NOTE: Links are updated weekly during the corresponding season. These links are updated regularly during the months of fall: September, October, November (last updated 11/30/21).
PHASE 1: CORE BASICS
These will become a strong foundation for your mix-and-match Everyday Casual wardrobe. Some will also all carry over as core pieces for other seasons.
SIZING INFO: For reference I am 5’6″ and usually size 6/8 or S/M in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes. I note sizing for any options I’ve tried below.
1. Utility Jacket
This is versatile, durable, and great when on-the-go. It can withstand dirt and has huge pockets to store things, allowing you to be hands-free!
- Option 1-J.Crew, Resin Coated Twill Field Jacket, various colors
- Option 2-Amazon, Hidden Zipper Utility Jacket, various colors
- Option 3-Target, Universal Thread Utility Anorak Jacket, various colors
- Plus Size Option 1-Amazon, Core Utility Jacket – goes to size 4X
- Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Lightweight Hooded Jacket, various colors – goes to size 40
2. Neutral Cardigans (1-2 of them)
This comfy, laid back finisher is really easy to move around in. Both a lighter and darker one are featured. Two will give more variety, but it’s fine to start with just one.
- Option 1-Amazon, Open-Front Long Cardigan Sweater, various colors
- Option 2-Amazon, Open-Front Boucle Sweater, various colors
- Option 3-Nordstrom, Caslon Open-Front Cardigan Sweater, various colors
- Plus Size Option 1-Amazon, Long Open Front Cardigan, various colors – goes to size 3XL
- Plus Size Option 2-Nordstrom, Halogen Long-Line Open-Front Sweater, various colors – goes to size 3X
3. Striped Tee
A striped tee is as easy to wear as a plain tee but provides more visual interest.
- Option 1-Amazon, Classic-Fit Long-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt
- Option 2-Amazon, Long Sleeve/3/4 Sleeve Striped T-Shirt
- Option 3-J.Crew Factory, Long Sleeve Striped Tee, navy/white
- Plus Size Option 1-Amazon, 3/4 Sleeve Tee Shirt, goes to size 4X
- Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, B/W or navy/white Round Neck Short Sleeve, goes to size 3X
4. Solid Top or Sweater
This is as easy to wear as any plain tee or sweater. Warmer climates can use lighter weight fleece tees while colder climates can use sweaters. The top featured is a thin fleece.
- Option 1-Nordstrom, Gibson Cozy Pullover, various colors
- Option 2-Old Navy, Textured Crew-Neck Sweater, various colors
- Option 3-Amazon, Long Sleeve Twist Front Tunic, various colors, similar to Audrey’s favorite shown above
- Plus Size Option 1-Old Navy, Textured Crew-Neck Sweater, various colors – goes to size 4XL
- Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Long Sleeve Twist Front Tee, various colors, similar to Audrey’s favorite shown above – goes to size 4X
5. Printed Top
A printed top will add life to your wardrobe! Plaid shirts scream fall, but any print and any color will work.
- Option 1-Old Navy, Plaid Flannel Shirt, various colors
- Option 2-Old Navy, Fall Floral Shirt, various colors, regular and petite sizes
- Option 3-Target, Universal Thread Poet Blouse, various colors
- Plus Size Option 1-Old Navy, Plaid Flannel Shirt, various colors – goes to size 4X
- Plus Size Option 2-Old Navy, Fall Floral Shirt, various colors – goes to size 4X
6. White Top
This tunic transitions between casual to a little dressier with ease, but any white tee will work for a more casual lifestyle.
- Option 1-Amazon, Puff-Sleve Knit Sweater, various colors
- Option 2-Old Navy, Smocked Embroidered Shirt, long sleeves
- Option 3-J.Crew Factory, Popover Tunic Top
- Plus Size Option 1-Nordstrom, Vince Camuto White Blouse – goes to size 3X
- Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Levis Button-Down Blouse – goes to size 4X
7. Dark or Medium Wash Jeans
Jeans are a classic wardrobe staple. The key to all day comfort is finding quality, stretchy jeans that don’t sag!
- Option 1-Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom Jeggings, regular and petite sizes – Audrey’s favorite jeans, she wears size 4
- Option 2-Old Navy, Mid-Rise Dark-Wash Pop Icon Skinny Jeans, regular/short/long lengths
- Option 3-Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Modern Skinny Ankle Jeans, regular and petite sizes – hidden elastic waistband
- Plus Size Option 1-Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Stretch Skinny Jeans – goes to size 24, plus-size version of Audrey’s favorites
- Plus Size Option 2-Old Navy, Mid-Rise Dark-Wash Pop Icon Skinny Jeans, regular/short/long lengths – goes to size 30
8. Black Jeans
Different colored bottoms will maximize your outfit possibilities. (See THIS POST. Link for PDF: https://puttingmetogether.com/building-remixable-wardrobe-part-3/) Black is a very versatile staple for fall and winter.
