I also love having a solid brown mix under sweaters and blazers.
BUTTON BLOUSE
I went back and forth on this one, but looking back at my workwear, I feel like a classic button shirt is essential. The Spanx Perfect button shirt is the only one I’ve ever found with a sealed placket, but I’ve also been loving the Quince washable silk blouses for a stretchy feminine look. These look great alone or worn under blazers for a classic professional look.
LIGHTWEIGHT SWEATER
While living in CO, I had to get better about layers, so lightweight sweaters is where it’s at for fall. Most I have are long-sleeved, but there are also some cute short-sleeve styles. I’m a fan of the Quince washable lightweight cashmere for its soft touch and great price. For an even lighter weight this cap sleeve allows for great layers or on it’s own.
PLEATED TROUSER PANTS
This workwear staple has been tricky over the years! This style has become extremely popular, but as a mid-age mom with a belly and short legs, pleats are not always my friend. I’ve found that a single-pleat pant tends to lay better, and hands down, my favorite style comes from Athleta because they are lightweight, stretchy, not too high-rise and don’t dig into the midsection.
FLAT FRONT PANTS
When it comes to work pant styles flat front pants are hands down my favorite. I tend to prefer a wide leg because it helps balance my hips and still gives some length to my legs.
For my ladies that love a flat or a sneakers an ankle length straight leg and kick crop styles look great. For full length I love the Wit & Wisdom ab-solution pants that have a 1″ internal elastic waistband making them but professional AND comfy! For a more affordable option also check out the Old Navy Pixie wide leg style, it’s a great pull-on with tummy slimming.
CLASSIC JEANS
Finding jeans that are work appropriate can be tricky! I love a classic trouser jean and this season Wit & Wisdom has a great dark wash that I’m loving as well as Quince just dropped some high quality jeans for only $50!
SHIRT DRESS
Over the past year I’ve started to gravitate towards shirt dresses. These simple yet classic styles are great when I want a one-and-done style.
CLASSIC DRESS
Nearly every workwear capsule I find a stretchy classic dress! I love that these are easy to throw on during times when I feel a little bloated or just don’t want anything digging into my mid-section. Funny enough during both my pregnancies as a recruiter I basically lived in stretchy sheath dresses and the love hasn’t died! To dress these up even more add a blazer and it’s a timeless professional look.
FLATS
While I’ve said many times that I’m a heels girl, there are times when I love a great flat, too! I prefer something with a classic shape, and I always love a bow.
SNEAKERS
When it comes to pairing sneakers with workwear, it’s best to go with classic, less athletic styles. I love all-white, good-quality sneaker but if you want to add some seasonal colors look for a cream, burgundy or dark brown. I’m loving the new textured Adidas that add a little more visual interest to the shoe and give that earthy woven feel or go with an on trend suede.
PUMPS
When it comes to workwear, I’m a heels girl, but keep in mind that as a recruiter, I would spend most of my day at my desk or at career fairs. For long walks on campus, I would wear flats while toting all my stuff and then change into heels for the event. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve traded in my 3.5″ heels for ones under 3″. Sam Edelman are always my go-to, but I’ve also found some good ones on Amazon.
TOTE BAG
When it comes to work, I typically toted paperwork, laptops and other items back and forth to work, so I loved a big bag. These have a classic look with strong handles and lots of pockets! To see more details of my favorite work Calpak tote, check out this post. This season the un-structured slouchy tote is popular especially in a suede. Target has some great affordable options but I also love the Madewell bag!
CROSSBODY & CLUTCH BAG
When I don’t need a full tote, a great classic crossbody bag is where it’s at! These have a timeless look but still hold enough for everyday use. For a conference or event I don’t need a big bag a crossbody or clutch is a great option. In the collage I linked a new stunning Gucci bag but for something more affordable all of these above are under $100.
So there is it! Do I think anyone needs a full wardrobe re-haul each season, no! But by keeping with these core styles and adding in some seasonal colors it’s easy to have a great looking work wardrobe (that also works for weekend outfits) without a lot of effort. To see how I’ve put together past capsules head HERE.
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You have so many cute jeans/work pants- any recommendations on long pants? I’m 5.11 and struggle finding pants long enough
The Athleta Pinnacle Pant comes in lengths it’s a great one