Fall Essentials Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

October 30, 2020

Today we celebrate another internet holiday! It's National Checklist Day and believe it or not, this one has some actual history to it. According to NationalToday.com, aviation safety authorities and pilots created the checklist in 1935 after a Boeing B-17 plane crashed during WWII, admitting that the complex nature of pilots’ work was too challenging to do by memory and required a more standardized way to ensure the safety of the aircraft. To this day, cockpit checklists serve several key functions in aviation safety. So if checklists can keep planes flying smoothly in the air, they certainly can be handy for us civilians to keep our lives on the ground running smoothly!

There's been a lot of buzz in the last several years about a "Capsule Wardrobe". This refers essentially to a small collection of useful clothing that fits your style and you love and can be yourself in, on purpose! Since this is my first time creating a checklist like this one, I decided to start with a "beginner's" version with the most essential of essentials. So let's dive in to what we consider a "Mini" Fall Capsule Collection and hopefully you can use our checklist as a starting point to create your own, making it personal to you!

Tops

√ 1-2 Button Downs - Button downs remain a closet staple because of their versatility and layering possibilities. If your capsule contains one, a solid neutral like our white Gauze Button Down shown below is the choice. If you have room in your capsule for two, I recommend a second printed fun version.

√ Striped Tee - A long sleeve striped tee goes a long way in a fall wardrobe. Layered beneath your favorite vest and riding boots, you're ready for a day out anywhere!

√ Graphic Tee - We love our graphic tees here and wear them with pretty much anything! Throw a chunky cardigan over with your favorite denim or knot it on the side with you midi skirt and sneakers. Plus, who doesn't need positive vibes like our Sunshine Tee layered beneath this best seller chunky cardigan!

√ 2-3 Neutral Tees - Yes, I know this one is a no-brainer but I had to include it.

Bottoms

√ 3-4 Pairs of Jeans - For me, this number might be closer to 7 but I'm a little denim crazy ;-) ..... I think 3-4 makes sense for most people. This would include one pair of cropped, one pair of full length, one pair of skinny & one pair of colored denim if desired. In our shop we have an entire Denim Bar filled with several cuts from our favorite denim designer, Just Black Denim. Click here to view our entire denim collection.

√ Plaid Pants - These are just a classic that will never go out of style. This year our customers are loving these super soft Brushed Knit Plaid Pants that are so comfy you feel like you're in your loungewear!

√ Luxe Lounge Pants - Best to choose a pair of lounge pants in a lush fabric that can be easily duxe Lounge Pantsressed up or down. Here at FN we have a couple great options for this! Our Sweater Joggers have a luxe feel but also look great with white sneakers. Our Side Stripe Silky Wide Leg Pants also have a finer feel with their silky sheen but can be casual when paired with black platform sneakers!

Skirts / Dresses

√ Midi Skirt - The mid skirt, and especially a pleated version, has really taken off as a wardrobe staple in the last several years. As always, we love versatility so these skirts always can be dressed up with short booties or down with your favorite tee or sweatshirt and fashion sneakers. Here, we love the juxtaposition of rock & roll, chunky boots and tulle!

√ Tee Shirt Dress - I'm including this in our mini fall capsule because it is such a great transition piece from summer to fall and even into winter. Perfect for layering and knotting to adjust length, they also look great with any fall bootie. Click here to view our collection of soft, cozy & affordable tee shirt dresses!

√ Go Everywhere Dress - This is what we call the new version of the quintessential "Little Black Dress". This is up to you what silhouette you choose. What makes you feel amazing is what matters here. This year, our Go Everywhere Dress came in the form of a babydoll metallic gold. Trust me, it's a stunner. In fact, don't trust me... here is our beautiful model Teresa looking fabulous:

Sweaters

√ 1-2 Fitted Sweaters - It's sweater weather people! Fitted sweaters are easily layered under vests, jackets, & blazers. At least one neutral and one vibrant is recommended.

√ 1-2 Loose Sweaters - Chunky sweaters are so popular right now and we sure do love them for the comfort and easy to fit style. Tuck the front in slightly to pull the look together whether paired with pants or a skirt.

√ 1-2 Cardigans - Here again, I would suggest one fitted and one oversized chunky cardigan. Two of our most popular cardigans this season are practically sold out already! Click to shop our chunky Pom Pom Cardigan or our Taupe Bell Sleeve Cardigan.

Outerwear

√ Vest - Fall is the best time of year for vests! I recommend having at least one and the options are endless - faux fur, puffer, quilted...whatever makes you feel your best! Our Faux Fur Vest in taupe this year is the softest ever!

√ Puffer Coat - Always a good idea to have a puffer coat and we love a cropped version in a surprising neutral like our Olive Hooded Puffer Jacket.

√ Plaid Coat - A nice mid-weight classic plaid coat will last you many seasons because of it's timeless style. This year we had a beautiful double breasted Mustard Plaid Coat and also a slightly lighter weight belted version that really spoke to our FN-atics!

√ Denim Jacket - Always a must. Period. Your capsule should contain at least one classic fit. Our current fave has a cutoff waist, shop it here.

Accessories

√ Hobo Carryall - Everyone needs one bag that really does "carry all" and nothing is more versatile than our Riley Reversible Tote! Two color options in one tote is perfect one tote bag for your mini capsule.

√ Small Crossbody Wallet - I always recommend using a wallet that can also be converted quickly into a crossbody. This is perfect for any busy lifestyle and especially travel (no, really, we will travel again I'm sure of it). Our vegan leather Crossbody Wristlet Clutch is used by our clients for just this purpose and this year it comes in a fun prints like camo and animal print!

√ Layered Look Necklace - The dainty layered necklace look is here to stay and we do love it but we don't always love the effort into pairing just the right lengths together. For your accessory capsule, I recommend using one necklace that gives you the entire look. Our Chain Link Trio Necklace is perfect to get the job done and won't take up your entire jewelry box!

√ Layering Bracelets - I recommend having at least 5-10 of these bracelets to mix and match for an easy accessory to any outfit.

So there you have it, FN's very first Capsule Wardrobe Checklist! I hope this has inspired you to create your own (or feel free to steal our list!) checklist that helps you to, as always, be yourself on purpose!