- Option 1-Old Navy, High-Waisted Rockstar Super Skinny Black Jeans, regular and tall sizes (regular sizes offer regular/short/long lengths)
- Option 2-Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Skinny Ankle Jeans, regular and petite sizes – Audrey owns and loves, she wears size 6
- Option 3-Target, Universal Thread High-Rise Skinny Jeans, regular/short/long sizes
- Plus Size Option 1-Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Stretch Skinny Jeans – goes to size 24, plus-size version of Audrey’s favorites
- Plus Size Option 2-Old Navy, High-Waisted Rockstar Super Skinny Black Jeans, regular and tall sizes (regular sizes offer regular/short/long lengths)- goes to size 30
CORE ACCESSORIES
These accessories may look simple, but they will pull together your outfits!
1. Tote
This tote goes with almost anything and can hold all your stuff while you’re running around town.
- Option 1-Nordstrom, Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote & Wristlet – Audrey’s everyday go-to bag
- Option 2-Nordstrom, Madewell Leather Medium Transport Tote, color: English Saddle (more of an investment but wears well and has great pockets)
2. Lightweight Leather Earrings
These are pricey but incredibly lightweight. You won’t feel them at all, yet they will elevate your outfits. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. White and tan go with everything!
- Option 1-Nickel & Suede, White Cork Leather Earrings – Audrey wears size M
- Option 2-Nickel & Suede, London Tan Cut-Out Leather Earrings (pictured above) – Audrey wears size M
3. Long Metallic Pendant
This is very simple but very versatile. Its simple addition packs a huge punch in completing a look.
- Option 1-Dear Mushka via Etsy, Gold Locket Pendant – Audrey owns and loves
- Option 2-Amazon, Long Gold Disc Pendant Necklace
- Option 3-Amazon, Metal Circle Pendant Necklace
4. Long White Pendant (Optional)
A splash of white will “lift” your outfits.
- Option 1-Amazon, Long White and Gold Tassel Pendant Necklace
- Option 2-Amazon, Long Teardrop Pendant Necklace
5. Solid Colored Scarf
You can use a neutral colored scarf, but a colored one will make outfits pop!
- Option 1-Amazon, Soft Winter Warm Infinity Scarf, various colors
- Option 2-Amazon, Winter Warm Infinity Scarf, various colors
6. Printed Scarf
Elevate solid pieces with a printed accessory. Any print will work.
- Option 1-Amazon, Plaid Blanket Scarf – so many color options including super similar to one above
- Option 2-Amazon, Lightweight Shawl Scarf – various prints, including leopard
7. Booties or Boots in Taupe, Cognac, or Brown
Quintessential fall shoes! Ankle boots work great when it’s warmer while tall boots are best for cooler fall weather. Choose one or both depending on your climate.
- Option 1-Nordstrom, Blondo Sawyer Waterproof Booties, black or dark taupe, medium and wide sizes – Audrey wears size 9
- Option 2-DSW, Lucky Brand Basel Ankle Boots, color: cognac or black
- Option 3-Target, A New Day Ellie Chelsea Boots, cognac or black
- Option 4-Amazon, Naturalizer Jessie Women’s Knee High Boots, regular/wide/extra wide calf sizes
8. White or Black Sneakers
The perfect everyday casual shoe for spring, summer, and fall! Whether they’re Converse, slip-on sneakers, TOMS, or something else, make sure they have a slim, low profile.
- Option 1-Zappos, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Slip-On Sneakers (pictured above), white or black
- Option 2-Zappos, Vans Classic Slip-On Core Classic Sneakers, white or black
- Option 3-DSW, Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip-On Sneakers, various colors
- Option 4-DSW, Naturalizer Marianne Slip-On Sneakers, various colors
PHASE 2: ADDITIONAL PIECES TO BUILD OUT YOUR WARDROBE
Everyday Casual Additions
1. Tops
Add more life and variety to your wardrobe with color and prints. Find tops or sweaters that are soft and comfy but have interesting details. Examples above. Start by adding one, and add more if you want more Everyday Casual options.
- Option 1-J.Crew Factory, Flannel Long Sleeve Top
- Option 2-Amazon, Boatneck Dolman Knotted Hem Top, various colors
- Option 3-Old Navy, Fall Floral Top, various colors
- Plus Size Option 1-J.Crew Factory, Flannel Long Sleeve Top – goes to size 2X
- Plus Size Option 2-Old Navy, Fall Floral Top, various colors – goes to size 4X
2. Olive Jeans
If you need another pair of jeans, add olive ones! Olive is a pseudo-neutral and goes with more than you think.
- Option 1-Amazon, Olive Skinny Jeans
- Option 2-Zappos, Levi’s High-Rise Button Front Skinny Jeans
- Option 3-Target, Universal Thread High-Rise Vintage Straight Jeans
- Plus Size Option 1-Khols, Lands End Skinny Jeans – goes to size 26W
- Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Levi’s High-Rise Button Front Skinny Jeans – goes to size 46″ waist
Athleisure & Weekend Additions
3. Tops
A pullover fleece, cozy sweater, or relaxed hoodie all work great for athleisure style. Chose a length that you feel comfortable in with leggings. Any color works. Add one if you wear athleisure less frequently, and add more if you wear athleisure more frequently.
