Wardrobe Essentials: Fall Tops
If I were to go into someone's closet, throw out everything and have them start from scratch, these are the tops I would start with. I am not calling this a "capsule wardrobe" because I do like variety and do wear items that aren't on this list, but these several items are what I find myself reaching for about 80% of the time. With these styles, you will be able to create a wide variety of looks and get a ton of wear out of each individual piece.
Blouses
1. Relaxed white button down.
This is something that has been so so hard for me to find. I wanted something that was lightweight, not see-through, preferably had pockets, and had a relaxed collar. I finally found one that I love at Zara, but couldn't find it online to add the link. Usually, blouses made with a blend of rayon or linen are the safest bet to achieving this style. I have also wanted a silk top like this for years, but always end up talking myself out of it. This Equipment blouse is my absolute favorite, though. Here are some other good options:
Option 1 (white option), Option 2, Option 3
2. Denim button-down shirt.
A denim/chambray top is something that almost everyone has but I still felt like it was important to add to my fall essentials. I have one with short sleeves and love it because I can wear it year-round. I like pairing this with a really simple outfit of black jeans and black loafers, or with a darker wash jean and nude shoes. Here are some of my favorites:
3. Printed top
I am loving all the animal print this season, but your printed top doesn't have to be as bold. This could be a simple striped button down, or maybe something that has spots. I have become pretty conservative when it comes to wearing prints in the last few years. I tend to gravitate towards prints that are neutral in tone and stick with either stripes, simple dots, or a small floral print. If a top is too bold I end up wearing it only a couple times before I get sick of it and just stop reaching for it. These are some printed tops that I love:
Option 1 (love this top!) , Option 2, Option 3, Option 4
Sweaters
1. Fitted black turtleneck
A black turtleneck seems simple but was really hard for me to find! I wanted one that was fitted, had a short collar (wasn't bulky around my neck), had a ribbed detail, wasn't see-through, and was somewhat cropped so that it would be easy to tuck into pants or wear under something. I ended up finding one at forever21 last year but can't find it online now. My favorite ribbed turtleneck is this one by ATM. When I worked at Nordstrom this was something that I would put in almost every dressing room. It is literally the softest thing and is made with the most amazing fabric, but is at a higher price point. Here are some I found that are really similar:
Option 1, Option 2, Option 3, Option 4, Option 5
2. Fitted Crewneck Camel Sweater
This is a timeless piece. I could have worn this exact same sweater in 2012 with a gingham shirt underneath it and a big statement necklace, and I can wear it today with vintage wash jeans and a pair of Adidas. It is important to me that this sweater is somewhat fitted and a lightweight material because I like to be able to wear it tucked into wide leg pants or high waisted jeans. These sweaters are really great options:
Option 1, Option 2, Option 3, Option 4
3. Oversized Turtleneck Sweater
The purpose of having something like this in your closet is so that you can wear it with leggings when you don't really feel like wearing actual pants that day, and it still looks really cute. I love to wear this sweater with leather leggings, white sneakers, and then add a hat or scarf as an accessory. This piece is best to have in a neutral color like grey or tan.
Option 1, Option 2, Option 3, Option 4
T-shirts
It was really hard for me to limit t-shirts down to just 3 different options because if I'm being honest, t-shirts are the #1 thing that I buy for myself. That being said, I went through my closet and decided on the three styles that I feel are the most versatile and are the ones that I reach for the most. I would say the most important thing with t-shirts is to have at least one that is somewhat fitted, one that is oversized and a little bit longer, and one that has some type of graphic on it for variety.
1. white tee.
Option 1 , Option 2 (reminds me of the Gucci logo tee!), Option 3
2. black or grey tee
Option 1 , Option 2, Option 3.
3. striped tee
4. (Not pictured) Long tank top
This is one of the most important items everyone should have in their closet, especially for fall. Tanks like this are super hard to find and I searched high and low before I found one I love. I wanted something that was sleeveless so it wasn't too hot or bulky underneath sweaters and jackets. I also wanted one that had a rounded hem, and that was more of a slim/straight cut around my body as opposed to something that was cut on a circle. A lot of times, long tank tops are cut on a circle, which gives the bottom a slight flare and can make it bulkier when you wear something over it. This is so cute underneath cropped sweaters or sweatshirts in the fall/winter and just adds more dimension to anything you are wearing. Definitely a game changer.
Option 1 (in white)
