Every wardrobe starts with the building blocks. Core closet staples which are basics based on your personal style. This would always be my starting point when planning out a capsule wardrobe; and I thought today in partnership with Everlane I could share ten essentials that always, always have a place in my autumn wardrobe.
Wearing Everlane cashmere crew (size S); Everlane cheeky straight jeans (size 25 ankle); the Everlane modern loafers 2.0 (worn in size US10 / review here); and Everlane oversized wool blazer (in size US4)
There’s a few things I tend to look for. These “staples” need to be in neutral colours which I can easily mix and match with other items. Silhouettes are unfussy and generally quite simple. And being a building block means they’re a high traffic item – quality should be very good to withstand continual wear throughout the season.
Ignoring the fact that I’ve clearly included 11 items in the pics below (rather than the 10 I’d banked on talking about…), let’s dive right in.
The layering tee
The Everlane Air Oversized Crew T-Shirt
Autumn is pretty mild here in Sydney, so a layering tee is a must. Even having the best of intentions to wear layers and heavy jackets are usually scuppered by a brisk morning turning into a sweltering day. So a great tee is usually the starting point for many of my outfits. One of my favourites is the Air Oversized Crew Tee; I have the “stone” which is an older colour, but am really drawn to the “clay”, which feels like a slightly deeper option. It’s lightweight, oversized, washes well and fully opaque. A total 10 out of 10.
The oversized shirt
The Everlane Silky Cotton Relaxed Shirt
A shirt is a good 12 month-er. You can easily wear it all year round, with a few simple styling switches. In summer, worn at the beach over your swimsuit. In the spring, semi-buttoned and knotted at the waist. In autumn, paired with your favourite slacks. And in winter, layered with a turtleneck underneath, and an extra knit on top for bonus warmth. So there’s little doubt as to why a good cotton shirt always makes my seasonal must-have lists. My favourite is the Silky Cotton Relaxed Shirt, which I purchased a size up from my usual just for that extra “slouch” factor. It’s light and wispy so even though it’s a generous length, it doesn’t feel like there’s lots of fabric when it comes to tucking it in.
The snuggly knit sweater
The Cashmere Crew OR The Alpaca Crew
I’m a knitwear fanatic, and will practically jump at the opportunity to slip one on. Ironic as I’m a total summer baby at heart. I feel like a good crew neck is a safe choice, especially if you opt for a slimmer profile style. The Cashmere Crew is probably about as classic as you can get, and I love the sleek silhouette. This is a really good layering option which you can wear under blazers (like I’ve done above), or even overalls or a slip dress. If you’re after something that’s a bit cuddlier, I don’t think you can beat Everlane’s Alpaca Crew. It’s hands down one of the most worn pieces in my wardrobe, and it’s not hard to see why. The chunkier style also works well worn over dresses, and then belted at the waist.
The straight jean
One of the older Everlane styles in my wardrobe are the cheeky straights. I really love this silhouette as it’s slim, without being too straight, and the ankle length cuts off at just the right point on me. Cropped jeans just do the most for balancing out my proportions, as I have a longer torso and shorter legs, so I really appreciate having the option to choose my inseam without having to go to the tailor. There’s not much to say aside from these are a pair of jeans which are so good. White jeans can sometimes feel tricky to pull off, but this silhouette makes it feel easy.
The skinny jean
The Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Button Fly
Clearly the memo that skinny jeans are “out” must have missed my desk, as they’re still a firm staple for me. I love balancing out a good skinny with an oversized knit, and they work really well when paired with boxier silhouettes. In general, I think they’re just a good building block, and when you’ve been wearing a style for over two decades, it starts to feel a little like “part of the furniture” if you know what I mean. My go-to’s at the moment are the Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Button Fly in the washed black. I find that they’re a good all rounder as faded black denim seems to go with everything, plus the button fly helps keep a classic feel a little interesting (and retro at the same time).
The overalls (or slip dress)
The next piece is a bit of a wild card; but even with building blocks I like to have that touch of excitement which feels fresh but is still a basic at its core. In the past I probably would have opted for a slip dress (just add tights and a knit), but lately am all for the canvas overalls. These are probably one of my favourite new launches from Everlane; the fit is so spot on. Relaxed, comfy, and perfect for layering. I actually wore mine today, with a simple cashmere crew underneath. The length of the leg on these is pretty long, so I had mine taken up at the tailor to have a cropped fit at the ankle. Love the wide leg, and the cotton canvas is very utilitarian and hard-wearing.
The blazer
It was in my early twenties that a great black blazer became a huge part of my style repertoire. I swear I probably wore it every day, or every other day. It finished off and outfit and made me feel put together. And that’s exactly why I like to ensure I have one to hand as one of my autumn (and winter!) wardrobe essentials. My current love is the Oversized Blazer in black, which you absolutely can’t go wrong with. The Italian wool is just beautiful, and I love the fit. I opted to go with my usual size (US4), and it’s perfectly tailored while having that slightly relaxed, boxy silhouette on my frame. Something that I could throw on with jeans, overalls, a slip dress, with a mini skirt. You name it, you can wear a blazer with it.
The lightweight jacket
As a second jacket option, I like having something to hand that is lightweight, but still feels a little bit casual. A trench coat is always a good choice, but recently I’ve found myself drawn to the utilitarian aspect of the ReNew anorak. This particular jacket is water-resistant, so perfect if you get caught in some autumn showers. It’s also made of recycled plastic bottles, so despite it being quite thin, it’ll keep out the wind, while keeping you warm.
The transeasonal sandal
I’m completely guilty of being that girl who wears knits and jeans with sandals. And I am all here for it. Personally, I love that time of year where I get to mix the best of both worlds. A touch of summer, with a sprinkling of autumn. Something easy to slip on and off, with a good amount of coverage across the foot is my recommendation. For my lifestyle and the Sydney climate, I usually find I can wear slides all the way through to June. My latest shoe love affair has been with the City Sandal; an easy-going slip on mule with a low wooden stacked heel. First of all, love the contrast in materials and colours. Second of all, LOVE how comfortable these shoes are right off the bat. Even for a gal with wide feet like me. I wear my usual 9.5 in these and they’re the perfect fit.
The chunky loafer
My final autumn wardrobe essential would be a great loafer. Sleek, solid, easy to walk in, and in a neutral colour that’ll work with everything. I’ve been especially drawn to the chunkier nature of the Modern Loafer 2.0, which is made of the softest Italian leather. Again, another shoe which doesn’t require any breaking in, and is great if you have wide feet. I did size up to a US10 but I find if I’m walking to quickly sometimes my heels will slip out so probably one you can stick to your usual size in.
So that wraps up my ten autumn capsule wardrobe essentials. To me, these pieces just make sense, and on their own are versatile enough to create many different outfit combinations. And I think that speaks to the general theme running throughout; styles I wear on repeat alone, and also together.
Thanks so much to Everlane for partnering with me on this post.