- Option 1-A&F, Asymmetrical Snap-Up Fleece, various colors, goes on sale often (low stock in some colors) – Audrey wears size M
- Option 2-Old Navy, Cowl Neck Tunic Sweater, various colors
- Option 3-Target, Universal Thread Crew-Neck Sweatshirt, various colors/prints
- Plus Size Option 1-Old Navy, Cowl Neck Tunic Sweater, various colors – goes to size 4X
- Plus Size Option 2-Target, Universal Thread Crew-Neck Sweatshirt, various colors/prints – goes to size 4X
4. Leggings
Leggings are an athleisure basic. Add a pair if you want outfits that are more casual than the Everyday Casual looks. I recommend leggings that are opaque and have compression to provide structure and support.
- Option 1-Nordstrom, Zella Live In High Waist Leggings – Audrey wears size M. These hit all the notes mentioned above. You can workout in these or wear them for athleisure.
- Option 2-Target, Contour Power Waist High-Waisted Leggings, black or navy, regular and long lengths
- Option 3-Old Navy, High-Waisted Elevate Compression Leggings, black, regular/tall/petite sizes
- Plus Size Option 1-Nordstrom, Zella Live In High Waist Leggings – These hit all the notes mentioned above. You can workout in these or wear them for athleisure. Goes to size 3X
- Plus Size Option 2-Old Navy, High-Waisted Elevate Compression Leggings, black, regular/tall/petite sizes – goes to size 4X
5. Black Sneakers (Optional)
Choose low-profile sneakers like Converse or slip-ons. Or choose a sportier option like Nikes. The ones above are extra comfy with a memory foam footbed.
- Option 1-Kohl’s, Nike Tanjun Sneakers (shown above) – Audrey’s favorites, she wears size 9
- Option 2-DSW, New Balance X70 Retro Sneakers
- Option 3-DSW, Dr. Scholl’s Madison Embossed Slip-On Sneakers
Dressy Casual Additions
6. Dresses
Choose a dress that can be dressed up or down to maximize your wardrobe. Any print, color, length, or sleeve length works. The example dresses above can all be dressed up or down to a degree, but they are ordered from most casual to dressiest.
- Option 1-Amazon, Casual Long Sleeve Empire Waist Loose Dress with Pockets, various colors
- Option 2-Target, Knox Rose, Boho Fall Floral Midi Dress
- Option 3-Target, A New Day Fall Plaid Midi Wrap Dress
- Plus Size Option 1-Amazon, Casual Short Sleeve Pleated Dress with Pockets, various colors, goes to size 4X
- Plus Size Option 2-Target, Knox Rose, Boho Fall Floral Midi Dress, goes to size 4X
- Nursing-Friendly Dress Option 1-Amazon, Undercover Mama Fringe Nursing & Maternity Dress, various colors
- Nursing-Friendly Dress Option 2-Amazon, Half Placket Above Knee Printed Belted Sleeveless Dress, various prints
7. Tops
Tops that are not knits instantly take outfits up a notch, even with jeans. Look for tops with special details like prints, a good drape, pleats, or lace. Examples above. Add 1-3 of these types of tops to make Dressy Casual outfits. Start with one top if you have Dressy Casual events infrequently, or add several if you have Dressy Casual events more frequently.
- Option 1-Old Navy, Short Sleeve Fall Floral Blouse, various colors
- Option 2-Target, Universal Thread Sweater Tee, two colors
- Option 3-Target, A New Day Ruffle Sleeve Tee, various colors
- Plus Size Option 1-Old Navy, Smocked Peplum Top, various colors, goes to size 4X
- Plus Size Option 2-Target, Universal Thread Poet Top, various colors, goes to size 4X
8. Heeled Booties or Tall Suede Boots
Find ones with a slightly pointed toe or peep toe for some edge and sass! For a warmer option, choose tall heeled suede boots.
- Option 1-DSW, Journee Collection Sanora Boots, various colors
- Option 2-Target, Universal Thread Anya Booties, regular and wide sizes
- Option 3-Target, Universal Thread Rylee Sylvie Boots, various colors, regular and wide sizes
- Option 4-DSW, Marc Fisher Mayden Booties, various colors
9. Faux Suede or Leather Jacket
A faux suede or faux leather jacket elevates every outfit. This is a staple for fall and spring!
- Option 1-Zappos, BLANKNYC No Limit Suede Moto Jacket, light tan color, pricier but higher quality brand – Audrey loves her similar jacket
- Option 2-Amazon, Levi’s Faux Suede Motorcycle Jacket, various colors
- Option 3-Amazon, BLANKNYC Faux Suede or Leather Moto Jacket, various colors
- Plus Size Option 1-Target, Ava & Viv Suede Moto Jacket, black or brown – goes to size 4XL
- Plus Size Option 2-Amazon, Levi’s Faux Suede Motorcycle Jacket, various colors – goes to size 3XL
10. Clutch (optional)
A clutch in black, leopard print, any metallic color, or wine is a versatile fall bag for a night out.
