I Accidentally Started a Capsule Wardrobe When I Added These COS, Madewell, and J.Crew Items Into My Closet
Some people think the holiday season is the best time of year, but I believe it's actually now. It's peak August, which means I can relax on a lounge chair on weekends while shopping for fall (my favorite season to dress for) since the new arrivals have started to land. It really doesn't get better than that, and honestly, that's exactly what my schedule looked like last Saturday and Sunday.
While sunbathing and layering with sunscreen, I had my phone's browser working overtime—all of the tabs were open. I focused mainly on three sites: J.Crew, Madewell, and COS. I've always known they offered great pieces, but their new fall collections look especially elegant and expensive. In just minutes, my digital shopping carts filled up with high-fashion basics like vintage-style straight-leg jeans, fitted cardigans, cinch-waist jackets, croc-embossed belts, sock boots, silk pants, and perfect white tees. Essentially, there was everything I needed to build the ultimate capsule wardrobe. And the best part? I don't have to wait until fall to start wearing them. Interested to see what I found? Scroll down to shop the 35 items. Trust me, they're worth your time and wallet.
Madewell
Every season, Madewell comes out with an It belt, and for fall, this cabochon-studded one will be it.
COS
Ready or not, the cape outerwear trend is back for fall.
The next hue COS has added to its lineup of best-selling Minimal Leather Sneakers is this stunning, expensive-looking navy blue.
I'm normally not one to experiment with color, but this muted blue almost feels like a neutral.
Style with the matching Cropped Jersey T-Shirt ($79).
These remind me of the Chanel Moccasins that popped off last December.
J.Crew
Silk and satin pants are anticipated to be a top trend for fall 2025. Celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kendall Jenner, and Elsa Hosk are already wearing them.
Last fall, beige and khaki barn jackets were popular, but this year, it's time for red and blue ones to dominate.
Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joined Who What Wear in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself. When she's not writing, you can find her taking a Pilates class, reading a powerful romance novel, or exploring a new wellness spot in Manhattan.
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