The 9-Piece Capsule Wardrobe an NYC Fashion Person Swears By Leave a comment
Tessa Faye O’Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She’s a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.
When tasked with creating a basic capsule wardrobe to talk about, I was overwhelmed, thinking, How could I possibly fit everything needed into one neat write-up? That was until I realized that wasn’t the point—the point was to have a base of pieces that could mix and match with all things in your closet as the foundation for getting dressed. Sometimes you just need an anchor item to pull something together, no matter the season. There are pieces that I’ve invested in and now rely on that always serve me.
And the bonus is they almost all mix and match with each other or can be layered with other pieces in my closet or new ones that I bring in. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that’s the key question I ask myself when shopping: Does it fit with the foundation of what you already own so you’ll actually wear it? I’m not saying I don’t love something fun, but I like to make sure I’ll actually wear it within the foundations of my wardrobe.
These pieces make the outfit formula easy so that if I’m in a rush (four days out of five I am), I can always come back to them and rely on them.
Leather Outerwear
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It works when you want to dress up, dress down, or layer over something. I’ve been wearing black but eyeing chocolate leather styles to soften items.
Reformation
Veda Sutton Jacket
Almina Concept
Oversized Faux Leather Jacket
NOUR HAMMOUR
Doran Paneled Textured-Leather Jacket
St Agni
Suede Utility Cocoon Bomber
Black and Blue Jeans
My denim must-haves: black denim (true black) and the perfect vintage blue pair. You can’t go wrong.
LEVI’S
501 90s Straight Jeans
Trench Coat
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This Rue Sophie trench I’ve been eyeing forever has become the best layer piece for everything. I’ve worn it with jeans and a kitten heel for something more polished but also over track pants to feel more put together. Size down for the best fit.
ANINE BING
Rickie Maxi Trench
Gap
Oversized Mac Trench Coat
TOTEME
Organic Cotton-Drill Trench Coat
Gray Pullover
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The gray pullover is anything but casual. You can wear it as a layering piece under a blazer or with jeans and sneakers on a rainy day. This one has been on rotation.
Jamie Haller
The Daily Sweatshirt
The Great
The College Sweatshirt
perfectwhitetee
Alexi French Terry Sweatshirt
mother
The Biggie Concert
J.Crew
Heritage Terry Crewneck Sweatshirt
Denim Shirt or Jacket
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A denim shirt or jacket just always works.
Citizens of Humanity
Solene Shirt
Frame
Classic Denim Shirt
Pistola
Bibi Blouson Trucker Jacket
Black Pullover and Trousers
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The basic mom work uniform is a black pullover and trousers. Always chic.
J.Crew
Perfect Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
apiece apart
Bari Trousers
Shoes: Loafers, Low Heels, Sneakers, Chunky Boots
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The ones on rotation constantly: Mini black Loeffler Randall heels, sneakers, Jamie Haller loafers, and the perfect chunky black boots.
loeffler randall
Odessa Sandals
AEYDE
Daphne Heeled Flip Flop Sandals
margaux
The Marlowe Loafers
Jamie Haller
The Penny Loafer in Black
adidas Originals
Samba Og
Layering Pieces (Tees)
People hate to hear me say it, but I believe in investing in good layering pieces: baby tees that sit perfectly at the waist of your jeans or the slim-fit long-sleeve that is the perfect layer all winter long. It’s about washability, durability, and the fit. You can see me wearing one of these all week.
Leset
Kelly Slim Fit Long Sleeve
Midi to Long Skirt
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Dress up a midi skirt with a jacket or dress down with a T-shirt.
Reformation
Layla Silk Skirt
Anine Bing
Bar Silk Skirt
Everyday Bag
I like something that easily slips over your shoulder but you can also throw into a work tote on the go. It elevates but doesn’t overdo it.
Mansur Gavriel
Mini Candy Hobo
KHAITE
Lori Leather Shoulder Bag
The Row
Park Small Leather Tote Bag
Button-Up Shirt
Don’t forget the perfect button-down shirt!
Comme Si
La Shirt Classica, Cotton Poplin
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford
Wilfred
Reminisce Relaxed Poplin Shirt
