Fall 2021 Casual Capsule Essentials

Usually, when Fall arrives here on Long Island you can find me digging my favorite cold weather clothes out of bins kept in the creepiest corners of our unfinished basement. Like everyone else, it’s a time when I assess my leftover wardrobe, see what fits and determine what should really be tossed, even if it made the cut in the spring.

And, what did I find this year? Well, I found 4 sweaters and 1 cardigan waiting for me… while that’s a good place to start; it’s clearly not going to carry me through the colder months ahead. So, it’s time to go shopping!

Now, if you know me at all, you know that I absolutely hate the physical act of shopping. Spending the day browsing through the mall, with no clear direction…well, it makes me anxious, and I honestly don’t understand how anyone could enjoy that experience at all. Enter in my husband, Justin… we are complete polar opposites in this regard.

In an effort to ease my nerves, on shopping trips, I usually have a list prepared of what I want, where to get it, and if that list takes me to the mall? Well, I scout out the best parking spot. You know, the one closest to the stores I am heading to, and in the least crowded location.

Normally, I shop online at the handful of stores that I trust – sizing, quality, stellar customer service, and prompt delivery.

But, before I get ahead of myself, it’s time to make that list. Like food shopping, prepping for your clothing haul is not only a time saver but, it also keeps more money in the bank.

Lastly, it encourages a theme I am desperately trying to weave into my life, minimalism. No, it’s not a new thought/idea. Just a journey I am on at present…

As a result, here is a glimpse of how I am planning to freshen up my 2021 fall/winter wardrobe.

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR 2021 CASUAL FALL CAPSULE

BP Organic Cotton Blend Pullover – I’m not gonna lie, I am swooning over this BP hoodie from Nordstrom. I could see myself living in this one, it looks so comfy. Now, I guess you could say it isn’t a proper pullover because it’s more of a hoodie….

If that’s your stance on the matter than you need to check out this crop sweatshirt from Madewell…

MWL Airyterry Crop Sweatshirt | I am a complete sucker for Madewell sweaters. They are classic and hold up year after year. Long story short, you definitely get your monies worth. However, in a serendipitous turn of events, this particular sweatshirt just so happens to be on sale (at the moment), and it’s in the most perfect shade of green.

Swift Run x Shoes, Adidas- I love the look of this shoe. Now, Adidas admits this is a “running inspired” shoe. So, while I wouldn’t grab these for my C25k sessions, I could definitely see myself wearing these on our neighborhood walks or running errands. The reviews also say that this shoe is super comfy.

Button Front Balloon Sleeve Tunic | this button front tunic is available in 10 different patterns/colors! I love a good collarless tunic, and I would definitely grab this one in black.

Black High Rise Skinnies – The perfect alternative to leggings. Well, at least for my casual homeschooling mom life. This pair of denim is sure to make me appear more “put together”, even when my messy mom bun takes on a life of its own.

Scoop Neck Tee | Scoop neck over v-neck any day for this girl. A great staple for when you’re out and about running errands or just lounging around the house in your new comfy joggers. What troubles me about this staple is that the price for a quality tee just continues to rise. Am I the only one who is blown away by a $30 tee shirt? While a black tee is my go to, I would also consider gray and this one from H&M fits the bill.

Nike Renew Run, Barely Rose – Would I use these as my official running shoe? Definitely not. They’re too cute for that. This is more for running errands or taking the girls to soccer practice. The perfect athleisure sneaker.

Zara Oversized Striped T-Shirt | There is something classic about an oversized striped t-shirt. I can picture wearing this one in the fall and winter, with a pair of dark wash skinnies and Chelsea boots, or in the spring with some distressed denim and comfy mules, or on summer nights crowded around a bonfire in a pair of cut offs and birks.

Like I said, so versatile… I should probably buy more than one…

H & M Jersey Joggers – Leggings you’ve lived a great life (at least in my wardrobe), and I’ve moved on…

No, but seriously, I love joggers. Full disclosure, as with most things in life, it takes me awhile to hop on board. There’s this whole trial and error period that is downright comical.

But, giving up leggings was one of the best things my wardrobe has experienced in the past few years. I highly suggest you give it a try, and why not start with these? I mean they are tapered sweatpants!! If leggings are acceptable (pretty much everywhere) these are a no brainer in my book.

Mid-rise Skinnies, Dark Wash | I love a good pair of dark wash jeans. But I hate when jeans have fading on the knee before I even wear them. Um, excuse me… I’m pretty sure I can handle that?! I think we all can in the normal wear and tear of everyday life, yes?

Side note, for the first time in forever, I actually wore a pair of skinnies so much that I wore through the knee… DIY distressed jeans. Now, that’s authentic! Lol

Threading on denim is also super important to me. Let me give it to ya straight… I despise bright threading on dark wash jeans. Why must it be so pronounced?!

I may/may not be alone here but, when it comes to my dark wash denim, I want the threading on the seams to match the denim. I guess what I’m looking for is seamless denim in a sense…

Oversized Plaid Flannel Boyfriend Tunic – I try to add a new flannel to my collection every year, but I usually play it safe. With a standard black and white or buffalo check. This blue/red plaid will add a pop of color to my fall wardrobe. And, I can see myself living in this cotton tunic this fall!