I was analyzing my wardrobe and what I wear over and over... and it creates a capsule wardrobe of sorts. With the temps changing I am packing up my shorts for sweaters, the sandals for closed-toe shoes and thought it would make sense to share my work from home capsule wardrobe for fall to winter. And you know how much I love creating capsule wardrobes! It's easy to get into a rut of old sweats or even the classic work from home look - a cardigan sweater over pajamas. But I encourage you to find ritual and routine in getting dressed each day. It improves morale, creates a schedule, and reminds yourself that you are beautiful and valuable. You can have comfort, versatility, and easy-care clothes while still having beautiful fabrics, colors, and silhouettes to honor your body and daily work.
This capsule is inspired by the M.M.LaFleur Snyder Jacket, a super soft merino blend belted sweater jacket that I recently added to my wardrobe. I enjoy it so much I am wearing it almost daily, and seeing how it works with a variety of pieces. While this sweater jacket comes in a small size range (I have the M/L which I think would fit 8-14), I have gathered similar heavier-weight cardigans and sweater jackets in the carousel below that are more size-inclusive.
Work from Home Capsule Wardrobe for Fall to Winter
While this capsule wardrobe may not be your personal style, I hope it will inspire you to see how to create multiple looks within your current closet, or see the one or two pieces you could add to your wardrobe to create a cohesive capsule for this season.
black cardigan | taupe belted sweater jacket | purple sweater | teal fleece | striped tee | black turtleneck | black tank | graphic tee | black joggers (similar with broader size range) | jeans | black fleece leggings | black stretch ankle pants | pashmina | leopard belt (plus-size option) | gold hoops | gold necklace | camel flats | gray slip-on shoes | black boots
It's funny, when I look at this capsule wardrobe it looks like SUCH a hodgepodge, but they actually mix and match quite well for times when you want to be comfy and relax, times when you leave the house, Zoom meetings, casual hikes and walks, yoga and stretches, warm days and chilly nights. I put together a few looks, but you can see how these pieces could be mixed and matched even further, and if you add some more pieces into your closet (say a slouchy tweed blazer, a tunic sweater, a utility jacket, a a pair of sneakers or waterproof hiking boots, a cozy pant with a neutral print, a longer sweater coat) it will double or triple the possible looks.
Possible Outfits from the WFH Capsule Wardrobe
To see the individual looks, tap any of the photos below to scroll through the gallery. Just X out to return back to this screen.
Here are 24 different looks from this work from home capsule wardrobe that has 12 pieces of clothing. There are looks that will work if you have to head into the office, looks for that masked Target or grocery store run, looks to wear for a socially distant firepit Friday night with friends, looks for that Zoom meeting where you want to look great but still be comfy, and plenty of looks to be cozy, warm, and comfortable without feeling schlubby.
- Sweater jackets instead of cardigans: with a heavier weight, more structure, and a longer length, a sweater jacket can act as a blazer and dress up nicely, whether it's for heading out of the house or heading onto a video call. Being heavier, they will provide more warmth and won't cling. Both the Madewell cardigan and the M.M.Lafleur sweater jacket have tie closures but look good when left open as well. Also, neither are too stiff or restrictive, keeping you comfy whether you're sitting at your desk or lounging on the couch.
- Black base layers: While I have recently ranted about the lack of color available in fashion today, I do find benefit in having a single color of base staples in a capsule wardrobe. For me, I like the color black because it hides stains, can be purchased at a variety of pricepoints, and complements brights, jewel tones, pastels, and neutrals. The Universal Standard turtleneck is a favorite and this will be my third winter rocking the same one. It's lightweight and stretchy yet opaque, the neck isn't too restrictive, and it washes up beautifully. It's a perfect base layer that isn't bulky, but also looks chic when worn on its own. The Soma tank is amazing; one side is a v-neck, the other a classic scoop. It's fitted without being clingy, stays tucked in, and also holds up well after multiple washes. If you'd like something not so tight I also have this tank and adore it. I recently got these fleece-lined leggings from Athleta and love their weight, fit, and how they come in lengths as well as plus sizes. They are not shiny and look like traditional leggings, just thicker. And the Soma joggers have been a work from home mainstay in my wardrobe since January.
- A mix of shoe silhouettes and colors: I have these boots from Sorel, I got them last winter. I think these lace-up boots are great for looking stylish while being super practical. They are waterproof, the chunky sole is soft with a lot of traction, they're warm, and look great over leggings, under jeans, and even with tights and skirts. The gray shoes are like a slipper/sneaker hybrid making them great for working from home as well as when you need to head out. I chose a camel flat instead of black to add interest but honestly, this shoe could be replaced with a print, a favorite color, or a sleek bootie.
- Accessories complete any look: With face masks, headsets, and staying at home, you may find accessories to be a burden, but they really do pull any look together. I have been wearing this necklace all year and love how it's simple but really adds style. It has an adjustable chain so I can wear it with most any neckline and have it work. These hoops I've had for over a year and they have kept their shine and color and are sturdy and small enough that they work well with face masks, turtlenecks, and other things were earrings can get in the way. And there's no better way to keep yourself warm when working than a cashmere pashmina; if you choose a color that makes you happy it can also brighten any ensemble and be a true accessory.
Reasons Why These Items Were Picked for the Capsule Wardrobe
I want to share the why behind these certain items to explain how they made it into this fall to winter work from home capsule wardrobe:
