Although it’s been 11 months (what?!) since I gave up shopping as part of a crazy, impulsive idea that I’ve somehow managed to pull off, I wouldn’t consider myself a minimalist. Rather, I was a compulsive online shopper looking for a quick change and I’m the type where you give it your all or you give it nothing. So now I am a compulsive shopper with arguably, a lot more control. Honestly, it feels great. Mostly. It’s mostly really great except for when there is something important I need to be at and there’s nothing appropriate (or new) to wear, but it’s fine. I’ve actually gotten really good at getting creative again and that has been a game changer. I’ve gone back to my college days and made things I already have in my closet work for me and made little styling changes to freshen things up and give them new life. My #1 trick you guys, keep it simple. I know, it’s almost too simple to rely on almost like…. that can’t work. It’s too easy. Yet somehow it has. A simple hat or a capelet with the same old tee and jeans make everything seem more interesting and make the cost-per-wear of every piece you’ve got a lot less. I’ve rounded up 9 of the pieces I rely on most for cooler weather so you can make sure you have, borrow or if you’re up for it, buy them to ensure you have a well-rounded, versatile Fall capsule wardrobe any proper minimalist could stand for.
1. A capelet like this one from Box of Style will surely keep you equal parts chic and warm. Wear it belted or open for a more dramatic effect.
2. My skull is practically glued to this hat which you’ll see goes with everything else and bonus: protects you from the sun!
3. A simple gray tee with jeans. Let be real, you can never have too many gray tees. They don’t show dirt or yogurt-covered kisses from toddlers like black or white shirts do and the color is just something everyone looks good in.
4. I’ve been loving mine pulled in to a knot with super high-waisted jeans or just front-tucked.
*The hat really is the perfect addition to any look and it’s not lost on me that you don’t have to fuss with your hair on hat days.
5. Overalls are one of those things that took me way too long to get on board with. ‘I’m in my 30’s. My overalls days are over.‘ Wrong. These comfy camo overalls come in multiple colors and are basically like wearing pajamas only instead of funny looks you get compliments.
*Notice the gray shirt is still here
6. A solid dress. As much as I really am a ‘jeans and tee’ kind of gal, I would live in dresses if it were at all conducive to my lifestyle. Sadly, it’s not easy to walk and ride bikes around LA with two kids in tow in a dress, but if it were, this dress would get worn more than any other for its versatility (day, night, date, happy hour, etc.) I love a good boho-inspired dress too (like the ones above) anything you can throw on with a hat for a day out where you want to be a little more dressed up. If I could shop this year, I would be filling my cart with the dresses below.
7. Lightweight sweaters (because LA) A good knit with an interesting detail (off-the-shoulder is my favorite) will get lots of love with skirts, leggings and jeans. This one is old, of course, but this sweater is so beautiful and shows just the right amount of skin.
*Running it back with the high-waisted jeans!
8. Okay, so sometimes I’ve got to strip by gray tee off my body and well, dress up. For that, there’s a lace blouse. Perfect for date night or work and can be worn with a bralette or under a blazer, it’s possibilities are endless.
9. A big cozy cardigan is like a blanket you can wear and nothing about that sounds bad to me. Wear it over jeans and a camisole or a solid dress in the Fall and it also makes the perfect transitional piece over shorts and a tee come Spring.
Some key pieces and more favorites:
