My Autumn/Winter Wardrobe Staples

I was getting ready the other day and noticed that I basically wear different iterations of the same outfit over and over again. A simple top, a blazer or a jacket, and jeans or pants (depending where I am going). I build a capsule wardrobe every season without even noticing.

In my intention to buy smarter, focusing on fewer and better pieces, I found my personal style. The one I feel comfortable and confident in.

San Francisco has sweater weather all year long (for the most part). Very rarely I am not wearing a jacket, or a thicker sweater. During Fall and Winter however, things get a little tricky and layers are my best friends, so I’ve narrowed down my top five ride or die “autumn/winter heroes”.

Let’s start with blazers.

Not a surprise. If you follow me on social media, you have probably seen that’s all I wear. I love how versatile blazers are. Good for an office setting, for brunch, or even a date night. You can dress them up with heels, or wear them casually with loafers or sneakers. Blazers are definitely a must have item in my closet. Love a good navy, black or tan blazer. Khaki or a plaid print have become favorites as well. A few cute options from all price ranges are linked below!

Next is a good thin knit sweater.

These are good for layering. I have five basic colors in rotation, navy, gray, cream, camel and black. They go with everything. As with blazers, you can dress them up or down. A good merino wool thin knit is my go to for the office, and perfect to layer up. Cashmere is another knit fabric I love. Keeps you warm during cooler days and feels so luxurious and soft.

Now, let’s talk about jeans.

I like a good pair of jeans, who doesn’t, right? I stick to basic silhouettes, high waist, straight leg, a little fitter around the hips, the ones that work with flats, heels, boots, sneakers, everything. If you find the right pair, you essentially just need one in your closet. I linked my favorite jeans below. If you haven’t try any of these brands, please do yourself a favor and get a pair! You’ll thank me later.

My fourth staple item is a classic white t-shirt.

I can’t miss this item on my closet. To wear under jackets or blazers when it’s a little warmer, or to layer up with sweaters when it gets colder. I like my tees to fit boxy (but not too much), hit just above my hips, and sleeves not too short nor too long. Target has very good quality ones, like this one and this one. Such good affordable options! These are so good I can rarely find them in store, so I tend to order my basics online most of the time. I have also listed a few other favorites below as well. I look for ones that will last more than three washes, so if you are like me, these options won’t disappoint!

And lastly, shoes.

Living in a city where you walk most of the time, I find wearing closed toe shoes the most comfortable and safe. During this season I focus on three types of shoes: First, I love a good pair of loafers, something classic that won’t go out of style. Second, ballet flats have been my favorite go to shoes for years. Always good to have a pair in your closet for when a loafer is too strong for the outfit. And third, sneakers. I tend to buy shoes I can wear both in the office and outside, so when I started working at my corporate job sneakers became a secondary shoe of choice. Having now (after lockdown) a more casual style, I have incorporated some classic sneakers into my collection. With any of these options, I grab very traditional shapes and colors. Something I can wear for years and go with everything. I’ve been also loving a pop of color. I think it adds depth to a classic outfit and makes it interesting. Some cool options linked below!

The magic of living in San Francisco is that weather doesn’t change that much, so I wear these pieces interchangeably throughout the year. I personally believe in simpler, fewer and better items when it comes to building a seasonal wardrobe. I try to stay away from trends, and choose colors, shapes and fabrics I know I will love for a very long time.

Thanks for reading!

With love,
Esther