I write my first sentence in a year to you as a little (naughty) cherub excitedly chases a cat beneath my legs.
Needless to say, my life looks a little different these days. It’s been a year, and I took a much longer absence from blogging than I expected (otherwise known as a full-year maternity leave). If I am honest, I haven’t really known how to ‘come back.’ Becoming a parent is a funny thing; I both feel exactly the same as I did before (quite frankly a relief), but also, my life pre-baby feels like a distant memory. Did I used to go out for dinner all the time? Now, it’s take-out. Did I see friends in the city for fun? Now, it’s cozy nights in on the sofa. It sounds all doom-and-gloom, but really — like any change — it’s just that: a change to get used to.
However, with this, my sense of ‘getting dressed’ has irrevocably also changed. While something practical but fun before, clothes have become something of a need rather than want. I don’t get excited to get dressed the way I once did, and I hate wearing bras since breastfeeding (but don’t have the tiny breasts to get away with no-bra). Therefore, I mostly don casual items — still neutral, still feeling like ‘me.’ But more ‘stylish mum in the park’ than ‘lady about London town.’
Another issue is time. I just don’t have the time to search and search for sustainable, well-made, perfect items of clothing from that perfect indie brand anymore. I need things to be presented to be on a silver platter of easy.
That is, until I put this post together. And it’s like a lightbulb has gone off, reminding me of why I’ve felt a low-lying level of ick about myself this past year: I forgot how to appreciate getting dressed. I suddenly remembered the fabulous ease and confidence you feel when you feel impeccably put-together, whether a dress and heels or baggy jeans and a tee. Clothes are just fun, aren’t they?
A year ago, I never thought I’d be here now. Sitting here, a baby nigh 1 year old, telling you all I can’t wait to get dressed again. Happy shopping — both in your current closet, and online.
A Little About This A/W Capsule Wardrobe
Like all of us since 2020, this year’s iteration is definitely more rooted in ‘practical casual.’ (See note above — and see squealing moist dirty baby clawing at my legs — to understand why). While in previous Autumn capsule iterations, I dreamt of romantic ruffle blouses, jumpers with wide draping sleeves, and long billowy dresses, this year I dream of clothes that look cool, fit well, and I can bend down easily in. And they say romance is dead.
However, still wanting to feel my mildly Earthy-boho self, I’ve been incredibly inspired by green tones this year. I’ve been craving it in my decor (more on that later!), in my clothes, in my surroundings, in my food (just need some health please). I think this love affair came about dressing my little bub, where it seems his entire wardrobe is shades of green.
Turns out I’m not alone, because I swear, green is everywhere in the Autumn/Winter color palette this year. Combined with washed black and shades of buttery caramel, army and muted greens really sing.
Also like other iterations, this year my Autumn/Winter Capsule is just that — Autumn and Winter combined. Over on Pinterest, where people seem to really like my collages, I have gotten a fair-few comments about whether 4 ‘capsules’ count as actually being capsule. It’s a fair question — I mean, the fact that I update these every year, that’s not very sustainable is it — so I’ve decided to combine and do biannually, rather than seasonally. It’s more of a challenge to put together for sure. But it shows that you can mix-and-match so many different outfits throughout half the year with just a few items.
AUTUMN/WINTER STYLE CAPSULE WARDROBE: INSPIRATION
Marks & Spencer //@tsangtastic // @Anoukyve
@leiasfez // @aida.bdji // @jessie_bush
Natalie Borton // Reformation // @anoukyve
@emmahill // @patiness_official // Pinterest
THE (MOSTLY) SUSTAINABLE AUTUMN/WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE
*AD — AFFILIATE LINKS
To reiterate, this is a very similar, updated version to the one I did in 2020. If you bought any of the items then and still love them, great! If you’re missing something from your wardrobe, or need one or two items, here are some suggestions currently in stock to help you build your capsule wardrobe.
COATS & JACKETS
CAMEL COAT // MASSIMO DUTTI
(They make the best coats that look high quality and hold up so well.)
FLEECE JACKET// ALBA RAY CREAM BORG COAT
(Sustainable– I also love this more affordable Uniqlo fleece jacket*)
PLAID BLAZER // GANT
(Also love this Weekend Max Mara* version too, as well as a more affordable houndstooth Mango One*)
WINTER COAT // WAT THE BRAND
(Similar sustainable version by Girlfriend Collective*)
RAINCOAT // STUTTERHEIM*
(Sustainable)
KNITS & TOPS
WHITE SWEATER // THE KNOTTY ONES
(Sustainable, such a great, heavy-knit cotton jumper)
GREEN SWEATER // ANINE BING*
(Not sustainable, but quality is amazing. I also love this more sustainable version by Thought Clothing*, and more affordable by Hush*)
CASHMERE SWEATER // ARKET*
(Sustainable, made with recycled cashmere & wool. A black, not-too-heavy, cashmere sweater is the hardest working item in your Winter capsule.)
