Creating the office capsule
Every August I get that fall fashion reset feeling. You know what I’m talking about. My heart says “cozy” and my head says “it’s too hot”. This inner struggle continues until around the end of October. To complicate things even more, many of us have to get dressed for work. Over the next four weeks I will be chatting about how these perfect office staples will get you through October, but first let’s talk about the office capsule as a whole and how/why I created it.
I am not a one capsule fits all kind of girl
Capsule wardrobes have been on the rise for a few years now and everyone has their approach. If you’re anything like me your week is made of up different dress codes, activities and moods, so having one capsule wardrobe doesn't make a whole ton of sense. I am not a one capsule fits all kind of for of girl. Having a capsule for different parts of your life is something I can definitely subscribe to.
After working in an office for almost 10 years, I know how much energy and planning it takes to show up to work looking and feeling your best. Many of my clients go into the office 2-3 days a week, and unless you’re job requires business formal attire, office ensembles are leaning more smart casual than ever. Since Covid everything has become more casual, so it’s okay to wear different shapes and fabrics that feel more comfy as long as the overall appearance is polished.
Let’s review my ideal office capsule to help inspire you to create one for yourself!
The capsule rule of 2
Whatever capsule you’re creating needs a list of things. Write them down. For the office capsule you’ll need base layer tops, pants, skirts, dresses (I’m not including a dress bc it’s not me, but most people would), blazers and shoes. Factor in the season so you can add on coats, sweaters, colors and different fabric weights. Now, here comes the rule of two: pull two of each for the capsule and make sure the items in each coupling are a little different.
The Blazers
With blazers pick two different lengths and two different colors. This creates two completely different looks when styling outfits. I chose a simple route of one cropped crewneck navy blazer and one oversized double-breasted tan blazer. I also love the idea of doing a warm tone (like a dark brown) and a cool tone (like a black). Some women prefer tailored blazers to oversized. It’s all really up to you and your body type/style preferences.
The base layers
I always say, the most important pieces are the most boring. Take for example a base layer, so a bodysuit, shell or tank that is layered under something. Choose two different base layers in your favorite necklines, colors and fabrics. Here we have a micro rib navy base layer (navy because it’s a neutral and ribbed because of texture) and a black lightweight jersey base layer (black because it’s a neutral and lightweight because it’s hot). Having different textures like this can help with decision making versus having the same top in different colors. The jersey is more chic and the ribbed is a bit more relaxed and preppy.
The Button Downs
I’ve never met a button down I didn’t like. I’ve also never met one that doesn’t belong in an office capsule. I chose white and oversized because the styling potential is endless (belts, panel tucking, volume, etc) and I chose a cropped light blue to offer up an option that is more waist defining. Button downs are great because one shirt is really three shirts (buttoned up, unbuttoned and 3/4 buttoned). Talk about cost per wear.
The sweaters
Two types of sweaters here: a lightweight black crew neck to wear in air conditioning or put over my shoulders when I wear my base layers without a jacket and a button front sweater vest to (1) layer under blazers to change up the blazer look and (2) to layer over a button down for a trendy look (when I’m in the mood). Sweaters don’t play a huge role in my office capsule for this time of year, but I can’t express how crucial a lightweight sweater is. Fabrics like cotton-linen and lightweight cashmere sweaters are really great for layering and air conditioning.
The skirts
The balloon skirt is a piece that will forever hold a place in my heart. It’s one of the most flattering skirts I’ve ever tried, so it goes in the work capsule and it will stay there for a long time. The pencil skirt has always lived in the office world, but there’s a rendition that includes a higher waist, longer length and a bit of stretch. It’s so chic. Two skirts, two shapes, two colors, two textures and so many possibilities.
The shoes set the tone
Shoes always dictate the vibe of the look. Keep the toes covered and the leather impeccable. I pulled two pairs of shoes out of my closet for this series: a black patent slingback and a pair of ivory mary jane mules. They give two totally different looks, but both are appropriate. Any other shoe is just a bonus!
The pants
Pants are flourishing in my wardrobe because like shoes, they help set the tone. I chose two of the PERFECT work pants for the office capsule and they would 100% work year-round, like everything else here. There’s nothing more elegant than a wide leg pleated trouser, so I pulled out the Anine Bing . Then, while on my hunt for another pair with less volume I came across the most universally flattering pair of pants at The Hive. They are high-waisted, pull on knit flares (that’s a mouth full). They are so good, though. They are high enough to make your mid-section feel secure, but also pocketless so you can wear under tops. They are a thicker knit (similar to a Ponte), but they aren’t too heavy. Lastly, and one of the. best qualities in a pant, you can wear with flats or heels.
The usual suspects
In closing, in all of my outfits you’ll see me wearing the same bag and jewelry. Keeping these pieces simple will help your morning routine feel less stressed. This fall we are seeing big tote bags and I almost always say go for black like this or a dark brown giant tote to elevate your look to the extreme. If you can, go for a pebbled leather bag for wear and tear!
As far as jewelry, I am still really into modern metallic hoops, but for the office I would keep things low key like these hoops by Jenny Bird or these mood hoops by Lizzie Fortunato. A delicate neck stack is appropriate. I would do a strand of pearls and a lightweight gold pendant chain like this one.