Fall Capsule Wardrobe For Petites

Oh my goodness, it’s here. IT’S HERE! My very first capsule wardrobe post! I’ll be honest, this was harder than I thought it would be, and I already have a list of things I can improve on if/when I do this again… but I always say that you have to start somewhere, right?!

While this post is geared towards petites, it’s certainly not ONLY for petites. In fact, most of these items are regular sizes that happen to have good proportions and silhouettes for us shorter gals. That being said, I have the “short” length in both of the pants I feature – so if you’re taller, just go with the regular length. Easy peasy!

What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?

Think of it as a mini wardrobe! Instead of focusing on a ton of new items, it’s about curating your closet with versatile pieces that you can mix and match. Basically, it’s the stuff that you’ll wear over and over again, instead of those random things you bought and wore once. Less is more, right?

Tips For Creating A Capsule Wardrobe

To be fair, this is my first capsule that I’ve ever put together – and it was definitely a learning experience! Since I wanted everything to be new and shop-able for you, I kept it pretty small, but it’s different if you’re putting together a capsule just for you at home!

I think the key is to start by doing inventory in your existing closet. What do you have that you LOVE? Start with those – the pieces you reach for most often, that you feel good in, and that goes with a lot of different things. Next, find the things you really like, but maybe don’t wear because you’re not sure how to style it. Hold on to those.

Next, take a look at your lifestyle. What clothes do you need most often? What is your work environment like? Also, what do you prefer to wear on the weekends? Do you need to dress up a lot or is your life more casual? 

And lastly, find the holes in your wardrobe. What pieces are missing that could help make that top work for the office AND brunch? Could you use a skirt that makes you feel cute, but you could also wear to dinner with your parents or coworkers? Obviously everyone’s closets and lifestyles are a little bit different, but here are the items I think everyone should have this Fall…

Fall Capsule Wardrobe For Petites

The Items

Versatile Sweater

If we’re being honest, we’re all going to wear more than one sweater throughout Fall. That being said, having one that can be styled for everything from brunch to date night to work is key. This color is from last year, but they have a TON of beautiful colors this year!

A Pair of Jeans

Again, we’re all probably going to have more than one pair of jeans in our closets, but a solid pair of skinny jeans is a MUST. This pair comes in “ankle” length, which makes it a great regular length on me! I don’t particularly like the jeans from a lot of the brands that have petite sizing, so this is how I get around that without hemming everything!

Plaid Shirt or Flannel

A plaid shirt should be a staple for everyone! This exact one is from last year, but I love this option, too! Wear it loose with leggings, or tuck it in/tie at the waist with jeans or a skirt for a more tailored look. 

Corduroy Skirt

Corduroy is the perfect transitional fabric for a skirt. It feels like Fall, you can pair it with tights (or not!), and it can be casual or polished. The one I’m wearing here is from last year, but this one looks really similar and also comes in petite sizing!!

Long Sleeve Bodysuit

By now, I think we all know that I love a good bodysuit! I decided to style this one for my capsule, but the truth is that I also have a white one and a black one. I like a bodysuit because it gives you nice clean lines that you don’t always get from long sleeve tees when you’re petite. The perfect solution if you want a basic that always lays flat and stays tucked in!

Straight Leg Pants

Whether you go to an office or not, we all have a need for pants that aren’t jeans, right? Except those trendy wide leg crops are no good on us petite gals… and full length wide leg pants are usually at least a foot too long ? But these straight leg crops come in a “short” length and they are everything we’ve been missing!! A solid high rise, comfortable fabric, and only $68  – I can’t recommend these enough!

Silk Shirt

This exact shirt is sold out and I’m SO sad about it – but this one looks VERY similar. Also, I know you might not be looking for short sleeves right now, but this short sleeve silk shirt is PERFECT for petites. Not too long, not too baggy… just right!

Midi Skirt

Midi skirts are a major Fall fashion trend right now, but a lot of the pleated ones are way too overwhelming on a petite frame. Instead of going that route, I discovered that a slim satin skirt is the way to go!

Lace Camisole

Speaking of evening events, a black lace camisole is so useful! Even if you need to throw something over your shoulders, it’s still a subtly sexy addition to your wardrobe!

Sweatshirt

Now that I work from home, I’m always looking for sweatshirts that look nice enough to wear outside of the house – and this one fits the bill! I love that it’s slightly cropped, so it looks cute with leggings, jeans, skirts, and more!

Leggings

Pretty sure every single one you already has leggings, but if you don’t, these are my favorite. I know they’re primarily for working out, but since I don’t wear leggings as pants all that often, I’ll wear these for both purposes!

Booties

We all need booties in our Fall wardrobe, and these are the MOST COMFORTABLE BOOTIES EVER. I know my pair is backordered in black, but the grey is so cute and versatile, too! Besides being comfortable, these are also great ankle boots for short legs. Because they are tight around your ankle, I think they’re much more flattering and elongating than booties with a wide gap. Plus, they easily tuck under skinny jeans, so you don’t need to figure out if your jeans should go in or out… that always drives me crazy!

If you don’t want to wait for the black to come back in stock, I also love these waterproof Blondo booties and these leather Madewell booties.

Nude Bag

I know we’re venturing into the season when neutral colors means dark colors, but sometimes it’s nice to add a little brightness to your outfit! The nude tote in these photos is old, but I love this option by Madewell!