OTHER SWEATERS I LOVE
ALEX MILL STRIPE SWEATER* (Featured in my 2020 Autumn Capsule, still love it!)
REFORMATION ENDA SWEATER* (Sustainable, perfect sleeves)
SEZANE LUCAS JUMPER* (Sustainable, pairs so well with jeans
BROWN CARDIGAN // EVERLANE*
(Sustainable)
DRESSY BLOUSE // ALIGNE GUAVA PUFF SLEEVE BLOUSE*
(Sustainable — love the bow detail for date nights)
TROUSERS & DRESSES
BLACK JEANS // MADEWELL*
(Sustainable — supports Better Cotton Initiative. Also, after trying countless jean brands, I’ve finally accepted that Madewell jeans are the best and only ones that fit me. Apologies for every future boring blog post).
MID-BLUE JEANS //MADEWELL*
(Sustainable — see note above)
WIDE-LEG TROUSERS // TOTEME*
Also love these Filippa K ones* (sustainable)
JOGGERS // VARLEY IOWA SWEATPANT*
LONG-SLEEVE MINI DRESS // & OTHER STORIES*
(Sustainable / Recycled Polyester)
MAXI SWEATER DRESS // PEOPLE TREE RIB MIDI DRESS*
(Sustainable — it’s technically a midi, but on my short self, it’d definitely be maxi length!)
LOUNGEWEAR & BASICS
LOUNGE SET // PIGLET GINGHAM PAJAMAS*
(Sustainable, 100% linen)
GRAPHIC SWEATSHIRT // ANINE BING*
(Not sustainable, but have had for years, and it’s still in fantastic condition)
THE BEST LONG-SLEEVE TEES //REFORMATION OVERSIZED TEE*
(Sustainable)
STRIPED LONG-SLEEVE TEE // COS*
(100% Cotton)
BROWN LONG-SLEEVE TEE // TKEES*
(AD – previous partner)
BASIC SWEATSHIRTS TO GO WITH ANYTHING // NINETY PERCENT*
(Sustainable)
ACCESSORIES
SILK SCARF // TOTEME*
(Also love LESCARF’S version*)
BLACK BELT // ANDERSON’S*
GOLD BRACELET SET // MISSOMA*
(The best gold-plated jewelry I have tried, hands down)
GOLD EARRINGS // MISSOMA MINI TIDAL HOOPS*
(I wear these everyday and never take them off — even in the shower. The gold plating miraculously held up for the past 1.5 years.)
WINTER HAT // VARLEY*
(80% Merino Wool)
CROSSBODY BAG // A.P.C. GRACE MINI*
(A sophisticated, stylish, and yet practical cross-body bag that can also double as a shoulder bag)
TOTE BAG // CELINE VIA EBAY*
(My dream bag, still on the hunt for this one via Vestaire*…)
SHOES & BOOTS
SPORTY WHITE TRAINERS // VEJA*
(Sustainable)
BALLET FLATS // EVERLANE*
(Sustainable / Okay, everyone is raving about ballet flats, and while I’m a little scarred by wearing them trudging through muddy walks to work in the early 2010’s, I love the way they look with a good straight-leg jeans. While the Everlane* ones are a nicer version, these by Vivaia* are sustainable and water repellent. I can see room for both in a closet, even in a capsule wardrobe).
SUEDE LOAFERS // BODEN*
(Sustainable / I didn’t include these in the roundup due to space, but I live in my Arket version, now sold out. However, the Boden ones are a dead ringer, and Boden is arguably a more sustainable brand to buy from).
LUG-SOLE BOOTS // VAGABOND KENOVA BOOTS*
(Sustainable / the perfect balance of tough lug sole and refined Chelsea boot, so you can wear with anything. Also at a great price point, from a sustainable brand).
DRESSY BOOTS // SEE BY CHLOE*
(Also love the Dear Frances Spirit Boots)
*Links indicate affiliate links. This means, if you choose to purchase the product linked here, at no additional cost to you I will make a small commission. Considering this post took me close to 24 hours to put together, it is very, very appreciated. Thank you for supporting sustainable brands, and thank you for supporting this blog!
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