What you wear to work matters. Sure, things have gotten a little casual over the years but your style still plays a critical role in forming first impressions. Your clothes help define how you’re perceived in the office. Whether you’re wearing a blazer or a cozy sweater, your outfit will influence how you feel throughout the day – from a poorly fitted skirt to the f feeling ready to take on the world in your favorite blazer. Incorporating your personality while creating professional looks that fit your dress code whether it’s casual, business casual, or formal is key.
What’s the secret? A capsule wardrobe.
Think of it as a curated professional workwear closet within your closet. Your fall/winter capsule wardrobe takes the guesswork out of creating office-appropriate outfits by focusing on timeless staples you can easily mix and match. I’m sharing some great staple fall workwear for women who have a business casual dress code. You’ll find pieces at every price point that you can wear throughout fall and winter. Curating a seasonal capsule wardrobe will help you feel empowered and make your mornings a little less stressful.
Why You Need a Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe
Do you ever look at your closet and feel overwhelmed about what to wear? If you go through this every day, it can lead to decision fatigue by the end of the week. Creating a fall/winter capsule wardrobe lets you streamline your closet, which gives you a smaller selection of workwear clothing to choose from when dressing for work.
Capsule wardrobes aren’t a new idea, but they’re having a come back. They’re more sustainable and focus on a ‘quality over quantity’ approach, emphasizing well-made, high-quality staples over fleeting trends. You don’t need to break the bank for chic ladies workwear pieces; sometimes, a bit of tailoring on a mid-range blazer can make it look like a luxury item.
Brands like Aligne, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J Crew, and M.M.LaFleur are excellent starting points when building a versatile female workwear wardrobe. Additionally, I created a list of workwear stores by price point HERE.
Blazers
A structured blazer is a business casual workwear essential. A neutral or deep-tone blazer can become your signature piece, transitioning seamlessly across seasons. Blazers are often the first workwear investment to consider when building your capsule wardrobe.
A secret to creating a contemporary but timeless workwear wardrobe is to look for pieces that give classic silhouettes a modern twist. This blazer gives the classic ‘80s power dressing look with built-in shoulder pads and structured shoulders. Cinches you at the waist, while the refined collar creates a polished look.
Coats
If there’s one item to splurge on in your workwear closet, it should be a high-quality coat. A good workwear jacket adds a polished finish to every look. Neutral coats in navy or camel are timeless staples that work well with any outfit.
My favorite places to get coats are from Karen Millen, Avec Les Filles, Mango, and Reiss.
The Karen Millen Tailored Wool Blend Belted Midi Coat is a stylish and versatile piece designed for both warmth and elegance. Crafted from a luxurious wool blend, it features a tailored silhouette that enhances a professional look, complemented by a belt to define the waist. This midi-length coat is ideal for the fall and winter seasons, offering both functionality and sophistication for various settings, from the office to evening outings. The coat’s structured design and premium materials make it a timeless addition to any wardrobe, embodying both comfort and style.
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Bottoms | Trousers & Skirts
Trousers and pencil skirts are mainstays in any workwear wardrobe. Wide-leg trousers in neutral shades add sophistication to your female workwear style, especially in the colder months.
Trousers are a great way to incorporate a subtle pattern into your workwear closet. These Banana Republic trousers are available in five prints and colors with the navy-blue stripe being a must-have for fans of navy.
Banana Republic – Relaxed Wide-Leg Italian Wool Pant
Trousers are a great way to incorporate a subtle pattern into your workwear closet. These Banana Republic trousers are available in five prints and colors with the navy-blue stripe being a must-have for fans of navy.
Sweaters and Layering Pieces
Layering is key in the fall and winter, with cozy sweaters and fitted turtlenecks being essentials in any modern workwear capsule. A cashmere cardigan or chunky knit adds warmth and style, making it easy to transition your outfits through different seasons.
Tops
Turtleneck business casual. Is a turtleneck business casual? Absolutely! They are a perfect layering piece and extrenely comfortable!
Accessories
Accessories bring personality to workwear for women. A structured bag, block heels, or a simple belt can pull your look together, making even the simplest ladies workwear feel intentional and stylish.
Footwear
Fall and winter is fun to play around with cold weather shoes such as boots and booties. I’ve attached a few of my favorites that are perfect for the workplace.
Color Palette: Deep & Neutral Tones
It’s a misconception that workwear can’t be stylish. Walk into any store, and it’s common to see shades of grey and black dominating the workwear section. While neutrals are essential for easy styling, don’t shy away from seasonal hues in your fall/winter capsule wardrobe.
Incorporate deep, seasonal-appropriate tones like navy, burgundy, and forest green to elevate your female workwear. These colors add depth and dimension to your outfit, while neutral tones give you a base for mixing and matching.
Choosing Neutral Tones That Work For Your Complexion
Consider your skin’s undertones when choosing neutrals for your wardrobe. If you have cool undertones, look for neutrals with a blue base, like navy. Warmer undertones pair well with yellow-based neutrals, like camel. Don’t shy away from subtle prints in your capsule wardrobe. Plaid and gingham are timeless patterns that often come in neutral hues, making them perfect for creating chic, office-ready looks.
The pieces in this workwear guide are among the most versatile staples you can own. With the right styling, they can take you from a day at the office to evening drinks with friends.
Curate a Workwear Wardrobe for Every Season
Your fall/winter capsule wardrobe is more than just a seasonal investment. Many pieces will transition seamlessly into spring and summer. By focusing on deep tones and neutrals, you can maximize your winter staples and build a wardrobe that works all year round.
Looking for more workwear inspiration? Check out my ‘What to Wear to Work’ series for additional outfit ideas and workwear recommendations that will help you build a confident, polished wardrobe.
