My Autumn Capsule Wardrobe 2022
Hello Autumn! Despite the sun entering through the window, it’s time to make some swaps on the clothes hanging in our closets and get ourselves ready for colder days.
For no reason, I’ve never been so excited for an Autumn like this one. However, having survived a scorching Summer in Madrid (40 ºC by day, 33 ºC by night) - I believe that’s self-explanatory.
When it comes to clothes, I love the easiness that summertime brings. The lightness of the fabrics and that anything will do sort of feeling. However, as I age, I notice that I no longer feel comfortable in some clothes. I am feeling the need to cover up a bit more.
And that’s another reason why I may be so excited to embrace this new season. As I am finally back at the office after two years of working from home, I decided to invest in a few bits to complement my existing minimalist Autumn capsule wardrobe. I always opt for quality and style over quantity.
Without further ado, these are the pieces that I’ll be wearing over and over this Autumn.
T-shirts
OK, I know! T-shirts don’t necessarily scream Autumn. However, these are a staple I wear all year round (even on the coldest Winter days, under a warm and fluffy sweater).
I love combining these with a blazer or a cardigan during the autumn months. I will also wear these under a sweater so that their fabric doesn’t directly contact my skin.
I always opt for 100% cotton shirts. Ideally, sustainably sourced. I also pay attention to its quality and cut before purchasing, as I want this piece to last long.
I want to mix and match these with all the other pieces on this list, so I usually go for plain t-shirts (white or gray). Sometimes, to spice things up a little bit, I opt for a print or pattern that I love- but it’s still relatively easy to create a look with other staple pieces in my collection.
Where do I usually get mine? Levi’s or Benetton (always from outlet stores). However, I recently purchased a t-shirt from Sézane, and I am mesmerized by its quality. So, despite the price, I might buy a couple more - especially next Summer.
Shirts
The last time I wore a classic standard shirt was soon after I started working in Advertising; it’s been over 12 years since then. Most of my colleagues came to the office wearing t-shirts, jeans, and flip-flops. That made me feel so out of tune that I donated all of my Benetton shirts.
Fast forward to this Autumn. Despite still working at an Advertising Agency, my current office requires a slightly more curated attire. Also, nowadays, I am closer to my 40’s than I am to my 20’s - and that makes a difference.
Scrolling through Sézane’s new collection, I found some interesting bits. Timeless cuts, quality-built, available in different colors, and easy to create a formal yet sexy look.
I started by buying a plain light blue one and added more to my wardrobe (one plain white and a striped one), as I was pleasantly surprised by its quality and how it made me look.
How do I plan to wear these? With nothing on top (if it isn’t a cold day), with a plain blazer or a trench coat. However, I think that pairing the plain white one with my ECOALF “Because there’s no planet B” sweatshirt will be a great combo (I can’t wait!).
Where do I usually get mine? This time, Sézane had my full attention (and money) regarding classic quality shirts. However, I had a wonderful experience with the ones from Benetton in the past. Those shirts survived years and years of use, remaining in mint condition. And they were still perfect when I donated them.
Don’t forget to check the quality of the fabric and the cut before you invest your money.
Jeans
I can’t go by without a nice pair of jeans. Nowadays, I am particularly picky when buying a pair of jeans. It must have a particular structure and tone and be slightly high-wasted but not too structured or heavy. Long story short, I happen to be very classic and essential when it comes to jeans.
I’ve been investing a bit more in jeans for the past couple of years. Because:
It’s something that I genuinely appreciate.
I wear these pretty much every single day.
I prefer to buy from a brand that makes its production processes more sustainable.
How do I clean to wear these? With everything! I choose a darker wash for when I want to look more formal and a lighter wash for everyday life.
Where do I usually get mine? Levi’s or Benetton (both from outlet stores).
Blazers
A blazer can instantly transform a look. Making it more classic or put together in just a few seconds. On days I don’t want to look too formal, I pair it with a graphic t-shirt (let’s say Stranger Things), jeans, and sneakers.
When I want to create a more casual smart look, I either pair it with a plain white t-shirt or a shirt.
Since I returned to the office, I’ve been wearing my navy blazer from Mango’s sustainable collection (a couple of seasons ago) pretty much every day.
However, thanks to Brownie’s newsletter (I know, I am that person), I fell in love with this oversized checked blazer and added it to my wardrobe. Given its warm material and large cut, it is a complementary piece.
How do I plan to wear these? On top of t-shirts or shirts
Where do I usually get mine? Mango (check their sustainable line) or Brownie.
Light Sweaters & jumpers
I love a good sweater. I dare say these are my favorite Autumn/Winter pieces. I love the comfort it brings, like an embrace, especially if it has soft material.
The thing with Autumn is that most days aren’t cold enough for a light sweater, while others are too cold for it.
So, I have two options in my closet: a light sweater that I can pair with a shirt on colder days and a light turtleneck jumper to keep me safe from the cold if I pair it with a t-shirt and a coat.
However, something truly annoys me when it comes to sweaters. Oh, you know what it is… how bad some of these look after a few wears — making these impossible to wear the following season.
So, I try to bring these back to mint condition using an old shaver.
