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I mentioned on Instagram Stories and in this blog post that I got this duster from Chico's and loved it so much I was inspired to create an entire capsule wardrobe around it. Below I share a summer to fall transitional capsule wardrobe using Chico's New Arrivals. While I call this a capsule wardrobe… it's more like a capsule collection. While items can be mixed and matched, it's not quite as versatile as my usual capsule wardrobes on Wardrobe Oxygen. But I hope it inspires you to see how you can mix fun, colorful, and unique pieces with closet staples for a very versatile and far-reaching wardrobe!
Disclosure: I am a Chico's Ambassador, which means I receive merchandise of my choice to create paid Instagram content each month. I am not compensated in any manner to share this content on Wardrobe Oxygen; I wrote this because I asked for items to make a capsule wardrobe was proud of my result and wanted to share it with you. As with almost every post on Wardrobe Oxygen, affiliate links are used and if you click on them and make a purchase I may make a commission. To learn more about how blogs make money, click this link.
Summer to Fall Transitional Capsule Wardrobe
We shot this transitional capsule wardrobe on a day of 96 degrees before considering the humidity of Maryland. Even if I may have had to blow dry the jeans between looks to remove sweat marks, it's important to realize that before we know it, fall will be here. It's smart if you are shopping right now to consider if these items will last more than a few weeks before they feel too summery or are just not enough for dropping temperatures of early fall.
This transitional capsule wardrobe incorporates pieces from Chico's I have enjoyed all summer (and summers prior) along with pieces that could work now, and could work as summer turns to fall. And while I feature a few looks modeled on me, there are so many other looks that could be created from these versatile pieces!
What's In This Capsule Wardrobe:
What's in This Capsule Wardrobe:
embroidered jeans | printed pants | black ankle pants (available in petite and tall) | white fitted microfiber tank | black fitted microfiber tank | white slub tunic (with slit to easily tie and change the look) | white linen tunic | embroidered denim shirt jacket | printed duster | white sneakers | white sandals | gold heeled sandals (they come in widths!) | straw fedora (it comes in sizes!) | printed structured tote | adjustable length beaded necklace (you can adjust the length) | gold necklace | beaded earrings | gold hoops | gold bracelet | beaded bracelets
You've seen a lot of these pieces before. I think it's important to have some wardrobe staples like elevated tanks in black and white, a pair of well-fitting black pants, some comfortable yet stylish sneakers in your arsenal. You likely have similar already in your closet that will work just fine with this capsule wardrobe.
Some of the more unique pieces are also easy to replace with what you own or similar. The denim jacket and jeans are embroidered, but could easily be switched out for simpler pieces from your favorite retailer or in your favorite silhouette. The duster and printed pants can easily be replaced with similar items in solid colors or a different print, linen or gauze instead of a synthetic.
This capsule wardrobe shows how fun and colorful pieces can actually be quite versatile. You don't have to stick to solid colors and classic accessories to get a lot of mileage with your closet.
While I only modeled a few looks here, there are several more that could be created. Consider wearing the duster over a dress the same length or longer. As I did in this capsule wardrobe, consider belting the duster for a different effect (I tried this and found a wider stretch belt played better with the fabric of this specific duster). The denim shirtjacket is soft and stretchy enough that it could be tucked into a full skirt; add that wide stretchy belt to keep it in place.
Sizing Information
I am 5'3″ tall. I usually wear a size 14 in popular brands, occasionally choosing petite options. With this capsule wardrobe I am wearing a Chico's size 2 in the knit tops and jeans, a 2.5 in the linen tunic and denim shirtjacket, and a L/XL in the duster. The black pants are size 2 petite (and FYI they were several months old, been through the dryer, but you'd never know by how crisp they look. Another reason why I love Chico's!).
The Purpose Behind my Capsule Wardrobes
As always, my capsule wardrobes are an opportunity for you to see your closet in a fresh light, mixing pieces in a way you may not have considered. I hope you like this summer to fall transitional capsule wardrobe; let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Shop the Capsule Wardrobe:
I only wish Chicos would increase the upper arm measurement of their sleeves. I love their No-iron linen shirts but the sleeves are just too tight for comfort in hot weather. I tried again this year and ended up sadly recycling one yet again.
I have found this year they are snugger than before. My favorite shirt is three years old and has a clearly wider arm than more recent versions.
I absolutely love EVERY piece in this capsule and am inspired to run to the nearest Chico’s! Thank you for putting together a beautiful, colorful, transition to Fall that is not all brown and black. 🙂
My pleasure, hope you have a great time shopping!
I love this. I have a huge affection for dusters, even though I am 5′ 1″, ha ha. I purchased the duster from your Blue, Black, and White Travel capsule, and I just adore it. I have pretty much all the other pieces here in one form or another, so I look forward to spicing things up with my new duster. Still waiting for it to be cooler, however, for most of my ideas!
Oh I am so glad you got that duster, it’s so elegant!
Th two black column of color outfits really caught me eye. Especially the one where you put your hair up. It may have been out of necessity, but it changes the vibe too.
Oh, & I checked it out on LTK. You’re having fun over there.
I hired a VA to help me with LTK! She makes all the collages with the aqua border, I just “like” the items and she works off what I choose. It inspired me to start sharing my outfits again!
Such a fun, cheerful capsule and great photos! The heat and humidity in the DC Metro area have been brutal, ugh. Thanks for inspiring me to add more bright colors to my wardrobe. Wearing them is always a mood booster!
I’m so glad you like it, Dana!
Hi Alison,
You did an excellent job on this post! Your new capsule wardrobe is really versatile. I just want to hightlight that choosing good quality fabric that doesn’t look worn out despite multiple wears is also very important, since you will be wearing the same articles of clothing more often.
Have a great day,
Justin
Love the embroidered denim jacket — purchased! Thanks for calling these beautiful clothes to our attention.
My pleasure, Bette. I am so glad you like it!
I love this capsule – a lot of capsules that I have seen use a stripe for the “accent” pattern but I love the Chico’s one you have chosen.
Side note: I see a trip to Chico’s in my (near) future)!
I am about 5’3″ so I think think the folk art pants would be full length on me, too!
Sometimes our height is a benefit! 🙂
That’s a nice collection.
I’m sure I’m not the only person who has something in their closet that looks like this, so it’s not like I’d need to go out and buy the whole group. It never hurts to get inspiration, and if something would be a nice update, then now is the time when selection is best.
In another week or two we’ll be past the worst of the heat, the sun will start setting a little later and it’ll be possible to put on pants and not melt immediately.
Exactly, it feels like summer just started but before we know it, things will be cooling off!