Women’s Edition

A minimalist, clean, monochromatic capsule.

Welcome to the Women’s Edition of our A/W 2022 Capsule Wardrobe at Houndstooth + Herringbone.

Autumn/Winter 2022 Capsule Wardrobe

With the rise of the “clean girl” and “model off-duty” trends in hair, makeup, and fashion this year, it seemed that our capsule for this season deserved a fresh update to reflect the ultra-chic but “calculated casual” aesthetic with new silhouettes and styling techniques.

***Although this capsule will mirror last year’s capsule due to the nature of “timeless” wardrobe basics, a refresh of a few new pieces, or new ways to style pieces you already have in your closet, keeps fashion fun, creative, and adaptive. We’ve said here before that following trends is a quick way to drain your pockets in an attempt to “keep up,” but no one is completely impervious to the urge to buy that same pair of boots every well-dressed woman seems to be wearing this season in New York… and that’s okay.***

Exploring the Elements

When creating a minimalist or monochromatic capsule, it’s essential to break down and define clearly which pieces are actually making up the overall look of an outfit you love. Creating visual interest helps us in our story-telling and communication by taking control of where to draw the onlooker’s eye.

Let’s explore some elements that could help bring you closer to what those wardrobe pieces might look like for you, through the lens of current trends. I’ll be using inspirational images from designer “ready to wear” runway collections, as well as more wearable and accessible outfits to illustrate this capsule.

Texture Juxtaposition

To create some interest in a monochromatic or neutral outfit, it’s texture that you can use to break up the monotony. For example, a soft, light, slim “cashmere” fabric top, paired with a heavy, rough, wide-legged, structured canvas/denim bottom creates contrast in both silhouette and texture, which helps keep us out of the trap of the “matching set” trend.

Choosing menswear inspired or even oversized pieces to pair with “feminine” silhouettes is another way to build contrast in an outfit without considering texture.

When styling, it’s also important to consider the entirety of your look, including hair and/or makeup choices. Juxtaposition in hair works just as similarly on the eye when perceiving your overall look as any clothing piece would. A soft wave, or natural texture in the hair softens a look, as opposed to a pin-straight style or slicked “model off-duty” bun which sharpens a look.

Intentionality with either the juxtaposition or harmony of your entire look head-to-toe is key to elevating your style from a “nice outfit” to a cohesive “look”.

Layering and Adaptability

Capsule wardrobes in general rely on adaptability, with pieces rotating in and out of many different outfits, but each piece’s role can also change depending on how it’s styled, allowing for even more versatility. For example, a shirtdress can become a skirt with the layering of another piece on top, tucking in the collar and rolling the cuffs underneath to completely “disguise” the dress. A tank top can still be worn in autumn as a transitional piece, paired with a blazer, or under other knits, instead of being moved into the section of your wardrobe labeled strictly as “summer clothes”. This makes pieces adaptable not only in their function, but also in their ability to elevate or simplify an outfit based on the occasion: work, dinner, date night, etc. Try to stay away from pieces limited in their multi-functionality, like bodysuits, which can’t be layered or adapted as easily.

The Trends

Here is a list of the trends I’ve seen making appearances this season that you might want to incorporate into your capsule as supplementals or elevated basics.

Wide-Leg, Baggy, or Heavy Fabric Trousers/Denim

Big or heavy bottoms, whether because of a wide leg/flare style, baggy silhouette, or heavy fabric like canvas/true denim, are the trend on this list that I’m most in love with. They create contrast and interest, as I talked about above, and work well with body types that are suited best in a “tiny top” and “big bottom” silhouette.

Knee-High Boots

Although I have been witnessing a strange amount of cowboy boots in New York, the overall silhouette of a knee-high leather boot is definitely making an appearance this year. The over-the-knee boot, which does wonders for lengthening the body, seems to still be going strong, but can be difficult to dress down, which is where, I believe, the knee-high boot comes in.

Romantic/Historical Necklines and Silhouettes

Both the sweetheart neckline and corset or boning tops are back after their introduction last year, as well as the puffy sleeve and bell sleeve, which can help to soften or feminize a look.

Mid-Tone Colors

Mid-tone taupes, beiges, and even some ambiguously olive/gold tones have been populating the racks this season.

Satin & Leather

Seemingly always the two fabrics that bring the most drama, satin and leather are back, not necessarily paired together, but individually are “supplemental” essentials for the season.

Mini Skirts/Dresses

Midi and maxi length skirts/dresses are definitely still around, but the focus this season has been on mini skirts, and shirts, sweaters, and blazers that are just long enough to be worn as a mini dress.

Split Seam Jeans/Trousers

With slits showing up on either side seams or front center seams, you now have a new way to show off your shoes, or break up a super structured silhouette with a little extra drama at the hem.

Menswear Inspiration

Structured “power” shoulders, menswear inspired pleated trousers, and boxy blazers/jackets have become increasingly popular.

Belts

I personally may have been living under a rock when it comes to belts, because I have gone my entire life up until this season without owning or consistently wearing a belt of any kind. I’ve been noticing belts and belt bags, even layering multiple belts, for the first time this season, in a big way, and I’m totally on board.

A Reminder Before the Capsule…

The goal isn’t necessarily to shop less, but to be more mindful when you shop and define which pieces are “essential” to the season, and which are “supplemental”. It’s okay if it takes you the duration of the season to complete your capsule, so don’t feel pressured to do one big haul for your entire wardrobe.