AUTUMN WORKWEAR CAPSULE
I called this a workwear capsule but it is essentially JUST a practical capsule.
Working on a rebuild and living in cottage country means I spend a lot of time outside and need to be ready to get into any activity the day calls for. That typically means walking the dogs, garden duties, helping around the job site, capturing the process for Steep Hill Studio, running errands, going to the transfer station (dump) and just about anything else you can think of. I also spend time on my computer so I need to be comfy enough for some of that too. So this capsule is designed to serve all those activities.
Over my many years of capsule closet experimentation the number one benefit I’ve experienced is that it makes life easier. Fewer decisions = better mornings.
12 PIECE AUTUMN WORKWEAR CAPSULE
01. COVERALLS* | On sale. Similar for less with more sizes here and here.
This will be my second autumn with these coveralls and they took some getting used to. At first they felt a bit bulky, however, as they’ve softened up with wear and I’ve figured out that they layer over a fitted turtleneck and leggings perfectly, they’ve become a go-to for dirty chores and messy projects on chilly days.
*These were sent to me as a pr product to test out back in my style influencer days.
02. BLUNDSTONES
I decided to add another pair of Blundstone boots to my collection (of now two pairs) and went for the Classic style in Vintage Brown. I find they’re much lighter and have better tread than the winter thermal dress style I’ve had for many years.
03. TURTLENECKS | On sale.
These have been a staple in my closet for a long time now. They’re a great base layer under knits, flannels, coveralls, jackets and just about anything else. I find they keep me warm without adding bulk to my outfits.
04. CHORE COAT
Admittedly, I haven’t added a proper chore coat to my closet yet but I need one. I’m looking for something that’s about hip length, durable, warm and functional (ie: big pockets). These are a few options I’m exploring: OPTION ONE | OPTION TWO | OPTION THREE | OPTION FOUR | OPTION FIVE
05. DARK WASH DENIM
A good pair of dark jeans are a staple in pretty much any capsule I curate and workwear is no exception. I got a pair of straight leg Levi’s earlier this year and they’ve been great. They have a touch of stretch which makes kneeling, bending, squatting much more comfortable. I throw them in the washer/dryer and they come out like new every time.
06. FLANNELS
I have a few flannels in my closet they’re the perfect added touch of warmth and insulation. Plus a little plaid never hurts in autumn. The one shown above is made in Canada by a very cool company that Dave has shopped from for years.
07. TOQUE
I must confess, I stole this hat from Dave because I loved it so much. So warm and just the perfect fit that comfy and a little relaxed. Made in Canada from recycled cashmere and available in lots of colour ways.
Once you find good socks, it’s impossible to go back to anything but the best. These are my hands down favourite cold weather socks because they’re super warm without being too thick and making my boots feel tight. They’re also machine washable and dryer friendly so they are easy to care for.
09. UTILITY PANT | Note: I wear the Tall and I’m 5’7
These pants are perfect for busy days working on the rebuild project, walking the pups, running errands and just spending time around the lake. They have a bit of stretch and the barrel leg shape is so comfortable to move in and it looks great too!
10. WARM GLOVES
There’s no question that working in the cold is tough on the fingers. Dave and I have both tried many different work gloves that are meant to be warm but always come back to wearing something a little less durable for the sake of dexterity.
11. PUFFY VEST
A lightweight puffy vest is so critical to keep the core warm while the arms and legs are free to move. I wear one of these inside my coveralls, over a flannel or knit, under a rain jacket and about a hundred other ways throughout the season.
While I don’t have the exact sweater shown above, I do have a similar option. I’ve found alpaca and merino wool to be the best for warmth, comfort and maintenance. Bare Knitwear makes the best alpaca knits I’ve ever tried and L’Envers does really high quality merino wool knitwear. I also really like my Everlane alpaca sweaters.
Me and Genie, late last Autumn.
Thanks for reading! I hope this inspires your own Autumn capsule in some way.
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