While I certainly don’t have a small wardrobe, I love the idea of capsule styling and maximizing the number of different looks using a few pieces! A few tips and guidelines that I follow:
Base Layer
- Spend time finding basics with the right fit. A well-cut tee and fitted black pant that hits at a versatile length go a long way.
- Figure out a few easy, comfortable 2-piece “base” outfits that work for your lifestyle and make getting dressed each morning quick & easy. Given the cold Boston weather and my casual lifestyle, my go-to base lately is pair of straight jeans like the Levi’s ribcage and my black Heattech turtleneck. As the weather warms, this will shift to a bodysuit tee and a straight crop jean.
- Shop intentionally for layers or a “third piece.” These will create different useful combos with your base, and a third piece can be as simple as a striped sweater tied over the shoulders. Some must-have layers for me are a relaxed blazer, trench coat, short textured jacket and a cardigan jacket.
- Invest in accessories that can elevate or add personality to your looks. Looking at these 5 outfits, one thing I’d do differently here is incorporate some color. I recently added a red purse and red shoes to my wardrobe, and think those would’ve taken a few of these outfits up a notch!
1. Workwear
Slim black pants: Ann Taylor Audrey crop 0 petite – so good and on sale! Ann Taylor bottoms are usually big on me but these fit notably smaller than their other pants and I even sized up. The medium weight, smooth & stretchy fabric is fitted on me, and these are the perfect length for wearing with all sorts of shoes as seen below!
My Audrey crops in size 0 Petite measure: 12.5″ across the waist, 10″ rise, and 24″ inseam.
White Tee: Everlane box cut tee xs, I sized up for a more relaxed fit. For many years I’ve recommended this as a nice and simple, boxy cut tee in regular cotton.
The Old Navy vintage tee is a budget-friendly option with a slouchy fit, and recently I spent a little more on a few COS tees which are made of thicker and smoother, more premium cotton (also sized up to xs in COS tees). For a more fitted bodysuit option, these Amazon ones are so soft and an EP favorite!
2. Smart Casual
3. Travel
I bought this Amazon trench coat last year because I love the lightweight, floaty feel but have yet to alter it. It is not petite-friendly so someone my size would need to get the sleeves shortened and possibly length hemmed. The only true petite trench option I’ve tried is the J.Crew Icon trench which is a more structured style in a shorter knee length.
4. Vacation
5. Meetings
Hi Jean, love the pants but they’re sold out online. Any suggestions for a similar pant? I ordered the Express Columnist pants in short (not petite; also sold out) and they fit so weird.
Hi Jill, have you tried the J.Crew Cameron pants? Those and their straighter cut Kate pants are both petite friendly and fit me well! You can see a side by side of the two in this post
Does your sezane cardigan have black or navy stripes? It looks black here but the only striped one on their site right now has navy stripes. Thanks!
Hi Amy, mine is the natural / navy colorway!
Jean, years ago you had a few posts about the importance of having a good tailor. At the time, and still!, I couldn’t agree more. But a lot of the posts you present lately show you with the sleeves or the hem of the pants just folded under, not actually fixed. How come?? IMO, the tailor can make an outfit look like a million bucks, but folded under doesn’t look professional or, even, grown up.
Hi Jane – you have a great memory! I completely agree the proper alterations make a big difference. One thing has changed between now and then, haha: young kids. Also, I moved away from my favorite tailor : /
Before I had all the time in the world on the weekends to travel to my tailor or even hand sew my own alterations. And now, just a large pile of items like this trench coat and white jacket that have been waiting over a year now to go get professionally altered…
Jane, this is so unkind and didn’t need to be said. Better to appreciate what you do like without criticism of what you don’t.
Very relatable, Jean. I remember how much you liked your tailor – must be a bummer to not be so close by anymore!
Great idea for these styles. You only need to wear a few clothes and there are many possibilities.
Hey I like the Everlane basic T, I’m 5’1”, weigh 42kg, I’d also like a relaxed look, should i go xs or s?
Does the pant have pockets?
Hi Ray, these pants are a no-pocket style
Hi Mich! if I’m converting 42 kg right, that’s about 92 lb so I’d suggest xs