How do I plan to wear these? On top of t-shirts or shirts.
Where do I usually get mine? Benetton (outlet) or Comptoir des Cotonniers.
Cardigan
Aesthetically, nothing screams Autumn/Winter more than a cardigan. So simple, yet so lovely and cozy. The perfect layer when the weather is slightly cold and gloomy.
I love wearing a lovely cardigan on top of a plain white t-shirt. It’s the perfect touch and, most of the time, the ideal warm layer.
I had a stripped Benetton one in the past that I wore over and over until it was no longer adequate to be worn.
After not wearing one for so long last year, I rekindled my love for this piece, and I bought two from & Other Stories - a standard and a crossed one (both in grey).
These are perfect for when you’re nearly out of the door, but you’re not exactly sure if you will feel cold at some point.
How do I plan to wear it? On top of plain white t-shirts.
Where do I usually get mine? Benetton (outlet) or & Other Stories.
Trench Coat
I love a trench coat. Classic, timeless and elegant. Especially on those days when it’s not too cold to wear a wool coat but not too warm to wear a classic blazer. And if on top of that it happens to be raining, then this is the perfect piece to wear.
Despite being so fond of trench coats, I only had two throughout my life — one from H&M that I wore endlessly for seven years until it started shredding. And my current one, that I bought from an outlet store last year.
As I want it to last forever, and I don’t know how my body will change (the pandemic taught us many things), I bought it one size up. This means it looks slightly oversize and, as I usually wear my pieces more fitted, I am struggling with how to wear this trench coat while feeling confident at the same time.
The good thing about trench coats is that these are super easy to find, and most brands have at least one model in their collection.
What should you look for? If the color suits your skin tone, its quality-built (material, cut, and finish), and how warm or light it is (decide according to your needs).
How do I plan to wear it? On top of t-shirts, shirts, light sweaters, and cardigans.
Where can you look for a nice one? H&M, COS or Comptoir des Cotonniers.
Wool Coat
I hadn’t had a Wool Coat until two years ago when I bought one from a local outlet store. And, let me tell you, it’s the perfect piece for a cold Autumn Day.
Elegant, classic, and timeless - especially if it’s a more extended model. It instantly brings any casual look to a different level while keeping me safe from the cold.
Mine is navy blue. Besides being more classic and easy to pair with different pieces, it’s super easy to spot any pieces of hair (mine or Seb’s) - which is super annoying.
Despite loving my wool coat, if I were to buy one these days - I would go for the light grey one instead—still classic and elegant but way lower maintenance.
How do I plan to wear it? On top of t-shirts, shirts, light sweaters, and cardigans.
Where did I get mine? Ted Baker (outlet). But there are great at COS and Comptoir des Cotonniers.
Sneakers
I wear sneakers around 330 days a year. I leave the remaining 35 for flip-flops and sandals, only because it’s too hot outside. I love how comfortable these are, how much I can walk without worrying about my feet, and that I can wear these with pretty much anything.
I am super pleased that sneakers are a trend, mostly because I can now wear these with a blazer or a dress without being judged.
Given my previous positive experience with VEJA sneakers, I decided to finally get their Matcha model that I’ve had my eye on for over a year. It was a thoughtful purchase, but I am happy I did it - especially now that I am back at the office.
If you’re into sneakers or want to make a look a bit more casual, there are plenty of eco-conscious models in the market these days at different price tags.
How do I plan to wear it? On top of t-shirts, shirts, light sweaters, and cardigans.
Where did I get mine? VEJA (at Consuela Store, in Madrid).
Light Scarf
A small and light scarf is perfect for slightly revamping a look while protecting the throat from the cold. I’ve never been a soft scarf person until this year.
I suffer from Chronic Sinusitis, this I have a hard time whenever an AC is blast chilling. So, my doctor recommended getting one and having it with me always. Either to cover my throat or my shoulders.
Given its lightness, I’ve been wearing it often this fall—especially early morning commuting to work. I like that it gets the job done without being heavy or bulky.
Plus, it instantly curates any look. On the downside, I notice people tend to call me “madam” or be more formal with me when I wear it. Oh, well!
The good part: this piece can also be worn in the hair, around the wrist, as a belt, or to embellish any handbag.
How do I plan to wear it? Around the neck.
Where did I get mine? Maria Kent.
Other places to look for a light scarf: & Other Stories, Bimba y Lola.
Leather Handbag
An outfit isn’t complete without a handbag; this one of mine is unique.
I am talking about my A.P.C. Small Grace Handbag, which I purchased earlier this year - after visiting the brand’s website every other week throughout the past year.
This has been my faithful and loyal companion since returning to the office, and I am astonished by the number of things I can store inside besides its compact size.
I love that it’s the most structured handbag I own and that it fully closes, protecting my belongings when it unexpectedly rains.
How do I plan to wear it? As a crossbody bag, over whatever I am wearing that day.
Where did I get mine? A.P.C. (through Farfetch).
Are you looking for a cheaper yet sturdy and reliable French leather handbag? Please, take a look at Comptoir des Cotonniers or Sézane.
What about you? What are your key pieces for this season?