Ballet Flats

For some reason, I’ve gone the past few years without a good pair of ballet flats, and I missed them! This pair is so beautiful in real life and instantly makes a casual outfit look more chic. 

Carry All Bag

OMG GUYS. THIS BAG. When it comes to carry all bags, I’ve always been a tote girl. I even mentioned in this post that I’ve used the same Rebecca Minkoff tote (that I snagged at a sample sale) for YEARS, because why replace something that works? But this bag has changed my mind. I love that it’s really slouchy – and it can fit WAY more than you might think. Laptop, backup shoes, extra sweater, plus an iPad and kindle if you’re flying… all the things!

Nude Heels

Before winter hits, I think it’s nice to reach for nude heels instead of black heels. Plus, I feel like it helps to elongate my legs – and I can use all the help I can get!

Black Shoulder Bag

In addition to a nude bag and a carryall, it’s nice to have one more versatile bag. This shoulder bag can be worn to nearly any occasion – and all you have to do is tuck the strap into the bag, and you’ve got a super cute oversized clutch for evening events!

Loafers

Sure, you might not need ballet flats AND loafers, but I love how professional this pair looks! They’re more comfortable than heels, but will make you feel more like a boss than basic flats. 

Sneakers

Of course, any sneakers will do! I love my Allbirds – I have this washable pair and a pair of weather-proof mizzles. I also really like these sneakers for a trendier look.

Cardigan

I grabbed an old cardigan for this shoot (similar here), but honestly, you just need something to wear over bare shoulders. Whether it’s a cardigan, blazer, or wrap!

Coats

I didn’t shoot any coats for this particular capsule, because all of mine are old – but for Fall, I like to have a leather jacket, a utility jacket, and a light wool coat.

I can include coats and other cold weather accessories if/when I do a winter capsule – would that be helpful? Let me know which ones you’d like to see in the comments!

Fall Capsule Wardrobe Petite Outfit Ideas

Outfit #1

Silk Shirt | Corduroy Skirt | Carry All Bag | Nude Heels

A perfect work outfit for a warm Fall day!

Outfit #2

Alpaca Sweater | Corduroy Skirt | Shoulder Bag | Booties

A more casual work look that’s great for drinks after!

Outfit #3

Plaid Shirt | Corduroy Skirt | Nude Bag | Sneakers

When you’re going to brunch, but you still want to look cute 😉

Outfit #4

Bodysuit | Corduroy Skirt | Shoulder Bag | Loafers

Just add tights if the temps drop!

Outfit #5

Alpaca Sweater | Straight Leg Pants | Shoulder Bag | Loafers

Yes, you can be cozy at the office!

Outfit #6

Silk Shirt | Straight Leg Pants | Carry All Bag | Nude Heels

When you need to crush that presentation…

Outfit #7

Lace Camisole | Cardigan | Straight Leg Pants | Nude Bag | Nude Heels

Wear this to a casual date night, or swap the cardigan for a blazer for work!

Outfit #8

Plaid Shirt | Straight Leg Pants | Carry All Bag | Ballet Flats

If I still had my marketing job, I would wear this to work ALL the time. Casual but pulled together!

Outfit #9

Bodysuit | Straight Leg Pants | Carry All Bag | Loafers

Can’t go wrong with these basics.

Outfit #10

Silk Shirt | Skinny Jeans | Carry All Bag | Loafers

Untuck the shirt, roll up the sleeves, and pair with jeans for the cutest casual look!

Outfit #11

Plaid Shirt | Skinny Jeans | Shoulder Bag | Ballet Flats

The perfect outfit for Football Sunday. GO BEARS!

Outfit #12

Bodysuit | Skinny Jeans | Shoulder Bag | Sneakers 

Running errands never looked better!

Outfit #13

Lace Camisole | Necklace | Skinny Jeans | Shoulder Bag (worn as a clutch) | Nude Heels

Just add a leather jacket for date night!

Outfit #14

Alpaca Sweater | Skinny Jeans | Shoulder Bag | Booties

This is my ideal Fall outfit right here.

Outfit #15

Lace Camisole | Midi Skirt | Shoulder Bag (worn as a clutch) | Nude Heels

Perfect for a dinner party, date night, drinks with friends, or even a holiday party!

Outfit #16

Sweatshirt | Midi Skirt | Nude Bag | Sneakers 

I love this outfit for a day out in the city! Bop from a walk in Lincoln Park to boutique hopping to happy hour to dinner!

Outfit #17

Plaid Shirt | Leggings | Nude Bag | Ballet Flats

Another (more casual) outfit for Football Sunday. Go straight from running errands to pretending to watch the Bears game 😉

Outfit #18

Sweatshirt | Leggings | Carry All Bag | Sneakers 

Whether you’re going to the gym or not, this athleisure look is perfect for a cozy weekend.

Which outfit is your favorite?!

Also, besides adding coats into the mix – how can I improve on this for Winter? Would you like to see more petite-specific clothes, or do you like being able to shop at these stores too? (I personally love when I’m not limited to the petite sections of Loft and Banana, but I’m all ears if you’d like to see more of that!) Also, would it be helpful to see coats with each look? Let me know! Thanks guys!

PS. You might also like The Best Sneakers and Flats, The Best Work Totes, and Wedding Guest Dresses for Fall/Winter.