End of the Season Capsule Wardrobe: Wear Now and Later with Style
It's the time of year where you still have many weeks of summer left, but you can't help but begin to think about fall. Does it make sense to buy any more hot weather fashion? But it's way too early to think about corduroy and wool. I got this blouse from M.M.LaFleur and it is truly a top to wear now and later… honestly all four seasons. It inspired me to make this capsule wardrobe that is chock-full of pieces you may be able to wear now, into fall, and for some, into winter, too.
End of the Season Capsule Wardrobe
This is a summer to fall (and beyond) end of the season capsule wardrobe that is a mix of textures and silhouettes while still remaining mix-and-match and cohesive. Incorporating brands that offer extended sizing and easy-care fabrics, this is a collection of pieces that are not only easy to dress up and down, but also take on travel.
What Inspired This Capsule Wardrobe
The bold watercolor print works with black, with navy, with olive, with shades of brown and tan, and with brighter neutrals like white and ivory. I've worn the blouse with my favorite white jeans and black sandals, and with black ponte shorts and these same exact FitFlop shoes. The blouse looks good tucked in and left out. Those outfits inspired me to create this capsule wardrobe where accessories do heavy lifting and outfits are made to work now and a couple of months from now.
Shop the Capsule Wardrobe
skirt (XS-XXL; code ALISON15 for 15% off) | dress (XS-XXL; code WARDROBEOXYGEN10 for 10% off) | blazer (XS-3X) | tee (XXS-4XL) | pants (XS-3X in regular, petite, & tall) | jeans (2-26W with lengths, petite, & tall) | blouse (XS-XXL; ALISON15 for 15% off) | hoops | ring | necklace | lipstick | shoes | belt | bag
Explaining the Accessories
Speaking of accessories, I added many that I either own or a friend owns and I have personally experienced:
- I own the bag. It is convertible, where the strap can be shortened, removed, and lengthened to make a crossbody, shoulder bag, and even a crescent handbag.
- The necklace, I own the shorter version and wear it all the time, adjusting it from long to short. Longer necklaces are on trend this fall, and this one gives you the ability to have multiple looks with one piece.
- I don't own this exact ring, but I own another from this company and I love the style, the size range, the quality, and concept. Very cool.
- I bought a ring from the company that sells the earrings; the quality is excellent for the nice price.
- I don't own the belt, but I have a similar style from years ago and this look is versatile and back in fashion. I do own other leather goods from this quality and sustainable company.
- I own the lipstick in a different color; I haven't been disappointed by any makeup from this line (though I still don't fully “get” the Miracle Balm)
- As mentioned, I own these shoes and also these similar ones with a more structured buckle. I find both styles wide-foot and even high-volume foot friendly.
Over 15 Sample Outfits
From this collection of seven garments, I made 15 sample outfits. Tap any of the thumbnails to see larger; tap or swipe to go through the looks and tap outside the slideshow to return to this screen:
I did add a couple of extra items to this capsule, thinking you may own similar (or desire something so versatile and timeless).
- This travel wrap, which IMO is the best
- These sunglasses which can be prescription (or readers!)
- This bangle, which adds a bit of interest at a nice price
However, as always with my capsule wardrobes, I create them so that hopefully they can be extended with your existing closet. Adding a pair of white jeans, Bermuda shorts, a denim jacket, a graphic t-shirt, a short-sleeved sweater and adding shells and tops bringing in the colors of the watercolor print.
















I bought the FitFlop Delicato Mary Janes based on this post. I have worn them for a couple of weeks now and everything you said is true. I have a wide-ish foot and they fit fine! And, the inside is a buttery soft leather, so they feel great on. I always trust when you say a shoe is wide foot friendly!
Alison,
Your capsule wardrobes are genius, but your pricepoints are creeping up. Can most of your readers afford a $325 skirt?
Thanks,
TC
I have a post coming up regarding this topic. It is not a cheap skirt at all, but by coordinating with the top it creates a dress effect while also going with a range of pieces across all four seasons. It is a heavier silk than say Quince, it is machine washable, and the print is by the artist Karolina York. I believe I have a range of pricepoints throughout my capsules, but price creep is happening everywhere. If gas costs over $4/gallon, everything else is going to be more expensive in price, or else corners are going to be cut to try to keep the same price. I have been trying brands behind the scenes so I am recommending what I think is worth it, and I am being more and more disappointed by the quality, fit, and durability of many brands. Another example of how fashion is political. You can replace these two printed pieces with solid colors, other fabrics, other prints, the point is having two matched pieces that can dress up and down.
I also looked it up and in 2022, this same skirt from M.M.LaFleur was $229 for solid colors and $339 for a print. I featured the solid version of this skirt back in 2022 https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/georgetown-wine-dine/ so it’s not really a price creep.
I LOVE this capsule! I had to add the silk shirt and skirt to my wardrobe—so versatile and statement pieces. Thank you!
My pleasure, I am so glad you like it!
That top is gorgeous. So versatile and flattering.
It’s not my first Didion top, the fit is so chic and versatile!
Oh, dear! I recently purchased the Miracle balm, but have been hesitant to try it. It reminds me of that other brand by the late Cindy Joseph. You know, the Pro-Age makeup. I did like it, but that one leaves your face a bit shiny. I’m not sure how I feel about that.
I love Miracle Balm, but it took some trial and error to figure out how to make it work for me.
This is a really nice capsule. Good to see essentially a lady tux from you again. You do suits so well.
Thank you!